How do I keep my 8 month old from sleeping on his stomach?

Question

My 8 month old loves to roll onto his stomach, I will go in an roll him onto his back but he will roll right back onto his side or his stomach. All the SIDS information has me freaked out. I know my mom put me on my stomach but that was in the 70s before the push for back sleeping. He doesn't have the greatest upper body strength but he is able to roll from side to side. Am i a paranoid mom or should I get some wedges to confine him?

Answer 1

If your 8 month old is rolling from his back to his stomach, then you don't have anything to worry about.
Wedges are only for newborn babies... not for babies who are able to roll themselves over.

Answer 2

If he can roll from back to front and vice versa, then he is fine. The risk of stomach sleeping has to do with the baby not being able to get himself out of that position, and lying face down, unable to turn his head. That is not the case for most normal 8 month old babies. As long as your son can do that, he is fine. Let him sleep comfortably...DO NOT put wedges, blankets, pillows or anything else to confine him - these things ARE suffocation hazards...if you read the labels on wedges they say not to use them after your baby can roll over for this particular reason. They are NOT designed for that. Let him sleep how he is comfortable. and go get some rest too and try not to worry!

Answer 3

Usually around 6 months the risk for SIDS decreases- as long as your baby has the ability to roll over on his own he will be able to switch positions if he needs to. Don't use pillows or any other object to stop him from rolling because they can pose a risk for suffication. My daughter is 10 months old now, and does the same thing.

Answer 4

I think you are a little paranoid. I have seen so many kids with flat heads for putting kids on their backs constantly. I have a co-worker that is taking his daughter to a specialist for this very reason. I am not saying that you should put your child on its tummy, but at 8 months - take out the blankets and other stuff that might be in the crib and let him roll.

Answer 5

You can't stop him. Just make sure that when you place him in the crib that you place him on his back to sleep. At 8 months, I was placing my son to sleep on his stomach, because he always ended up that way and he slept longer on his belly. He is now a happy and healthy 21 month old entering the terrible twos.

You know him better than anyone. Trust your instincts about how he should sleep. If you really feel that it is a problem, talk with your pediatrician, and use those "baby bumper" pillows that keep them from rolling in their sleep.

Answer 6

Wait until he is asleep then roll him back over, if you are really worried talk to your doctor. Generally if they can roll onto their stomach, it is safe for them to sleep there because they have developed physically past to the point where SIDS is a concern.

Answer 7

DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT! Thats my thing... When they are a few months old it can be a concern, but when they hit past 6months, SIDS is way less likely to happen, just as long as you know he's a good breather and healthy baby, don't worry about it, and just let the little guy sleep :) My son is 8.5 months and has been sleeping on his stomach since he was 4 months...

Answer 8

You can't. Once they learn to roll over, they are going to roll over. My best advice is just to check on him every so often (like if you get up for a bathroom break in the middle of the night) to make sure he's not tangled in his blanket, limbs are not stuck between bars, etc...if you are really paranoid about it, ask his doctor. My 6-month-old began rolling over a month ago and I think he is more comfortable on his tummy. And remember that once they can roll, they can also turn their heads to the side if they need to spit up or something like that....give me a few minutes and I will look it up for you in my book (I have to feed my son first)

Answer 9

My son is 6 months old and does the same thing. I was told recently by my doctor that it is ok. Just keep all blankets, pillows, and toys out of his bed. If he gets in an awkward position he should be able to get out of it. Even though I still get up probably 10 times a night to check on him. But he will be ok. Good Luck.

Answer 10

The risk of SIDS is greatest from 2 - 6 months. You should be ok @ 8 months.

Answer 11

Try not to worry if he can roll then hes fine. Try not to think so much about the sids unless u have lots of blankets and stuffed animals