"Is It Good for Newborns to Sleep on Arms?"

Sleeping Habits for Newborns: Avoid Sleeping on Arms

It is discouraged for newborns to sleep on their parents' arms, as this practice poses risks to both the infant's spinal development and the parents' comfort. Newborns naturally have flat spines devoid of physiological curvature. Prolonged sleeping on arms, where the height might be excessive, can hinder proper spinal growth, predisposing them to spinal deformities. Moreover, this habit, once entrenched, can be challenging to alter, emphasizing the importance of prompt parental intervention.

Furthermore, sleeping on arms subjects the parents' limbs to extended periods of pressure, leading to compromised local blood circulation and discomforting sensations such as numbness, a feeling of oppression, and even swelling. Additionally, when the newborn's head rests on an arm, it may be elevated to an undesirable height, potentially causing excessive compression and, in severe cases, respiratory arrest or asphyxia.

To foster healthy sleep habits, it is essential to gradually introduce a pillow-like support using a towel, incrementally raising its height. This approach not only promotes proper spinal alignment but also supports the newborn's growth and development. Additionally, positioning newborns on their sides during sleep facilitates the drainage of any foreign matter in their mouths, thereby minimizing the risk of choking. Maintaining good air circulation within the sleeping environment is also crucial for establishing and maintaining healthy sleep patterns.