Can infants with a cleft lip or palate safely sleep on their backs?

Infants with a cleft lip or palate are generally recommended to sleep on their backs. This position is known to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and is supported by pediatric guidelines. Sleeping on the back allows for safer breathing patterns and minimizes the risk of aspiration, which can be a particular concern for infants with feeding difficulties associated with cleft conditions.

The guidelines encourage back sleeping not only for general safety but also because it allows for better monitoring of the infant, which is crucial after surgical interventions that may be necessary for cleft repair.

While sleep position recommendations can vary with different conditions, the back sleeping position aligns with standard pediatric practices that prioritize safety and health in infants, regardless of a cleft lip or palate.