As time goes by, new insights have been proposed in scientific research on infant sleeping positions. Some views suggest that letting newborns sleep on their stomach can provide them with a greater sense of security, thereby improving sleep quality. However, this practice also comes with certain risks, so mastering the correct prone sleeping position is crucial for parents. So, what is the proper way for infants to sleep on their stomach?
First, ensure the baby’s head is turned to one side to prevent any potential respiratory obstacles around the nose to avoid suffocation during sleep.
Second, if the baby has overeaten before falling asleep, it is not advisable to adopt the prone sleeping position as it may cause pressure on their abdomen. Additionally, if there are respiratory infections or poor heart function, prone sleeping is not preferred to avoid increasing the respiratory system’s burden.
The benefits of prone sleeping should not be overlooked:
– Infants can feel a sense of security similar to that in the womb, which is their most natural protective position when in the mother’s womb.
– It aids in stomach digestion as the prone sleeping position prevents gastric contents from refluxing, reduces vomiting, and promotes intestinal peristalsis, facilitating digestion and absorption.
– Promotes muscle development; prone sleeping encourages infants to lift their heads, straighten their chest, exercise the major muscle groups of the neck, chest, back, and limbs, laying a foundation for rolling over and crawling.
Parents are always particularly attentive to their children’s healthy growth, including their sleeping positions. Although prone sleeping has its benefits, potential risks such as suffocation should not be overlooked. Therefore, it is recommended that someone be present to watch over the infant while sleeping on their stomach to ensure safety. With the above guidance, it is hoped that practical assistance will be provided to parents, encouraging them to try prone sleeping appropriately, promoting the healthy development of their babies.
