x
Breaking News
More () »

Why is it best to place an infant on its back?

The recommendations have changed over the years due to research into SIDS.

ATLANTA — ATLANTA – New parents get plenty of advice on how to avoid Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, but the rules have changed over the years.

Pediatricians recommend that you place your infant on its back when it’s time to go to sleep. The advice comes after years of research that changed the way doctors approach the issue.

Why?

At one time, doctors feared that placing an infant on its back would lead a baby to choke if its body rejected its latest meal. The medical term is “reflux.” That fear led doctors to suggest you place your baby on its tummy.

But doctors noticed a rise in the cases of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

RELATED: Man who impregnated 10-year-old says he doesn't deserve the 160 year sentence

“Two to three decades of data told us babies that sleep on their stomachs have twice the risk of SIDS,” Dr. Terri McFadden of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta said. “As my grandmother used to say, ‘when you know better, you do better.’”

Initially, doctors changed the recommendation to placing a baby either on its side or back. But researchers quickly discovered that placing a child on its side didn’t help with SIDs.

So the National Institute of Child Health began it’s Back to Sleep campaign.

RELATED: New details in murder of pregnant Chicago teen who had baby cut from womb

Research helped doctors conclude the risk of choking is low if a child is on its back. In that position, the windpipe is on top of the food pipe. Doctors concluded when the position is reversed, with the baby on its tummy, the food pipe on top and choking is more likely.

There are other risks when a child sleep on its stomach.

“It may have something to do with air circulation about the baby’s nose and mouth,” says Dr. McFadden.

Avoiding SIDS goes beyond your child’s position in the crib.

“The bed shouldn’t have anything else in it,” says Dr. McFadden. “No heavy blankets, no stuffed animals, no bumpers.”

According to the CDC, the cases of Sudden Infant Deaths have declined considerably since doctors began advising parents to place their child in the crib face up.

OTHER STORIES |  

Before You Leave, Check This Out