Let him sleep on his tummy?

Hannah - posted on 04/20/2009

yes i agree with stephani if he can roll over i dont see anywrong with letting sleep that way i used to rap my little ones up nice and secure so it felt like i was cuddleing them and roll up 2 lttle blankets on either side he mite feel better if u prop up his mattress or moses basket as well because he will be a bit raised while hes lyin on you or ur partner just try a few diffrent things you will know wen u find the bast 1 he will be fine x

Dina - posted on 04/20/2009

Both my kids slept on thier belly's from the day I brought them home...My kids would never fall asleep on their back. So to help baby and all others in the house get as much needed sleep as possible, Allow your little one to be as comfortable as he can be Let him sleep on his belly..He will be fine...It's how our Mother's and their Mother's put us all to sleep!!!

Tanya - posted on 04/20/2009

Quoting Cherryl:

Wow! I thought we were trying to help someone out on this site, not act like my cildren!

I agree.  It would be lovely to express an opinion to the asking mother along with everyone else without it turning into some kind of warped competition.

Gretchen - posted on 04/20/2009

My son has slept on his tummy since he was born! When he was in the NICU they had him on his tummy because he could breath better, he never has slept on his back and he turned 2 yesterday!

Gretchen - posted on 04/20/2009

My son has slept on his tummy since he was born! When he was in the NICU they had him on his tummy because he could breath better, he never has slept on his back and he turned 2 yesterday!

Lori - posted on 04/20/2009

I know you had many post like 100 or so... but my vote is let him sleep on his belly! my DD has slept on her belly since we brought her home! @ 3 weeks. she was 2.5 lbs when born!



shes now 21 mths and doing fine. she rolls over now most of the time on her own if she wants.

Jayme - posted on 04/18/2009

We spent 7 weeks of screaming all night long with no sleep to learn that our son had to sleep on his tummy. He would fall asleep on me but I had the same problem, I'd lay him down and he would wake up screaming within a minute. One day we flipped him on his tummy and he slept through the night, as did we. If you're really worried about it, you could buy a monitor like the Angel Care monitor for comfort.

Sandra - posted on 04/18/2009

I had the same problem with my little boy and I was really worried about it too however I gave in and let him sleep on his tummy and he never had a problem. So I would say let him just keep an eye on him more closely.

Cherryl - posted on 04/18/2009

Wow! I thought we were trying to help someone out on this site, not act like my cildren!

Mother - posted on 04/18/2009

Quoting Raya:

How did all our kids survive sleeping on thier tummies for all those years...I am 54 and that was the way we were told to handle our babies..we have become an over protected society..caution is good..to a point!

AMEN SISTER!!!!

Mother - posted on 04/18/2009

Quoting Tanya:

Quoting Kelly:

Quoting Tanya:

Quoting Kelly:

Oh pish posh....Mothers were told to place babies on there tummies so it stands to reason all SIDS babies would be on their tummys. Thats like saying all car accidents are caused by seat belts.

IMO.....vaccines are the culprit to SIDS

Kelly, according to your logic all babies who die from SIDS have been vaccinated, also not true.  I lost a nephew to SIDS before he had ANY vaccinations.  I did not say that back sleeping CAUSED SIDS, I said they have been linked.  Just as second hand smoke has been linked, or are you pro for smokers taking no heed of that too? Pish posh someone else, no one needs to be condesending here.

Actually Tanya I never said anything about vaccinations being a SOLE cause of anything. AND i think its funny that you actually didn't use the example I did but went right for my opinion comment. The example I used was seat beats....NOT VACCINATIONS. I also was not pish poshing BACK sleeping but rather the tummy sleeping idea because years ago that was customary. So once again this stands to reason that almost ALL babies were put on their tummies unless they didn't like it. Back to the vaccination comment...it was a side note. Stating what I thought the major culprit was vaccinations and was not even part of my example. Sooooo....who is really being condescending here?? Me pish poshing a MYTH or you who zeros in on a personal opinion comment and then compares it to anhorable behaviour like smoking around children?? I hope the view from your high horse is lovely...

Actually Kelly, what you said was, and I quote you directly, "vaccines are the culprit to SIDS", which means you think they are the cause.  Maybe if you'd like to be clear, next time you will leave out the side notes.  The comparison I made was not to smoking around babies, but rather the notion of disregarding scientific links to SIDS, the "myths" that you refered to.  I was simply offering the information I had, and did not require your "pish-poshing".  The view from your high horse seems to be just as good as mine.

I know what I said. And if you notice it was set apart from the original conversation and stated it was my opinion....separate from the conversation at hand. I don't know how much clearer you would like it.  *shakes head*....my pish posh was to the MYTH not you personally but if you'd like to manipulate it as such be my guest.

Jesselyn - posted on 04/18/2009

My son was the exact same way. I couldn't lay him down to sleep ever on his back, when he wouldn't awaken after 5 min of being laid down. If he can lift his head and you can keep an eye on him, I would suggest allowing him to sleep on his stomach. And like my mom and grandma told me, that's how we all used to sleep when we were babies. :-)

Valerie - posted on 04/18/2009

I have three children and they all slept on their tummies from day one. They never liked their backs...and the my whole opinion of the back or tummy, is a parents choice. First it was okay for babies to fall asleep on their tummies and now it's not? There are risks to everything in life. You should just use your best judgment.

Schollin - posted on 04/18/2009

I wouldnt let him until he can roll.

Pam - posted on 04/18/2009

My son only slept on his back for first 3 days of his life and then, same as yours, woke crying and and startled. He has slept on his tummy ever since. My health visitor told me that if thats the way he sleeps, let him! Hasnt done him any harm either. He has been sleeping through the night since he was 11 weeks old and is now 3 1/2!

Raya - posted on 04/18/2009

How did all our kids survive sleeping on thier tummies for all those years...I am 54 and that was the way we were told to handle our babies..we have become an over protected society..caution is good..to a point!

Gail - posted on 04/18/2009

I wouldn`t ever let my baby sleep on their tummy at this age, I hope though the baby doesn`t have a pillow. What happens if the baby vomits. When baby sleeps on their backs, you will notice they automatically face to their side naturally. There has been alot of research on this and it really makes sense. If anything happens you can`t bring them back so err on the side of caution.

Jael - posted on 04/17/2009

As long as he respones to his face being covered then he will be ok. My son from day one slept on his tummy but always turned his head to the side.

Cherryl - posted on 04/17/2009

I am a mother of six, and they all slept on their tummies. They would always startle themselves when they were on their back. I wouldn't want to tell you to keep him on his tummy and then something happen, but I just wanted to let you know all mine slept that way since they were born and my youngest just turned one. I used to have stuffed animals and blankets in cribs for my older kids, but for my youngest, I hardly use a blanket, and I removed the bumper pads when he could start moving.

TiJuana - posted on 04/17/2009

My son has been sleeping on his stomach since he was about 3 weeks old. Whenever I would lay him on his back, he only slept for a very short period. I guess he didn't like it. He hasn't had any health problems or anything and my doctor said that it was ok.

Sarah - posted on 04/17/2009

My son, Joseph, was the exact same way. We let him sleep on his tummy and have been for almost 4 months. He's absolutely fine. Anyway, when I was a baby they said to put babies on their tummies. They constantly change their recommendations so I think you should do whatever is best and most comfortable for your child.

Karon - posted on 04/17/2009

hi, ryan slept on his tummy from birth. he had an operation on his back when he was a day old so had to sleep on his tummy untill the stitches cameout 2 weeks later, by that time he was used to it and always slept like that with no problems

May - posted on 04/17/2009

My son has been sleeping on his tummy since he was 12 weeks old. He's 32 weeks old now and it's the only way he will sleep. We were OK with it since he sucks on a pacifier.

Lynn - posted on 04/17/2009

as a mother of three, and the daughter of a midwife, if your child is able to roll themself over it is better to leave the child to sleep in which ever position it is most comfortable.

Brandy - posted on 04/17/2009

I believe that if that's the way they feel most comfortable then go for it.my 3 1/2 yr old wouldn't sleep on his back but everyone said not to put him on his belly, so he ended up sleeping with us cuz if he didn't then I wouldn't get any sleep. my 2 1/2 yr old wouldn't sleep on her back either but as soon as I tryed to lay her on her belly she slept all night. and my 9 month old is the exact same.

Ana - posted on 04/17/2009

My four kids slept on their tummy as soon as they could lift their heads. Make sure nothing is in the crib.

Adrienne - posted on 04/17/2009

My 6 month old has been sleeping on her belly since she came home from the hospital. I also have a 10 year old who also slept on her belly. I think each child is different. Both my kids are more comfortable on their bellies and they sleep better. You know your child best.

Heather - posted on 04/17/2009

Everyone now has been scared into making there child sleep on their backs because of SIDS but back when we were all infants...you can ask any one of our parents how they let us sleep...and I bet you anything a majority of them will say "I let you sleep on your tummy" And because we are scared into back sleeping, children are now getting "plagiocephaly" which is flat head. (which my son has now because he ONLY slept on his back for the first month of his life) Now he sleeps on his side and tummy. If your baby isn't able to keep his head up or isnt able to move it very well...I'd keep a closer eye on him. Other than that....the more tummy time the better :)

Vikie - posted on 04/17/2009

My son was an early roller, so I let him sleep on his tummy as soon as he was able to roll by himself. It's a personal preference, but as long as there are no pillows or stuffed animals in the crib with him, I say it would be fine.

Natalie - posted on 04/17/2009

My daughter is and was the same way. Since day 1 she slept on her stomach. When she was in the hospital after I had her, I would put her on her side but she would somehow manage to go on her stomach, the nurses were shocked. but we still put her on her stomach at night and she is almost 9 months now. But she's been a roller and a mover since day one.

Tracy - posted on 04/17/2009

The professionals said it was a no-no with my 1st but it was fine with my 2nd, go figure!! My daughter was uncomfortable on her tum but my son loved it. If they put themselves on the tum I don't think it's a problem really they are obviously comfy like that.

Sindy - posted on 04/17/2009

my daughter has slept on her tummy since she was 4 months I put her on her back in the cot and she rolls over onto her tummy.

Viv - posted on 04/17/2009

No not on back.Put him on his side and alternate the sides every night.It helps at that age to wrap him so he feels secure.

If you do decide to still go ahead with putting on tummy the mattress should be very firm and have NO softeness so the baby's face gets into the mattress & definitely no pillow!

Melanie - posted on 04/17/2009

my daughter has always slept on her tummy since she was born.
she is nearly 2 and still sleeps on her tummy she slept better as baby on her tummy.
its a personal choice as long as you check them and they are ok i dont see the problem with it xx

Tabi - posted on 04/17/2009

i was really scared when i knew my little boy wanted to sleep on his tummy as all these recommendations of babies must sleep on there backs.. i do understand why this is the case but my little man just wont have it so eventually i gave into him as he wasn't sleeping well neither was i.. and we were just banging our heads and not enjoying ourselves.. once he slept a few nights on his tummy he was so much happier! its upto you at the end of the day. we can only advise you xx all the best xx

Stacy - posted on 04/16/2009

I have an 11yr old, a 2 yr old and an 8 mo old...all girlys..they have all slept on there tummies AND..slept allll night after 2 mo old...I was up all night checking on them, but they were fine and slept so kozy and compfy... now back when my 11 yr old was a baby, sleeping on their tummies was the recommendation...so i stuck with what worked and seemed more practicle (to me)

Melissa - posted on 04/16/2009

Quoting Lindsay:

Let him sleep on his tummy?

My 15 week old son falls asleep on his tummy with my husband or I... when we try to lay him down in bed on his back he startles awake and cries until he is picked up again on his tummy. He can definitely pick his head up enoughto look around and change the direction he is facing... do I let him sleep on his tummy and sleep thru the night or do I force him on his back??

Please dont take advice from whether to or not because you have to live with this if there is a health nurse / pediatrician you could speak to because this is so important please go to them I did and they provided me with this information it looks like two cylender very soft but solid and velcro strapping along the bottm you you can change the size. you put this at there but is what I was told so they cant roll over until they are stronger and so they also cant suffocated I was told to do this ant to do that none of it helped. Going to my pediatrician did. Good luck

Amanda - posted on 04/16/2009

is there a reason he likes the tummy? perhaps abdominal pain? the thing is that babies who are at higher risk for sids should not sleep on the tummy, does your child fall into that catagory? in canada we have a back to sleep campaign. We are advised to put baby on his back to sleep

Jaclyn - posted on 04/16/2009

My 1 1/2 year old daughter has been a tummy baby since day 1. I was very nervous at first to let her sleep on her tummy. During nap times or times she was sleeping while I was awake, I would monitor her. She has slept with me her whole life and I allowed her to sleep on her tummy just because she would sleep longer and more comfortably and that was my main concern. In the end though, it's up to you really. You know your son better than anybody.

Tanya - posted on 04/16/2009

Quoting Kelly:

Quoting Tanya:

Quoting Kelly:

Oh pish posh....Mothers were told to place babies on there tummies so it stands to reason all SIDS babies would be on their tummys. Thats like saying all car accidents are caused by seat belts.

IMO.....vaccines are the culprit to SIDS

 

Kelly, according to your logic all babies who die from SIDS have been vaccinated, also not true.  I lost a nephew to SIDS before he had ANY vaccinations.  I did not say that back sleeping CAUSED SIDS, I said they have been linked.  Just as second hand smoke has been linked, or are you pro for smokers taking no heed of that too? Pish posh someone else, no one needs to be condesending here.

Actually Tanya I never said anything about vaccinations being a SOLE cause of anything. AND i think its funny that you actually didn't use the example I did but went right for my opinion comment. The example I used was seat beats....NOT VACCINATIONS. I also was not pish poshing BACK sleeping but rather the tummy sleeping idea because years ago that was customary. So once again this stands to reason that almost ALL babies were put on their tummies unless they didn't like it. Back to the vaccination comment...it was a side note. Stating what I thought the major culprit was vaccinations and was not even part of my example. Sooooo....who is really being condescending here?? Me pish poshing a MYTH or you who zeros in on a personal opinion comment and then compares it to anhorable behaviour like smoking around children?? I hope the view from your high horse is lovely...

Actually Kelly, what you said was, and I quote you directly, "vaccines are the culprit to SIDS", which means you think they are the cause.  Maybe if you'd like to be clear, next time you will leave out the side notes.  The comparison I made was not to smoking around babies, but rather the notion of disregarding scientific links to SIDS, the "myths" that you refered to.  I was simply offering the information I had, and did not require your "pish-poshing".  The view from your high horse seems to be just as good as mine.

Nicki - posted on 04/16/2009

Only allow them to sleep on their belly when you are awake and watching. It's only ok when they are able to roll back and forth... you won't be able to keep him on his back then. The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly discourage belly sleeping!!! I work with pediatricians who literally flip out if they see their pt sleeping like that in the hospital. You here all the time "my baby sleeps on her belly and she's fine"... well sadly on the flip side, what about that one time the other mommy let her baby sleep like that and the baby never woke back up. You'll never hear "oh that one time my baby started to get SIDS". The baby is either fine or he/she died from SIDS... not worth that chance at all!!!

Karen - posted on 04/16/2009

ring karatani

Rebekah - posted on 04/16/2009

I've put both my girls down on their sides since birth. Happy medium;) I also co-sleep though so any stress of how my girls are sleeping is seized with one raise of an eyelid. Swaddling, sleepsacks (Halo makes swaddle ones for newborns) worked well with me i the beginning. I think the back is best method is best in the long run yes. But when a baby turns on their own I believe it's because that's what he/she prefers at that stage and therefore is ok to do so. From what I understand the back is best campaign was to train parents to PUT their baby to sleep on their backs....not monitor their sleeping pattern after the fact.

and OMG on the angel monitor....I think that would make me even more paranoid.

TMI! ;)

Laura - posted on 04/16/2009

My daughter would only sleep on her tummy since she was born, she always had good head control and would turn her head so I just let her sleep on her tummy.

Nicole - posted on 04/16/2009

My son is now 7 months and 2 weeks old. Hes been sleepin on his back since he was able to roll. That is how he is comfortble so that's how I let him sleep. He knows what makes him comfty so why force him to change?

Zengirl4 - posted on 04/16/2009

Hey there... my third boy blatantly refused to sleep on his back from when he was born. We tried wrapping him, placing him on his side, everything that is recommended to reduce the chances of Sids, but unless he was on his tummy with his bum in the air... he wouldn't sleep. I think some babies just love to sleep that way. I fully believe that we have become a generation of scardy cats and no longer trust our mothers instincts.

Ellen - posted on 04/16/2009

My son slept on his tummy from the time we brought him home as an infant. He broke his collar bone during the birth and would scream if we tried to lay him on his back because the shoulder would drop. It worked for us, but I know it doesn't for everyone.

Stacy - posted on 04/16/2009

It's always a controversial question. My daughter did fine on her back, but my son was and still is, a belly sleeper. I invested in a motion sensitive crib moniter (if they stop breathing, an alarm goes off), and he did fine. He had reflux and would spit up a lot, and I always worried about placing him on his back. I was afraid he would choke on the spit up, so I definitely didn't have a problem with him preferring to sleep on his tummy! The moniter really helped ease my mind though.

Simone - posted on 04/16/2009

what do u do at the moment? uve got this far. my son is the same but swaddling him stops him wakin up and the startle reflex is ment to go away around 4 months...

Kylie - posted on 04/16/2009

Quoting Rebecca:

my daughter was 7 weeks premie and she couldnt sleep any other way. she always slept on her stomach... if your uncomfortable with that try on his side. my friends daughter wont sleep on her back either and she does sleep on her side. i feel as if there fine to sleep on there stomachs... i've never had issues and my daugther is now 3

My eldest daughter was also 7 weeks early and would love to sleep on her stomach, especially when she was younger. My youngest, who is now 10 weeks favours his side. My other daughter would sleep all different ways as she was quite restless and I would try all different things to get her to settle

I know I rarely like to sleep on my back so I don't try to force them into sleeping how they are not comfortable to. As long as whichever way they sleep you are careful not to have anything unsafe around them they should be fine.