Introduction: The Battle of a Baby Who Hates Being on Back
If your baby hates being on the back or your newborn won’t sleep on the back, you are not alone. Most parents suffer from sleepless nights as their baby doesn’t like lying on the back and tends to wake up repeatedly. Though pediatricians highly recommend that babies lie on their backs to lower the rate of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), a few babies are unwilling to do so because they feel uncomfortable, have reflux, or because of sleeping habits.
In this guide, we are going to look at the most frequent reasons a baby refuses to sleep on back and give hands-on solutions on how to make a newborn struggling to sleep on back switch to safe and comfortable sleeping.
Why is Sleeping on the Back Important?
1. The AAP’s Safe Sleep Recommendations
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises babies to always sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of SIDS. Research indicates that sleeping on the back ensures open airways and avoids suffocation.
However, some parents are concerned that their ”baby uncomfortable on the back” will not sleep well in this position.
2. When is It Safe for a Baby to Sleep in Other Positions?
- Infants can sleep in other positions after they can roll over independently (around 4-6 months).
- When a newborn won’t sleep flat on its back, parents must determine the underlying cause of the problem instead of putting the baby on their stomach, which poses greater safety hazards.
Common Reasons Why a Newborn Won’t Sleep on Back
1. Reflux and Digestive Discomfort
One of the most frequent causes of a baby’s uncomfortable back and not sleeping is acid reflux (GERD). Reflux babies are uncomfortable lying flat and wake up frequently.
Symptoms of Reflux in Babies:
- Spitting up after feeding
- Crying or arching their back when put on their back
- Gagging, choking, or constant hiccups
Remedies for Reflux-Induced Sleep Disturbances:
- Keep your baby upright for 20-30 minutes after feeding
- Gentle incline during wake time but no sleep positioners in the crib
- Burp your baby often during feedings to minimize gas buildup
2. Moro Reflex (Startle Reflex) Disrupting Sleep
Newborns possess a robust Moro Reflex, which causes them to feel as though they are falling when lying on their backs. This may lead to frequent awakenings, making it appear as though a newborn won’t sleep on the back.
How to Minimize Startle Reflex:
- Swaddle the baby to keep their arms close
- Switch to a sleep sack when the baby begins rolling
- Have a soothing bedtime routine to minimize sudden wake-ups
3. Baby Prefers Contact Over the Bassinet
Parents often comment, my newborn will only sleep on my chest at night. This is because babies feel secure and comfortable when near their parents and find it hard to adapt to a crib.
How to Get Your Baby to Sleep in a Bassinet:
- Leave a worn T-shirt nearby for a familiar smell
- Rock or hold your baby before laying them down sleepy but awake
- Play white noise to simulate womb sounds
4. Gas & Tummy Discomfort
A newborn having trouble sleeping on the back can be due to gas or bloating, which is uncomfortable.
How to Ease Gas:
- Do bicycle leg exercises before bed
- Do gentle tummy rubs to ease trapped gas
- Use a warm bath before bedtime to calm your stomach muscles
5. Concerns with Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly)
Parents are concerned that placing their baby on their back will develop flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly) and allow them to permit unsafe sleeping positions.
Prevention of Flat Head While Promoting Back Sleeping:
- Provide tummy time while awake to build up neck muscles
- Change the head position of the baby while sleeping
- Use a firm crib mattress to provide even pressure distribution
How to Get a Newborn to Sleep on Back Without Fuss
If your baby hates laying on their back, try these effective solutions to make back sleeping more comfortable:
1. Optimize the Sleep Environment
- Maintain room temperature between 68-72°F
- Use blackout curtains to provide a dark soothing environment
- Play white noise or soft lullabies to calm the baby
2. Create a Consistent Bedtime Routine
- Obey a disciplined routine with feeding baths and cuddling
- Start dimming lights 30 minutes before sleeping to indicate sleeping time
- Steer clear of over-stimulating actions before sleeping
3. Experiment with Safe Comfort Measures
- Use a swaddle or a sleep sack that gives a warm secure experience
- Give a pacifier to promote self-soothing
- Ensure the baby has been well fed and burped before going to bed to ease discomfort
When to Seek Help from a Pediatrician
If your newborn won’t sleep on their back even after these fixes, talk to your pediatrician if:
- The baby continuously cries when laid on their back
- Reflux symptoms continue even after interventions
- Sleep issues persist beyond 6 months
How to Transition a Newborn Struggling to Sleep on Back Safely
If your baby refuses to sleep on the back but begins rolling over, it is essential to learn when and how to transition to enable self-selected sleep positions safely.
1. When Can a Baby Sleep on her stomach or Side?
- A baby can safely sleep in their favorite position if they roll over on their own.
- The AAP suggests putting the baby on the back first even if the baby can roll over later.
- If a 6 month old won’t sleep at night due to position discomfort, consider if muscle development and rolling skills are sufficiently robust to make a transition.
2. Should You Keep Flipping a Baby Back to Their Back?
- If a baby doesn’t like lying on the back but can roll in both directions, you do not need to reposition them while sleeping.
- Refrain from the use of positioning devices as they can elevate the risk of suffocation.
- For a newborn having trouble sleeping on back, use safe alternatives such as a sleep sack instead of turning them over manually.
Alternative Solutions for Sleeping of a Newborn Won’t Sleep Flat on Back
In case your baby dislikes laying on the back, there are safe alternatives that may enhance their quality of sleep without sacrificing safety.
1. Can a Baby Who Dislikes Being on Back Sleep in an Inclined Sleeper?
- Inclined sleepers swings or bouncers are not suitable for sleeping overnight and pose a higher risk of airway obstruction.
- If a newborn won’t sleep on back in bassinet, use a firm flat mattress with a well-fitted sheet instead of propping them up.
2. Sleeping in a Sleep Sack Rather than a Swaddle
- A wearable blanket (sleep sack) assists in providing comfort without limiting movement.
- If your baby doesn’t like to sleep on the back because of the Moro Reflex, a weighted sleep sack can provide soft pressure to simulate a hug.
3. Is Co-Sleeping an Option?
- If my newborn will only sleep on my chest at night, bed-sharing is not an option with risks for SIDS.
- Consider a co-sleeper bassinet that keeps the baby close but still on a safe flat surface.
How to Manage Sleep Regression in a Baby Who Hates Laying on Back
When a 6-month-old won’t sleep at night once they slept nicely before, chances are they could be undergoing sleep regression. This is normal but can be particularly challenging if a baby refuses to sleep on the back.
1. Signs of Sleep Regression
- Frequent night wakings
- Increased fussiness and crying at bedtime
- Shorter naps or trouble sleeping
2. How to Assist a Newborn Struggling to Sleep on Back During Regression
- Ensure a routine to reset the baby’s sleep pattern.
- If a baby doesn’t like to sleep on the back, promote healthy sleep habits instead of teaching unsafe sleeping positions.
- Refrain from establishing new sleep associations such as rocking to sleep since this can extend sleep difficulties.
Final Takeaways for Parents Coping with a Newborn Struggling to Sleep on Back
- Provide a safe flat sleeping surface and do not use sleep positioners.
- Treat possible reflux gas or Moro Reflex problems.
- Have a regular bedtime routine for smoother sleep transitions.
- If sleep difficulties continue after 6 months, see a pediatrician or sleep specialist.
By doing these steps, even a baby who hates lying on the back can become a safe and comfortable sleeper in the long run.
