Sleeping is a basic human necessity, and sleeping in the right position is also important.
The sleeping position continuously changes with age and because of the involvement of various factors like health issues, habits, spouse, pregnancy, and several other things.
Because of the continuous change, people forget sooner about the sleeping position of infants and kids.
Parents have a continuous thought in the flashback about the best sleeping position of a child.
This article covered the appropriate sleeping positions for infants and kids.
Importance of The Right Sleeping Position
The Sleeping position plays a major role in keeping the body’s posture appropriate for better-satisfied sleep.
An incorrect sleeping position can strain the body and muscles, causing back pain issues in the short term and body posture problems in the long run.
“Sleeping position significantly influences the backbone and spinal cord, impacting the nervous system.
This is particularly important when addressing infant sleep challenges at ten months, as an improper position can disrupt the sleeping cycle.”
Sleeping Position for Infants
For babies and infants, the best sleeping position is Sleeping on the back, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
This sleeping position keeps the body of the baby in a neutral position. When you keep your baby in the back sleeping position, ensure the bed has a flat surface.
The mattress you use should be of high quality, comfortable and sturdy.
Sleeping on the back reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome in babies. It also minimizes the acid reflux effects in babies.
The pillow should be of appropriate height and size to avoid neck strain issues for the baby. It should be easily adjustable.
You can also use a thin, comfy pillow between the legs and below your baby’s knees to correct the body posture.
Sleeping positions other than on the Back are not considered safe for infants.
Sleeping Position for Kids
As your baby grows, they can easily swing and change their positions by turning aside.
So, when they start changing their positions, you can teach them about the multiple sleeping positions and the right sleeping position for them.
Different Types of Sleeping Positions
1. Back Sleeping
You know how it works as you read about back sleeping for infants.
According to the National Institute of Health, the back sleeping position is good for people of each age group.
Sleeping in this position makes breathing easier. Also, it becomes easier for the kids and children to spit up or sneeze without affecting their noses.
2. Fetal Position
Fetal position is appropriate for all age groups except infants. This sleeping position is good for those suffering from Sleep Apnea or a disturbed sleeping cycle.
While sleeping in this position, ensure your child’s body is not stiff and hard; otherwise, it may create joint stiffness and muscle strain issues.
In the fetal position, the body should be loose. This position offers a sense of security and helps in body relaxation.
This position enhances lymphatic drainage and increases blood circulation in the body.
This position is also best for pregnant ladies and parents to feel more relaxed.
3. Side Sleeping
Side sleeping is not one of the best positions, but it can give some relief if a person sleeps on the left-side facing position with proper safety and adjustment factors.
The side Face sleeping position is beneficial for those who face acidity or acid reflux effects issues.
Sleeping on the left-facing side position improves the digestive system and helps digest food.
Wherever there is space left on the side sleeping position, you should place a pillow to correct the body posture and avoid back pain, neck pain, or joint stiffness issues.
You can make this position safe only if you are considering the safety factors.
Safety Factors to Consider While Sleeping
To avoid sudden infant death syndrome, it is important to consider the safety factors for babies while sleeping.
The sleeping bed should be clean, and all extra stuff should be removed from the bed. Pick up the toys and decorative stuff and keep them aside.
- Focus on the Pillows and their adjustment according to the comfort and posture of your baby.
- The bed Mattress should be sturdy, comfy, and of high quality to not affect the sleeping position and cycle of the baby.
- Keep the breathable Blankets according to the temperature of the room and season. All extra blankets shouldn’t be there.
- Any item that can choke the breath of your baby should be removed from the bed and the nearby positions.
Final Thoughts
Sleeping in the right position is important to avoid back pain and posture issues.
There is a specific best position for the particular age group, and parents should try to incorporate that sleeping position in their kids for better health and body posture.
This post showed you some of the best sleeping positions for kids so that you can save your child on time from incorrect sleeping position damage.
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