YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY OUR EXPERT

SR LINDA BRITZ, MIDWIFE, NURSING SISTER AND LACTATION SPECIALIST

Q My clinic sister has told me that my baby can sleep on her side, but in all the baby-care books I’ve read they say that a baby should only ever sleep on her back. What’s the correct advice? I’d also like to know if I could use a sleep positioner with my newborn? A Sleep positions for babies has been a topic of note for many years. Much research and study has been done, because young babies spend most of their time asleep, lying in a crib or bed. In Europe and South Africa, parents have been advised to practise the side position for some time.

When a baby is on her side, the airways are kept open, because the tongue is lifted off the back of the throat. Any mucus is also likely to collect in the lower cheek pocket or run out of the mouth rather than puddle in the back of the throat.

If a baby is on her back without elevation from head to toe, and she vomits, it can flow down her windpipe and into her lungs.

Another concern is that some babies lying on their backs to sleep can develop what is called positional plagiocephaly, or flat-head syndrome. Wedges and positioners do help stabilise a baby in the side-sleeping position. However, be careful not to restrain baby’s upper extremities (like her hands and arms) – allow for some movement. Stretch the arm that is underneath her forward to act as a stabiliser, and then place a smaller wedge in front of her to keep her from rolling onto her tummy.

Most authorities agree that the research only supports discouraging the front position (as sleeping on the tummy has been linked to sudden infant death syndrome), and that both side- and backsleeping are safe alternatives.