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Can a 4-month-old baby sleep on their stomach?

Feb 10, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ma Yan
Introduction
It is not recommended for a 4-month-old baby to sleep on their stomach. At four months old, babies are still quite small and unable to roll over by themselves during sleep. If they remain on their stomach for an extended period, their mouth and nose may become covered by bedding, which could easily lead to suffocation. Sleeping on the stomach often causes the baby's head to tilt to one side, and prolonged positioning like this may negatively affect the development of their cervical spine. Therefore, it's important to actively prevent babies from sleeping on their stomachs.

It is not recommended for a 4-month-old baby to sleep on their stomach.

A 4-month-old baby is still quite young and unable to roll over independently. If they sleep prone for extended periods, there's a significant risk of suffocation if their mouth or nose becomes covered by bedding, increasing the likelihood of sudden infant death. Therefore, when a baby tends to sleep face down, caregivers should ensure the baby sleeps on their side or back. Sleeping prone often causes the baby's head to turn to one side, which over time may negatively affect cervical spine development. It's important to actively prevent babies from sleeping on their stomachs.

Generally, 4-month-old babies will naturally choose a comfortable sleeping position, which can enhance their sense of security and improve sleep quality. Some babies may prefer sleeping prone, and if the baby shows no signs of discomfort, this position may be acceptable temporarily—it's considered normal behavior. However, sleeping prone is still not advised.

If a baby exhibits symptoms such as decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, neurological issues like seizures, or conditions such as vitamin D deficiency rickets, they might adopt unusual sleeping positions. Parents should pay close attention and carefully observe their baby. If any other abnormal signs appear, prompt medical evaluation is necessary to identify the underlying cause.

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