Can you also lay your baby on its side?
The side position is now also not recommended: As with the prone position, this sleeping position increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. In addition, the baby can easily roll over from the side onto its stomach.
Of course, there are reasons why it is necessary, especially with young babies, to position them on their sides or alternately on both sides: Asymmetries of the head after birth or shortened muscles in the neck area can be such reasons. However, you should always discuss this with the pediatrician or physiotherapist.
What if the baby vomits in the supine position?
In the past, it was assumed that the supine position was harmful for a baby. The reasoning behind this was the fear that the airway could become blocked during vomiting. This risk was the main argument in favor of the prone position. However, research has shown that the risk of choking on vomit is no greater in the supine position than in the prone or side position.
What if the baby can turn himself in bed?
In such cases, let the baby sleep the way he or she wants. If the baby is older than three to four months and can turn by itself, you have little influence on its sleeping position anyway. But then the most dangerous time for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is over anyway.
- The bed should be stable and its bottom should be continuous.
- The distance between the bars should be at least 4.5 and no more than 6.5 centimeters. Then the baby can not get trapped or slip through.
- End and side panels must be higher than 60 centimeters so that the baby can’t fall out headfirst later on, as soon as it is able to pull itself up on the grille.
- Also make sure that there are no ledges or the like nearby.
- Small toys do not belong in a toddler bed under any circumstances. They pose a serious swallowing or choking hazard.
- The comforter should be lightweight and appropriate for the child’s size. Tuck it under the mattress at the foot end and cover your child only up to the chest. Even better, use a baby sleeping bag instead of a blanket.
- Babies in the first year of life do not need a pillow. It poses a suffocation risk and is bad for the development of the spine.
- It should not be too warm in the room where your baby sleeps. The room temperature should not be more than 18° C. Fresh air supply through a tilted window is always good.
- Make sure the baby is not dressed too warmly – especially in summer or when the baby has a fever.
What can be done for deformities of the skull?
If the cranial deformity does not improve or even worsens within the first six months of life despite changing the head position, you should consult with the pediatrician during preventive examinations.
