When we have our first child there are several questions we have.  We would love to know when they start doing exciting things like smiling, holding up their head, when they eat baby food for the first time, and many other things.  We also have questions concerning their safety.  One question that often comes up is whether or not a baby should sleep on their stomach.

You may have heard from your mother in law or perhaps your grandma that babies should always sleep on their stomachs to prevent getting a flat head.  So is it true?  Should a baby sleep on their stomach?

Well, in the past it was very common that babies would sleep on their stomach, doctors told parents to lay them that way in their crib.  Although, today doctors are saying to lay infants on their backs.  Although babies can get a flat head from laying on their back, if you move them around throughout the day and give them the tummy time they need, they won’t ever have a flat head.

So no, you should not put your infant on their stomach.  Laying your baby on their back is supposed to be much safer and can actually lower your baby’s chance of getting SIDS.  Babies spit up sometimes, and if your baby does that laying on their stomach, they may choke or not be able to breath because they are laying in it.  Also, your baby has a greater chance of suffocating when they lay on their stomach.  They can easily lay face first and limit their capability of breathing. 

Just to be on the safe side, always lay your child on their back.  If doctors are recommending it, they are recommending it for a reason, and for your child’s safety!  So, never lay your baby on their stomach if you want them to be safe!