About Us

We're the creators of BetterSleep, a leading wellness app helping over 60 million people around the globe sleep better.

We’re on a mission to help people around the world live a happier, healthier life, through expert-led meditations, sleep stories, brainwaves and more.

Share article
Stomach Sleeping: Mother and Baby
sleep / lifestyle
Stomach Sleeping: Mother and Baby
by BetterSleep
4 min read
Share article

As a new parent, your days will be filled with diaper changes, feeds, and trying to get your baby to sleep. The first twelve months of a baby’s life are fragile and can be when allergies and infections develop. This timeframe is also when SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) is a real risk. Learning about safe sleeping conditions for your baby is the best way to keep your baby protected.

Can Babies Sleep on Their Stomach?

It is recommended that a baby should not be allowed to sleep on their stomach because they will breathe in recycled air and reduce the functionality of their lungs. This also increases the risk of SIDS. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends:

  • A baby should sleep on their back
  • The sleeping surface should be firm and flat
  • In a crib or bassinet, not a shared bed
  • Keep additional blankets, pillows, bedding, and toys away from the sleeping area

What Age Can Babies Sleep On Their Stomach?

As long as your baby is using a crib, they should be put to bed on their back. According to research, after one year of sleeping on their back, a baby should have developed their respiratory system enough, to reduce the risk of SIDS. But to be cautious, it’s best not to allow your baby to sleep for long periods on their tummy, even after the first year.

What if Your Baby Rolls onto Their Stomach Themselves?

According to experts, the risk of SIDS is at its greatest between the ages of 2 and 4 months of age. After 6 months of age, some babies will be able to roll over naturally onto their stomachs. If your baby can roll over easily both ways, back to the stomach and stomach to back, they should be safe. If they are unable to roll both ways, it’s best to gently lift them onto their back again while sleeping. Consult your doctor and consistently monitor if you are unsure.

Is It Bad to Sleep On Your Stomach While Pregnant?

Early on in pregnancy, it is safe and comfortable enough to sleep on your belly. The fetus is protected by amniotic fluid and the uterine walls. As your belly grows, sleeping on your stomach may lead to soreness, back pain, shoulder pain, and pelvic girdle pain. If you love sleeping on your stomach, try using a pregnancy pillow with a section cut out for the belly.

If you struggle to sleep while pregnant, or after giving birth, try out the relaxation techniques and soothing meditations on the BetterSleep app. Meditation can help you cope with the various physical and emotional stresses that appear for new moms.

Share article

Related posts

The Importance of Sleep
sleep / wellness
The Importance of Sleep
by BetterSleep
8 min read
Best Teas for Sleep
sleep / wellness
Best Teas for Sleep
by BetterSleep
10 min read
Coffee Naps: What Are They and Do They Work?
sleep / wellness
Coffee Naps: What Are They and Do They Work?
by BetterSleep
5 min read
Reading Before Bed: What You Should Know
sleep
Reading Before Bed: What You Should Know
by BetterSleep
7 min read
Can BetterSleep Help with Snoring?
sleep / news
Can BetterSleep Help with Snoring?
by BetterSleep
8 min read
Remembering Dreams: Why You Don't
sleep
Remembering Dreams: Why You Don't
by BetterSleep
7 min read
Understanding Deep Sleep
sleep
Understanding Deep Sleep
by BetterSleep
10 min read
Nightmares in Children
sleep / lifestyle
Nightmares in Children
by BetterSleep
7 min read
Why You Need to Start Listening to Sleep Stories
sleep / news
Why You Need to Start Listening to Sleep Stories
by BetterSleep
9 min read
Night Terrors Explained: How to Help Someone With Night Terrors
sleep
Night Terrors Explained: How to Help Someone With Night Terrors
by BetterSleep
10 min read

Top 10 posts

From Stress to Success: How to Manage Back-to-School Anxiety
wellness / mental health
From Stress to Success: How to Manage Back-to-School Anxiety
by BetterSleep
5 min read
Behind the Scenes: Pride 2024 at BetterSleep with Collin Martin
lifestyle / news
Behind the Scenes: Pride 2024 at BetterSleep with Collin Martin
by Scott Yim
4 min read
Waking Up to Injustice: The Intersection of Racism, Sleep Deprivation, and Black History
news / mental health
Waking Up to Injustice: The Intersection of Racism, Sleep Deprivation, and Black History
by BetterSleep
8 min read
Sleep Paralysis Explained
sleep
Sleep Paralysis Explained
by BetterSleep
10 min read
How to Cope with Holiday Depression and Stress
mental health / wellness
How to Cope with Holiday Depression and Stress
by BetterSleep
5 min read
Have a Healthy Holiday Season
news / wellness
Have a Healthy Holiday Season
by BetterSleep
5 min read
Mindful Listening
lifestyle / mental health
Mindful Listening
by BetterSleep
6 min read
Sleep Hypnosis Apps: A Guide to Self-Hypnosis
sleep
Sleep Hypnosis Apps: A Guide to Self-Hypnosis
by BetterSleep
7 min read
Calming Foods for Anxiety
wellness / mental health
Calming Foods for Anxiety
by BetterSleep
8 min read
Brown Noise
sleep / wellness
Brown Noise
by BetterSleep
4 min read