My little boy (six weeks) prefers to sleep on his tummy. Is that safe if I am with him at all times?

Question

... when he is on his own, I put him on his back.

Answer 1

I would suggest just being safe -- my answer is no. I'm a nurse and although you're right there, just what if you dozed off and something happened? -- you'd never forgive yourself. The American Academy of Pediatics recommends putting children to sleep on their backs...I'd simply suggest following that guideline. They know a lot more than you and I do.

Answer 2

When I brought my daughter home from the hospital when she was born, she was up always all night the first night. We tried everything! My parents were with us and my Dad happen to get up, held her and she went right to sleep. When she was asleep he laid her down on her tummy and she has slept that way every since. Just make sure there are no blankets, toys, or to loose of bedding or clothing near or on the baby. My daughter is 19 months old and still sleeps on her tummy. Just watch him and he'll be fine.

Answer 3

I have had four children! The first three all slept on their tummy's. I found this helped with colic, and they seemed happy and well. With the fourth one the hospital told me to settle her on her back. She hated it ... so I used to lay her down on her side and invariably she would roll over onto her tummy. I think you know, as the mother whats best for your son ... and if he is happy and sleeping well, then I see no problems what so ever. Ina couple of weeks time he is going to bemoving himself around in any case ... and you will find that he will probably sleep on his tummy. My youngest one still does .. she is two!

Answer 4

I understand your concern - my first son slept on his back, so I never had to worry about all this talk. then my second son came around and the only time he would only sleep soundly was on his belly. It was very scary. So, during the day I let him sleep on his belly - and I watched him like a hawk. He slept great. At night we would have him sleep on his back, but if he was too fussy we let him sleep on his side. Once he was able to roll over I felt better about things, but he is 2 years old and I still worry about him. The constant worry never ends - enjoy!

FYI - it is very important for babies to have 'tummy time". Many parents (myself included on child #1) do not do that and as a result your baby's neck doesn't get strong. So, if your baby is a back sleeper - still try to have him/her play on his tummy and maybe even one nap during the day.

Answer 5

Never let a baby sleep on their tummy if their are unable to lift their head or turn over. It is always advised to put your baby to sleep on his/her back and in the feet to foot position. This means placing you're baby on their back with their feet at the bottom of the cot. It is said that SIDS is more likely to occur when a baby is placed on thier tummy to sleep.

Answer 6

a baby will find their own position to sleep in. i found my daughter always used to sleep on her side and now shes older she sleeps on her tummy with her bu in the air!
the only reason it is unsafe is because if a baby gets its face buried it wont be able to breath so if you are there watching constantly to make sure his airways are free then it should be fine but t might mean he will try and sleep like this at all times once he is able to roll over etc which might be a worry.
Personally i would put him on his back just for safety

Answer 7

my son was teh same way. for several weeks after he was born he wouldnt sleep any other way but on his tummy. Nights were a B**** because i refused to allow him to sleep on his tummy since i ccouldn't watch him constantly...even if you are right next to him, you are alseep...you might not wake up if he stop breathing... but if you or whoever is watching him is awake and can check on him every few minutes, there shouldn't be any problem. Tummy sleeping is very similiar to the way they slept in the womb. It is the most comfortable way for them to sleep. Gradually you son will become more comfortable sleeping on his back. Again...if youre awake and watching him- yes...otherwise no

Answer 8

Hi I personally think that the recommendation of putting babies on there back is slightly dangerous, as they may choke on their sick (all babies puke milk). I have three children and all of them have slept on their front and still do at 6 years, 4 years and 1. They just slept better and were more comfy. If it is dangerous why would they put the preemie babies on their front in hospitals. Being a parent is mostly using your own intuition, you know your baby best. Good luck and enjoy that beautiful little boy.

Answer 9

My 2 month old son prefers the same thing and that's the way he sleeps. All this talk about SIDS...if it's going to happen it's going to happen. My baby went from sleeping for 20 minutes on his back to sleeping from hours at a time on his stomach. Congratulations and good luck!!!

Answer 10

I don't think anything is wrong with it! My little boy who is now 3 always slept on his tummy, and he is a perfect healthy little boy! From experiance, just try not to keep any pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals in the crib.. this can cause sufucation! Cangratulations and Good Luck!

Answer 11

Most babies prefer to sleep on their tummies. They tend to sleep more soundly. I would be very careful with this since he is so young. It has been shown to increase a baby's risk for SIDS. Once he is strong enough to roll over on his own is a great indicator that he is safe on his stomach. I allowed my daughter to sleep on her stomach on my chest so that I knew she was breathing okay. Even if it is more inconvenient for now I would rather be safe than sorry.