Why do children sleep on their backs?

In our popular concept, sleeping should be done with the body relaxed, face upward, hands on both sides, and lying steadily on the bed. But different people have different sleeping habits. Some people like to sleep on their stomachs, while others like to sleep on their sides. Some parents worry that sleeping on their stomachs will slow down their children's bone development. Therefore, it is very important to understand the reasons why children sleep on their stomachs.

Why do children like to sleep on their stomachs?

1. Babies like to sleep on their stomachs since birth. When the baby is young, he can sleep in the way he likes. There is no need to worry as long as his breathing is steady and he has no discomfort.

2. Seek a sense of security. Babies are more prone to nervousness, and the sleeping posture on their stomachs is consistent with the curled-up posture of the fetus in the mother's womb (back facing outward). This posture is the most natural self-protection posture, so babies feel more secure when sleeping on their stomachs, fall asleep soundly, and are not easily awakened.

3. Relieve gastrointestinal discomfort. If the baby usually sleeps on his back and suddenly sleeps on his stomach, mothers should carefully observe the baby's sleep quality. If your baby sleeps soundly on his stomach, then there is no need to worry. This is normal, which means your baby is smart and can solve problems by himself.

Due to their own developmental characteristics, infants are prone to gastrointestinal discomfort. Sleeping on their stomachs is the position that babies choose to relieve abdominal discomfort during their growth. There are many benefits for him to sleep like that, and it is not a sign of calcium deficiency.

If your baby does not sleep well, you should consider that he may have digestive problems. At this time, you should take the patient to see a doctor and take the medicine safely under the doctor's guidance. Rub your baby's belly in a clockwise direction for 5-10 minutes.

4. The baby’s respiratory tract is blocked, and he sleeps on his stomach or knees with his neck stretched forward. This baby has been sweating since he fell asleep. In fact, there is insufficient oxygen supply. This type of baby often has some changes, such as behavioral disorders, fussing, hyperactivity, and inattention. When the baby's airway blockage is resolved, his sleep will also improve.

Which babies are not suitable for sleeping on their stomachs?

Babies with congenital heart disease, congenital wheezing, pneumonia, excessive sputum when coughing and cold, cerebral palsy, and certain pathological abdominal distension, such as congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, duodenal obstruction, congenital meconium obstruction, necrotizing enterocolitis, intussusception and other diseases such as ascites, blood tumors, kidney disease and abdominal masses are not suitable for sleeping on their stomachs.

Which babies are suitable for sleeping on their stomachs?

Babies suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease, obstructive airway disorder, torticollis, etc. can try sleeping on their stomach to help alleviate their condition. Children with small chins, large tongues, and severe vomiting must sleep on their stomachs. Another situation that requires special attention is that when young children have phlegm, they often vomit. Once vomiting occurs, the child should be made to lie down to allow the food to flow out before lying down again, otherwise it may easily cause suffocation.