Sleeping from Back to Tummy

If she is rolling over and can hold her head up good i don't see a problem w/it... No more than her sleeping in the bed w/you... The reason i say this is b/c of all the deaths of infants recently from co-sleeping that has been on the new here in sc. If you can get some sleep w/her sleeping on her tummy then let her.

I always thought once they can roll over it doesnt matter they will get comfy in their sleep anyway...

My little one is 6 weeks and sleeps all night- on her tummy. otherwise she is up and frustrated. Her neck is strong and I watch her pick it up and move her head to the other side. Also she sleeps with me so I always feel better having her with me whether she is on her back, side, or tummy. I wish I would have done it with my older son.

M.,

It's been a while for me so I did some research. I found this url: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/17406.php. It had this to say about it: The findings also indicate that good head-lifting ability while lying prone may not be sufficient to protect a baby from SIDS. "Many parents think that if a baby can lift its head, he or she is okay to sleep prone, but that is a false assurance," Thach says. "Parents and other caregivers should never place an infant in the prone position until he or she shows the ability to spontaneously turn all the way over. Back-sleeping should continue to be strongly encouraged to protect against SIDS."

At 4 months, I wouldn't personally allow my child to sleep on his/her stomach. I'd be too worried. I would go to this website. It had some good information.

Hope this helps.

Best regards,
L. R.

Hi M.,

I think that you need to do what is comfortable for you and go with your intuition. As mothers, I believe that we intuitively know what to do and should just trust our own judgement (within reason, of course).

When my son was 1 week old he almost choked to death on his own vomit (he had terrible reflux) because he was sleeping on his back and could not roll over or even turn his head to get it out. I really struggled with the back vs. tummy sleeping and finally, at 8 weeks just threw caution to the wind and put him on his tummy. He has slept through the night ever since. That was 2 1/2 years ago.

Also, we purchased the AngelCare sensor for under his mattress. It makes a clicking noise as long as the baby is breathing or moving. If there is no movement for 20 seconds an alarm sounds. It was the best purchase we have ever made. You will sleep because the beeping lets you know everything is ok. We found it on the Internet for $55 and it was worth every single penny.

Best wishes! A.

Our paper had an article about that yesterday. One of the things it talked about was listening to family about old habits of raising babies. I had a friend who at 21 lost her little girl at 4 mos. of age because she put her to sleep in an adult bed. She turned over on her belly and sufficated. It is a tragedy that I want every mother to be spared. You have to protect your daughter. Keep her safe. Keep her out of your bed. Keep her Alive. Please read this article and do your own research. But if your not sure about something Don't do it. Your babies life is at risk.

http://www.indexjournal.com/articles/2008/04/10/news/news...

my 6 mo old daughter would only sleep on her tummy and she has been fine, my mother told me I was the same way. Go with your gut, I don't know if you believe in God, but my theory is if God wants to take her, sleeping on her tummy isn't going to stop it from happening. and SIDS is still such a mystery that they have no idea what causes it, so I ask how do they know what doesn't? They are always finding out differnt things, in 5 or 10 years it will be something different, but I would definitely only allow in the safety of her crib. and just a suggestion, cause all moms are different, I gave my daughter chamomille tea w/spearmint at 2 months old (just and ounce or two) and she sleeps alot better with that every night (usually give it to her around 6 pm) so that may help your dd relax more. good luck!

Girl, put that baby on her tummy!! All 3 of mine slept safe and soundly on their tummies. When i look back this is what the "professional" have told me:
When my 14 year old was born the dr.s told me to put him on his tummy,
then when my 8 year old was born they said put him on his side,
and now when my 1 year old was born it was put them on their back.
I went against dr's advice and put them on their tummies anyways. I'm sorry but since they can't make up their minds, we'll have to do it for them.
When an infant is brand new they don't know to move their heads to the side when they spit up which causes choking. But since your baby is able to hold up her head if she were to have a problem she'd just pick it up. So don't worry, feel safe that your baby is probably getting the best sleep ever on her tummy!
btw: get her out of your bed!! that's a habit you don't ever wanna start!!

OK I am reply number 20, so I am not sure if you'll make it to me or not, but it's worth it right? So, both of my children (ages 6 and 2) were tummy sleepers. If you watch any of those shows on TLC or Discovery they show the babies in the NICU on their tummies. We probably slept on our tummies when we were little. They have had additional research lately that shows SIDS is more genetic than tummy related anyway. I think it's safer for her to sleep on her tummy in HER bed than in your bed.
You'll sleep better too! If she takes a paci than that helps give her an air pocket. Let her sleep how she wants and is more comfy, how comfy is sleeping on your back anyway? Good luck! And get some good sleep tonight!

I would speak to your dr about this before doing anything. When someones says "she SHOULD be ok" that is scary. I know it stinks to have an unhappy baby, but there is a reason dr's say don't put a baby on it's stomach. It's much easier on you to put your baby on it's stomach because they are more content and don't cry, but the risk you take in doing that is huge. You have to remember, dr's didn't know what they know now when you and your brother were babies. I'm sure you don't want to disappoint or go against what your mother thinks is best, but YOU are the mother now and YOU need to do what YOUR dr says is the safest way to do things TODAY. Trust your dr please. By the way, my daughter slept in her bouncy chair for the first 4 months of her life. Then she was moved to her crib in her own room. It was tough, she did cry but it was worth it, she fussed for a few minutes (no more than 10) and fell asleep on her back. I've never had a problem since. I would also say be careful about having her sleep in bed with you. You would never think that you could fall into a deep sleep and roll over on her, but it's happened many times. Get a co-sleeper that attaches to your side of the bed, it's so much safer. My friend's husband made that mistake and thank God, my friend walked in and screamed and her son is OK. Please be careful. Listen and trustyour dr above all else including your mother and all of us on this site.

Babies R Us carries something called an Angel Care Monitor. You place something that looks like a cross between a cutting board and a clip board under the crib mattress. It is wired to the monitor, and if it doesn't detect breathing type movements it sounds an alarm after 15 seconds. Generally the alarm startles the baby into breathing again, but I've actually had to go into the nursery and gently nudge my 5 mo old on 2 occasions so far. Who knows if it was really SIDS or not, but I LOVE that monitor. It costs about $100 and you have to read the directions VERY carefully so that you don't get false results, but it has been worth every penny for my peace of mind. Especially when she started rolling onto her tummy! $100 is a lot to spend, but you can also buy them at "the sales" that are around the metro area for baby and child products. I purchased mine (unused) for $25. Here's the link to the listing for the consignment sales: http://www.kidsconsignmentsales.com/ga.htm

Just because grandma did it with you is not really a good reason to go against doctor's advice, for everything. However, that being said., both of my boys were tummy sleepers. They just slept so much sounder. It is a major taboo topic, but once you tell a group of moms that is what you do, you hear many of them speak up that they too have tummy sleepers. Even if she is on her back, the worry of sids is never far from your mind.

My 3 1/2 mo. old grandson has been sleeping through the night since he was 2 1/2 mo. old ON HIS STOMACH. He won't sleep any other way. He hates being on his side and won't stay asleep on his back. We check him often. He is very strong holding his head and upper body up and won't "sit back" in a swing or bouncy seat. he likes being in a sitting position, looking around at everything. He hates to be confined in his carseat. That is an issue for another day, though. I raised 4 children all sleeping soundly on their stomachs. This can't be all bad!
Everyone has their own rhythm for falling asleep. This may be hers. As far as your mom bucking the pediatrician, I can understand that completely. You and your mom see your baby on a daily basis. The doctor sees them for 5 minutes for shots or sick visits. If they aren't sick, they see them even less. How do they KNOW what is best for your child. Go with your gut feeling on things that concern your child. Mother knows best where baby is concerned. You can read up on child development on the Internet or through books, again, take things in stride, as they don't know your child, either.
I am a veteran preschool teacher and watch the development of the children in my class as a base. If one child sticks out with a certain behavior, it is a red flag to me and I watch that closely, speaking to the parent. Just remember that you know your child better than anyone. Take confidence in that alone.
Good luck,
Cathy

when they can roll over , they are fine to sleep on their tummy's , mine slept on tummys from prob about 5 weeks old.
relax and let her sleep how she wants to. several yrs (when we were babies) ago they said it was tummy to sleep then it was side now it's back and it will be back with their feet proped up next or some crazy thing like that.

I know that it is not advised by the Dr. but I did but my daughter on her belly to sleep too because that was the only way she would sleep. I started for just naps because she slept on her back at night fine then I would put her on her belly at night and roll her over when I went to bed. Then eventually she would just roll right back on her belly. I know several Moms that have done this. I mean it isn't going to promise you anything reguarding avoiding SIDS but maybe that will make you feel better. I know you are young and probably rely on you moms advice for alot of parental things but my advice to you is to read up on modern day parenting and listen to the dr. alot. I know your mom did things differently with you and your bro but things have changed ALOT since then. They have new medical standards because they have discovered new things..for ex. giving them peanut butter too early can cause them to have an allergy...and so on. I was 24 when I had my daughter (married so I had support) but I did my own research and had my own convictions about parenting. Follow your instincts! You know what is best for your child! Keep doing a great job.

Hi M.,
I wouldn't worry too much about this one. If she's doing it on her own, theres no stopping her:) My daughter did the same thing at 4 months and I was worried too. It's only natural and your concern means your a good mommy! I also had an Angelcare monitor and would absoluty agree that it was a great purchase! It really does give you more piece of mind so It wouldn't hurt. SIDS have been linked to immunizations and some toxins from synthetic mattresses. I got an organic mattresss when I learned about that one. It has worked wonderfully. Best of luck!
Jamie

After 2 grown kids, and 5 grands, i wonder myself how they ever survived the debate on how a child should sleep.

I think the fear of the tummy sleeper is in case they spit up. No one knows what causes SIDs although a chiropractor i know has a theory.

The latest I heard was having a baby sleep on her side. That way there wouldn't be the concern of the spitting up. What do you think?

Hi M.,

To be honest, my husband and I also went against the current wisdom. At 4 weeks, our son was having a hard time getting to sleep, and when we put him on his stomach, he went to sleep quite happily. We decided to go with what the baby's body seemed to want. His little sister also slept better on her stomach. Both of them have made it out of baby-hood and into toddler/child-hood. Incidentally, our pediatrician was supportive; try asking yours what he/ she thinks. Good luck. A.

Hi M., I have 3 children 16 yrs, 13yrs, and my little surprise is 20 mths. When I had my first 2 they always slept on the tummy since the day they were born. They were both fine. Like you, with my 20 mth I was very nervous about putting her on her tummy. I would wake up in the morning to find that my husband had laid her on her tummy after he fed her during the night. I would freak. Try not to go crazy over this. I remember someone telling me that if a baby can roll over on their own, its fine. If it will make you feel better let her fall a sleep on her tummy and roll her over on her back. (I've done it). Soon she will be rolling all over the place.

Good Luck!
S.

Do what *you* feel is okay. If you have a good feeling about, go for it! I started putting all of my children on their sides....never their backs because they just don't sleep well. If I had a bad feeling about it, then I would not do it. Then they went to their tummies. They all turned out fine. Babies just sleep better on their tummies. BUT, you need to feel good about it in order to do it.

As far as the baby sleeping in your bed....there is nothing wrong with that either. Family beds are increasing more and more with healthy babies. My now 2yo daughter slept in our bed for the first 2 years of her life, now she is in a twin bed. I'm not a heavy sleeper though...I know at all times where my children are at.

You can get a co-sleeper that attaches to your bed and have your baby sleep with you. I never did that...my 4th child slept with us in our bed. My first two did not because they didn't need mommy so much as my last one...they slept in their crib. Do what works for *your* family.

That's so touchy -- theoretically, the ability to roll over should justify the tummy sleeping. But, this isn't really about rolling over to get a breath. I don't think it's even proven yet WHAT it's all about -- is it that the lungs are compressed just a little bit by lying on the belly? or that the neck is twisted that much further? or the face so close to the mattress? That they essentially, suffocate of CO2? Is it that their little bodies "forget" to keep breathing and somehow tummy sleep inhibits the "remembering"?

As much of a pain as it is, it's so much better to be safe than sorry. I would deal with the work and lack of sleep involved in retraining your daughter to sleep well on her back. That said, if you put her on her back and she then rolls to her tummy, I wouldn't freak maybe quite as much...

Talk her pediatrician. Check out google. 'Tis far better to have a crying child than another SIDS victim, in my book. I would choose to err on the side of caution. Still, there is so much to know and I'm aware that I don't it all.

Good luck to you!

P.S. found this:
http://www.healthychildcare.org/pdf/SIDSparentsafesleep.pdf

Hi M.,

I am a thirty year old mom of a fourteen month old and I was very nervous about her sleeping on her tummy as well. I think the best advice I can give you is to go with your instints. I didn't put my daughter on her tummy to sleep until she started rolling over during the night onto her tummy anyway. Even then, I was still nervous but if she rolls over from back to tummy there isn't much you can do about it unless you're going to be up all night checking on her. Her doctor said it was fine and not to roll her back onto her back when that happens. As for your mom, you have to do what you feel is best. Opinions of the medical community have changed since you and I were babies and some things are done differently. I'd tend to go with what the doctor says even though I definitly value my mom's advice and opinions. Hope this helps!

Hi M.,
I know how you are feeling. I have a 4 1/2 month old that one day decided he wanted to sleep on his stomach. I always put him down on his back, but he rolls right onto his stomach. Recently I asked my Dr. and she said that at his age he is not at high risk for SIDs anymore. She also said that the baby was okay to sleep on his stomach now if that is what he prefers. I still worry with him on his stomach, so I find myself checking on him more often.
I hope this helps! Take care!

Because of hospital regulations, I have had to take the newborn CPR class with each of our 5 children (they were in intensive care, fine now). One of the big points they discuss is that babies should always, always, always sleep on their backs. I know there are theories and traditions, but statistically, the back is the safest. They even have a campaign called "Back to Sleep." The instructor told us that one of the biggest problems with sleeping and SIDS is when a baby that usually sleeps on his/her back goes to grandma's house and gets put on the tummy. It's not worth risking Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, no matter how slim the chances.

I agree with a previous poster that if they can roll over, they can sleep on their tummies. My son started rolling to his tummy to sleep at 8 weeks old. Our pedi. told us to flip him over, but as soon as we did, he'd flip right back to his tummy. So, we just left him that way. My pedi. didn't like it, but otherwise we would have been by his crib constantly flipping him over.

You know... my biggest worry was SIDS! I always worried about my little ones being too warm. My first went through allot during his first month of life. He was transported to a children's hospital with a rare blood disorder that eventually outgrew him as he turned a year old. The point of the story is this... when he was in the hospital, the nurses would let him sleep on his tummy. Some little ones lay a certain way while they are in you and that is what they want when they're out. When I brought him home, he would not sleep well on his back and forget about putting him on his side. "They" are always changing the "right" way to let your baby sleep. Both of my children liked having a pillow to sleep on and so many freaked about that. I've seen friends that would put a little blanket that was rolled up under the baby. It gave them the feeling they were laying on their mommy. I'm not saying yes, it is totally safe but if you're smart about it it's okay. Make sure there's no pillow, blanket or stuff animal that can get on their heads. I'm assuming that if she know how to roll over that she's pretty good at lifting her head up when she's on her tummy. Make sure there isn't any loose blankets around her face that she can bunch up or accidentally push into her mouth. In a couple of years, they'll go back to "you should put your baby on it's side" again. I wouldn't advise it if she's in your bed. We never let our kids sleep in our bed and if it was a really bad night, I would go lay on the couch with them on their tummys on my chest. Be safe and be smart. I had one of "those" mothers. Do what you think feels right for you and your baby.

I will tell you that if you let her sleep like that you may want to get up in the middle of the night and make sure she is ok. I don't really know if its a good idea because doctor say that sid came happen until the child is a year old. I would consorted the doctor and see what she or he says about the situations. Pray and see if you don't get an answer from God.

When my children were babies (they are now 17 and 18), the rule was (from pediatriacians, etc) that you put babies on their stomach to sleep. Then the rule changed to putting them on their backs to sleep. As I said, my boys are now 17 and 18 so they survived and they both had colic. One of mine slept with me because he too would wake up many times in the night and I was working full-time, pregnant again shortly after my oldest was born (they are 13 months apart), and in an extremely difficult marriage. I had to sleep so I put him the bed with me when he woke up the first time. I didn't adhere to the "let them cry it out" belief and both of mine are well and happy. I will tell you (I am 51 now) that you need to do whatever YOU need to do and not worry about what others tell you--it is not their child or their situation. If you and your husband are in agreement, then do what's best for your family. Shortly after my second son was born, I divorced their father and moved into an apartment--they slept in their cribs and once they could get out of their cribs on their own, if they came and got in the bed with me, I let them. I repeat--they are fine boys--so you do what you need to do and don't feel guilty about it. You only have a little while for them to be babies--they grow up so fast and then you have to let them go which is the hardest part of motherhood so enjoy them while they are little. It is a precious time. God bless.

You could try one of the monitor systems that sounds an alarm if the baby should stop breathing. I used to put my son in a side sleeper, but he would roll to his tummy all the time and I was so worried that I spent the extra money for one. It has a sensor pad that goes under the mattress and connects to a monitor. The one I used was "Angel Care" by BebeSounds. It was about $100 from Babies-R-Us when I bought it 5 years ago, but the peace of mind was well worth it!

I was doubtful that it would work at first, but it really does. The first time I took him out of the crib and forgot to turn the sensor off the alarm sounded shortly after, so I know for a fact that it works.

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Best of luck to you and your family!

L.

I know that in the 70's and 80's they wanted parents to place children on their stomaches to sleep. This was due to the belief that if they spit up it would come out of their mouths easier, but after countless and senseless deaths from aspiration of the fluid the rules were changed. Now it is recommended to put infants to sleep on their backs, because if they do spit up it is propelled out and they can not suck it back into their lungs. Since sleep position recommendations have changed the number of SID's deaths has decreased by over 85% in the US. If I were you I would do the research, consult your child's Ped. and listen to your heart. As a mother I know that if I have a gut feeling something is not right, no matter who tells me it will be fine, it normally is not right. I know you will do the right thing. Good luck!
M.
Mother of two wonderful boys ages 9 and 4.

Both my kids slept on their tummies. When we were little our parents were told it was safer for us to sleep on our tummies. I just made sure that there wasn't a lot of blankets in the crib.