Should we continue to flip our 5 month old on his back to sleep?

Question

I know that he should sleep on his back for the SIDS risk, but he just flips right back over to his tummy. He can definitely hold his head up good now. What do you think?

Answer 1

The doc told us if our little one is on his back for either tooo long a dent or flat spot could occure so... I would suggest keeping your child on there back unless they are able to move around themself rolling themselfs from front to back.. or unless your baby does develop a flat or dent spot try a different position to feel a bit more secure about doing so consult your doctor first so your at least comfortable doing so..

Answer 2

SIDS is NOT mostly about suffocation, in fact suffocation and SIDS are no longer on the same level. My 5 month old died of SIDS on her back. They have now changed the way they determine a SIDS death and baby that dies of suffocation (face down, smothered by a blaket, etc.) is not classified as SIDS it is suffocation. Placing your baby on its tummy has nothing to do why a baby suddenly just stops breathing, which is what is classified as SIDS. People need to start understanding that suffocation is NOT SIDS. It was at one time but things have changed.

Answer 3

OH, I remember being so worried about this. What a cute dad you are!! Going and turning him everytime you see him on his tummy. This is what I heard:
SIDS is mostly about suffocating, but when they are strong enough to move on to their tummies by themselves, it's fine to leave them that way. If they are strong enough to move their heads up, it's great, because they know when they need to use those muscles to get air.
Besides, a recent study deemed SIDS something in the bottom of your brain nerve that you are born with. It's scary.. the unknown.. very scary!
Good luck, but I'd leave the lil guy on his tummy where he is comfy!

Answer 4

at 5 months I don't think its a big deal. If he can hold his head up good and roll over I say just leave him. He obviously likes it on his tummy, so I'm sure hes fine!

Answer 5

We have a 7 month old, and since birth we have used a thing called a Safe T Sleep. Its like a sheet with a velcro strap sewn on to it. You lie baby on their back and place the strap around their waist. They can roll on their side but not on to their stomach. We used this with our second child and now our third. Very reassuring to know he will not end up on his stomach while sleeping.

Answer 6

Once they are strong enough to roll over, my pediatrician said don't worry about flipping them on thier backs. You'll be in the room every 10 minutes if you try.

Answer 7

start him on his back if he turns in the night so be it you can't stop him just watch for little things my son turns in bed that much he gets his arm or leg stuck outside the cot but his always fine the next morning he is also 18mths old though
good luck enjoy the last bit of piece its all about to get fun from hear on in

Answer 8

I agree with the rest, and my doc told me as well, that once they are able to roll over on their own, they should be fine. Just make sure that there are no stuffed animals, heavy bedding, etc. in the crib with them. Don't worry ~ he should be fine!

Answer 9

Let him be, if he can hold his head up then he will be alright, it's only when they cannot hold up their head when they are really at risk. It is just more comfortable for them to sleep on their stomachs.

Answer 10

If he is big and strong enough to roll himself over, leave him alone. He has enough upper body strength and control to get himself out of trouble. Just don't put soft toys/bedding in with him. I was worried about this when my son was rolling but our doc told us it was fine at that stage.