Why won’t my baby sleep on their back?
The “back to sleep” movement was launched to promote safe sleep and has reduced the SIDS rate by 50% since its inception. When I brought home my first baby the hospital sent us packing with a complimentary swaddle with the words “back is best” embroidered right across the front. It was something that I didn’t think much of (sure, he’ll sleep on his back, not a problem!) UNTIL the nights that followed when I realized my son seemed to absolutely HATE sleeping on his back. The embroidered words almost taunted me as I would lay him down in his bassinet over and over, only to have him wake up within minutes every single time.
I think the majority of us realize or have at least read somewhere that sleeping on their back is the safest position for babies. The AAP recommends laying your baby on their back for every single sleep until they are a year old. When they are physically capable of rolling or moving into other positions on their own, it is perfectly fine to allow them to sleep that way as long as you do away with the swaddle at the first signs of rolling. Here’s all the updated safe sleep recommendations from 2022!
What is the newborn curl?
Sometimes newborn babies fresh from the womb seem to be “rolling” to their side or having a hard time laying flat on their back. This is called the newborn curl, and doesn’t mean they are intentionally rolling into other positions. It’s due to their physiological flexion, aka their body is returning to the position they were in inside the womb. This will go away with time, and babies born early usually are floppier and don’t exhibit the newborn curl. But there’s no need to drop the swaddle if you notice your baby isn’t intentionally rolling/just exhibiting the newborn curl! The first signs of rolling usually don’t happen until 8 weeks, which is when you’d switch to a sleep sack instead of the swaddle.
Okay, back to sleep is best, but why won’t my baby sleep on their back and HOW do I make it happen?
I was completely exhausted and at a loss on how to get my baby to sleep on his back. Other than just staying awake over half the night holding him, I had no other ideas. Here’s some tips I wish I could go back in time and tell myself, but I’m more than happy to pass them along to you!
Warm their sleep space-you can use a heating pad or warm water bottle in their bassinet and then remove it before laying the baby down.
Swaddling-mimics the womb and diminishes the Moro reflex.
As you are laying the baby down, keep them close to your body as long as you can, and lead with their bottom, not their head! Try not to let their head tip back as you lay them down as this activates the startle reflex.
Alternatively, you could lay the baby on their side first and then gently roll them to their back
Keep your hand on them/remove your arms very slowly. If they squirm or get upset, wrap your arms around them again until they settle and slowly remove
Vibrating pads under the mattress may be helpful for some babies (make sure there are no cords or anything that can get loose around baby)
Wait 15-20 minutes for baby to get into a deeper sleep before laying them in their sleep space when they fall asleep being held
Could it be reflux?
Babies with reflux experience discomfort when lying on their back, due to the contents of their stomach moving back up into the esophagus. Your baby’s all liquid diet and spending most of their time lying down are two major contributing factors to reflux (and basically unavoidable) so here are some tips to alleviate the symptoms.
Hold the baby upright after feedings for 15-30 minutes-you could use a soft/structured carrier for this!
Look into your diet to see if there’s anything changes you could make to reduce your baby’s reflux.
Separating feeding from sleep if possible can give your baby more time to digest before laying down. Feed right after the baby wakes up versus right before going to sleep. Eat-play-sleep is a great routine to follow.
During diaper changes roll baby side to side versus bringing their legs up and compressing their tummy.
Burp often and thoroughly after feeding.
Keep babies head above their stomach while feeding.
*This is not meant to be medical advice and if you suspect reflux, or if your baby is not eating/sleeping well, talk to your pediatrician.*
Here are some other blogs you might find useful!
Most of all, please know that you are not alone if this is a current struggle. I would love to chat with you if you feel you would like more support or need to make changes to your baby’s sleeping habits. Booking your call is just a click away!
