In what position should an infant who has a propensity to vomit sleep?

The best position for an infant who has a propensity to vomit is the side-lying position. Placing an infant on their side can help prevent aspiration, which is the inhalation of vomit into the lungs that can lead to choking or respiratory issues. The side-lying position allows any vomit to flow out of the mouth instead of back into the airway, reducing the risk of complications associated with vomiting.

In contrast, while sleeping on their back is generally recommended to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), it may not be ideal for an infant who frequently vomits. Sleeping on the stomach is also not appropriate since this position increases the risk of SIDS and can pose similar aspiration risks as sleeping on the back. An upright position, while helpful in certain situations to manage reflux right after feeding, is not conducive to sleep. Therefore, for an infant prone to vomiting, the side-lying position strikes the best balance of safety and comfort.