Can Baby Sleep with Legs Elevated? 5 Benefits of Leg Elevated

Can baby sleep with legs elevated? Yes. A baby’s legs can be propped up on a pillow while they sleep (a pillow or rolled-up blanket should not cover the baby’s face). This is called the “breech position.”

This position aims to prevent possible swelling and congestion in a newborn’s thigh area. But, if your baby prefers to sleep with their arms above their head, that’s fine too.

Many parents ask if their children can sleep with their legs elevated. The answer is yes. Babies often sleep with their legs straight and elevated because it is more comfortable for them.

In the hospital, when a baby is born, and the child is placed on the mother’s chest, you may notice that the legs are slightly bent at the hips with their feet to their face.

At this point, it really doesn’t matter, but as time passes, we find that some kids like their legs in this position while they are sleeping, and others like them straight out or at an angle.

Can baby sleep with legs elevated?

The answer is yes. It is more comfortable for the child and prevents swelling in the legs and thighs.

If you are worried about your child’s legs being elevated while they’re sleeping, then you should keep them elevated during the day while they’re awake. If not, it might indicate that your child has an injury or swelling in their thigh area.

Most newborns will be placed on their backs or side to sleep. However, there is some controversy with the back sleeping position.

Some pediatricians and parents are concerned that the back sleeping position may increase the chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in newborns.

However, if a baby can sleep with their legs elevated, they can’t be suffocated if they are sleeping on their tummy.

Many parents will let their babies sleep on their bellies while they’re in their cribs because it’s more convenient for feeding and changing the child.

Is it okay for babies to sleep with their feet elevated?

The answer is yes. It is okay for babies to sleep with their feet elevated as long as their heads are not covered by anything.

If you would like to keep your baby’s legs elevated while they’re sleeping, you can buy a body pillow with a hole for their legs to go through or place some pillows under the bottom half of the body so that their legs are elevated.

You should never place clothing or anything else over the child’s head because it could suffocate them.

Why do babies like to sleep with their legs up? Best 5 Reasons

There are many different reasons why your newborn will want to sleep with its legs elevated. Some of the most common reasons are:

1. Comfort

It is more comfortable for newborns to have their legs elevated while asleep, especially if they’re sleeping on their stomachs because it won’t make them feel like they’re choking.

2. Breech position

Nurses and doctors will most likely encourage you if you choose to sleep with your baby’s legs elevated. It can prevent possible swelling and congestion in a newborn’s thigh area.

3. Sleep position or sleeping position preference

Some parents like the idea of their babies sleeping with their legs elevated because it’s more convenient for changing their diapers, feeding, and soothing them during the night.

It could also help prevent your child from rolling over onto their stomachs or sides while they’re sleeping, which could be dangerous for them.

4. Resting

A baby may have a resting position when sleeping with their legs elevated to prevent pressure on their head.

5. Coordination

Some newborns like to sleep with their legs elevated because it helps them coordinate how they’re lying down with how they’re moving while they sleep.

Benefits of baby sleeping with legs elevated

1. Prevents swelling and congestion in the thigh area

Placing a newborn’s legs up in the air while they’re sleeping will prevent possible swelling and congestion in the thigh area. This is especially important if your newborn is born feet first or breech.

2. Reduces chances of SIDS

Some doctors are concerned that a baby sleeping with its legs elevated will increase its risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

However, this is not true. Because the baby’s legs are propped up in the air, there should be no chance for them to roll onto their stomachs or sides.

This is why it is recommended that you place a pillow under the bottom half of their body while they’re sleeping.

3. Keeps babies from being suffocated if they’re sleeping on their bellies

If your baby is sleeping on their tummy, it will not suffocate them, or if they are placed on the body pillow with the legs elevated.

However, if your baby is sleeping on their side or stomach with the legs elevated, it could suffocate them.

4. Keeps baby from rolling over on their tummy and sides

If your baby is sleeping on their side or tummy (on their stomach) and the legs are elevated while they’re resting in their crib, this may prevent them from rolling over onto their sides or tummy.

5. Prevents Baby from rolling over onto their stomach

If your baby is sleeping on their side or tummy and the legs are elevated while resting in their crib, this may prevent them from rolling over onto their side or tummy.

Risk of baby sleeping with legs elevated

If your newborn is sleeping with its legs elevated, some risks could be involved. However, the risk can be mitigated by a nurse or doctor if they see that it’s affecting your baby or that something is wrong.

A newborn’s feet are not completely developed yet, which could cause them to strain their muscles while they’re sleeping if they’re sleeping with their legs elevated.

Some issues are associated with sleeping with legs elevated, and the risk of injury increases when a baby sleeps on their tummy (on their stomach).

Final Thoughts

While there are many verified benefits associated with baby sleeping with their legs elevated, there are also some risks associated with it as well.

You need to ask your doctor about the risks involved to understand why they recommend that your baby sleeps this way.

I hope that you find this article helpful. Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions or feedback.

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