11 Week Old Only Wants to Sleep on Stomach or in Swing

G., I have a cousin whose first baby died of SIDS at about 2 mos old. 1 yr later my daughter was born, so the fear of SIDS with her was very real to me. I did quite a bit of research on the topic to find out everything I could do to reduce the risks. I now have three kids, all of which insisted on sleeping on their tummies. In my research I came to the basic conclusion (now this is MY educated opinion) that SIDS is in large part caused by toxic exposure. A big source is vaccines. I would skip them, or delay them if possible. Most mattresses are treated with MANY chemicals. Logocally, a baby that lays face down will breath in more of these fumes when their face is closer to the mattress. Either invest in an organic mattress (www.organicgrace.com) or get a mattress cover that will block the fumes (http://www.healthychild.com/cribdeathcause.htm). These mattress and covers come in all crib sizes (cribs, craddles, pack-n-plays etc.) After that its a matter of "going green" where ever possible (food, air, cleaners, household products etc.) This exact issue is what started me on my path to living a "greener" less-toxic life.

Hope this helps!

1 mom found this helpful

I have a 7 month old son who sleeps on his tummy. He has slept this way since he was old enough to hold his head up and turn it from side to side when lying on his tummy. I talked to his pedi who said it was fine, that my son would let me know what was right for him. I keep my sons crib in my bedroom with me because 1. I can hear him in the middle of the night when he wakes up to nurse and 2. even sleeping, mommies tend to be very in tune to their babies. I find im more comfortable with him where I can look out from bed and see he is ok and still breathing. Trust your instincts, if you feel he is ok sleeping on tummy then have faith in the mommy instincts you posses god gives them to us for a reason.

Both my kids slept on stomach, they will choose what is best for them. Just watch them the first few times and make sure there is nothing to close to them to grab and choke on and make sure they can turn their head. When our generation was kids the doctors said that sleeping on backs caused SIDS now its the tummy! I dont really think that they know either way! But both my kids did it and now one is 3 and one is 1 and they choose however they want to sleep.

try putting him on his side with a pillow snug up against his back..pack him in there tightly. SIDS isn't worth taking that risk!!!

I wouldn't worry about it too much.

My two younger children preferred to sleep in their carseat. For whatever reason they wanted to sleep sitting up a little and not flat. My older son slept in his carseat until he was a couple of months old and my younger son slept in his until he was a little over 3 months old. You may try that.

I have friends who swear by letting their babies sleep on their tummy. Luckily, you baby will start rolling in the next month or so, so then you won't have to worry about it quite as much.

My sister's first son would only sleep on his tummy also and she bought one of the Angel Care Monitors. It is a sensor that goes under the crib mattress and senses the breathing movemments of your baby. If it does not sense movement in 20 seconds, it alarms. This saved her sanity during this time. She did have several false alarms when he would move off the sensor pad area and it would alarm. I have used the Babysense V for my daughter and she is now 10 months old. I like it because it has 2 sensor pads, so it covers more area in the crib. I have NEVER had a false alarm with it. My daughter did not sleep on her tummy until the last couple of months, but she was a preemie, so I was still very concerned. I bought my monitor online at Babiesrus. It is expensive at about $190, but it was a no brainer for me. She is priceless!

Good Luck!
T.

My 2 year old slept in his swing until he outgrew it (at about 9 months old) He slept with it reclined and either not moving or swinging very slowly. He was born with terrible reactive airway disease and had to sleep in that upright position. AS he grew and his condition improved, it was very difficult to transition him to sleep lying down. He finally got it, but it was a long struggle. I would suggest back sleeping, unless a medical condition deems it necessary. As far as tummy sleeping is concerned, even short naps can be tragic. Yes, I know there are many stories of happy ending tummy sleepers who slept peacefully all night long, etc...but that one case of SIDS out of 100 or 1000 sure isn't worth it for me. Swaddle him, roll up receiving blankets and place them on each side of him under his arms, and make sure the room isn't too warm. This has worked for all of my children. Waking up at night is jut part of having a baby, and in a way, you will miss it when it ends. My youngest of 5 just turned 1, and I certainly cherished all of those night time moments! Good luck with your precious baby!

Hi G.-

I did not get a chance to read all the responses, so sorry if mine is a repeat to others. But, I wanted to let you know that I had a similiar problem with my first daughter and ended up having her co-sleep with me (on her tummy) until she was 6 mos. old. The pediatrician (who is brilliant)said it was best for a baby to sleep (on tummy) then not to sleep (on back) and to put her in bed with me until she was able to roll (6 mos.). She slept great and when she was 6 mos. old we put her in her own room where she continued to sleep well. I know it is horrible to think you are doing something harmful, but some children's nervous system's are to frail to be flaying around and need to be calmed by laying on their stomachs...no arms and legs to freely move around. By, the way my 11 year old sleeps on her back great now!!!

Good luck to you.

C.

I have an almost 8-month old little girl. She wouldn't sleep much at all unless being held. She had RSV at 3 weeks old and they had us keep her in her car seat (in the hospital crib) and she slept so good in it. We tried when she got home and realized that's how she felt secure. It's awful, but that's still the only way we can get her to sleep through the night. She's just not comfortable flat. Her pediatrician said that it's fine and that once she's uncomfortable she won't sleep as well and will be happy to be in her crib. I still put the carrier in the crib at night, and I buckle her up...on the loosest setting. If you're uncomforable with him in the swing, you could try the carseat. I had just started trying the crib last week and she ended up with an ear infection...so we're back in the car seat. Oh well...we'll get there. I've actually had lots of people tell me that their little ones did the same thing...just usually not as long. I did talk to one mother and her daughter would only sleep in the carseat/swing until she was 15 months. They can only get my little girl to sleep in a swing at day care too...so at least it's not just me. We'll get there, but don't feel alone...it'll be fine! Good luck!

My little one is 8 weeks old and I went through this until he was about 6 weeks old. What helped me is to swaddle him tight and stick a pacifier in his mouth. Also, I would rock him all swaddled up and let him fall asleep on me first, then put him in his crib. I had to visit him several times to rock him and put his pacifier in his mouth the first few times I did this (try it during the day when you're actually awake). But it only took a few times and now he is so easy to put down. He got used to his back and now takes all his naps and sleeps at night on his back. I can't say this will work for all babies, but it may be worth a shot.

Hi G.-

I don't have any personal experience with this, but my neighbor has 3 kids the youngest about to turn 2 years old and all 3 were stomach sleepers from the very beginning. They always slept better that way, so she let them.

If you're concerned about SIDS, they make a baby movement monitor that you place under the mattress and if no movement is sensed for 20 seconds an alarm will sound so that you can wake up the baby. We've had one ever since our first child and although we've never had a SIDS scare, once the baby started moving at night he would scoot away from the pad and the alarm would sound so we know it works!

Good Luck,
K.

I was paranoid too the first time I let my daughter (now 22 months) sleep on her stomach, but she did fine. To this day, that's how she goes to sleep. My daughter was having issues one night (she was sleeping on her side propped up with blankets on either side) and just couldn't get calmed down enough to sleep. I got up with her & she ended up falling asleep on her stomach on a pillow on my lap. I eventually put her in her craddle that was right next to me in our bedroom. I prayed myself to sleep that God would let her still be alive when I woke up the next morning. She was obviously fine & I was comfortable with her sleeping on her stomach ever since.

You need to do what you feel the most comfortable with. It sounds like your son is doing fine on his stomach during his naps, so he'll probably be fine at night. As far as sleeping in his swing, my daughter never did that, but the pediatrician did say that it was fine for an infant to sleep in the car seat, so I don't see much of a difference there.

Good luck on whatever you decide.

All mine slept best on their stomach. I usually only let them during the day until they would turn themselves over. Then, they would sleep how they wanted and I didn't worry. They were strong enough to position themselves. Before that, at night, I would use a pillow type sleep positioner and it would force them to sleep on their side. And, swaddling or having that firm pillow on their belly as on their side was a comfort to them. Regarding the swing, I would only do that during the day depending on how well they can lift their head up and switch positions while in it. If they can't move easily, then they could choke with their chin down so far. I never did anything too politically correct as I believe most cautions are overboard with some truth. If you're not going to be watching them, though, you want to make sure that they can move their head easily enough to breathe.

Have you tried swaddling him? I know my 7 week old sleeps much better when he's swaddled. I actually don't even tuck his arms in anymore because he wiggles himself out, but he likes having the blanket tucked snugly around him. You could also try a sleep positioner that has the foam pads on the sides to help him feel snug as well.

I would talk to your pediatrician about the tummy sleeping. Some will tell you it's okay, especially if the baby has reflux or some other issue that makes sleeping on their back painful or otherwise impossible. You might also make sure he has a pacifier when he sleeps. That is supposed to help prevent SIDS also. Good luck to you. I know how hard the sleep issues are right now since I'm living it too!

My son started sleeping on his stomach at 2 months old. He would go to sleep on his tummy & then I'd roll him over. As soon as I rolled him over, he'd wake up. He would not go to sleep on his back. I decided that if that was the only way he would sleep we had to do something. He was in the same room as me. I was worried about SIDS at first. But I did see him doing okay with it during naps. Also, I remembered back when I was working in daycare they said to put babies on their tummy to sleep rather than their back. So it seems to go back and forth. I can't tell you to go ahead and let your baby sleep on his tummy. If it makes you feel better then just let him sleep in his swing at night. Not only do you need sleep, but your baby needs sleep too. My son did spend some time sleeping in his swing when he got a little older. That was the only way to get him back to sleep when he woke up at 4 or 5 am on the weekends. Except he had to keep moving & we had a wind up swing, so that meant I only got to doze for about 20 minutes at a time.

i would let him sleep in the swing when it works. sleeping on his tummy probably would not hurt as i let my daughter sleep on her tummy and she is almost a yr.

I completely agree with Heather A.'s advice. I bought an organic crib mattress for my youngest son. When he moved into a twin bed I did the same and bought an organic mattress. There is a lot of info on the web about all the chemicals on the mattresses and how they react with a common fungus. This is why they recommend not using the same mattress for more than one baby.

I did let my youngest sleep on his stomach, this was the only way he would sleep on his own!
Take care.
D.

Both my babies slept way better on their stomachs as small children and still today. I did as you do. I let them sleep on their tummies during the day and at night, I put them on their backs or their sides.

I was really nervous about SIDS too, especially since my mother's first cousin lost a daughter to SIDS in the late seventies. I was a small child when it happened so it stayed with me.

Babies love to sleep on their stomachs. I think they love the security of it and they are not woken by the startle movement. I think you are doing the right thing. It's right to be cautious, but it's no harm to let them sleep like that when you are awake and keeping an eye on them.

With my daughter, I was very strict about not letting her sleep on her tummy and her neck muscles were very weak at the beginning. I had to give her a lot of tummy time around two months to compensate.

I completely understand your SIDS concerns. I finally switched my baby to sleeping on his tummy (at first for naps only and then at night) after serveral other moms assured me that he would sleep much better and that he would be fine. The first few nights I barely slept at all- I was so worried. I am glad to say that now we both sleep peacefully all night. After switching him over to his tummy he finally began sleeping through the night (at 9.5 weeks!!!) I can't tell you what to do, because I know the SIDS concerns are real- but tummy sleeping has been working for us. God bless!

My youngest son was diagnosed with reflux at 4 weeks of age. the only way he would sleep for any length of time was on his tummy. i was paranoid at first too. i only put him on his belly at nap time. but after lots of sleepless nights i finally just flipped him over. he is now 18 months old and is going great.

I have 2 boys ages 5 and 16 months. They are & have always been tummy sleepers. Despite what we have been told by pediatricians that is the only way they would sleep. I have an Angel Care Bebe Sounds Moniter that I used with my 5 year old and still use with my 16 month old. It is a sensor pad that goes under the mattress in the crib or bassinet. It detects the movement of the baby's breathing. If it detects no movement for 20 seconds, it will set off an alarm in the parent's moniter. I love this moniter!! Also, if they move too far off of the sensor, it will set the alarm off also so that you can reposition them. It costs about $80 at babies r us. This is the only monitor I have ever used and would reccomend it to everyone!

My son did the same, but he also had a really strong neck and was able to move his head freely from side to side when laying on his stomach. My pedi said that since his neck was strong enough to move his head and clear his airway, I shouldn't worry about SIDs. He then began to sleep through the night at 4 weeks and it was wonderful for all of us.

~D.

My kids did this. I ended up propping them on their side with a pillow in front and back along their belly area. that way they had the comfort of the pillows but they were low enough that I didn't have to worry about them getting in their face. You might try it at nap time and see how he does. If he scoots in his sleep, it may not be a good idea. Otherwise, it may be a good compromise. With one child, I resorted to letting him sleep on his stomach while laying on my stomach. It was the only way he would sleep for any amount of time so we were both able to get some sleep.

Hi G.,

I completely understand your fears. My oldest son would never sleep on his back, and I could only get him to sleep on his side until he was 2 months. Then he would only sleep on his side for an hour at a time, and I was getting no sleep. So, out of complete desperation, I let him sleep on his stomach, and he would finally sleep for 2 or 3 hour stretches. We found out later he had reflux, and his stomach seemed to bother him quite a bit, which is probably why he liked to sleep on his stomach.

We also had a crib motion sensor monitor made by Bebe. It is very sensitive and if it detects no motion, including breathing, after 15 or 20 seconds, an alarm goes off. This helped give me some piece of mind. There weren't organic mattresses available at the time we had our first son, but that also sounds like a great idea.

I hope all goes well!

I have 3 boys, all of which slept on their stomachs. I could never get any of them a good nights sleep on their backs. We also had a pediatrician and nurse who didn't believe that a baby was more susceptable to SIDS if they didn't sleep on their backs. Just make sure that he is in comfortable, tight fighting clothing with nothing in the crib with him. He'll sleep better, and so will you. If you're that worried about it, then get him a sleep positioner and let him sleep on his side. He might like that too.

Good Luck and Sweet Dreams!

Just a thought. Have you tried, or are you swaddling him? Most infants enjoy being bound for the first 3 to 4 month of life because it helps reduce the startle reflex and they feel more secure. The book called The Happiest Baby on the Block has an excellent technique that my squirmy little guy couldn't break out of. Or those swaddlers that they sell at Babies R Us work well. Hope this helps.

Hi G.,
My now 7 year old slept in his infant carrier for the 1st 2 months of his life! He was breech and only weighed 5 lbs 7 oz, so the infant carrier was a natural position for him and he slept his best that way. Right now, you need to be getting as much rest as you can, so I wouldn't stress over it. My oldest son was a belly sleeper, he still is. I would also let him nap on his belly, but at night I was also too afraid to let him, so I waited till he was almost 4 months. He was able to flip himself onto his back by then. It actually was my husband who put him on his belly after he had fed him his last bottle late one night and it was actually the first night he slept w/out getting up to eat again. So you can imagine when I woke up in the early morning, and my baby hadn't gotten up to eat...total panic! But, he was sleeping soundly...on his belly :) Remember, when we were all babies, everyone was put in their cribs on their stomachs!Enjoy your little one...they grow so fast!

I have 3 kids, 14, 8, and 23 months. All of them slept on their tummys while in bed. My 23 month old slept more in her swing though, I think it was really the only time I could get good sleep so I figured it couldnt hurt her. All of my children are fine and all of them still sleep on their stomachs, not once was I worried about SIDS, afterall, when we were kids we all probably slept on our tummys since at one time that was the best way for a baby to sleep. I would let your baby sleep how ever he wants to sleep as long as he is comfy!!

Good Luck and enjoy this time with your little one, I stayed home with my baby til she was 4 mo and wish I could still be there with her, they are a blessing!!

After nine months inside of you the movement is still wanted, you should not worry about the swing, be happy that your baby sleeps. Also sleeping on the stomach just seems to be what some babies want, keep eye on baby to be sure everything is alright and let baby sleep, mine wanted the stomach and I enjoyed the sleep for both of us. This could also be something that changes later on. be happy that you have a lovely child to love and hold you have been blessed with a wonderful gift.

My daughter started sleeping only on her stomach at 7 weeks. She never got good restful sleep when we'd put her on her back. I think she got used to sleeping on our chests. She has a twin brother who didn't start sleeping on his back until he could roll over on his own. I was reluctant at first to let her sleep that way but we knew she could turn her head easily and she could even push herself up a little bit. I think if you know your child and are comfortable with his ability to turn his head and breath easily he should be okay. The idea of SIDS is always scary. But if you know your child and know what works he should be okay.

This is really hard for me to read today, some of the replys so I'm not going to read all of them. My daughter died of sids at 3 months old. I wish I had answers for you but I don't want anyone to ever have to go thru that. I have one child after her and two before her. My daughter who passed away was a hard hard sleeper, she had just got her 2 month shots the Thursday before the Sunday that she passed that goes thru my mind, she also had a cold that the dr recommended diammatap however it is spelled. Anyway all of these reasons that I'm learning why and how she went is making me skiddish right about now. The other thing is she never slept anywhere but her bed and that night my husband was trying not to wake me up so he laid down with her in my oldest daughter's bed who was in my bed at the time which is also odd for that night but anyway someone mentioned toxic fumes from the mattress, gives me something else to be concerned about. NOW if you want to know how I slept at night when my son after her was born is. I slept because the doctor gave me a heart monitor. I would not have made it if I didn't have it. In fact the pedi didn't think so either. He left him on it till the child was LOL 2 1/2 he said I think he is ready but I don't think you are. Well then I thought about it when I got home because while I was still there I was just estaticly happy that he approved me to keep it. So I called the office the nurse told me hun you need not worry the Dr is the President of the board of Nylcare our insurance at the time I don't think you have to worry about a denial. Oh well had to tell you about that, if you like though you can call your pedi tell him that there is sids in your family and he will get you one especially if you let him know all the overwhelming messures you are having to take. Like the baby in the swing. I feel for you I know how tiring of being worried can be.

My middle son was like that as well, even earlier. That was the only way he would sleep! We ended up letting him sleep that way. I know the feeling of being totally nervous about it, ask your Dr. My son turned over at 8 wks so that eased my mind, but still .. Is your baby turning over? You are almost @ the 3 month stage his head should be getting stronger. I would talk it over with his Dr. to see what they think. Does your son have any medical conditions or was a premie? That would also be a factor on whether or not to let him sleep on his tummy. Good luck.

my near 6wk old sleeps in his swing sometimes, like last night. kinda cradles him...i would like to have had an Amby baby bed but at that price the swing works fine :)

just letting you know you dont have to let him cry it out....a baby that young needs comfort, not strict rules. the no cry sleep solution is a good book if you are interested. just know that CIO is NOT the only way! i know that some people strongly believe in it, but its not your only options..do whats best for you!

Hi G.,
It's my understanding that a baby should sleep on their back until they are able to roll over by themselves. At 11 wks. your baby should not be able to roll over, but than again, babies have incredible talent! I would ask your pedi. about this and just get some reassurance. Here is a website that may help you. However, always voice your concerns to your pediatrician so your mind can be at ease! Be encouraged! http://www.parenttime.com/babytips/babysleepingpositions....

The only way I could get the fear of SIDS out of my heart was to pray. Your baby is going to do just fine. It sounds like the swing is working great. My son turned one today and still every night I thank God for giving him an open airway and even breathing all night long and for causing him to wake up healthy and refreshed in the morning. Really, it works. Of course you have to pray what is in your own heart, but that is seriously the only way I could sleep in peace. My little man has favored him stomach a lot too, and you know he has been just fine. I am not advising you to put him on his stomach, just pray and however you can get him to sleep, go for it!

Being a former 911 operator and a former daycare owner, I would strongly suggest the CIO method. He can learn to sleep on his back. If you are returning to work and putting him in daycare, it is law for him to sleep on his back. There is no doctor's note, or any kind of exceptions to this in a daycare setting. If you were to find a provider that would allow him to sleep this way, I would be leery of the other laws that are being ignored in the daycare. I have had many children that would not sleep on their backs learn to, swaddling usually helps. It can be done and could save your baby's life.
Also, sleeping in swings is even more dangerous then stomach sleeping. It forces the ribcage down, constricting his breathing. CIO is hard and sounds so mean, but it is one or two nights of that or risk SIDS. Yes, many children have lived to tell about stomach sleeping, but many have not. I had a friend loose 2 children to SIDS many years ago and nearly lost my sister decades before these safe guards were given. Please be careful and look at the statistics. Most baby's that die from SIDS die between the 2nd-4th months of life, but the risk is still there until 2 years old.
Try swaddling. They make swaddling gowns. This is what I used with my daughter and evey infant that I've cared for. Be careful of overheating, though.
Good luck. It isn't easy, but it is importat.

Mine was the same way. For I while I could only get him to sleep by putting him in his swing. When you put him in his crib, roll a towel up into a cylinder and put it snugly by his side so he doesn't roll over. There are also little pads you can buy that will keep him on his back. But honestly, by three months I was letting my little man sleep however he wanted. I did sleep in the same room to keep an eye on him. But he didn't have any problems.

Just my 2 cents and not being a mom, I don't have a lot of the experience with children. My neices like to feel snuggled.

It sounds like the swing or being on his tummy gives him the security of being bundled. Maybe, and this is just a suggestion, bundle him and then try laying him on his back.

Otherwise, like some of the other mothers suggested... let him sleep in his car seat.

Dear G., my baby girl started sleeping on her tummy when she was about 6 weeks old. I had the same concerns as you. Make sure his mattress is firm, the sheets are tight, there are not any items in the crib that could interfere with airflow such as blankets, pillows or animals and take out the bumper pads and he should be fine. :) My baby girl is now 9 months old and still sleeps on her tummy just like her dad.
Blessings, L.

My son only slept in his swing for the first 7-8 months. I know many babies who are stomach sleepers, once they start to roll over you can't really stand guard all night. SIDS is super scary but there are also a lot of things you can do in addition to putting them on their backs, not letting anyone smoke around your baby, make sure they don't get too hot, give them a binky, breastfeed, firm mattress, no loose bedding. Is he sleeping well in his swing at night? If so I would just let him, my son eventually grew out of this. I guess he felt more snug in his swing when he was real little. I can't really remember when he started sleeping on his back, but he was old enough to roll over and hold his head up well.(6 months maybe) If you are real concerned talk to your doctor and see what they think, some docs recommend sleeping slightly elevated for reflux, I have never heard of that restricting their rib cage, my son seemed really comfy curled up in a little ball.

My daughter is 6 months old. I completely understand. I, also, went thru this.

She started rolling over on the floor during playtime so I had to stop swaddling her. She constantly was rolling over to her stomach in the bed. I was sooooo nervous. I tried to keep her on her back but she just wanted to be on her stomach. I would wake up all night and look at our monitor and go in and out of her room to check on her. My mom told me that because she was strong enough to roll over to her stomach and pick up her head that she would be fine. I believed her but still was nervous because she could not roll back to her back. I was so scared she would spit up and drown or SIDS.

I checked with my pediatrician. He agreed with my mom. He told me she would be fine.

It took a while to get over and I woke up quite a bit to check on her. It took a few weeks to get use to it and I still wake up and look at the monitor to check on her. She loves to sleep on her stomach.

My advice would be to try it out. Check on her for your own piece of mind at night and get a video monitor. I would not continue to have him sleep in a swing. This could create a bad sleeping habit that might take more effort to undo.

FYI: I, also, work. The best thing I ever did was get my daughter started on healthy sleeping habits from the beginning. She was sleeping thru the night at 8 weeks. It was well worth the work and tears. I think the whole tummy thing was at the same time as your son. During that time, her sleep was interrupted for a week b/c she wanted to flip back over to her back. It was a short term interruption.