Studies show that position has an effect on the level of reflux in infants.

Prone position significantly reduces reflux compared with supine (lying on your back) position. There is, however, a relationship between prone position and SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) in infants. Do not put your child in the prone position unless advised to by your specialist.

A study of 24 children of average age of 5 months showed significantly less reflux in the prone position or left lateral position compared with the supine and right lateral position. The study also showed no improvement in children with the head elevated.

Another study compared prone position with head elevated in a harness with children in an infant seat in a supine position. The prone position showed reduced reflux compared to the supine position.

A large study showed that children sleeping in a prone or in the left lateral position are at an increased risk of SIDS.

Dr. Phil Hariram.