Many people wonder why do babies sleep with their butt in the air? This is nothing to fear. Babies usually enjoy sleeping with their butt in the air because it’s comfortable for them, helps relieve gas, and is the position they spent nine months in the womb.
Babies like having their butt in the air because the air is free to circulate and does not trap in the heat. So, instead of heating up, it helps cool off the baby.
As for babies with gas, this position can help them sleep more comfortably because it helps circulate air to relieve gas. It also relieves little pressure on the tummy to help relieve gas pains.
As for why they sleep like this, scientists have explained multiple theories. One is that babies develop the ability to hold their breath longer as babies grow.
So, when they sleep on their backs, to avoid inhaling too much air and depriving themselves of oxygen, they move their arms and legs in a position that covers the airways and will allow them to breathe more easily if needed.
Another theory is that babies sleep this way because it helps keep them secure even though the mother is lying down. The baby is flat against the mother’s stomach and can not move around as much as on a bed.
Also, this position keeps babies from rolling to their own death because it prevents them from falling out of the mother’s womb.
So, if you are worried about your child sleeping like this, rest assured that it’s normal. It’s perfectly safe.
5 Reasons why do babies sleep with their butt in the air
However, in this new project, we summarise the 5 main reasons why babies sleep with their butts in the air.
1. Sleeping Curled Up Reminds Them of the Womb:
When babies sleep with their buttocks in the air, they often lay curled up in this shape. This shape may remind them of their womb and comfort them.
Other theories say that because babies are newborns, they may not yet be able to control their arms or legs, and therefore they remain flat against the belly of the mother.
2. Gas Relief:
Another theory is that babies use this position to relieve themselves of gas pains as a defense mechanism. By sleeping flat, the baby allows air to circulate and aids in the relief of gas.

3. Cooler Temperature:
A third and final theory is that by sleeping with their buttocks in the air, babies allow cool air to pass through an area that tends to be warmer than the rest of their bodies. They sleep this way to maintain a relatively even temperature and comfort level.
4. Trying to be comfortable:
The fourth theory also includes the idea of comfort. Babies sleeping with their bottom in the air makes them more comfortable. They can breathe more easily and wake up faster because they are less constricted.
5. Getting ready to crawl:
A fifth theory is that babies learn to crawl by moving their legs and arms outwardly. By sleeping flat, babies can easily move their arms and legs and use this motion to get ready for crawling. This theory is not very accepted among others.
Why Do Babies Sleep On Their Knees?
Compared to sleeping on their backs, babies have a tendency to sleep with their knees bent. This is called Suckling Reflex or Nap Syndrome.
Babies sleep like this because the position allows air to flow freely from the birth canal exit, which assists with energy and oxygen supply during sleep.

The reason it’s called suckling reflex is that babies are attracted to this position as it reminds them of being born and nursing. Some think the baby in this shape is more likely to be found asleep than those who sleep on their backs.
Is The Baby Bootie Pose A Dangerous Sleep Position?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), it is. The AAP encourages good sleeping, which puts their head and shoulders above the mattress.
It prefers to avoid babies sleeping flat on their back or stomach. They also encourage parents to avoid using pillows or other objects near a baby’s face as this can suffocate them.
The AAP also says babies should only sleep in a baby bootie pose if they are tired enough to lie on their tummy.
Babies can be put to sleep on their tummies, but they should not be left in this position for more than three hours at a time. If a child is shifted to the baby bootie position, they should be back on their side.
Conclusion
These are some of the more popular reasons why babies sleep with their butts in the air. It’s common, normal, and has no effect on the child’s safety.
If you have concerns, talk to your doctor. If it is found that there is no danger, know that this is a perfectly safe position for your child to sleep in.
I hope this article helps you understand why babies sleep with their butts in the air. If you did, please feel free to share it on your social media accounts! To know more information, please comment below!
FAQs
Should I Keep Flipping My Baby Onto Their Back?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has flip-flopped on this issue. Babies can sleep on their back or tummy, but most agree that the back is the safest option. However, AAP recommends that you only put your baby to sleep on their back for a limited time each day.
Is It Dangerous For Babies To Sleep With Their Bum In The Air?
This may be a bit of a controversial issue among pediatricians and doctors. Some say yes, and some say no. There is no definite answer to this question. Some studies have shown that babies do not suffer any harm from sleeping with their butts in the air. Others have stated that suffocated is at risk when your baby sleeps on their back with their butts in the air.
Do I have to keep flipping my baby onto their back every time they roll over in their sleep?
No, you don’t have to. This is not what your doctor meant when they told you that you should keep flipping your child over. All they mean is that it’s best if your child sleeps on their back rather than on their tummy. When they say flip the baby, they don’t mean to flip them over physically. You can lay them down on their back every time they roll over.
At what age can babies sleep on their stomachs?
Most pediatricians say you should avoid this. They encourage parents to keep their children on their backs. This is because it’s safer.
How can I encourage my child to sleep on their back?
One way is to say that baby bumps need to lay down after their Bump and Grumpy days (the days when children lack the energy that most children have).
Do babies sleep better in the frog position?
Babies and young children do not need to sleep in the frog position. The frog position is fine for babies who are too weak from illness or have breathing problems.
Is it harmful to a baby to sleep on their stomach?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), this is not harmful to babies under 3 months old. They encourage parents to keep their children sleeping on their backs. They say that the back is the safest sleeping position for them.