Tummy Sleep: When Is It Safe and What Can You Expect?

Rolling over is an amazing and exciting milestone, but it can also introduce some challenges. Let’s discuss tummy sleeping: when it’s safe and what you can expect.

Is It Safe to Put My Baby Down to Sleep on Their Tummy?

During your baby’s first year, you should always place them on their back for sleep. Research indicates a decreased risk of SIDS when babies sleep flat on their backs, specifically on a firm mattress without any loose bedding.

This recommendation applies even to babies who are colicky or have GERD or reflux.

Expert Tip: Looking for more information on setting up a safe sleep environment? My safe sleep checklist covers all aspects of safe sleep.

When Can Babies Sleep on Their Stomachs? Can Newborns Sleep on Their Stomachs?

There isn’t a universal age for safe tummy sleeping, as all babies develop at their own pace. However, once your baby can purposefully and consistently roll from back to tummy and vice versa, most pediatricians consider it safe for your baby to sleep on their stomach. This is provided they are unswaddled on a firm infant mattress with no loose bedding (always check with your doctor first).

Remember, you should continue to place your baby on their back for sleep. But if they’re strong enough to roll onto their tummy, most doctors agree they’re also strong enough to lift their head and safely sleep in that position.

What Should I Do if My Baby Rolls Onto Their Stomach While Sleeping?

It’s common for babies accustomed to back sleeping to become upset when they roll onto their tummy during sleep. When my son started rolling onto his belly, I recall flipping him back over countless times in one night!

If your baby wakes up crying after rolling over, there’s no need to immediately roll them back. Give your child a few minutes.