Belly to sleep for a newborn?

Priscilla Lynn - posted on 08/31/2012

My little girl is 3weeks and 5 days and I lay her on her back and the other morning I woke up to check on her and she scared me she was laying on her stomach so I just left her like that and woke up again an hour later and she was turned facing the window still on her belly! :) as long as u check on her she should be fine :)

Kirsty - posted on 08/14/2012

i wouldnt recommend as a a 2 week olds neck muscles arnt strong enough to move their head if say they moved positions and was face down x

Catherine - posted on 08/08/2012

My baby boy has been sleeping on his tummy eversince. Like you I was scared that it might not be a good idea but he was sleeping well in that position. We just made sure that there was nothing in his crib that would get him tangled or block his airway. Now that he can turn, he sleeps on his tummy, back even on his side.

Sonja - posted on 08/07/2012

newborns normally have periods of sleep apnea where they stop breathing for a few seconds. The startle reflex that they have is supposedly one way they restart on they're own. One thing I read is that possibly a cause for Sids is some sleep so deeply on their stomach that they might not restart breathing on their own. Not to scare you, babies have been sleeping on they're stomachs for generations before anyone knew better and turned out fine. it's just one theory. I used a wedge to prop them at an angle so they weren't flat but not completely on their side either. Once they can roll over risk goes down. Newborns are also comforted by your body heat.they spend 9 months in a 98.6 incubator. Make sure she is warm enough. It's may be hot outside but cool in the house with the air conditioner. Had that problem with my second. Born in the summer would cry in the house but promptly fall asleep as soon as I would take him outside in the heat to go somewhere. House was comfortable for us but he was cold.

Tory - posted on 08/07/2012

Sarah, I wouldn't worry too much about the tummy issue. I have 2 boys, 3yrs and 1yr, and they were exactly the same as your daughter. They feel more secure on their belly and as long as you are checking on her, she will be fine. I had a video monitor, but not a sensory one. I heard those are way too touchy and end up stressing the mom out more. If on the belly is the only way to get you and her more sleep, then that is the best. Honestly, I believe belly is the best if a newborn is going to spit up, it is better to have it be able to drain out of their mouth while on their bellies. Otherwise, it seems as though they would be more apt to choke on it if lying on their backs. Trust your motherly instinct and do what you feel is best. Oh and don't worry about telling your pediatrician the right answer about how she is sleeping. They have to tell you to follow the most recent study, but they know that people don't follow it. They won't turn you in because you have her sleeping on her belly.

Jenni - posted on 08/06/2012

My son is exactly the same and ended up sleeping on me or my husband for the first few weeks just so we could get some sleep as he would not settle on his back at all. Eventually we gave in as he is a big baby and put him on his tummy in his cot but we also bought a sensor mat (tommee tippee mat and monitor) so we know he's safe. He's slept beautifully since!! :)

Jessica - posted on 08/04/2012

the risk for SIDS is a problem for children and the belly vesus back is still a big controversy. It is recommended for side or back sleeping, once they are able to roll onto their stomach and roll back then it is safe for them to sleep on their stomachs. my son was the same way and i finally got some releif with him sleeping in a swing that had to run all night lol.

hope this helped,
jessica fenton, LPN

Mia Michelle - posted on 07/25/2012

My baby is the same way. at first I didnt feel comfortable putting him on his stomach, until he was one month old. He's four months now, and he knows how to flip over from his stomach to his back. I just make sure that theres nothing in his crib except a fitted sheet and put a blanket over him. Every baby is different.

Brittney - posted on 07/25/2012

I had Ruby on her side a lot because she wouldn't sleep on her back, by the time she was 4 months old and rolling around, she would roll to her tummy anyway, I would lay her on her back to sleep and she would roll to her tummy. I say try putting her on her side and see if that helps otherwise I don't recommend letting her sleep alone while on her tummy.