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Newborn Sleep Positions: A Guide To Safer Sleep
Back to Baby Sleep
It's 2am, they've finally drifted off, and you're hovering over the bassinet wondering: is this the right position? You're definitely not the only one asking. Sleep position is one of the first questions new parents have, and the good news is the answer is simpler than you might think. Here's which position is best, which ones to skip, and what to do once your baby starts rolling.
The short answer
The recommended newborn sleep position is on their back, for every sleep, day and night, from birth. Side and tummy sleeping aren't recommended. Once your baby can roll confidently on their own, they can settle into whatever position they find comfy, but you'll still put them down on their back to start.
In this article
- Why Sleeping Position Matters For Babies
- Recommended Newborn Sleep Position: Back-Sleeping
- What About The Newborn Curl?
- Sleeping Positions To Avoid For Newborns And Infants
- What If My Baby Rolls Over In Their Sleep?
- Is It Safe To Use Sleep Positioners?
- Creating A Safer Sleep Environment
- Why Baby Sleepwear Matters For Safer, Comfortable Sleep
Why Sleeping Position Matters For Babies
How you place your baby down to sleep is one of the simplest ways to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and fatal sleep accidents. Lying on their back helps keep your baby's airway clear and lets their natural protective reflexes do their job, which is why it's the very first of Red Nose Australia's six steps for safer sleep.
The best part? It takes two seconds, costs nothing, and you can do it at every single sleep.
Recommended Newborn Sleep Position: Back-Sleeping
Back is best, from birth and for every sleep. That means naps as well as nights, and sleeps at Grandma's, at daycare or on holiday too.
Worried they'll choke if they spit up? It's one of the most common worries, and it's actually a myth. When your baby is on their back, the tube that carries air to their lungs sits above the tube that carries milk to their tummy. So if they bring up a little milk, it pools at the back of the throat where it can be easily swallowed (here's the science, explained simply).
Back sleeping also lowers the risk of suffocation and overheating. Even if your baby later wriggles into a new position, always start them on their back.
What About The Newborn Curl?
If your newborn sleeps scrunched up like a little frog, with knees tucked, fists by their cheeks and arms bent up near their face, that's completely normal. It's the position they got used to in the womb, and most babies slowly stretch out over their first few months.
The curl doesn't change the advice: your baby can stay curled up, as long as they're on their back. Their arms can rest up near their face and their legs can bend up and out. There's no need to straighten them out or prop them into place with rolled towels or wedges.
This is exactly why the Swaddle Up™ has an Arms-Up™ design. Rather than pinning arms down by their sides, it lets your baby sleep with their hands up near their face, the way they naturally want to, while keeping them snug and calming the startle reflex that can jolt them awake.
Sleeping Positions To Avoid For Newborns And Infants
Some babies look ever so content curled on their side or tucked on their tummy. For sleep, though, these two positions aren't recommended until your baby can roll confidently on their own.
Sleeping On Their Side
Side sleeping might look snug, but it isn't recommended for newborns. From their side, a baby can easily roll onto their tummy before they have the strength to move back.
Babies often start turning onto their side as they learn to roll. If your baby isn't rolling confidently yet, gently return them to their back. For more detail, read Can Newborns Sleep On Their Side?
Sleeping On Their Stomach
Tummy sleeping isn't recommended for babies who can't yet roll confidently on their own. Babies swallow less often when they're face down, which is part of why back sleeping is preferred.
Tummy time is a different story. Plenty of supervised tummy time while your baby is awake helps build the strength they'll need for rolling. Read more in Can Babies Sleep On Their Stomach Safely?
What If My Baby Rolls Over In Their Sleep?
Rolling is a big milestone, and it can change sleep overnight (sometimes literally). Most babies start rolling around 4 to 5 months. Once it starts, current safer sleep advice is to:
- Keep starting on their back. Place them on their back for every sleep, even if they roll into a new position later.
- Stop swaddling. Once your baby starts rolling, it's time for arms-free sleep.
- Move from bassinet to cot. Rolling is your cue to make the switch.
- Let confident rollers choose. Once your baby can roll confidently on their own, they can sleep in the position they prefer.
- Up the tummy time. More awake tummy time gives them space to practise.
Not sure if it's time yet? Our guide to when babies start rolling over covers the signs to look for.
Is It Safe To Use Sleep Positioners?
No. Products like anti-roll devices, or anything that fastens a baby into one position, aren't recommended by Red Nose. There are no Australian Standards for them, and they've been linked to unsafe outcomes.
The same goes for inclined sleepers. Babies should sleep on a firm, flat surface that isn't tilted, and there's little evidence that inclines help with reflux. If reflux or your baby's breathing is worrying you, have a chat with your GP or child health nurse.
Creating A Safer Sleep Environment
Back sleeping works best as part of a safer sleep space overall. The basics are:
- A firm, flat mattress that's the right size for the cot and meets the voluntary Australian Standard
- Keeping your baby's face and head uncovered, as babies control their temperature through their face and head
- A smoke-free environment, before and after birth
- Your baby's own sleep space (a cot or bassinet) in your room for the first 6 months
- No soft toys or comforters in the sleep space until at least 7 months
For the full checklist, see our Safe Sleep Guidelines for Newborn Babies, plus our guide to the best temperature for your baby's room.
Why Baby Sleepwear Matters For Safer, Comfortable Sleep
Loose blankets can slip up over a baby's face, which is why fitted sleepwear is such a helpful part of a safer sleep space. Here's how it works as your baby grows.
Newborn: Swaddle Up™
For babies who aren't showing signs of rolling, the Swaddle Up™ keeps them snug on their back with no loose blankets. It zips up in seconds (no wrapping technique needed, even at 3am), and the two-way zip means nappy changes don't have to undo all your hard settling work. Choose by your baby's weight and height for the right fit.
Starting to roll: Swaddle Up™ Transition Bag
As soon as your baby shows signs of rolling, it's time to move to arms-free sleep. Signs to look out for include:
- Rolling over during play or tummy time
- Pushing up on their hands during tummy time
- Kicking their legs out to the side
- Wriggling out of their swaddle
The Swaddle Up™ Transition Bag has zip-off wings, so you can free one arm at a time while your baby keeps the same familiar fit and feel. Once both wings are off, it works as a sleeveless sleeping bag. Our guide to when to stop swaddling walks you through the switch.
Confident rollers: sleeping bag
Once your baby is sleeping arms-free and moving around more, a well-fitted sleeping bag, arms out with no hood, keeps them cosy without blankets.
Not sure how warm to go? Our TOG guide makes it easy to match sleepwear to the room.
FAQs About Newborn Sleep Positions
What position should a newborn sleep in?
On their back, for every sleep, day and night, from birth. It's the simplest, most effective way to reduce the risk of SIDS and sleep accidents.
How do I position my newborn to sleep?
Lay them on their back on a firm, flat mattress, with their face and head uncovered and nothing loose in the cot. If you swaddle, make sure it's well fitted, and stop once your baby shows signs of rolling.
Why does my newborn sleep curled up?
It's the position they got used to in the womb, and it's completely normal. Most babies gradually stretch out over their first few months. As long as they're on their back, there's no need to straighten them out.
Can newborns sleep on their side?
Side sleeping isn't recommended for newborns. Always place your baby on their back. Once they can roll confidently on their own, it's okay to let them settle on their side.
What should I do if my baby rolls onto their tummy while sleeping?
Keep placing them on their back to start every sleep. If your baby can roll confidently on their own, they can sleep in the position they prefer. If they're not rolling confidently yet, gently return them to their back. Once rolling starts, it's also time to stop swaddling.
Can my baby nap on their tummy if I'm watching?
Back sleeping applies to every sleep, day and night, so naps should be on their back too. Save tummy time for when your baby is awake.
Key Takeaway
Back to sleep, every sleep, from birth. Keep the cot firm, flat and clear, skip the positioners, and when rolling starts, move to arms-free sleepwear and let confident rollers find their own comfy spot. Small steps, and a little more peace of mind for you at 2am.
Looking for more support? Explore the Love to Dream™ Baby Sleep blog for guides on every stage, from the first night home to the toddler years.