These recommendations come from research done by the American Academy of Pediatrics Task Force on SIDS.

• ALWAYS place the baby on his/her back to sleep for both naps and at night
• They sleep safest on their backs and every sleep time counts
• Also, babies who are placed on their stomachs for naps after being used to sleeping on their backs, are at a VERY high risk for SIDS
• If the baby rolls over on their own to their stomach, there is no need to reposition them
• Once a baby learns to roll over onto their tummies, which is a milestone that usually happens between 4 and 6 months, it might start happening frequently, especially if the baby prefers this position
• This doesn't mean the caregiver can then just start placing them on their stomachs when putting them to bed
• They will still need to place the baby in the SafeSleep position, on their back, to start sleeping
• Being on their backs also makes it easier for them to look around and move their arms and legs

Research by C.E. Hunt showed that babies placed on their backs are less likely to get fevers, stuffy noses and ear infection.