The Truth Behind The Back Sleep Position For Infants by Jason Rickard

The present threat of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) among infants has created a stir not only to mothers, but to medical experts as well. Over the years, modern science have been looking for better sleeping position that can prevent such tragedy.

Among babies, sleeping on one’s back is recommended as opposed to sleeping on one’s stomach. It has been a popular myth that when babies are allowed to sleep on their backs, they are most likely to choke. This is actually not the case. Most babies do vomit or spit during sleep. When this happens, some believed that babies are prone to choking when they are in a back sleep position. The truth is - babies involuntarily swallow any fluid they produce while in sleep. Doctors state that there has been no instance where such incidents were increased with such sleeping position.

A distinguished medical organization, the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommended infants to sleep on their backs. Medical experts attest that the back sleep position can decrease the risk of SIDS. Modern research shows that the chances of acquiring SIDS among children were lowered dramatically by almost 40% each year if such sleeping position was implemented. It is actually beneficial for babies if they are in this position as they can easily move their arms and legs.

Babies who are 2- 4 months old are likely to shift positions, put them back to the back sleep position by carefully rolling them over. Another option is to carefully swaddle them in a comfortable blanket to prevent them from sleeping on their stomach. You can also get one of those special swaddling blankets available in the market.

At first, your babies may find it uncomfortable to sleep on their backs because they naturally sleep on their stomachs. It would be the parents’ or the guardians’ responsibilities to train them in the back sleep position. With enough practice, they would eventually make it a sleeping habit. When training your babies, remember to remind your relatives or babysitters who might put your child into sleep in case of your absence.