How to Position a Baby in a Sleep Positioner

A sleep positioner can help your baby get a restful night's sleep, because it helps support his head. The positioner can also prevent a baby from developing a flat head, which is caused by lying in one position too much. According to Baby Slumber.com, you can use a sleep positioner in a crib or a bed. When choosing a sleep positioner, Baby's Room Online recommends one that's made up of breathable materials and is washable.

Things You'll Need

• Sleep positioner

Instructions

1. Place your baby in the sleep positioner on his back. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says this may reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

2. Adjust the sides, or bolsters, of the sleep positioner so they're resting snug against the baby's sides. According to Baby's Room Online, this keeps the baby in one position and prevents the child from rolling.

3. Rotate your baby from his left and right sides to prevent him from developing a flat spot.

Tips & Warnings

• Consumer Reports recommends removing all the packaging and stickers from the sleep positioner before using as they may pose as choking hazards. It's also recommended that you wash the sleep positioner before the first use.

• Don't place your baby in the sleep positioner on her stomach. The AAP says a newborn can't roll over, so sleeping on her stomach may obstruct her air flow.

References

• Baby's Room Online
• Consumer Reports
• Baby Slumber

Resources

• American Academy of Pediatrics