People have been left gobsmacked after learning the reasons why their babies sleep with their bums in the air – with many saying they’ve never got a chance to research it
It’s something most parents have noticed – but not all of them have had a chance to research. But now experts have revealed exactly why babies sleep with their bums in the air – and it’s as adorable as you’d expect.
According to Sleepout, the sleep style is often referred to as the ‘froggy position’ and is when a baby sleeps with their tummy and legs tucked under them, resulting in their bum sticking up. One reason for this is because it mimics the posture they had in the womb. The statement reads: “Newborns and young infants often adopt this position as it feels natural and comforting to them.
“For many parents, it’s a delightful reminder of the prenatal months, watching the baby in a pose reminiscent of their earlier developmental stage.”
However, this isn’t the only reason for it as it also provide them with comfort and security, with the statement adding: “In the womb, space is restricted, and babies grow in a curled position.
“Once born, mimicking this position can provide comfort and a sense of security, helping them feel more relaxed and safe.”
It has also been linked with a developmental preference, a womb-like environment and flexibility, which all provide your baby with comfort while they sleep.
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The statement adds: “This position naturally suits a baby’s physical developmental stages. The tucked legs and raised buttocks ease any discomfort from developing hips and other joints.
“Sleeping with their butt in the air simulates the snug, tight environment of the womb. This helps in soothing the baby and potentially enhancing the quality of their sleep.
“Babies are extremely flexible, and curling up in this position is comfortable and easy for them to maintain during sleep.”
Concerned about the position, one Reddit user said: “My daughter is 6.5 months old and recently she started sleeping with her knees tucked under her and her bum in the air.
“With her jammies with cute designs on the bum and her newly found sleeping position, I can hardly control my desire to crawl into her crib and snuggle on her. Does anyone know why they do this?”
In response, one sure said: “I always wondered the same thing. I call it the snuggle bunny position. So adorable.”
Another user added: I always assumed it was similar to being in the womb. My six-year-old still does it.”
A third user said: “Not sure, but maybe it mimics the foetal position, or aids digestion or something. Whatever it is, my 10 month old is doing it right now.”
A final user said: “My boyfriend still sleeps like this, especially if he is not feeling well. He just says it is comfortable.”
However, parents with children under aged one should remain mindful of the dangers this sleeping position can present.
A warning from Sleep Advisor reads: “When a baby sleeps with their butt in the air, they are also sleeping on their front, which can be dangerous because it can increase their risk of SIDS.
“While a baby’s risk of SIDS does decrease around eight months old, caregivers are encouraged to practice safe sleep habits until they reach one year old”