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Understanding Newborn Sleep Positions: A Guide To Safer Sleep
Back to Baby Sleep
It's 2am, your newborn has finally drifted off, and you're standing over the bassinet wondering if they're lying the right way. Totally normal. Here's a simple guide to newborn sleep positions: which one the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends, which ones to avoid, what to do when your baby starts rolling and how to set up a safer sleep space around them.
The short answer
The best sleeping position for a newborn is on their back, for all naps and at night. The AAP says the side position is just as dangerous as the stomach position, so skip both. Once your baby can roll comfortably both ways on their own, you don't need to keep turning them onto their back. Pair back sleeping with a firm, flat surface and a bare crib.
In this article
- Why Sleeping Position Matters For Babies
- Recommended Sleeping Position: Back-Sleeping
- Sleeping Positions To Avoid For Newborns And Infants
- What To Do When Your Baby Starts Rolling
- Is It Safe To Use Sleep Positioners?
- Creating A Safer Sleep Environment
- Why Baby Sleepwear Matters For Safer, More Comfortable Sleep
- FAQs About Newborn Sleep Positions
Why Sleeping Position Matters For Babies
The position your baby sleeps in is one of the simplest ways to lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related infant deaths.
Newborns can't yet move themselves out of a tricky spot, so how you place them down really matters. That's why the American Academy of Pediatrics puts back sleeping at the top of its safe sleep recommendations. The good news? It's free, it's easy and it works from the very first night.
Recommended Sleeping Position: Back-Sleeping
Back sleeping is the recommended sleeping position for babies. The AAP advises placing your baby on their back for all naps and at night, and its safe sleep recommendations generally apply to babies up to 1 year old.
A few simple ways to get it right every time:
- Every sleep counts. Back sleeping is for naps and nighttime, at home and when you're out.
- Firm and flat. Choose a firm, flat sleep surface. The AAP says any surface inclined more than 10 degrees is unsafe for sleep.
- No hats indoors. Dress your baby in no more than one layer more than you'd wear, and skip the hat inside.
- Tell the team. Make sure grandparents, sitters and daycare know the back-to-sleep rule too.
Worried about your baby choking on their back? It's a really common concern. The AAP says babies will not choke when they're on their backs, because their airway anatomy and gag reflex protect them.
Sleeping Positions To Avoid For Newborns And Infants
Until your baby can roll both ways on their own, there are two sleeping positions to steer clear of: on their side and on their stomach.
Sleeping On Their Side
Side sleeping isn't recommended. The AAP says the side position is just as dangerous as the stomach position. Side positions are also unstable, so babies can easily roll onto their stomach.
Once your baby can roll independently, they'll often find their way onto their side. That's okay. Keep placing them down on their back to start every sleep. Read more in our guide, Can Newborns Sleep On Their Side?
Sleeping On Their Stomach
Stomach sleeping isn't recommended for young babies. Place them on their back for every sleep, even if they seem to settle more easily on their tummy.
Tummy time is still a great idea while your baby is awake and you're right there with them. The AAP recommends supervised tummy time every day, building up to 15 to 30 minutes a day by 7 weeks. For more, read When Can Babies Sleep On Their Stomach Safely?
What To Do When Your Baby Starts Rolling
Once your baby can roll comfortably both ways, from back to tummy and tummy to back, the AAP says you don't need to keep turning them onto their back.
Rolling changes everything. Here's what to do next:
- Keep placing them on their back. Always start every sleep on their back, even once they're rolling.
- Stop swaddling. The AAP advises you stop swaddling once your baby shows signs of trying to roll over. Our guide to transitioning walks you through it.
- Keep the crib bare. A rolling baby is a busy baby, so keep soft objects and loose bedding out of their sleep area.
- Keep up the tummy time. More awake tummy time helps them get stronger and more confident at rolling.
Not sure if your baby is there yet? Our guide to when babies start rolling over covers the signs.
Is It Safe To Use Sleep Positioners?
No. The FDA says not to use infant positioners, because they pose a risk of suffocation. Even when babies are placed on their backs, they can scoot up or down on the device, or roll from their side onto their stomach.
The same goes for inclined sleep products and propping up the mattress. The AAP says to choose a firm, flat sleep surface, and that anything inclined more than 10 degrees is unsafe. A firm, flat mattress and back sleeping are all your baby needs.
Creating A Safer Sleep Environment
The right position works best inside the right sleep space. The AAP's safe sleep recommendations make it simple:
- Back to sleep. Place your baby on their back for all naps and at night.
- A bare crib. Keep soft objects and loose bedding out, including pillows, blankets, toys and bumper pads.
- Firm, flat surface. No inclined sleepers, couches or armchairs.
- Room share, not bed share. Keep your baby's sleep area in your room for at least the first 6 months.
- Pacifier at sleep time. The AAP says pacifiers help reduce the risk of SIDS, even if they fall out once your baby is asleep. If you're breastfeeding, wait until it's going well first.
- Smoke and nicotine free. That includes vaping and secondhand smoke, during pregnancy and after birth.
- Breastfeed or feed expressed breast milk if you can.
For the full checklist, see our safe sleep guidelines for newborn babies.
Why Baby Sleepwear Matters For Safer, More Comfortable Sleep
Loose blankets can end up over your baby's face, which is exactly what you're trying to avoid. That's where fitted sleepwear comes in. If you're worried about your baby getting cold, the AAP suggests dressing them in layers or using a wearable blanket instead of loose bedding.
Here's how that looks at each stage:
- Newborn: our Swaddle Up™ is designed for back sleeping, with no loose fabric to kick off. It lets your baby sleep with their hands up near their face, just like they did in the womb, which can help them self-soothe.
- Rolling: when your baby shows signs of rolling, a transition swaddle helps them get used to arms-free sleep, one arm at a time.
- Arms free: once they're rolling confidently, a sleep sack keeps them cozy without any loose bedding.
To avoid overheating, choose a TOG to suit the room and dress your baby comfortably underneath. Our guide to TOG ratings makes it easy.
FAQs About Newborn Sleep Positions
What position should a newborn sleep in?
On their back, for all naps and at night. The AAP recommends back sleeping and says the side position is just as dangerous as the stomach position. Use a firm, flat sleep surface with no soft objects or loose bedding.
Will my baby choke if they sleep on their back?
It's a really common worry, but the AAP says babies will not choke when they're on their backs, because their airway anatomy and gag reflex protect them. If your baby has a medical condition, talk to your pediatrician about the right sleeping position for them.
Is it okay if my baby rolls onto their stomach in their sleep?
Once your baby can roll comfortably both ways, the AAP says you don't need to keep turning them onto their back. Keep placing them on their back to start every sleep, and keep their sleep area clear.
Can my baby sleep on an incline?
No. The AAP says to choose a firm, flat sleep surface, and that any surface inclined more than 10 degrees is unsafe for sleep. That includes inclined sleepers and propped-up mattresses.
Can my baby sleep on the couch with me?
It's best not to. The AAP warns that couches, soft armchairs and cushions carry a much higher risk. If you feel yourself getting sleepy, pop your baby on their back in their own crib or bassinet.
Key takeaway
Back is best, for all naps and at night. Avoid side and stomach sleeping until your baby can roll both ways on their own, skip the sleep positioners and keep the crib bare. Pair it with fitted sleepwear for each stage, and you've got a safer, cozier setup for those hard-earned hours of sleep.
Looking for more support through the newborn stage? Explore our baby sleep blog for practical, parent-friendly guides.