by Crystal Bustamante

Created on: June 22, 2009

If you are like many parents of newborn infants, you may find yourself both a little frustrated and confused when it comes to figuring out the best sleep position for your infant.

Since 1992, the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended placing newborn infants on their back to sleep. Studies have shown that placing the infant on its back to sleep reduces the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). The AAP also recommends removing all plush toys, heavy blankets and other items that could pose a suffocation hazard from the crib where your infant will sleep.

In rare cases, however, it has been noted that it may be better to place an infant in different sleep position in order to aid respiration. Some such cases are:

* Placing premature infants on their stomach to sleep may help improve their ability to breath properly. It should be noted that the AAP still recommends back sleep for premature and low-birth weight infants in most cases.

* Infants with respiratory disorders or with gastroesophageal reflux disease may benefit from sleeping on their stomach or in another position where the head can be elevated.

My oldest son, who suffers from gastroesophogeal reflux disease, slept in a portable swing or bouncy seat for several months after he was born in order to keep him in a position where he could both be on his back and have his head elevated. This was the recommendation of his pediatrician and it worked well for eliminated the respiratory problems that he was suffering at night.

If you feel that your infant may be suffering from a condition that makes it difficult for them to sleep on their back, it is always best to discuss the situation with the child's pediatrician. They will be able to recommend the best course of action for you and your child.

FOR OLDER INFANTS

Older healthy infants have increased mobility, which helps to decrease the risk of SIDS. While it is still not recommended to place plush toys and heavy blankets in their crib because of the suffocation hazard, a parent worry less about making sure the child sleeps on their back.

For infants that are able to roll completely over on their own, it is generally safe to allow the child to sleep in their preferred position.

As mentioned above, there may be instances when the child should be placed in a certain position to sleep. This is usually only the case when there is a medical condition that prevents the child from sleeping his stomach and/or back.

Any concerns that you have regarding your infant should be discussed with your pediatrician.

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