Opinions about tummy sleeping?

99frontier · November 2012

I know about the Back to Sleep campaign and the SIDS risk, but I put LO to sleep on his tummy last night and we only had TWO wakings instead of the usual 10 or 15 wakings that has been happening for about 3 weeks now.
Has anyone else done this? Am I crazy for doing it or crazy for being so scared to do it? Opinions please?

CaliVal · November 2012

I've read that this used to be the norm to prevent choking if a baby was to spit-up. Now the norm is sleeping on the back. Personally, I would be worried about SIDS, BUT I would feel comfortable if there was something to monitor LO's breathing (ie: Snuza or Angelcare monitor). According to What to Expect the First Year, SIDS is most common between 3-4 months (where the majority of our babies are at), so proceed with caution. On another note, I'm glad you got some sleep!

thepretzelchick · November 2012

You're not crazy, period. Yes, tummy sleeping is an increased SIDS risk, but if it works for your baby and he either doesn't move his head much in his sleep or can move it enough that he wouldn't stay face-down, I'd proceed...with extra caution, of course. I'd recommend gettting an Angelcare monitor or something similar.

Belly sleeping would probably work better for my little guy, but my mom had a 4 month old daycare baby die because he had rolled onto his belly, had a seizure (he had a myriad of health problems that we found out about afterwards), and suffocated; 16 years later it still has me paranoid. At one point last night Eli was on his belly and was falling asleep but I just couldn't leave him like that. I know eventually he'll probably end up being a belly sleeper since both DH and I are, but until he gets a little older, I just can't bring myself to do it.

krs216 · November 2012

I'm having the same dilema. My little girl is almost 4 months (dec 7th). she wasn't a great night sleeper until she learned to roll herself over to her tummy. I'm not sure if she could roll back over if she wanted to. She is now sleeping through the night - 7 pm - 7 am. I realllyyyyy don't want to mess with that:-)

xxbabycakesxx · November 2012

I'm not very comfortable with tummy sleeping but Ds1 did tummy sleep for naps around 4 or 5 months. Its just what worked for him and I was always right beside him.
If you want Lo to tummy sleep at night could you get an angel care monitor? It goes off if lo stops breathing.

Mrs_Bennett · November 2012

DS2 has been sleeping on his belly since he was only a few weeks old. It made me nervous at first, but it was the only way that either of us could get any sleep (he hates to be on his back or in the swing/bouncy/carseat, even hates being held to sleep!). Some babies prefer to sleep on their bellies, period. I do take all other precautions to avoid SIDS, but honestly, nobody know what causes SIDS. There are precautions and ways to possibly avoid it, but that's all. You have to do what you believe is best for your LO, and trust that he will be okay.

99frontier · November 2012

Thanks everyone!! I think I will look into the AngelCare or Snuza just for my peace of mind. I put DS down for a nap on his tummy and he has been asleep for an hour and a half!!! His naps lately have been 30 mins! Of course, now I'm getting stiff from sitting in this chair staring at him! Lol!

lady_tytah · November 2012

I've had Amir on his stomach since about a week. Either he's in his bassinet or in my bed. He can roll on his side, turn his head and he's on all fours rocking. I'm not nervous anymore than I was with my daughter when she sleepy on back.

nicnac817 · November 2012

DD has been a tummy sleeper since 5 weeks. She will not sleep anyother way. Not in the swing, bouncy seat or carseat. It is important to remember that there are many factors that contribute to SIDS. Belly sleeping just happens to be one that people constantly focus on. "Experts" actually don't really know why SIDS happens, hence the name. Here are a few of the other factors.

Low Birth weight

Co-sleeping

Gender- males are more likely

Race

Family History of SIDS

Smoking

Mothers under 20

Drug or Alcohol use while pregnant

Babies who are formula fed

Babies who have colds and on and on and on.

My point is... in the eyes of "Experts" anything could contribute to SIDS. Pretty soon our children will have to live in bubbles. You just need to be careful. No heavy blankets, bumpers or soft mattress. Make sure your LO can pick up and turn their head. Just be cautious. I started my DD off with naps. Once I felt comfortable I let her sleep in the crib at night. Do whatever is best for you. If you are not sure, don't do it! GL

KEfam5 · November 2012

Mrs_Bennett:
DS2 has been sleeping on his belly since he was only a few weeks old. It made me nervous at first, but it was the only way that either of us could get any sleep (he hates to be on his back or in the swing/bouncy/carseat, even hates being held to sleep!). Some babies prefer to sleep on their bellies, period. I do take all other precautions to avoid SIDS, but honestly, nobody know what causes SIDS. There are precautions and ways to possibly avoid it, but that's all. You have to do what you believe is best for your LO, and trust that he will be okay.

This. Except I have a DD

klmcguire · November 2012

99frontier:
Thanks everyone!! I think I will look into the AngelCare or Snuza just for my peace of mind. I put DS down for a nap on his tummy and he has been asleep for an hour and a half!!! His naps lately have been 30 mins! Of course, now I'm getting stiff from sitting in this chair staring at him! Lol!

I have had LO on his stomach since he learned to get that way... He still will not roll over other than when he is sleeping and wants to be on his stomach. We have an Angelcare monitor and it makes me feel at ease.

beckyfarrelly · November 2012

I would do whatever you are most comfortable with and whatever works!

nopegoat · November 2012

Rhett is a tummy sleeper as well. At first I was a little worried but after watching jim I realized how well he can lift and turn his head.

Mathieu was a tummy sleeper as well.

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