For the past two nights my almost 7mo old son has been sleeping on his stomach. He begins the night on his back and almost immediately turns on his side every single time I lay him down. At some point during the night he has been flipping on his tummy and sleeps like that with his head turned to the side. Honestly, he seems to sleep most peacefully in this position, he is a tosser and a turner, but I'm worried about a SIDS Risk. When he begins to get uncomfortable or begins to wake up from this position he'll lift his head as if awake and then sort of drift back off, sometimes with his face going straight down in the mattress, he always continues to stir and lifts his head back up to the side but it worries me. Do I continuously check on him and flip him back on his back or at least his side? Or is he old enough to sleep like this? I haven't used a sleep positioner in months because he started to get very frustrated with not being able to flip on his side. Should I try to force him back into using one? What did you do?
My daughter is 16 months old and she started sleeping on tummy too at around 7 or 8 months. Shes fine! I kept my baby monitor on me always and checked on her frequently, at first. She still sleeps that way. I don't put any pillows or blankets in with her and i won't until shes 2 yrs old. Oh and not vaccinating doen't cause SIDS. There is no proven fact and there are many sites in which professionals confirm that!
Okay...here goes..but I may get an attack for this. I have had this conversation with my midwife many times. Babys feel more secure when they are on the tummy. I have 11 and once they told us to sleep them on the side or back I tried but they would not sleep that way. The opinion will change again as to how they should sleep in a few years I imagine. My feeling is that if a child is going to die from SIDS it won't really matter how they are sleeping. I know that is not what the experts say that is my opinion on the matter for what it is worth.
Sincerely,
K. B
Once they can roll over on their own the SIDS risk drops drastically.
Besides that all the SIDS talk just has parents scared, 15 yrs ago it was put um on their stomaches to prevent SIDS. Honestly they don't know what causes SIDS. Mine both were more comfortable tummy sleeping. If he wants to tummy sleep let him. You will both sleep better.
I agree 100% with Karen.
W.--I have four kids ages 22 months on up to 13. I was told, by the 13 year old's pediatrician, that once they are in control enough to move onto their belly, they are fine. My kids always seemed to sleep on their tummies as soon as they could and they seemed to sleep better too. I think if he is healthy and he is moving to his stomach on his own he is fine. I would keep him uncovered...blanket sleeper, if it is cold and no pillows, comforters or bumper pads and that should cover anything that he could get tangled in.
My daughter did this same thing. I just let her do it, because she was able to lift her head and she would usually roll back and forth during the night. I also talked to the pediatrician about it and she said just put her on her back when she goes to sleep and if she flips she flips. The point is as mothers we worry, but you can't go into your child's room every hour to flip them back over. Relax and enjoy your little one.
I understand your concern and worry, but he will be just fine. As long as he is rolling over on his own, he will wake up if he cannot breathe and he will roll over. Most of us on here all had parents who were taught to put us on our tummies and we are fine! My daughter was a tummy sleeper by 4 months and is now 3 years old.
He's fine. My almost 6 month old has been sleeping exclusively on his tummy (because he turns himself over) for almost a month now. Once they can turn over on their own, they're usually just fine -it's when they're newborns and really little infants that cannot turn over by themselves or onto their sides that you have a SIDS risk.
Honestly, I wouldn't worry too much. I know, that's easy for me to say, but my daughter did the same thing. My son always stayed on his back, so I didn't know what to do when my daughter started flipping onto her tummy early (probably around 5 months). I was very nervous, but the pediatrician told me that if they're strong enough and have the muscle development to turn over, then they're strong enough to turn their heads when they need to (so they won't lay face down into the mattress). I read up on this a little, and everything I read said basically the same thing. By 7 months, your little boy should be fine. Just make sure you control all the other things-- room not too hot, no covers or toys in the crib, etc., and you've done everything you can.
Please call your pediatrician or Children's Healthcare of Atlanta for advice. SIDS continues to be a risk at 7 months and sleeping on his stomach greatly increses this risk. At the same time babies need tummy time to strengthen the back, neck, shoulders but not during sleep. I do not know whatelse to tell you. A great resource is www.zerotothree.org
All four of my children slept on their tummies. Anyway, the risk of SIDS from sleeping on the tummy only exists as long as they are unable to lift their heads or turn over by themselves. Obviously your baby can both lift his head and flip over, so the SIDS is not a risk here from that perspective. Instead, be more concerned about using chemicals on, around or in your baby via cleaners, chemicals added to clothes and foods, or chemicals used on toys. Use natural products as often as possible, avoid using bleach or other harsh chemicals when cleaning, do not give him teething type toys from the dollar store or discount mills, and use organic clothing on him whenever you can. But don't worry about the tummy sleeping now.
He should be fine. Four months is the peak age for SIDS deaths. Your son is well past that. My pediatrician advised me that once my daughter was old enough to flip herself over she was old enough to reposition herself to aid in breathing. Your account of your son rotating his head so that his face isn't against the mattress shows that he can do the same.
All 4 of my children slept on their stomachs from the very 1st night at home. We never had any problems and they slept great!
my pediatrician told me when my daughter could turn herself over i really didn't need to obsess about flipping her back. of course that was four years ago - so maybe you should just call your pediatrician and ask a nurse. but i would think it would be okay if your child can flip on his own.
They make us worry for nothing, honestly! Mine sleep on their tummies or sides best. I have NEVER put my kids on their backs. When they tell me that, I just smile and nod. lol. My 5th child is 6 months old going on 7 and he loves sleeping on his tummy as most babies do. They feel much cozier that way. I wouldn't worry about it one bit. Most of my friends put their newborn, yes newborn, babies on their tummies. Hope this helps!
My understanding is that once they can roll over on their own, they are fine and the risk is past. If you continue to worry, you can buy the angelcare bed monitor. I had those for my preemie babies and they worked great. I tested them often--usually by mistake when I take the babies out and forget to turn them off. I can tell you that they are very sensitive and a fan in the room blowing the mobile on the bed the slightest bit caused it to think a baby was in the bed.
Once they start turning over on their own, they are ok. They are strong enough at that point to turn their heads (as you have seen) if they get into an uncomfortable position. I still wouldn't put anything in the crib with him (pillows, blankets, etc).
Hi W.,
I have a 12 month old who LOVES to sleep on his stomach. I asked the Dr. about it and several other moms and they all said that once the child can roll over on their own, that it is fine for them to sleep on their stomachs. As a first time mom I know the idea of SIDS is terrifying, but there is no way that you can be there all the time.
Hi W.,
I'm of the camp that says we should let kids sleep in whatever position is most restful to them. Both our kids were tummy sleepers from early on (a month or so) and there was no fighting it. I can understand your concern because I felt it with our first one--he was low birth weight and African-descent (my husband is Tanzanian), two of the factors associated with SIDS--however we decided it was more important for him (and thus us) to sleep better. Our kids are now 7 and almost 4, so it didn't harm them. I would figure that if your son tosses and turns, he isn't likely to suffocate in the mattress--and it makes it unlikely that he'll be willing to use the sleep positioner again because he seems to want to move. Anyway, I encourage you to go with your instinct and what your child seems to need.
A.
You might want to invest in a sleep positioner. This will help so that the baby can't turn over on his own and will keep him in a safe position for breathing. Then you wont have to keep getting up and flipping him. I had one. It is cheap and works great. Here a link so you can see what it looks like:
When babies are able to roll over from back to tummy, the risk of SIDS for them drops greatly. You child has more body control now than he did when he was first born. He is also aware that he needs air to breath and will make sure he gets it too. Most babies are more comfortable sleeping on their tummies for some reason too. The most you can do is make sure there are no pillows, stuffed animals or too many bulky blankets in his crib and he will be just fine. Consider this a milestone that he can position himself in his sleep which can also be considered a soothing techinique for him to sleep all night as well!
Good luck!
S.
Once he can roll over on his own he's mature enough to sleep on his stomach. I would't put him on his stomach but if he gets there himself you can leave him!
W.,
When my daughter was 3 months old she bagan turning over to her stomach and would stay there to sleep. I was very worried about this at first and began to roll her back to her back position as soon as it happened but soon enough she had rolled back to her stomach again. I would have had to stayed there all night long to get her back to her back and she was getting annoyed that I would roll her back over. I spoke to a friend (mother) and my Dr. and they both said that by the time babies can roll over they have enough neck strength to turn there heads to get the air they need, which is a basic survival mechanism built into their brains. I was very happy to get this bit of inof and I would check on my daughter 2-3 times before I went to bed (no more bc I would get obsessed with her safety) and a few weeks later my fears where alleviated. Hope this helps.
K.
If he is able to hold his head up, sit supported and can roll around from him back to belly and belly to back then he should be fine. All babies seem most comfortable on their tummies and anyone over the age of 20 or so was most likely put to sleep on their tummies as babies also. Repositioning him will probably only cause you and him to lose sleep. Do you have a baby monitor? They pick up every little noise so if you hear him tossing around and think that he's caught you can go in to check on him. My almost 9 month old flips on her belly when she's really good and asleep and has for the past almost three months. Breastfeeding is also going to help prevent SIDS, too. Just let him sleep and continue breastfeeding and he should be just fine.
I have 3 children, my youngest is 5 months old. When he was about 3 months, he would not sleep on his back anymore. He had a more restful sleep when he was on his stomach. I talked to my husband and said ultimately, I have to give those kinds of things over to the Lord's protection. I have come to realize that I can only do so much to protect any of my children. I only have a short time with my children and I have to give them to the Lord.
Like I said, I do all I can do, but if the Lord sees fit, my time is thru with them. A lot has happened for me to realize and trust the Lord more... my 3rd pregnancy, I miscarried with no reason as to why when I already had 2 normal, healthy pregnancies. Over a yr ago, visiting my inlaws, my 15 mo old girl pulled a cup of scalding hot tea on her legs, had 2nd degree burns, and had surgery. Thru those 2 things happening within 2 months of each other has really made me rely on the Lord's protection because no matter what I could have done, it was going to happen. Now, that does not mean the Lord was not there. Oh, did I see His mighty hand at work thru those things, but He is in control and when those things happen, am I going to turn to Him or away from Him.
I could go on and on about the Lord because He is so good. If you want to talk more about trusting Him with your children, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Blessings, J.
____@____.com
Don't worry, and you don't need to check and turn him all the time. My Dr. said the same thing - once they can roll just let them be. If it makes you feel any better, when we were little our parents were told to put us on our stomachs.
Hi,
I have the Angel monitor that has an alarm on it if there is no movement (breathing) in the bed for so many seconds. It's been my added protection when you're worried that they won't turn their head. They do get to an age where you put them on their back and they roll over. You can get the monitor at Babies R Us. I have had one with both of my kids and LOVE it. It's worth every penny! Hope this helps!
God Bless!
Just an FYI
Most of the research on Sids points to two things.
!. The Fire retardants and Plastic Chemicals found in most Baby Mattress's, use and Organic Mattress and you eliminate this issue.
2. Vaccinations, I read somewhere that Japan has stopped vaccinating kids younger then two and guess what No more SIDS and there is much research to support this, the period of 72 hours after a vaccine is given is the most scary because there are reported changes in the baby's breathing patterns that are an indicator that they are a risk for SIDS.
Look into these to issues you'll be amazed at what you learn.
H
W.,
Your child is past the age of high risk for SIDS. I have a 9-month old daughter and she slept on her tummy from day one. She always preferred her tummy and I believe babies feel more secure sleeping in that position because they are compact and it mimics their position in the womb. On their backs babies can startle easily and their limbs are in every direction. Try not to worry at this point, he's old enough to change positions and breathe well.
I would not worry as much about a 7 month old who turns himself over. I think, developmentally, he's probably safe now. Usually, the worry is about smaller infants who are unable to turn over and end up rebreathing air. Or at least, that's the prevalent thought right now, anyway.
I found this on a Babycenter page about SIDS:
Of course, by the time your baby is 5 or 6 months old, he may be able to roll over in both directions, making it a challenge to keep him on his back at night. At this age his risk for SIDS starts to drop, though, so just do your best to get him settled on his back, and then don't worry if he rolls over.
I have not read the other replies, but I smiled as I read your request. I was also in a panic when my daughter did this at 4 months. I lost sleep for a week worried about the situation and trying in vain to keep her on her back. Your child is fine and there is NOTHING you can do to keep him on his back. You will eventually get used to the new sleeping position. :)
Dear W.,
I wouldn't worry about it to much or lose sleep over it yourself! It sounds like your son is sleeping comfortably and happy and moving himself when his body needs it. My son, now 8 months old, has been moving into this position since he was 3 months old and sleeps much better this way as well:)
I have 2 other children 14 and 8 who also did this at about the same age; As long as he keeps showing you the signs of moving as he is when his body needs to....I say let him sleep :)
At 7 months he should be fine sleeping on his tummy. I had the same question with my son, except he was more like five months. My Ped said if he can roll over, he should be fine. But I would still stear clear of blankets, pillows and bumper pads. The do make a "breathable" bumper pad now that is very ugly, but works great.
At 7 months, the SIDS risk is pretty minimal. This doesn't mean that something absolutely can't happen, but it's not as likely. I'm a first time mom too and got worried when my daughter wanted to sleep on her belly. But, she's 19 months old now. :) Your son is very likely ok sleeping on his belly. However, call your doctor for his/her advice. He/she should be able to give you a definitive answer on the subject. Good luck, and get some sleep! You'll need it as he gets more and more mobile. lol
Hi W.,
Congrats on your first baby! I will recommend the Angel monitor to ease your worries. I want to point out some well researched facts on SIDS...
1. vaccinations- The amount of chemicals put into an infant can overload the nervous system and simply shut it down.
2. baby mattress- most are HIGHLY toxic! It is well worth the money to invest in an organic cotton one. At the very least, get an organic mattress cover!
3. Atlas subluxation (simply put, neck is out of order)- this is highly contributed to SIDS. This is the first bone in the neck, the one most impacted during delivery and the one most important for optimal oxygen flow.
Seeing a Chiropractor can correct any misalignments in your childs spine and help him grow healthy. For a 7month old, it is completly normal for him to be going from one position to the next, it would be unnatural and unsafe to try to restrict him from doing such. Please look into the points here and remember you do have a choice! Let me know if I can offer any advise! Best of luck!
Hi W.,
I have 3 children and once they were able to roll over. I just let them sleep the way they wanted to. My boys were side sleepers and my Daughter who is 2 started to sleep on her tummy at 6 months. I was just like you at first ,but I know she could move her head by herself and I was ok with that. I did make sure I had the monitor up so I could hear her sleeping or any noise she would make. I think your son will be ok sleeping like that. He is just trying to get comfortable. I hope this helps you ease your fear.
W., it sounds like you are a protective mom who wants answers so I will state my concerns. Several years ago, as a social worker I investigated SIDS deaths in day care homes and after all the investigations and my personal research, the only thing common to the several situations was that the day care parent was required to bleach the crib sheets. They were extremely "clean" day care homes and the children were not neglected or unprotected in any known way. The bleach question was asked because of my personal experience. My children both were born with respiratory problems and they could not breathe while sleeping on bleached crib sheets but could on those I used vinegar and lemon juice to sanitize. I learned much in those days about the toxic properties of bleach and have continued to be appalled at the number of advertisements that consider bleach to be healthy for us and the number of moms who use it around their children. It is a neurotoxin and is responsible for so many health problems in our country. I wish the medical profession would make the connection but the large corporations would be out of business. Do you know that some hospitals and nursing homes are no longer using bleach to sanitize and it reduces skin breakdown. Now I use a wholesale line of cleaners and laundry products from a company that will not harm children - never has, never will.
Good chiropractors will tell you that sleeping on your stomach with a pillow can cause spinal problems so don't do it as an adult. There is nothing wrong with sleeping on your stomach without a pillow if the mattress will support the body properly, but most of them won't.
Don't worry about your baby rolling over on his stomach. Worry about what you're exposing him to in the cleaners you use that he is breathing and absorbing through his skin. I don't mean to scare you more but bleach is scary - especially American manufacturers' fascination with it. Google "chlorine bleach dangers" and then decide for safety.
Hi W.! I see u have many responses already. Just wanted to say that my little girl is 11 months and has probably slept on her tummy since she was about 2 months old. I was scared for a while but she was strong and so much more comfortable that way. My sister n law has 3 kiddos and all of them slept on their tummys too. You are not alone!
