is it safe to lay a new born on there stomach?

Question

iv hurd its not but my mom layed me and my brother and sister on our stomachs and we came out ok?

Answer 1

SIDS infomation suggests it is not wise as a newborn usually can not turn their necks from side to side and so there is a risk they will not be able to breathe.

Having said that I have two sons who slept better on their tummies. We invested in Angel care baby monitors which have a motion sensor and the audio. We took a risk though.

Although the bulk of what Mum did will translate and be helpful be sure to consider what the experts of today say and weigh it all up for yourself.

Answer 2

Its not safe to lay a newborn on the stomach to sleep. They dont have super strong neck muscles so if they get into a postion where their face is smothered the may not be able to move and get air. Some also say it can lead to SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). Im sure many have done it with their own children and everything was fine, but why take the chance?
However, It is okay to lay them on their stomach when watching them. Its actually really good for their neck muscles. Since the day my son was born we let him have some tummy time everyday. :D He's two now, and loves to sleep on his stomach. We always made him sleep on his back until he could turn himself over.

Answer 3

It depends. How old is the baby and do they like it. I know the rules now say don't do it but once my daughter was able to move her head (about 2 months old, I think) I used to put her on her tummy. She took longer naps, slept the whole night through and was happy. I first put her on her tummy during her naps which were on a blanket on the floor with no toys around her so I could watch how she moved and that she wouldn't get smothered by laying face down. Once I knew she was safe, then I did it at night time. She is now 2 1/2 years old and still likes sleeping on her stomach.

Answer 4

Because of new research on the subject, and because of an increase in SIDS and infant deaths, it is NOT SAFE to lay newborns on their stomachs. In fact, it is best to lay them propped up from the back where they are lying on their sides. This can be accomplished by rolling up a receiving blanket and pressing it against the baby's back while they are lying on their sides. This way, if they spit up, the fluid comes out without their choking.

If you don't use their sides, you should lie them on their back. I am sure that the hospital gave you instructions when the baby was born. And, just because it was good for you and your family -- DOES NOT MAKE THE BEST PRACTICE. Listen to the advice of experts when it comes to the baby.

Answer 5

A newborn baby should not be placed on their stomachs to sleep. Studies showed that most infants who died from SIDS were found in this position. Since we have been educating people about "back to sleep", the incidence of SIDS has dropped dramatically. I know some people have done it for years, but it isn't worth the risk. Please read the American Pediatric Association's recommendations. I'm a neonatal nurse and have been for 28 years so I feel qualified to strongly advise you on this.

Answer 6

Doctors strongly advise against laying a newborn on their stomach because it is thought to contribute to crib death. However, if you really look into the statistics, the rate of crib death is really quite rare. Of course, you don't want YOUR child to be the statistic. Better to be safe than sorry.

We had a nanny from Colombia, she said in Colombia it is quite common to lay babies on their tummys. They also have pillows. (She came from an educated family, she wasn't some ignorant village girl!).

When they were infants, I put my kids on their stomachs because that is the only way they would sleep. Of course they had heart-lung monitor alarms (which they would have had anyway, regardless of what position they slept in) so I had backup.

Answer 7

The rules change all the time the most recent and current one is to lay the baby on their back. They used to say only stomach or side. A baby can smother in the mattress on their stomach. It's not common but possible; better to be safe than sorry. Most babies would prefer to sleep on their belly; but until they can roll themselves back and forth its not safe.
My son's pediatrician said "Unfortunatley, evolution hasn't caught up with the APA"

Answer 8

I am a mother of 4. The first 2 I layed on their stomachs. The 3rd. I din't because of the "new found" risk. THe 4th, I did lay on his tummy because he just slept better that way. I think it is a personal decision. However, if you do lay on tummy, be sure they are not laying on any blankets/fluffiness and also their are not any stuffed toys or anything that could sufficate the baby.
Good luck!!!

Answer 9

I think that you can lay a newborn on their stomach, for like timmy time. But I would not put them to sleep like this. Infants need to be out on their tummy so that over time they practice lifting their heads. They begin to strengthen their necks and stomach muscles. Actually I work in child care and we have had parents who had their children sleep on their stomachs, and those children actually slept better. So really I think it is your choice. i really do not think that doctors really know what causes SIDS and actually there is research that is linking vaccination reactions to SIDS.

Answer 10

I wouldn't lay a baby down on there stomach when sleeping no, but during the day time when he/she is a little alert it's ok as long as you are there to watch her. They like that.