The Mommy
Posts
Can Babies Sleep On Their Side?

Can Babies Sleep On Their Side?

July 10, 2023

Together with

"Be kind. Everyone is still healing from things they don't speak about."

Salutations, Monday Mommies! Just remember, the kids can smell fear, so chug that coffee and wear your mom-crown high. Here's the day's dish with a side of wit.

Today’s Mommy scoop:

Baby Sleep Debate: Back vs. Side
Socks doubling as outfit storage
Chicken Meatballs, aka tiny spheres of joy
DIY: Fairy Leaf Puppets

Wonder what it feels like to get an extra 30 minutes of sleep each night?

Mom’s Field Guide

Babies' Sleep Positions: Back vs. Side

Feeling a little zonked with all that baby sleep position advice?

Wondering if your little one's sideways slumber is safe or a SIDS scare?

Let's clear the air in this cozy crib-side chat.

Back Is Where It's At

Doctors strongly vouch for the back-sleeping position for babies till they turn one.

For sleep, always lay your baby down on their back.

The reason being, it significantly lowers the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Rolling Over - A Game Changer

Now here's the interesting part. When your baby starts rolling over (usually past the 1-year mark), they've earned their sleep-position freewill.

If they wriggle onto their tummy or side, no need for a midnight rescue mission!

But remember, always start them off on their back.

Side-Sleeping - A No-Go Zone

In old family photos, you might spot angelic babies snoozing on their sides.

But research has made us wiser. It's not safe, primarily because your tot could roll onto their stomach and face breathing difficulties.

And no, side-sleeping doesn't safeguard against spit-up choking.

So, rule of thumb: side-sleeping is out of bounds until your little one's first birthday.

Creating a Sleep-Safe Zone

The crib setup matters too! Here's a quick checklist:

Firm crib mattress: Soft may seem snug, but firm is the safer bet.
Bare crib: Let's keep it minimalistic - no toys, blankets, pillows or bumpers. Just the mattress, a fitted sheet, and your adorable baby!
Breathable mattress: Consider options that let your baby breathe right through, adding an extra layer of safety.

Flat Heads and Newborn Curls

Lastly, fret not if your baby's head looks a tad flat due to back sleeping.

It's normal and usually rounds out with time. And about the fetal 'newborn curl'? It's absolutely fine as long as it's on their back!

Takeaway

All things said and done, the always lay your baby down on their back for sleep!

After 1 year, let your rollover champ choose their comfort zone. And through it all, remember to keep that crib clutter-free and firm!

Keep reading here.

Together with Apollo

Enhance Focus and Relieve Stress with Apollo's Touch Therapy Vibration

Discover the power of the Apollo wearable.

Developed by experts, it uses touch therapy with soothing vibrations to calm your nerves, melt away stress, and promote better sleep, relaxation, and focus.

Tested by thousands, users experience:

40% less stress
Additional 30 minutes of sleep per night
25% Increased focus

Claim your $40 discount on an Apollo wearable today and experience the difference for yourself.

How do you manage work-life balance?

-> Vote to reveal what other moms think

Mom Hack

Save diaper bag space by rolling extra outfits into socks

OnceCrazyHouse.com

Mom Hack

To save diaper bag space, roll extra baby outfits into their socks.

This trick is a lifesaver, especially during those blowout-prone days.

Mom’s Menu

Chicken Meatballs for Your Tiny Tots

healthylittlefoodies.com

If you've been scouting for that finger-food nirvana, well, your culinary quest ends here.

I've stumbled upon a soft, delectable treasure for our little ones: Chicken Meatballs made with a hint of veggies and fruit.

The best part? These meatballs are soft, perfect for those tiny mouths learning new textures.

Even more, they're versatile enough to pair with anything from pasta to veggies, making them a go-to for a complete meal or a snack.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion (finely chopped)
1 carrot (peeled and finely grated)
40g breadcrumbs (¾ cup, optional)
2 tablespoons milk (optional)
1 small pear (peeled and grated)
1 small apple (peeled and grated)
2 teaspoons freshly chopped parsley
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
500g (1.1lb) chicken mince (ground chicken)

healthylittlefoodies.com

Instructions

Start by sautéing the onion and carrot until soft, around 5 minutes.
In a small bowl, soak the breadcrumbs in milk for around five minutes.
Next, squeeze out the liquid from your grated pear and apple - but don't toss the juice! It's perfect for smoothies, or let the kiddos enjoy a fresh fruity drink.
Combine all ingredients, except the ground chicken, in a mixing bowl. Mix them gently by hand.
Add the chicken mince, continuing to mix gently. Overmixing can make the meatballs tougher, so careful not to overdo it.
Once everything is nicely mixed, form the mixture into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on a lined baking tray.
Bake the meatballs at 200°C / 400°F for about 20 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. You can also pan-fry them if you prefer.