Among the many questions parents have, why do babies sleep with their butt in the air.
Watching your little angel sleep is one of the most fulfilling moments in the parenting journey.
As babies grow up, there are many things that they do that don’t make any sense.
One of them is sleeping with their butts in the air. It’s hilarious right? Especially since the shape looks like that of roast chicken.
You may have noticed this behavior in your child and wondering if you should be worried or not.
It’s reasonable enough for some parents to be stressed by this new sleeping posture considering the baby’s face is too close to the mattress.
Well, there are a myriad of reasons why babies, like us adults, tend to adopt funny sleeping positions.
So why do babies sleep with their butts in the air, and is it something you should be concerned about?
Here’s everything you need to know.
Why Do Babies Sleep With Their Butt In The Air
Also known as frog position, it is entirely normal for babies to sleep with their butts in the air.
And as already outlined, there are many possibilities why babies sleep with their butt in the air.
Still, there isn’t a concrete scientific explanation as to why do babies sleep with their butt in the air.
Nonetheless, most babies tend to favor this sleeping position when they are about six months to one year old.
Ideally, babies should sleep on their backs to avoid the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
It can occur when the baby rolls over while sleeping and cannot get back into a position to breathe.
Sleeping on their back ensures that the baby is comfortable and stays in one position all night.
However, as babies grow older, their motor skills get sharper, and they even change sleeping positions once in a while.
For instance, as babies learn to sit and crawl, it’s typical for them to flop forward when they run out of energy. Consequently, they opt to sleep how they fall
So, if you have been seeing your baby sleep with the butt in the air, there is no need to be worried.
Related post: How To Get A Toddler To Sleep In Their Own Bed After Co-sleeping – 3 Practical Tips
Here is the reason:
It makes your baby’s movements much easier
Now that your baby can move on their own, they may want to do it all the time.
Babies’ muscles develop as they come of age. Their ligaments tend to loosen up and lengthen. As a result, they can sprawl out in positions relatable to adults.
Sleeping with their butt in the air ensures that any other movement they make while asleep or just awake is pretty quick and easy.
Also, babies sleeping with their butt in the air is a sign they are growing. Their muscle and motor skills are evolving and in no time, your little one will be sitting and crawling.
Your baby wants to be comfortable
Favorite sleeping positions vary from person to person, and that also applies to your baby.
They may enjoy sleeping with their butt in the air because of how easy it is.
Akin to yoga’s child pose, which is surprisingly similar to how babies sleep with their butt in the air, this position calms and centers the mind during Yoga sessions.
Therefore, it’s reasonable for babies to adopt this position for tranquility and comfort as they sleep.
It is also an excellent position when your baby wants to release any stress and tension that their body may have been exposed to during the day.
Your baby misses being in the womb
The frog position is also how your baby stayed in the womb.
As a result of muscle memory, they may find themselves sleeping this way as a reminder of all the comfort they found in the womb.
Again, this is attributed mainly to muscle memory, considering they spent nine months with their knees tucked up inside a belly.
Ultimately, they will outgrow this position and replace it with a new and more amusing pose.
Although that is not always the case, your baby may tend to sleep more peacefully when their butt is in the air because of this.
It feels like being held
Babies sleeping with their butt in the air is remarkably similar to how parents hold them in their arms.
Close to their parents’ heartbeat and safety or as they lay when breastfeeding.
Due to positive emotions associated with such momentous positions, toddlers can replicate this when they are on their own or in the crib taking a nap.
If you’re used to cuddling with your baby or rocking them until they fall asleep, then your baby will likely sleep with their butt in the air.
This is because their legs underneath pressing into their stomach may feel like your hands when you’re holding or cuddling them.
If your baby starts sleeping with their butt in the air, that means that they are old enough to start crawling and moving by themselves.
It also means that it is unnecessary to keep watch to ensure they lay on their back while they sleep.
Your baby can now move safely by themselves and will change sleeping positions as needed.
For parents, every little thing that their baby does can be all sorts of cute.
Even their sleeping patterns can have you watching every movement, so you don’t miss anything.
However, it is always good to know why your baby does certain things so that you can know when there is a problem.
Now you’ll have all the answers for the next time you start asking yourself why do babies sleep with their butts in the air.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Put My Baby To Sleep With Their Butt In The Air?
As already outlined, there is no need for concern when your little one sleeps with their butt in the air.
However, it would be best not to put toddlers to sleep in this position.
Instead, prioritize putting them to sleep on their back unless advised by a health expert or if they have a problem sleeping in their default position.
Should I keep Flipping My Baby Onto Their Back?
You don’t have to keep flipping your baby onto their back when they sleep with their butt in the air.
It’s a growth milestone and an indication they are growing stronger. Nevertheless, it would be best to keep monitoring as they sleep to avoid SIDS.
Also, place them on their back when you put them to bed.
Iesha is a loving mother of 2 beautiful children. She’s an active parent who enjoys indoor and outdoor adventures with her family. Her mission is to share practical and realistic parenting advice to help the parenting community becoming stronger.
