Patient's question:
My son just turned eight months old. Since he was seven months, he has been sleeping on his stomach at night. During the day, he's fine. His appetite and energy are good, and he has already grown 8 teeth. What could be the reason for this?First follow-up question: A while ago, he had a cold and went to the hospital for a check-up. The doctor confirmed that his heart and lungs were fine. I also heard that it might be related to indigestion, but we have been supplementing with French Pronutra and occasionally giving him Sanjia San. When I help turn him over at night, he ends up on his stomach again shortly after.
Doctor's answer:
It is normal. However, parents should pay attention to changing their baby's sleeping position frequently. The correct sleeping positions for children include sleeping on their stomach, side, and back. Just like adults, a baby's sleeping position can be on their back, stomach, or side, among others. From a medical perspective, sleeping on the side is most beneficial for a baby's physical and mental health. Sleeping on the side aligns best with the physiological needs of the human body. When a baby sleeps on their side, the spine is slightly curved, the shoulders are slightly forward, the legs are bent, and the arms are free. The muscles of the entire body are in a state of maximum relaxation, allowing the baby to fall asleep peacefully. If sleeping on the right side is chosen, it is even more reasonable. When a baby sleeps on their right side, their heart is not compressed, and the liver, located in the upper right abdomen, also receives more blood. At the same time, this right-side sleeping position can help move food from the stomach to the duodenum, allowing the digestive function to work fully.