Is it okay for a 2-year-old baby to sleep on their stomach?

2-year-old babies who are accustomed to sleeping on their stomachs actually have a certain adverse effect on their physical health and growth. Parents should be aware that after their children fall asleep, they should adjust their sleeping positions appropriately and guide them to lie on their back or on their side to promote a healthy sleep pattern. Sleeping on the stomach may cause several issues: Breathing restriction: When sleeping on their stomach, a baby’s mouth and nose can easily be blocked, leading to difficulty breathing and in extreme cases, even suffocation, posing a safety hazard.Spinal development issues: Long-term stomach sleeping may cause abnormal spinal development, and even develop into scoliosis. Decreased sleep quality: Stomach sleeping affects the baby’s sleep quality, which may inhibit the normal secretion of growth hormones, negatively affecting the baby’s growth rate. In addition, a preference for stomach sleeping may not just be a habit issue, but sometimes also a reflection of health conditions: Digestive system discomfort: Digestive problems such as bloating, abdominal pain, or intestinal cramps may make babies prefer stomach sleeping, as this position can relax the abdominal muscles, alleviate discomfort, and help gas expulsion. Respiratory problems: Some babies sleep on their stomachs because they have upper respiratory tract infections causing nasal congestion, and sleeping this way can make them feel like they are breathing more smoothly. However, parents should closely monitor to ensure the baby’s airway is not obstructed. Therefore, for babies who prefer stomach sleeping, parents should carefully observe and intervene when necessary, consult professional medical advice to ensure the baby’s healthy growth.