Baby Sticking Bum in Air: Myths and Other Unusual Sleeping Positions
It is common for first-time parents to struggle with several unusual things about their babies. Apart from the sleeping schedule and other habits, you might also notice your baby sleeping with their bum in the air. While it may seem odd, this is a common sleeping position among babies.
Toddlers assume different positions that convey different messages about their growth and development milestones. This guide tries to dispel the baby sticking bum in air myth and other unusual sleeping positions.
Baby Sticking Bum in Air Myths
Parenting often comes with endless myths and hacks that usually aren’t entirely true. Some myths come from traditions, while others are a result of being misinformed. Below are a few myths about baby sticking bum in air.
The Baby is Scared
The most common baby sticking bum in air myth is that the baby assumes this position because they are scared and anxious. However, this is completely not true. Toddlers assume this position not because of fear but in response to the comfort and familiarity of the sleeping environment.
Overfeeding
Another common baby sticking bum in air myth is that it results from overfeeding. Some people believe that overfed babies are uncomfortable and assume this position to ease the stomach pain. Unfortunately, this can’t be proven, and uncomfortable babies will most likely cry.
Bow-Legged Baby
You shouldn’t also believe the baby sticking bum in air myth that such babies will most likely become bow-legged. It is normal for parents to worry about their child’s development. However, the bum-in-air position doesn’t affect your baby’s leg development. This is just a myth.
Asking for or Predicting a Sibling
The last thing every parent, especially mothers, wants to hear after having a newborn is that they will have another baby soon. Surprisingly, this baby sticking bum in air myth was and is still believed by many. While some people still swear by this old tale, nearly all babies, including lastborns, sleep with their butts in their air, proof that this is just a myth.
Brings Complications
Some traditionalists also believe that babies will develop complications and weak knees from sticking their butts in the air. However, babies sleeping on their knees is a sign that their skeleton and muscles are rightfully developing. As for the complications, the only issue with babies assuming this position is with their chest. Doing this for a prolonged period can endanger their chest. However, babies naturally revert to supine positions over time.
Why Do Babies Sleep with Their Bums in the Air?
Babies often assume this sleeping position for the following reasons:
It is the Fetal Position
Experts suggest that babies curling up on their stomachs reminds them of how they slept in the womb. Most babies assume this position when they are a few months old. This means they’ve spent more time inside the womb. Sleeping in this position reminds them of the safety and the familiar environment in the womb.
Reduces Stress
If you’ve tried yoga classes before, you probably know how comfortable the “child’s pose” is. This position is similar to sleeping infants. There is a reason this posture is very appreciated in yoga. It is beneficial for the body and brain. This pose stretches the hip muscles, which help reduce stress. This position also activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes satisfaction.
The Baby is Learning to Crawl
Some theories also suggest that babies assume this position when they are ready or learning to crawl. Interestingly, research studies found that babies who sleep on their backs exclusively may experience slight delays in the development of motor skills, such as crawling. However, this doesn’t mean your baby won’t be fine if they don’t sleep with their bum in the air.
Temperature Regulation
Sleeping with their buttocks raised also helps babies regulate body temperatures. Babies feel a lot of heat in their diapers, and raising their bums allows free air circulation. This helps them stay cool and prevents overheating, especially during warm weather conditions.
Digestive Relief
Sleeping in this position also helps babies ease gas and stomach discomfort. However, this doesn’t mean that babies instinctively sleep with their bums in the air anytime they have stomach discomfort. Nonetheless, this position helps pass natural gas easily, providing digestive relief and promoting sleeping.
Baby Sticking Bum in Air Facts
As mentioned, it is normal for your baby to sleep with their bum in the air. Below are some interesting facts about this sleeping position:
- It is a sign the baby is ready or has started crawling
- It is a sign your baby is developing strong skeletal strength
- It is comfortable for the baby and their way of re-enacting the comfort of the womb
Most babies naturally revert to supine sleeping positions after a period of sleeping with their bum in the air. Unfortunately, some babies never revert due to some complications. This is a significant threat, and you should consult pediatric experts as it exposes your baby to respiratory complications and SIDS.
What to do When Toddlers Sleep with Their Buttocks in the Air
As mentioned, it is normal and harmless for babies to sleep with bums in the air. However, you should consider the following to be sure of your baby’s well-being while asleep:
Create a Safe Sleeping Environment
You should create a safe sleeping environment for your baby when sleeping. This promotes quality and healthy sleep and reduces accidents. This means ensuring the baby sleeps in a crib with a firmly fitting mattress to ensure there are no gaps that pose safety hazards and removing loose bedding, pillows, and stuffed animals to reduce the risk of suffocation and SIDS.
Monitor their Breathing
You should monitor your baby’s breathing every time they are asleep. Ensure the baby’s breath remains stable and unobstructed. Babies are known to have irregular breathing patterns, especially when sleeping.
Change Sleeping Positions Regularly
While your toddler may prefer sleeping with their buttocks in the air, change their sleeping position regularly. Changing their sleeping positions prevents prolonged exposure to specific body parts. However, you should avoid the side sleeping position, as it increases the risk of SIDS.
Monitor Body Temperature
Maintaining optimal temperature is important for your baby’s comfort and safety when sleeping. Therefore, you should dress them lightly in a breathable cloth. Avoid overdressing your baby during sleep, as it increases the risk of SIDS.
When Do Babies Stop Sleeping with Their Bums in the Air?
Most babies assume this sleeping position in their early months. However, they adapt to different sleeping positions as they grow and develop. Specifically, they become more mobile and start rolling over after six months. By the 12th month, they can comfortably roll over and sleep in different positions, making it less likely for them to sleep with their bum in the air.
However, this isn’t the same for all babies. Some babies continue sleeping with their bum in the air longer. This shouldn’t be a reason to worry if your baby is healthy and sleeping comfortably.
Other Curious Baby Sleeping Positions
You might also be curious about the following sleeping positions:
Why do babies sleep with their legs open?
Toddlers sleep with their legs open for either of the following reasons:
- They are tired – this sleeping position is mostly temporary, and the baby will naturally shift as they go deeper into sleep.
- The baby feels more comfortable – just like the frog position, some infants find more comfort in sleeping with their legs open.
- Less muscle tone – babies naturally have a lesser muscle tone when at rest. This explains why their legs can spread by default.
Why do babies sleep on their knees?
Babies sleeping on their knees isn’t different from them sleeping with butts in the air. In most cases, they are just trying to get comfortable. As such, you shouldn’t worry much if your baby assumes this position. The only cause for worry is if your baby doesn’t revert to sleeping on their back.
Why do babies sleep in the frog position?
You shouldn’t be surprised if your toddler also assumes the frog position. The reason behind this sleeping position is similar to why they sleep with butts in the air. Ideally, this might be due to comfort, skeletal muscle development, or muscle memory, especially for babies older than four months.
However, in babies less than four months, the only possible reason for assuming this position is because their muscles and bones haven’t stretched out yet. This position gradually loosens up as the baby grows.
The Bottom Line
It is common for infants to sleep with their bum in the air. They assume this sleeping position because of many factors, including comfort, mimicking the womb position, and digestive relief. While this sleeping position is harmless, you shouldn’t ignore various safe sleeping practices. This position only becomes an issue if the baby doesn’t revert to a supine position, even after they’ve become strong enough to easily roll onto their stomach.
