HomeBlogBlogUnsafe Baby Sleep Positions to Avoid (Stomach, Side, Incline)

Unsafe Baby Sleep Positions to Avoid (Stomach, Side, Incline)

What positions should babies not sleep in?

For routine sleep (naps and nighttime), babies should not sleep on their stomachs or on their sides. The safest, recommended position is flat on their back on a firm, flat sleep surface. Stomach and side sleeping can increase the risk of suffocation and is associated with a higher risk of sleep-related infant death, especially for younger babies and those who can’t reliably roll both ways.

Another position to avoid is sleeping at an incline (for example, in inclined sleepers, loungers, or “rocker-style” products). When a baby’s head tips forward, the chin can press toward the chest and partially block the airway. Even if a baby seems comfortable, an inclined position can make breathing less stable during sleep.

Positions and situations to avoid

Stomach sleeping: Babies can rebreathe exhaled air or press their face into bedding, which can reduce oxygen and raise carbon dioxide levels.

Side sleeping: Side position is unstable; babies can roll onto their stomach more easily from the side than from the back.

Inclined sleeping: Car seats, swings, bouncers, and similar devices are for travel or supervised awake time, not unsupervised sleep. If a baby falls asleep in a car seat outside the car, move them to a flat sleep space as soon as practical.

Propped or “positioned” sleeping: Avoid using pillows, rolled blankets, wedges, or positioners to keep a baby in place. These items can create a suffocation hazard.

What to do instead

Place your baby on their back for every sleep, on a firm, flat crib, bassinet, or play yard mattress with a fitted sheet only. Keep the sleep area free of loose blankets, stuffed animals, and bumpers. If you’re unsure whether your current sleep setup is truly flat and firm, review the detailed guidance in this complete resource on baby sleep positions.

FAQ

When can babies safely roll onto their stomach during sleep?

Once a baby can roll both ways (back-to-tummy and tummy-to-back) consistently on their own, it’s generally okay to let them remain in the position they roll into. Continue placing them on their back at the start of every sleep and keep the sleep space clear and firm.