What is the correct sleeping position for a child, and does the Prophetic prohibition against sleeping on the stomach contradict the advice of doctors?

The prohibition of lying on one's stomach has been reported in hadiths transmitted from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, though scholars have differed on their authenticity.

From a health perspective, sleeping on the stomach is harmful for both children and adults. It increases the risk of suffocation in infants and can cause allergies. Although sleeping on the stomach might aid in expelling gases, habitually doing so is detrimental.

It is recommended to accustom children to sleep on their right side, following the Sunnah of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, as it offers numerous health benefits. The left lung is smaller than the right, which lightens the load on the heart. The liver remains stable, and this position facilitates the emptying of the stomach and the expulsion of mucous secretions from the bronchial tubes.

As for sleeping on the left side, it is not advisable because it places the heart under pressure from the right lung and a full stomach, which affects its function, especially in the elderly, and delays stomach emptying.

The Permanent Committee was asked about sleeping on the stomach and replied that it is disliked (makruh) because it is a posture disliked by Allah, and a Muslim must abandon habits that contravene Islamic law.