Since the 1990s, experts recommend that young babies always be laid to sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of choking and sudden infant death. This approach has reduced the number of deaths by almost 50%. It was thought that the habit was well established, but a new study shows that it is probably necessary to repeat the message!
An American study of more than 3000 mothers of babies aged 2 to 6 months showed that 77% of mothers "usually" put their babies to sleep on their backs and only 49% "always" do so.
At first glance, these results may seem acceptable, but experts repeat that the only truly safe position is on the back. What's more, sleeping on the stomach only occasionally may be even more dangerous because children are not accustomed to this position.
Why are so many mothers resistant to this practice? The opinion of people in the mothers’ lives (e.g. grand-parents) seems to play a big role. Some mothers also worry that their baby could choke if he regurgitates while lying on his back. This belief is false, because the anatomy of the airways ensures that there is no more danger of choking when on the back than in another position.
To reduce the risk of choking or sudden infant death, babies should always sleep on their backs. In addition, do not put anything else in the crib, no blanket, no pillows or bumper pads. To keep baby warm while sleeping, put her in cozy pajamas. You can also use a sleep sack, a kind of sleeping bag that slips like a garment.
Related services
- General vaccination
- Breastfeeding education/follow-up
- Newborn weight monitoring
- Breast pump
