Should Baby Sleep on Stomach or Back?
Is it Dangerous to Let Your Baby Sleep on Her Stomach?
For whatever reason, our 6 week old daughter just couldn't get to sleep last night. We went through the list of possible reasons (hunger, gas, overstimulation, etc.) and there just didn't seem to be a reason. When my wife's older sister, who has 3 kids, visited last week she surprised us by telling us she put the two younger kids to sleep on their stomachs since they were infants. Remembering this, I decided to try putting our daughter on her stomach...and voila! As if by magic she fell right to sleep!
I know what you may be thinking, "The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all infants be placed on their backs when put to sleep." Well, maybe you weren't thinking those exact words but you know what I'm getting at. Every time we go see the pediatrician he asks us, "You always put her to sleep on her back, right?" We're almost made to think it's a criminal offense to put a baby on her stomach to sleep. I know, I know...there is the increased risk of SIDS, which really scares my wife and me. I'm sure the thought of SIDS scares every parent. In fact, all of our friends who are first time parents insist that babies must be put to sleep on their backs. Hmm...Did you catch that... I said "first time parents." Interestingly, the majority of parents that I've talked to who have had more than one child do not adhere strictly to the baby sleeping on back recommendation. Remember my sister in-law? Her two younger kids just could not sleep well on their backs. So she put them on their stomachs. To this day, they both sleep quite well on their stomachs. I'm sure she was nervous at first because of the whole SIDS scare, but it worked out well for her kids.
Are we still a little nervous about putting our baby to sleep on her stomach? Of course. But there aren't any of the other common risk factors for SIDS present (smoking, low birth weight, etc.). And frankly, I feel bad that we may have been robbing her of good sleep this whole time. She frequently startles and makes little noises and stirs while she sleeps (on her back). And who knows what kind of ill effects that has on a baby?
Oh, and here's something interesting. We found out that my siblings and I were all put to sleep on our stomachs as infants. Same goes for my wife's family. Apparently back in those days the parents were told they have to put their babies to sleep on their stomachs!
How does your baby sleep...on the stomach or back? Please leave a comment.
Published by Steve Sands
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5 Comments
Post a CommentAlthough there is the danger of SIDS, putting your baby to sleep on it's stomach is actually in it's best interest. Ever since the back to sleep campaign tons more babies are developing Torticollis. Because the baby is on it's back, their heads are falling to the side- many times the same side. Overtime the muscles tense up and babies begin tilting their head to one side. This affects gross & fine motor skills along with vision, speech, and developing from crawling into the walk. You are doing the right thing as a parent by developing your babies muscles! Torticollis is very serious, if you notice your babies head tilting to the side please do excerises at home to stretch his or her neck muscles, and ask your pediatrician to recommend a pediatric physical therapist. Therapy should begin as early as 2-3 months old! Don't wait.
I just put my 3 month old down , on her stomach , OMG !!!! This was her best nap ever ( in 3 months) . SIDS has so many factors , not just belly sleeping. Keep the blankets and stuffed animals away and you should be fine.
Well, geez, don't smother your baby with plastic mattress coverings and by putting the pillow on top of the head of the child, either.
Did the cavemen really know about SIDS either? No, but somehow human civilization got us (miraculously) to where we are today.
I too have a baby who fusses and has a hard time sleeping. He is very gassy at night. We finally put him on his stomach (even through all our SIDS fears) and he sleeps much better now. Haven't told the pediatrician yet... Who knows what she'll say! LOL!
Our first child did great sleeping on back and side... this one, not so much...
I came across your page here while sitting and watching my 1 month old sleep on his stomach. He had been having trouble sleeping, waking up every 30 minutes or so and having trouble going back to sleep. I was told in the hospital and at pedi's office to sleep the baby on his back. I thought why not give it a try due to the fact that when he is laying with me, on my chest, he seems to sleep fine. Now I have been sitting here watching him for the past hour, making sure he doesn't suffocate....After reading your article i feel a little more safer, comfortable, and not such like a bad parent. Thanks.