Placing your baby on their back to sleep is the safest choice, even if baby vomits.
When babies sleep on their backs, gravity helps keep milk or spit-up away from the airway, lowering the risk of choking. Babies may naturally turn their head to one side while lying on their back- this is normal and safe.
(Sourced from Red Nose Australia)
Sleeping on their tummy increases the risk of choking because fluids can collect near the airway. But many people don’t realise that side-sleeping is just as unsafe because the milk will similarly accumulate in the airway in a side-sleeping position. Both stomach-sleeping and side-sleeping positions are not recommended for infants until they have demonstrated during play that they can roll from their front-to-back and backs-to-front unassisted.
(Sourced from Red Nose Australia)
A Quick Safe Sleep Check:
Your baby should be:
Sleeping on a firm, flat mattress Placed on their back for every sleep Positioned with feet near the end of the crib when possible Sleeping without loose blankets Sleeping without pillows or soft objects Never placed on their side or stomach to sleep
Remember: Soft items such as pillows, bolsters, positioners (including pods), or head supports should never be used in the sleep space.
