What common myth about placing a baby on their stomach is refuted by medical evidence?

That placing a baby prone aids digestion or prevents choking if they spit up.

A persistent myth countered by strong medical evidence suggests that positioning an infant on their stomach (prone) somehow assists with digestion or helps prevent aspiration or choking should the baby spit up formula or milk. This belief is categorically refuted. The evidence overwhelmingly supports placing infants on their back for every sleep, even for those who frequently spit up. The reason is anatomical: the airway anatomy of an infant is better protected when they are positioned on their back, minimizing the risk of airway compromise compared to the prone position, which is associated with higher SIDS risk.