2007-02-09 16:30:28 · 14 answers · asked by tongia l 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
It is actually important to put them on their tummy, when awake, for supervised play time as it builds up neck muscles and will help them with learning to roll over and crawl. A good way to incorporate this, is to try it every time you change them. However, you should always put them on their back to sleep.
2007-02-13 16:30:16 · answer #1 · answered by melissa j 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know they say these days that a babies should be on their back to sleep because of the risk of SIDS, but I also read a study that said there has been so significant decrease in SIDS since the back to sleep thing started. I have had six kids and all of mine have slept on their tummies. I think if you check on them fairly often that it is okay. I also worked in a daycare nursery for quite a few years and it has been my experience that even the babies that were put on their backs, as soon as they learned to roll over, they wanted to sleep on their belly. Also, I have seen tons of babies with the back of their heads flat as a pancake from sleeping exclusively on their back. That doesn't happen when they get to sleep on their tummy, or if you alternate side sleeping.
2007-02-09 17:02:46 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Along time ago they would say tummy or side to sleep so if they spit up they wouldn't get choked. Now everything says back to sleep due to SIDS. My son slept much better on his belly or side. I just checked on him alot. He still at 2 1/2 sleeps on his tummy and side more. My son loved to play on his tummy. I moved him around alot through the day so that he wouldn't get a flat spot from being on his back all the time. You need to do what you and your baby are comfortable with. Just please don't put blankets and stuffed animals around them. You know what feels safe. Just keep a close eye out when they are on the tummy.
2007-02-09 17:07:35 · answer #3 · answered by Tammy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have four kids and I laid all mine on their bellies. I know they say that is a big no no, but they slept so much better. When on their backs, their arms always move around and wakes them up sometimes and on their tummies, you don't have that problem. My first two kids (twins) were premies and in the hospital they laid them on their bellies. Just keep an eye on them. When they started sleeping thru the night, and so did I, I laid them on their sides because I thought all night without me waking up was too long for them to go on their bellies. All their naps and such, belly down. I just did what the NIC unit at the hospital told me and it worked for me. They really do (did) sleep much better.
2007-02-09 16:37:57 · answer #4 · answered by Babygirl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Neither, there was a theroy for a time that putting a baby to sleep on it's tummy caused SIDS...however if this were true 85% of us "baby boomers" wouldn't be here as our mother's put us to bed on our tummies. Truth is no one can say for certain and without a doubt what the cause of Sids is. So put your baby to sleep whatever way the baby is comfortable.
2007-02-09 18:17:59 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Back is best for sleeping...safer than on their side and tummy. When they are awake and under your supervision, you should put them on their stomach for some "tummy time"...it helps them develop neck and back strength. I have "tummy time" at least 2 times a day with my baby. He does not usually last too long before he starts to fuss, but a little tummy time is better than nothing.
2007-02-10 15:13:26 · answer #6 · answered by missyB 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I used to work Neo natal ICU and I can tell you that it is best to put baby to sleep while on their back unless they vomit or spit up. In that case, it is best to buy a baby wedge (pillow that adjusts on both sides of them like bookends for baby) and lay the baby on it's side between them. Most babies like to sleep on tummy but it is not best. My own aunt allowed her 1st baby to sleep on it's stomach because that was his preference, and although he was in perfect health, he died of SIDS.
My sons are both babies that sleep and tended to spit up once in awhile during their first 2 years, but would not wake up sometimes when it happened. If they had been on their backs or stomachs they would of drowned or suffacted in their own fluids. This is why I chose, like many hospitals do now, to put babies in between the sleeping wedges and lay them on their sides.
2007-02-09 17:03:44 · answer #7 · answered by Desiree M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
good i know of a baby who had to wear a helmet because all they did was lay on there back plus helps there little neck muscles
2007-02-09 16:48:28 · answer #8 · answered by katie b 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tummy time is good for those neck muscles. Tummy time can be on a blanket on the floor or on your chest.
Just don't leave them on there tummy to sleep.
2007-02-09 16:40:24 · answer #9 · answered by Kookie Momma 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tummy time when they're awake is good. But on their back to sleep is best, it helps cut the risk of SIDS significantly.
2007-02-09 16:33:35 · answer #10 · answered by Heather Y 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋