My Baby Won't Sleep On His Back
As a new parent, you've probably heard that putting your baby to sleep on their back is the safest position. However, what do you do when your baby won't sleep on their back? Here are some tips and tricks to help you and your little one get some much-needed rest.
Why Won't My Baby Sleep on His Back?
There are several reasons why your baby may not want to sleep on their back. One of the most common reasons is reflux. When your baby has reflux, the stomach acid can come up into their throat, causing discomfort and pain. This can make it difficult for them to fall asleep and stay asleep on their back.
Another reason why your baby may not want to sleep on their back is that they simply find it uncomfortable. Some babies prefer to sleep on their side or stomach, especially if they have a preference for a certain position in the womb.
What Can I Do to Help My Baby Sleep on His Back?
If reflux is the culprit, there are a few things you can do to help your baby sleep on their back. First, try raising the head of their crib by a few inches. This can help keep the stomach acid from coming up into their throat. You can also try feeding your baby smaller, more frequent meals to reduce the amount of stomach acid they produce.
If your baby simply finds it uncomfortable to sleep on their back, try swaddling them. Swaddling can mimic the feeling of being in the womb, which can make your baby feel more secure and help them sleep better.
Is It Safe for My Baby to Sleep on His Side or Stomach?
While it may be tempting to let your baby sleep on their side or stomach if it helps them sleep better, it's important to remember that the safest position for your baby to sleep in is on their back. Sleeping on their side or stomach increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related accidents.
If you're having trouble getting your baby to sleep on their back, talk to your pediatrician. They can help you come up with a plan to address any underlying issues and ensure that your baby is sleeping safely.
Conclusion
While putting your baby to sleep on their back is the safest position, some babies simply won't sleep in that position. If reflux is the issue, try raising the head of their crib and feeding them smaller, more frequent meals. If your baby simply finds it uncomfortable to sleep on their back, try swaddling them. However, it's important to remember that the safest position for your baby to sleep in is on their back. If you're having trouble getting your baby to sleep on their back, talk to your pediatrician.