Updated on
25.2.25
You finally did it. After a marathon of diaper changes, lullabies, and just the right mix of rocking and bouncing, your baby is asleep. Victory! But wait—why are they on their side?! Before you even have time to celebrate, panic sets in. Should you move them? Are they okay? And most importantly... do you really have to go in there and risk waking them up?
If you've found yourself staring at the baby monitor, Googling “Can my baby sleep on their side?” at 2 a.m., you're not alone. Many parents wonder about the safest sleep positions, especially when their newborns seem to have a preference. While side sleeping might look cozy, experts say it’s not the safest choice—at least, not yet."
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about side sleeping, what’s safe, and how to handle those middle-of-the-night position changes—without losing sleep over it.
Side sleeping might look adorable, but is it actually safe? Until your baby reaches 12 months, sleep position matters—especially if they keep rolling over before they’re ready.
Let’s walk through what you need to know, from expert-backed safety recommendations to what to do if your little wiggle worm keeps rolling over. Because when it comes to baby sleep, peace of mind matters just as much as rest. Here is what you are going to learn today!
It’s a scene many parents know well—you finally get your baby to sleep, only to peek in and see them curled up on their side. Your first thought? That looks comfy. Your second? Wait... is that safe?
The short answer: No, side sleeping isn’t recommended, especially before babies can roll independently that is typically around 4-6 months. While it might seem harmless (or even natural), placing your baby on its side can increase the risk of rolling onto its stomach—a position linked to a higher chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)¹. That’s why paediatricians and sleep experts all agree: Back sleeping is best.
As stated by NIH, “The back sleep position is the safest sleep position for all babies, including those born preterm and those with reflux, until they are 1 year old.” ²
If your baby is 3 to 7 months old and you notice them rolling onto their side, gently reposition them onto their back.
While it might be tempting to let your baby sleep on their side—especially if they seem to prefer it—back sleeping is the safest position until they can confidently roll both ways. It’s one of the simplest ways to protect them while they sleep. If you are still wondering what you should do, then let’s have a look at the risks of side sleeping for your baby!
Want to learn more about your baby's or toddler's sleep patterns, growth, and developmental spurts? Happy Baby creates a daily sleep schedule tailored to your child's age and current needs.
While side sleeping, your baby may look peaceful curled up on their side, this position can lead to some serious risks, especially in the early months (3-7 months). Here’s why paediatricians strongly recommend putting babies on their backs instead:
Babies don’t have full control over their movements yet. If they start on their side, there’s a good chance they’ll end up on their stomach—which is the least safe sleep position for young babies (3-7 months). Why? Because stomach sleeping has been linked to an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
When babies sleep on their stomachs (after rolling from their side), they can end up with their nose and mouth pressed against the mattress. This makes it harder for them to breathe, especially since they don’t have the strength to reposition themselves like an adult would.³
While back sleeping is also linked to flat spots on a baby’s head, side sleeping can cause uneven pressure on one side of the skull. This is because, up until 18 months, babies have soft spots at different places on their heads, and the skull is completely formed within 24 months.
Therefore, side sleeping may lead to positional plagiocephaly, which can sometimes require special helmets or therapy to correct.⁴ The good news? Tummy time during the day helps prevent this!
Babies are wiggly! A baby placed on their side may slowly slump forward into a position where their chin presses into their chest, which can restrict airflow. Since newborns and young babies don’t yet have strong neck muscles, they may struggle to lift their heads and adjust.
Parenting is full of surprises, but when it comes to safe sleep, following the back-sleeping rule is one of the best ways to protect your baby. Rest assured—you’re doing great!
Read more: Sleeping through the night: How baby sleep develops
And don’t worry; we have also prepared the easiest solutions for you to follow when your baby rolls to the sides!
When your baby starts rolling onto their side during sleep, it can feel confusing to know whether to intervene or let them be. While newborns should always be placed on their backs, rolling is a natural milestone. The key is knowing when to step in and when to let them adjust on their own.
Here’s how to handle side rolling at different stages:
At this stage, your little one doesn’t have much control over their movements. Think of yourself as their personal sleep bodyguard, ensuring they stay in the safest position until they gain better control of their muscles.
🍼 Pro Tip: Swaddling (until they start showing signs of rolling) can help prevent them from flipping onto their side. Just make sure their hips aren’t too restricted!
Once your baby starts rolling both ways (back to front and front to back), the sleep game changes. If they roll onto their side or stomach on their own, you don’t need to keep flipping them back—as long as you’ve put them to sleep on their back and their crib is free of pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals.
🛏 Rule of thumb: Always start them on their back, but once they can roll independently, you can finally take a deep breath and let them do their thing.
🚀 Encourage rolling skills during the day! Lots of tummy time and play helps build those muscles, so they’ll be better at shifting positions at night.
Some babies seem to have a favourite sleeping position (just like we do). If yours keeps rolling to their side the second, you lay them down, make sure:
✅ They always start on their back.
✅ The mattress is firm and flat.
✅ There are no loose blankets, bumpers, or stuffed animals in the crib.
✅ You’re giving them plenty of daytime movement to practice their skills.
As long as you’re putting them to sleep on their back and following safe sleep guidelines, their little side-sleeping experiments won’t be a cause for concern.
So take a deep breath, grab that much-needed coffee, and remind yourself—you’re doing an amazing job!
Now, if you are wondering, ‘when can my baby start sleeping on the side?’ then we have the answer for that too! Let’s get into it.
As your baby grows, they’ll naturally start exploring new sleep positions, including side sleeping. In the early months, safe sleep guidelines recommend always placing babies on their backs, but at what point can you stop repositioning them if they roll onto their side? Let’s break it down.
By six months, many babies have developed stronger neck and core muscles, allowing them to roll both ways independently. At this stage:
By one year old, your baby’s risk of SIDS significantly decreases, and side sleeping is completely safe.
Also read: Sleep regression: Why isn't my baby sleeping anymore?
Final reminder: Until your baby can confidently roll both ways, side sleeping isn’t safe. But once they gain full control over their movements, you can finally stop flipping them back—and maybe even get a little more sleep yourself! 😊
In the early months (3+ months), your baby might wriggle into different positions while sleeping, but until they can roll both ways independently, side sleeping isn’t safe. While you can’t control every tiny movement, you can create a sleep environment that encourages back sleeping and minimizes risks.
Here’s how to help your little one stay safely on their back until they’re ready to roll on their own:
1. Always start with back sleeping
Even if your baby seems to prefer their side, always place them on their back for every sleep—naps and nighttime. This is the number one way to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
2. Avoid sleep positioners
You might be tempted to use a "side sleeper wedge" or positioner to keep your baby in place. Don’t. These products are not safe and can increase the risk of suffocation or restricted movement.
3. Keep the crib clear
No pillows, bumpers, loose blankets, or stuffed animals—just a firm, flat mattress. This helps prevent accidental rolling and ensures a safe sleeping environment.
4. Swaddle for extra security
For young babies (3-5 months) who tend to roll onto their sides, a properly fitted swaddle can help keep them snug and in position.
⚠️ Important: Stop swaddling once your baby shows signs of rolling to prevent entrapment.
5. Encourage stronger muscles with tummy time
The more time your baby spends on their tummy during the day, the stronger their neck, shoulder, and core muscles become—helping them control their movements better at night.
How much tummy time? Start with 20-30 secs for newborns, and gradually increase the time for young babies (3+ months) to 3–5 minutes a few times a day. Increase the timing as they grow stronger.
6. Stay consistent with a safe sleep routine
Consistency helps your baby adjust to sleeping on their back without unnecessary disruptions. A predictable bedtime routine (e.g., bath, feed, lullaby) can also improve overall sleep quality.
Preventing side sleeping in the first year is all about creating a safe sleep environment and giving your baby the support they need to develop strong movement skills. And remember—if your little one keeps rolling despite your best efforts, you’re doing everything right! Keep following safe sleep guidelines, and before you know it, you’ll be watching them snooze peacefully.
For a stress-free way to create healthy sleep habits, Happy Baby offers personalized sleep schedules, expert-backed insights, and easy tracking tools—so you can stop second-guessing and enjoy more restful nights.
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