Sleep is a vital part of a baby's development and while they might not sleep through the night, they will sleep for most of the 24 hours in a day at beginning. When you see your baby sleeping peacefully, you might smile and give a sigh of relief. What if you notice your peaceful sleeper sleeps in an odd position? Seeing your baby constantly move into a position where their butt is in the air might cause you to be concerned. Is this dangerous? Should you be concerned? Read on to learn more about why some babies prefer this position and what you can do about it.
Why Is Your Baby Sleeping with Butt in the Air?
1. Comfort and Convenience
Once your little one learns to roll over, you might notice they sleep with their butt in the air more often. Just like adults, babies will sleep in this position because it can be more comfortable.
2. Fetal Position
The fetal position is one your baby is most familiar with since they were curled in this position for the entire pregnancy. It is common for many babies to want to roll into this position despite the position you lay them down in.
3. Medical Condition
One reason a baby may prefer to sleep with their butt in the air is due to a medical condition or disease like gastroesophageal reflux. This position can offer some relief and benefit babies from certain medical conditions.
4. Deeper Sleep
While most will recommend and suggest the best position for baby to sleep is on the backs, this doesn't always mean your baby will get the quality sleep they need. Many parents notice their babies are unable to sleep deeply while sleeping on their back or side, but with their butts in the air, they have a much deeper sleep
5. Stay Warm
While babies do need a lot of care, they possess a number of basic instincts just out of the womb. Babies who sleep with their butts in air will often curl themselves into this position as a way to keep warm. Baby sleeping with butt in the air is a way for them to keep their cold toes warm.
How to Provide Your Baby with Safe Sleep
While it may not seem as though you should be overly worried when your little one is sleeping with their butt in the air, there is still a serious risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS. In order to reduce this risk, implement the following tips to keep your baby safe and sleeping soundly.
1. Keep things out of their bed
Your baby should sleep in a completely empty bed. Pillows, toys, stuffed animals, loose or bulk bedding should never be in in the bed with a baby that is 12 months or younger. These items can cover the baby's head or face, making it difficult for them to breath.
2. Keep baby cool
If your baby is too warm, this can increase their risk of SIDS. Room temperatures should be around 65 degrees but you will want to check how warm your baby feels. Always check the back of their neck or stomach to feel if your baby is overheating.
3. Get the right size mattress
Avoid using second-hand mattresses as these can increase the risk of SIDS because they tend to lose their shape and can have hidden bacteria in them. A firm mattress that fits the crib or bed is highly recommended. Be sure the mattress is always flat when you lay baby down to sleep.
4. Place them on their back
The safest position for baby to sleep in is on their backs until the baby is able to easily roll themselves from back to stomach on their own. If you notice baby sleeping with butt in the air, gently roll them on to their backs.
5.Place baby in crib or bassinet
Always place baby in their own bed to sleep, even during naps. Sleeping with your baby whether it be in bed with you, on the couch or in a chair is dangerous. Your baby could accidentally fall, slip, or you could accidentally roll on them. If you are feeling tired, it is best to put your baby down or have an alarm set just in case you fall asleep while holding them.
6. Sleep in the same room
While you do not want the baby to sleep in the same bed as you, sleeping in the same room is safe. Having your baby sleep where you can easily, hear, and reach them until at least 6 months, of which age the risk of SIDS will be reduced highly.
7. Avoid blankets
It is best to use long sleeve onesies or a baby sleeping bag to keep baby warm when they sleep. Never cover your baby with a blanket as this can result in strangulation or suffocation.
8. Breastfeed
If it is possible for you to breastfeed your baby, this can significantly reduce their risk of SIDS. Whether you only do it for the first few months or alternate between breastmilk and formula milk, their risk of SIDS is nearly cut in half.
9. Don't smoke
Even if you do not smoke near your baby, the second-hand smoke can be incredibly harmful to babies. Women who smoke during their pregnancy put their babies at even great risk of SIDS. If you or your partner smoke, you should take the necessary steps to quit.
10. Educate other caretakers on safe sleeping
Baby sleeping with butt in the air may not be a concern for everyone who may end up watching your baby. It is best to always be clear about how your baby should sleep while in someone else’s care. Be sure that those who will be caring for your baby while you are away know the safest ways for baby to sleep.