Can Newborns Sleep on Their Sides?

As the mom of four little ones, I knew the ins and outs of safe sleep for babies by the time my youngest was born. But I still completely panicked when my newborn rolled to her side while sleeping in her crib. I had no clue what to do: Should I try to move her back—or can newborns sleep on their sides? I felt like a new mom all over again.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says that babies should be put to sleep on their backs, and shouldn’t sleep on their bellies until they can roll over both ways. Of course, babies are wriggly little things and can maneuver themselves into weird positions, which can cause confusion.

So, can babies sleep on their side? Pediatricians generally say it’s okay for older babies, as long as they’re mobile enough to reposition themselves. But newborns are a different story. “Newborns have unique body characteristics that make sleeping on their sides or on their stomach very dangerous,” says Nada Mallick, MD, a pediatrician and critical care specialist at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C.

Read on to learn why experts don’t want newborns sleeping on their sides—plus, other important baby sleep info you should know.

Key Takeaways

• Always place baby to sleep on their back on a firm and flat surface.
• Newborns shouldn’t sleep on their sides for the same reason they shouldn’t sleep on their bellies: It carries an increased risk of SIDS.
• Once a baby can roll from back to belly and belly to back, it’s not a big deal if they end up on their side (or tummy) while sleeping. But if your newborn rolls, you should reposition them.
• Make sure to follow other safe sleep practices until baby’s at least one: The AAP recommends room sharing until baby is at least 6 months old but ideally one year old. Avoid letting them sleep on couches, or in car seats or baby swings. Keep the crib free of objects such as pillows and stuffed animals.

Can a Newborn Sleep on Their Side?

Side-sleeping isn’t recommended for newborns. “An infant’s large head and large tongue increase the risk of airway obstruction if they roll to the side or sleep on their stomach,” explains Mallick. “Due to weak neck muscles, their head will flex forward and their large tongue will be displaced backwards due to gravity; this narrows the airway and leads to decreased oxygen levels.”

The dangers of side sleeping for babies

So exactly why can’t newborns sleep on their side? Side sleeping puts babies at higher risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), according to the AAP. “When infants sleep on their side—defined as rotation of the hip and shoulder of one side of the body—it’s easier for them to roll onto their stomach,” explains Mallick. “And sleeping on the stomach is a known risk factor for SIDS.”

There’s a myth that babies will choke on their spit-up if they’re on their backs, but it’s just that—a myth. “What we’ve seen time and again is that spitting up when you’re on your back doesn’t lead to occluding your airway or choking,” says Danelle Fisher, MD, a pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. “Even though babies may spit up in their sleep, they’re safest on their backs.”

What to Do If Baby Rolls to Their Side or Stomach

If your little one rolls to their side or stomach while sleeping, experts recommend taking different approaches based on their age.

Newborns

It’s totally fine if your newborn turns their head to the side when they’re laying on their back, Fisher says. But if you put baby on their side and they roll over, they may not be able to roll back, she notes. That’s why she suggests gently repositioning baby onto their back if they happen to get themselves into a side-sleeping position.

Older infants

The AAP recommends putting babies to sleep on their backs until they’re at least one year old. But if baby has mastered rolling—both back to belly and belly to back—it’s safe to let them stay on their side (or belly) if they move in their sleep.

Of course, this can be a tough transition for parents. “This is one of the hardest parts of infant sleep in the first year of life,” Fisher says. “When these babies get the strength to roll over, parents feel like they have to be constantly turning them back over. It’s torturous.”

When Can Baby Sleep on Their Side?

It’s not recommended that baby sleep on their side until they’re at least one year old, according to the AAP. Until then, place baby to sleep on their back. If they haven’t learned to roll both ways yet, gently reposition them as needed.

Creating a Safe Sleep Environment

There are a few important steps to take to create a safe sleep environment for your little one. The AAP suggests following these guidelines until baby’s at least one year old:

• Always place baby to sleep on their back.
• Use a crib, bassinet or playard with a firm, flat mattress and a fitted sheet.
• Don’t let baby sleep on a couch, chair or other piece of furniture.
• If baby falls asleep in a car seat, stroller, swing or baby carrier, move them to a firm sleep surface as soon as you can.
• Keep loose blankets, toys, pillows and other soft items out of the crib.
• Share a room—but not a bed—with baby until they’re at least 6 months (ideally a year) old.

To Sum It Up

Side sleeping isn’t safe for newborns due to the risk of SIDS. But if your newborn happens to roll to their side while sleeping, don’t panic—just gently reposition them. Soon enough, baby will be mobile enough to sleep on their side (or tummy).

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.