Sleeping Positions
Back sleeping is safer. It has decreased the SIDS rate by at least 50 percent. Given these data, the medical profession should be ashamed of having recommended for years that babies sleep on their bellies; the failure to issue a warning sooner cost many infants their lives. Side sleeping has not been studied adequately, but the few studies I have seen suggest that it’s not as safe as back sleeping.
This is a common misperception. Lucy becomes most comfortable in the position she experiences the most. Lying on the back is not only safer, it also gives her more visual and manual stimulation.
Can I still put my baby on her stomach once in a while if I supervise?
You can, but there’s no reason to do so. She would rather look at you, and contrary to what you sometimes read, “tummy time” is unnecessary for development.
When can I safely put my baby on her stomach?
Lucy will learn to roll over by about five to six months. Once this happens, worrying about turning her back over every time it happens is pointless. It’s out of your control.