What To Do When Baby Sleeps Face Planted

What should I do when the baby sleeps face-planted into the mattress? This is a common question from new parents. Raising a baby comes with a lot of dos and don’ts. While some concerns present grey areas, matters related to baby sleeping safety should be clear. So is it safe for the baby to sleep with the face planted on the mattress?

Doctors recommend that newborns should be put to sleep on their backs to prevent SIDs. From one month to around three months, babies’ do not have the energy to turn their heads if their breathing is compromised. At this helpless age, allowing them to sleep with their face down puts them at the risk of suffocation. Therefore, it is essential to watch them and flip them to safety.

As soon as the baby learns to roll over on their own, you have little or no control over their sleeping position. However, it is recommended that you put them to sleep on their back, but you do not have to keep flipping them if they roll on their tummy because they will go back to the same position. With age, the good news is that they can turn over if they cannot breathe, which reduces the suffocation risk.

Therefore, whether or not it is safe for the baby to sleep with their face down depends on their age.

A proper sleeping position allows the baby to rest and grow and gives you peace of mind as a parent. If your newborn has been rolling over and you do not know what to do, this article is meant for you. We will give you tips to help you keep your baby safe:

Flip Baby to Sleep on their Back

Newborns roll over at night, and they sleep on their tummies with their faces down. This sleeping position puts the baby at the risk of suffocation and asphyxiation. Educate everyone in your house on why the baby should not sleep with the face-planted so that everyone participates in keeping the baby safe.

The risk keeps on reducing as the baby grows older and learns to roll over and back on their own. Some babies learn to turn on their own at three months while others at six months. Therefore, be patient with your little one, and the struggle will be over before you know it.

Invest in a Baby Movement Monitor

Thanks to technological advancements, there are devices that can help parents monitor their baby’s sleeping position. The movement monitors are designed to be installed under the crib or bassinet’s mattress, and it tracks the baby’s movements.

As soon as the baby turns into a dangerous position, the monitor sends signals to the nursery kit. If you are worried about technicalities and wiring, these devices are wireless and easy to use.

With this device, you will sleep peacefully knowing that your baby is under a smartwatch, and you will be notified in case of danger. What’s more, these Monitors are not only practical but very affordable.

Buy A Breath-through/Porous Mattress

Porous mattresses are designed for the baby’s safety and comfort. They are breathable to ensure that the baby does not suffocate even when they plant their face on the mattress. 

Breathable mattress fabrics allow for a free flow of air. Therefore the baby will not suffocate or rebreathe carbon dioxide if they sleep face down at night.

They are also waterproof to ensure that spit-ups and urine do not penetrate inside the mattress. Lastly, they are washable to ensure that the baby sleeps on a clean surface.

See also Why Baby Moves To Side of Bassinet

Invest in Anti-Rollover swaddles

Another sure way to ensure that the baby does not roll over is by using the safe Anti-Rollover swaddles. This swaddle ensures that the baby sleeps on their back the entire night. With this assurance, you will enjoy a goodnight’s sleep because you are sure that the baby is secured and they cannot turn over and sleep face down.

Can I Let Baby Sleep on Their Stomach Under My Watch?

Some babies seem to sleep better and longer on their tummies. Parents of such babies wonder if it is okay to let the baby sleep with face planted but under maximum supervision. While it sounds like a good idea, you will be setting up the baby for fatal breathing difficulties.

Most newborns who die from suffocation and rebreathing of carbon dioxide do not fight it. Therefore, even if you sat beside your baby, you will not be able to tell if they are experiencing breathing difficulties, and they might die from what seems like a peaceful sleep.

Therefore, never allow your baby to sleep with their face planted in the mattress no matter what. 

See also Why Baby Sleeps with Head Tilted Back

Other Precautions to Take to Ensure Baby’s Sleep Safety

It is the wish of every parent to keep their babies safe and comfortable. Unfortunately, you might never be able to stop your baby from turning in their sleep. If you are too tired from the day’s activities, you might not even be able to wake up and turn them to safety.

Apart from watching and turning them, ensuring that their sleeping space is secure is essential. Even if they were to sleep face-planted, there would be nothing on the mattress to add to the risk.

Here are precautions to ensure a safe sleeping space for your baby:

• The mattress or sleeping surface must be firm, flat, and with fitting bedding
• Put away stuffed toys, blankets, and pillows
• Make sure to check up on your baby several times at night. Set the alarm or purchase a baby breathing monitor for this. If you are too tired, seek help from the other people around the house.
• Keep the nursery or baby’s room temperature between 68-72 degrees. Regulated temperatures reduce instances of SIDs.

FAQs on Baby Sleeps Face Planted

Why Does My Baby Sleep Face Plated?

Babies turn over during their sleep and sleep face down because they do not know how to roll over to their back again. While some babies seem to enjoy this position, it is fatally risky because it puts the baby at the risk of suffocation and rebreathing carbon dioxide.

Is it OK if My Baby Sleeps Face Down?

It is not okay for the baby to sleep face down because they do not know how to fight or turn when they start experiencing breathing difficulties. This puts them in danger of suffocation.

How Do I Stop My Baby from Sleeping Face Down?

You cannot stop the baby from turning, but you can keep an eye on them and turn them on their back for safety. Also, ensure that their mattress is firm and that there are no unnecessary items on their bassinet or crib.

See also Why Baby Holds Arms Back When Held