infant sleeping on tummy

I know it is a great no-no, but my 9 week old has never really been able to sleep in the bassinet for long on her back. I originally thought she wanted to be held, until I realized that whenever she was held, she would rest and fall asleep on my chest.

My mother suggested having the baby sleep on her tummy, saying all of her babies slept that way comfortably for hours. All the pediatricians I have met made a point to say the baby should absolutely sleep on her back.

Nevertheless, I have tried it for the last 2 nights, and she sleeps soooo much better! No crankiness, fussiness, and she goes right back to sleep after a feeding. I have never had such a good night's sleep since she has been born.

Of course, mom says "I told you so," but I can't stop worrying about SIDS and the risk with having her sleep this way. I just don't know what to do!

Any thoughts?

Re: infant sleeping on tummy

My DS was the same way. We finally let him start sleeping on his belly at 8 weeks old and he started STTN. The first few times, I only did it during naps so I can watch him and make sure he wasn't ending up face down. I saw that he was able to move his head left/right when he did end up face down so I finally tried it at night (in his PNP in our room so I could check on him). The first night I was so nervous and kept getting up to check him. I confessed to my ped that I was letting him sleep on his belly a few weeks ago and she said that she can't condone it, but she recommended I use a small fan to help recirculate the air he breathes. In our particular situation, it has helped DS so much. He hated being swaddled and would not sleep well at all. This was the only thing that helped.

Re: infant sleeping on tummy

my second ds loved to sleep on his tummy we did it from about 4 weeks. If the room is well ventilated the baby should be fine.
We mentioned to my ped and she said - she was happy she had kids before the back to sleep campaign. Yes back is best but it doesn't work for everyone.

Re: infant sleeping on tummy

My DS is 7 weeks and has trouble sleeping any other way but on his tummy. I finally gave it, but I'll be honest, I do worry about it

Re: infant sleeping on tummy

DS doesn't like to be on his belly which makes me breathe a sigh of relief because I worry about SIDS.

A lot of parents swear by it and part of the thing is that babies DO sleep so well on their bellies, so much so that they go into a deeper sleep, which is one of the believed causes of SIDS. Something about going into a deep sleep and not breathing, etc. I don't say it to scare anyone, everyone has to do what they feel is right, but I thought it was important for people to know why this is a SIDS risk.

ETA: Once they can roll onto their bellies by themselves, there's really nothing you can do about it.

Message edited 8/16/2010 12:23:56 PM.

Re: infant sleeping on tummy

Both my kids have been belly sleeper. Both flipped themselves over early. It's the only way my 11 week old will sleep.

Re: infant sleeping on tummy

DD was belly sleeping by 7weeks. She sleeps a million times better on her tummy than her back. She even likes her side.
She had great head control and I always checked on her every so often.
Now she's 6 months and rolls to her belly to get into position herself.