Popular medical influencer Aproko Doctor has raised alarm over a long-standing cultural practice in Nigeria: placing babies under one year old to sleep face-down.
In a now-viral video, the doctor explained that although this tradition has been passed down for generations, it poses a serious health risk to infants.
He warned that this sleeping position could lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) — a silent and tragic condition often linked to poor sleeping habits.
He emphasized that babies under one year of age often lack strong head control, which can make it difficult for them to reposition themselves for proper breathing.
Additionally, infants sleeping face-down tend to inhale the same exhaled air, increasing the risk of Hypercapnia — a buildup of carbon dioxide in the body, which can be fatal.
“The air they breathe out stays around them. They keep breathing it in, leading to high carbon dioxide levels,” he cautioned.
The video sparked a wave of responses from Nigerians online. While many praised him for shedding light on the overlooked issue, others expressed surprise that such a common practice could be dangerous.
This new awareness is prompting parents and caregivers to re-evaluate long-held beliefs about baby care — with many now pledging to adopt safer sleeping practices.
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