Until what age should an infant be placed on their back to sleep?

An infant should be placed on their back to sleep until they are 1 year old. This practice is recommended to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Research has shown that putting infants to sleep on their backs significantly decreases the likelihood of SIDS compared to other sleep positions.

While it is important to note developmental milestones, such as when a baby can sit up independently or roll over, these factors do not negate the safe sleep recommendation. The guidance to keep infants on their backs extends through their first year because this is the period during which they are most vulnerable to SIDS. After reaching one year of age, the risk decreases significantly, allowing for more flexibility in sleep positioning as the child becomes more mobile and can change their sleep position themselves.

Placing infants on their backs until this age provides the safest sleep environment and aligns with established pediatric health guidelines.