It’s a common struggle for new parents: your newborn just won’t sleep on their back. You know it’s the safest position, but every time you try, your baby squirms, fusses, or cries. It’s frustrating, exhausting, and leaves you wondering if you’re doing something wrong. The good news? You’re not doing anything wrong. This is a normal challenge — and there are safe, gentle ways to help your little one adjust to safe back sleeping.

Key Takeaways

• Always place your newborn on their back to sleep to lower the risk of SIDS, even if they seem to prefer other positions.
  

• Babies may resist back sleeping due to the “newborn curl,” startle reflex, or craving closeness.
  

• Gentle methods like safe swaddling, warming the sleep space, and a slow transfer can help your newborn settle on their back.
  

• Avoid unsafe products such as sleep positioners, wedges, inclined sleepers, or loose bedding, which increase suffocation risk.
  

• If your baby shows consistent distress or discomfort, consult your pediatrician to rule out reflux or physical issues.
  

(Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics, 2023; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023; Sleep Foundation, 2022)

Introduction: When “Back to Sleep” Feels Impossible

You’ve heard the advice — “Always place your baby on their back to sleep.” It’s the cornerstone of safe infant sleep. But what if your baby simply won’t do it? The second you lay them down, they grunt, whine, or wake up instantly.

You’re not alone. Many parents go through this during those first few weeks. You’re tired, your baby is tired, and it feels impossible to make the safest choice work. The truth is, your newborn’s resistance doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong — it means their body and instincts are still adjusting to life outside of the womb.

Let’s look at why this happens, why back-sleeping matters, and how to gently encourage your baby to rest safely and comfortably.

Featuring the HALO SleepSack Organic Swaddle and 2-in-1 Bedside Bassinet Sleeper

Why Back-Sleeping Matters for Your Baby’s Safety

Back-sleeping isn’t just a recommendation — it’s one of the most important ways to protect your baby’s life. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends always placing your baby on their back for every nap and bedtime during the first year of life.

Why follow this important recommendation? Because sleeping on the back significantly reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Research shows stomach sleeping can increase the risk of SIDS up to 12 times compared to back-sleeping【AAP, 2023】.

Here’s why back-sleeping is safest:

• It keeps airways open and reduces the risk of suffocation.
  

• It prevents “rebreathing” of exhaled air, which can lower oxygen levels.
  

• It helps regulate body temperature and avoid overheating.
  

A safe sleep environment includes:

• A firm, flat mattress in a crib or bassinet that meets safety standards.
  

• No pillows, blankets, bumpers, or toys.
  

• A wearable blanket, like the HALO® SleepSack®, instead of loose bedding.
  

Once your baby can roll both ways independently, they can find their own comfortable sleep position — but always start them on their back.

(Sources: AAP Safe Sleep Policy, 2023; CDC Safe Infant Sleep Guidelines, 2023)

Why Some Newborns Resist Sleeping on Their Backs

It can feel confusing when your baby refuses a position you know is best. Here’s why it happens — and why it’s normal.

1. They miss the womb.
Babies are used to being snug, warm, and constantly in motion. Lying flat and still on their backs can feel too open and unfamiliar.

2. The “newborn curl.”
After birth, babies naturally curl their legs and arms — a reflex from being tucked in the womb. This makes lying flat feel awkward.

3. The startle reflex.
When you lay your baby down, they might suddenly flail their arms — the Moro reflex — which can wake them up and make back-sleeping harder.

4. Discomfort or reflux.
Some babies have mild reflux or gas that makes flat positions feel uncomfortable. However, even in these cases, back-sleeping is still safest.

5. Habit and comfort.
If your baby has gotten used to sleeping in your arms or on your chest, the transition to a flat surface will take time.

HALO Tip: A safe, snug swaddle like the HALO® SleepSack® Swaddle can reduce the startle reflex and help your baby feel secure while sleeping safely on their back.

(Source: Sleep Foundation, 2022; AAP, 2023)

What to Do If Your Newborn Won’t Sleep on Their Back

When your baby resists back-sleeping, patience and consistency are key. Here are safe, AAP-approved ways to help:

• Warm the sleep space first. Use a heating pad for a few minutes before laying baby down (remove the heating pad and test the temperature before placing them onto the mattress).
  

• Swaddle safely. Keep the arms snug, hips loose, and reduces the startle reflex. The HALO® SleepSack® Swaddle provides comfort while allowing healthy hip movement.
  

• Time the transfer. Wait until your baby is in deeper sleep (about 15–20 minutes after dozing off) before transferring.
  

• Lay bottom first. Place their bottom down before their head to avoid startling.
  

• Offer a pacifier. The AAP notes pacifiers may reduce SIDS risk and help soothe babies.
  

• Keep a hand on them. Gentle touch can help them feel secure as they adjust to the mattress. Place your hand on their belly to allow for gentle compression where they find the most comfort.
  
  

Avoid products that claim to “keep babies in place” — like wedges, inclined sleepers, or positioners. They’re not safe and can increase suffocation risk.

(Sources: AAP Safe Sleep Policy, 2023; Consumer Product Safety Commission, 2022)

Do’s and Don’ts of Safe Sleep (Even When You’re Exhausted)

We know how tempting it is to do whatever works at 3 a.m., but some shortcuts can be dangerous.

🚫 Don’t use loose bedding, pillows, or stuffed animals.

✅ Do opt for the HALO® SleepSack® Swaddle to keep your baby warm, snug, and safe

🚫 Don’t use inclined sleepers or wedges. 

✅ Do make sure baby is sleeping on a flat, firm surface.

🚫 Don’t bed-share. 

✅ Do keep your baby in your room but in their own sleep space — such as the HALO® BassiNest® — for at least six months.

🚫 Don’t swaddle for too long. 

✅ Do stop swaddling once your baby starts showing signs of rolling. Switch to the HALO® Baby Merlin’s Magic Sleep Suit® or HALO® Easy Transition® SleepSack to help with the adjustment from swaddle to sleep sack.

Even when you’re tired, your commitment to safe sleep makes a lasting difference.

(Sources: AAP Safe Sleep Guidelines, 2023; NIH Safe to Sleep Campaign)

Gentle Ways to Encourage Back Sleeping

If your baby still resists, try recreating the soothing environment of the womb safely:

• Swaddle snuggly (until rolling begins).
  

• Add white noise for familiar background comfort.
  

• Try gentle rocking or swaying before bedtime.
  

• Establish a bedtime routine: dim lights, feeding, lullaby, and soft voice cues.
  

• Practice short “back time” during the day so your baby gets used to the position.
  

 HALO Tip: When your baby outgrows the swaddle, transition to a HALO® SleepSack® wearable blanket for continued comfort without loose blankets.

(Sources: Sleep Foundation, 2022; AAP, 2023)

What About Reflux or Spitting Up?

If your baby spits up or seems uncomfortable lying flat, you’re not alone. Many newborns have mild reflux, but back-sleeping remains the safest position — even for them.

Try these steps for comfort:

• Feed in an upright position.
  

• Burp often during and after feedings.
  

• Hold baby upright for 20–30 minutes post-feeding before laying them down in order to help with digestion.
  

Never incline the crib mattress or use positioning devices. Studies show that inclined sleepers and positioners don’t reduce reflux and can increase suffocation risk【AAP, 2023】. 

If your baby shows ongoing distress or frequent vomiting, talk to your pediatrician or a pediatric gastroenterologist— they can rule out conditions like GERD or feeding difficulties.

When to Talk to Your Pediatrician

You should reach out to your pediatrician if:

• Your baby cries every time they’re placed on their back.
  

• Feeding seems painful or difficult.
  

• You notice stiffness, arching, or head-turning to one side.
  

• Spitting up is excessive or paired with poor weight gain.
  

Your pediatrician can evaluate for reflux, muscle tightness, or other causes of discomfort — and guide you through safe adjustments.

(Source: AAP, 2023)

You’re Doing the Right Thing

If your baby won’t sleep on their back, it can make you feel defeated. But this doesn’t mean you’re failing — it means you’re trying your best to keep them safe.

Remember:

• Your baby’s fussing is communication, not defiance.
  

• Safe sleep takes patience and progress, not perfection — every attempt counts.
  

• You’re nurturing trust, safety, and love every time you try again.
  

HALO’s mission is to make safe sleep easier for every family — from the HALO® BassiNest®, which keeps baby close, to the HALO® SleepSack®, designed to replace loose blankets for peace of mind.

References

1. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Safe Sleep and Your Baby: How Parents Can Reduce the Risk of SIDS. (2023). HealthyChildren.org
   

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Safe Infant Sleep Guidelines. (2023). CDC.gov
   

3. Sleep Foundation. How to Help Your Baby Sleep on Their Back. (2022). SleepFoundation.org

4.  National Institutes of Health. Safe to Sleep® Campaign. (2023). safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov