Is it bad that my 4mo. old sleeps on his stomach?

Melissa - posted on 06/19/2010

My son is the same, I think he prefers his tummy. I let him stay like that if he does it himself. He has excellent head control while on his tummy so I'm not worried.

Nichole - posted on 06/19/2010

The doctors say we shouldnt let them do it, but my sons therapist said that they have to say it cause yes sometimes it does cause something (i forgot the names) but my son has been sleeping on his tummy ever since he was born. He slept on his tummy on my tummy till he was about 3 months then in his crib I find him rolling over on his tummy. And he is 7 months now and there is nothing wrong with him he is perfectly happy sleeping that way and once they are sleeping by themselves its really hard to change their sleeping habits.

Carolyn - posted on 06/19/2010

Don't worry, both my children have slept on their tummy since they were 6weeks old. My 20month old is very advanced physically because of it and my 4month old slept through the night at 7weeks as she went onto her tummy. When we were young it was normal for you to sleep on your tummy, and we all survived!!!

Katie - posted on 06/18/2010

The second my Son could roll over I couldn't keep him from sleeping on his stomach no matter how hard I tried. The first night he did it I was so stressed and worried. But he's been doing it for months now and I'm used to it. His father sleeps on his stomach so I give him grief about passing the trait on. Lol.

Samantha - posted on 06/18/2010

My mom told me that all of 4/5 of us slept on our tummy, with no problems at all. I would just suggest nothing fluffy int he crib/bed with him that may sufficate him. Just the mattress and fitted sheet if you can have appropriate clothes so you don't have to have a blanket either. I think he would be fine. If you want him to sleep on his side or back you can go to a walmart or target maybe a used childrens store and get a wedge. It has a long peice of foam to go behind his back and a shorter peice to go in front of his tummy or on his other side that are connected and covered with cloth. he can sleep in that he is still little enough he wont beable to roll over it or scoot out of it. My daughter liked it a lot.

Melanie - posted on 06/18/2010

I worried this too, but it turns out that by the time they are able to roll over on their own the risk of SIDS has gone down quite a bit. Just make sure you're not putting anyting in his crib (blankets, pillows)

Ashley - posted on 06/18/2010

He should be just fine. Our pedatrician asked us at our 4mth check up if our son was sleeping on his tummy yet. She says thats about the time when babies start sleeping on their tummies/rolling over. Mine is 5 months now and just starting rolling over in his sleep too.

Dana - posted on 06/18/2010

i think its fine my son did the same thing. and now my daughter who is 3months sleeps on her side. i'm sure once she starts to roll completely over she'll be on her belly too.

Evelia - posted on 06/18/2010

My son started doing that at 3 weeks old. I asked his pediatrician and she told me that it was fine if he could roll himself onto his tummy he probably can roll himself back to just be sure there arent any blankets or stuffed animals in his crib or bassinet. And im pretty sure she was right because my son is now one yr old and still alive lol.

Jill - posted on 06/18/2010

my son did the same thing around that age. and my husband and i would get nervous and keep flipping him to his back, but he would flip right back onto his tummy. at his next dr's visit we asked the dr and he said if he wants to sleep on his stomach, let him sleep on his stomach! he's now almost 11mths old and is still a belly sleeper!

Jessica - posted on 06/18/2010

My aunt came to visit when my first child was 1 week old. She held her for awhile then put her down on her stomach. I freaked out a bit but then she said that's how we all went to sleep. I figured, unless she was having trouble breathing lets give it a try. if he is putting himself in that position i think it's fine. prolly better for his digestion too:)

Tonya - posted on 06/18/2010

my daughter been sleeping on her belly since she was 10wks old she had a umbicial hernia and it was the only way she would sleep longer then 5 mintues

Liz - posted on 06/18/2010

my bby slept on her tummy 4 day 1 it was mre comfy 4 her as lng as theres nothin cover his mouth r nose he sould b k hun my bby nw 13 mth and sleeps in different positions nw

Leanne - posted on 06/18/2010

All three of my chilidren have slept on their tummy's from day one and i have had no problems

Ashley - posted on 06/18/2010

hello! i know everyone(friends,family doctors) say no tummy sleeping. But from 3months until NOW my daughter would NOT stay asleep unless she was on her tummy. i think if you don;t put blankets or toys in the bed with her/him it will be okay.

April - posted on 06/18/2010

I wouldn"t worry. My daughter did the same thing. If he is more comfortable on his tummy let him. You can't force him to stay on his back if he doesn't want to.

Shanna - posted on 06/18/2010

It is fine as long as they turn over themselves. Just make sure there is no blankets or pillows around him, and please please never prop up a bottle and leave it. My parents and sister did that to my youngest when he was 7 months old and now he is dead.

Katherine - posted on 06/18/2010

I def would't worry...and as long as he can lift his head up unassisted...I would just check on him periodically. My daughter started sleeping on her stomach very early...maybe she was 4 weeks old...she was MUCH more comfy that way...and she started sleeping through the night at 7weeks...I believe it was due to sleeping on her tummy...she was so comfortable...I would just check them periodically...:)))))

Tina - posted on 06/18/2010

If you're really worried about it maybe buy the Tetra Snuggle bed and have your little bubba sleep on it in the cot, bubs can breathe through it (just double check yourself at the shop first to make sure). Its a bit pricey though, $118 in Big W. Or have a look around see if you can find something similar. My 3mo sleeps on her Tetra bassinette matress (still fits in the bassinette) on her tummy sometimes and i feel better knowing she can breathe through it

Teigha - posted on 06/18/2010

It seemed like the day my son turned 4 months old he learned to roll onto his tummy and since that day has never slept on his back again. I asked my doctor about it and he said that if my son is strong enough to roll over he will be safe sleeping on his tummy.

Sara - posted on 06/18/2010

I asked my doctor about this and was told that as soon as they are old enough to control there head, meaning they can move it by themselves, the risk of suffocation goes down drastically. He also said that once they can roll over you will drive yourself crazy if you constantly try to re position them.

Katelynn - posted on 06/18/2010

no, i think its better. because im afraid of them chocking on there own spit up if there on there back

Lisa - posted on 06/18/2010

My daughter is also 4 months old and just started rolling over in her sleep as well-whether she is awake or asleep, the second I put her down on her back she rolls over onto her tummy. I asked her pediatrician about it and she said as long as she is the one rolling herself over it is fine, because it also means she can roll herself back. I admit it does still make me nervous and I get up more at night now to check her, but she seems to be doing great! If that is the position your baby prefers then I would say just watch closely-I know I hate sleeping on my back and figure my daughter just does too!

Terra - posted on 06/18/2010

doctors say that the only reason why it isnt safe for a baby to be on their stomach is because they sometimes dont get fresh air all the time, but babies have been sleeping on their bellies for decades so i wouldnt worry about it unless he starts to breathe funny

Char - posted on 06/18/2010

From my experience I'd say let him sleep in the position he's comfortable in if you're sure he's breathing normally. My LO always sleeps on his side or stomach, from a very young age. He's 4 now and he's fine. Just keeping checking on your little one until you feel totally comfortable that he's ok. x

Sarah - posted on 06/18/2010

My daughter rolled over on her stomach from her back at like 1mnth old. I would always lay her on her back and she would roll right over to her stomach. So since then she would sleep on her tummy. People always told me she could suffocate but she would always jus turn her head. So i say if they can turn their head or jus roll over on their own they will be okay

Delora - posted on 06/18/2010

If he can roll over then he is probably fine. Personally I always slept my babies on their tummy, because on their back they flailed themselves awake constantly. Granted they were sleeping in the room with me until 3 months and I always made sure their head was turned so they wouldn't suffocate.

Celeste - posted on 06/18/2010

The nurses at the hospital told me that once they roll over on their own it is ok for them to sleep on their stomach since they are able to lift and turn their heads by themselves as well

Krystal - posted on 06/18/2010

We put our daughter on her stomach ever since she was born. We had tried to put her on her back like the nurses told us but she would always fuss and not sleep well through the night. Of course we always checked her to make sure she wasn't on her face and was still breathing. Shes been great since then. She prefers and we of course don't fight it lol.

Sheryn - posted on 06/18/2010

Dont stress to much,once baby starts rolling theres not much you can do...Once baby starts rolling the risk does drop but doesnt fade out completely..But still be aware,research causes etc...you may not always be able to prevent the rolling but you can prevent some of the causes...Theres also baby monitors out there that let you know if the baby stops breathing if you want that extra safety

Elimar - posted on 06/17/2010

okay, from my understanding, you are doing great with the child. You put the child on his back... That is good... But there is this situation in which he turns to his tummy,.. That is fine... He is doing it himself. You would think that he does not know what he is doing, but in reality he does... As long as the child is rolling over by himself, he is good... My son, when he turned 5 months started the rolling over thing, and well, I can't control how he moves... He is good, just as long as you don't have pillows around him, and whatever sheet you are using is good and safe... The child should be good.

Amanda - posted on 06/17/2010

both my kids are tummy sleepers but if you are worried get one of those baby pillows that keep them in on position but other then that dont worry about it

Shawnna - posted on 06/17/2010

my daughter just turned 5 months old and since she was about 4 months old she rolls to her stomach. i asked her dr and she said as long as they are strong enough to roll and everything then they are fine!!

AMBER - posted on 06/17/2010

MY 3 MONTH OLD SON HAS BEEN SLEEPING ON HIS TUMMY SINCE HE WAS ABOUT 1 MONTH OLD AND HE SLEEPS FINE LIKE THAT. HE WONT GO TO SLEEP ON HIS BACK AT ALL. WHEN HE WAS ABOUT 2 AND A HALF MONTHS HE STARTED TO PUSH HIMSELF UP. SO I THINK YOU SHOULD BE FINE. I KNOW DOCTORS SAY THAT BABYS ARE SUPPOSED TO SLEEP ON THERE BACKS NOW BUT I SEE IT AS IF THE BABY DOESNT WANT TO SLEEP ON THEIR BACK LET THEM SLEEP ON THEIR TUMMY.

Sarah - posted on 06/17/2010

I used a wedge when my son was a newborn to keep him on his back. But on the back it clearly says to stop using it when they start moving around in their sleep. Well, he started doing that early, and then stopped being able to sleep on his back. He hates it, he sleeps really well on his tummy, so that what I do. I just make sure things are out of the crib, and he sleeps right next to my bed so I can keep an eye on him.

Nikkita - posted on 06/17/2010

My daughter will be 4 months on Friday the 25th. She has been sleeping on her stomach since she was about 3 weeks old. She is fine. So, I say, let him sleep on his belly.

Sarah - posted on 06/17/2010

like Katrina said, as long as they can roll over on their own, they are physically able to protect themselves from the risks. My second son slept on his belly since he was only a few weeks old, and my daughter has just begun, at 3 and a half months. They sleep deeper on their bellies, and that's why SIDS is a bigger risk for belly sleepers. deeper sleep can cause them to stay asleep and not react to external and internal risks. But, again, if they are rolling over of their own will, then they are most likely mature enough to wake themselves up to respond to anything that could harm them. Just make sure they are within hearing range, using a baby monitor if need be, and continue placing him on his back when you put him in bed. if he rolls to his belly, let him be! If you are concerned, you can also get a sleep adjuster that keeps him on his back or side. It may take some time to get used to, but should eliminate the concern! Always bring up your concerns to your doctor, too. Sometimes hearing it from your pediatrician can put you at ease.

Danielle - posted on 06/17/2010

My son started rolling before he was even 2 months old and once he was able to roll it didn't matter that I put him to sleep on his back, he'd roll over onto his tummy every time. Even with those roll stopper things. He also slept a heck of a lot better on his tummy. You can get an Angel Care baby monitor so you have a little more peace of mind. I know everything I've read says not to encourage tummy sleeping but it saved our sanity.

Marissa - posted on 06/17/2010

my son was a NICU graduate....and in the hospital they would have him sleeping on his stomach....so I think its okay...my daughter, 12 weeks today is the same way! sleeps on her stomach (i check on her regularly) with nothing in her bed but the blanket that covers her. She has slept throught the night since the day she came home (on her stomach)

Sam - posted on 06/17/2010

my son has been sleeping on his stomach since he was like 3 weeks old and hes a month and a half i know they says about sids and stuff but hes happier on his stomach he wont even sleep on his back he never has but i check on him every sounds he makes
hope this helps :)

Joanna - posted on 06/17/2010

I've let my son sleep on his stomach since he was able to lift his own head at about 6 weeks. He went from sleeping for about an hour at a time to 4 hours instantly. It was the best thing that I have done. Keep an eye on them though just incase.

Ashlee - posted on 06/17/2010

my daughter started to do the same thing...i just made sure i checked on her.

Kendra - posted on 06/17/2010

My daughter has slept on her tummy since she was a month old, i worry about SIDS too! But she will ALWAYS roll to her belly too. I just try to watch her as much as I can!

Angela - posted on 06/17/2010

I worried about SIDS and my baby sleeping on her stomach. But when she was about 3 and haft months old, I found also started sleeping on her tummy, and no matter what I did she would go right back to her belly. If your baby is comfy or it's something he keeps doing then let him, since he does seem to being do it naturally.

Andrea - posted on 06/17/2010

My little girl has been sleeping on her tummy since 6 weeks old. She sleeps best that way and with no problems. She gets plenty of tummy time that way too. She is only 5 months old and is really close to crawling. (Gets up on all fours and lunges)

Loni - posted on 06/17/2010

I was always told if the child can roll over they can choose how they sleep... Plus from my own experience my child prefered his tummy over any other position

Jessica - posted on 06/17/2010

I do not think its bad.... my 4 month old will only sleep on her stomach... its like she cant get comfortable on her back... As long as shes comfortable thats all i'm worried about. lol

Crystal - posted on 06/17/2010

u can buy a wedge for the baby bed for sleeping on their bellies

April - posted on 06/17/2010

It is ok for him 2 sleep on him tummy now that he no how 2 roll over. My kids slept on there tummy when they was 3 months olds on kids sleepy better like that.

Evette - posted on 06/17/2010

I put my daughter on her back like I was advised but she never slept properly!! I tried laying her on her stomack when she was about 1 month to see if she slept better and she slept right through!!! Your baby will find how they are comfey and sleep like it!!!