Should premature babies sleep on their stomachs?
Disease description:
Now my baby is two months old. The baby doesn't sleep well and needs to be held; as soon as I put him down, he struggles, turns red, and spits up milk. I found that when I lay the baby on his stomach, he sleeps much better. Should premature babies sleep on their stomachs?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Lv Aiming
Premature infants should generally not sleep on their stomachs. Newborns may lie down to sleep for short periods, but this should not exceed 10 minutes at a time. When lying in bed, infants feel very secure, much like being held in their mother's arms. Sleeping on their back helps babies develop neck and shoulder muscles and makes them feel safer. While the baby is sleeping, caregivers should closely observe the infant's facial expressions and breathing. If you need to leave, make sure the baby is placed safely on their back first. After four months of age, once the baby can freely turn their head, it is safe to continue back sleeping.
