Should I correct my 18-month-old baby's habit of sleeping on their stomach?

Generally, there is no need to correct a one-and-a-half-year-old child who sleeps on their stomach, but correction should be made promptly if symptoms such as difficulty breathing, coughing, or sputum production occur.

1. No correction needed

Since each child has different sleeping postures and habits, if a one-and-a-half-year-old child prefers sleeping on their stomach, and can roll over freely without any discomfort or adverse effects on health, no correction is necessary. Sleeping prone often makes children feel warm and secure.

2. Correction needed

If the child experiences difficulty breathing, prompt correction is required—preferably by turning them onto their back. When respiratory conditions such as coughing, sputum production, or chest tightness occur, sleeping on the stomach is not recommended. This position may impair carbon dioxide expulsion and oxygen intake, thereby worsening symptoms like shortness of breath and wheezing.

In addition, children with congenital heart disease should avoid sleeping on their stomach and require correction, as this position may compress the chest, exacerbate breathing difficulties and cyanosis, and negatively affect overall health.