Back to Sleep Help

Updated on February 21, 2008
K.H. asks from Gig Harbor, WA
8 answers

My 5 1/2 month old refuses to sleep on his back. Every time I put him in his crib on his back, he immediately turns on his stomach. The doctor tells me to flip him over until he masters flipping over both ways (which he's still practicing), but if I flip him over, he still goes on his stomach, or worse, he wakes up and is up for an HOUR (not so much fun at 3am). So, if anyone has any suggestions on this, I'd greatly appreciate it.

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So What Happened?

Ladies, thank you for your responses. I was glad to hear I wasn't the only one who freaked out about this. I'm working on the 'letting it go' scenario, although he does still get stuck sometimes and still needs me to 'unstuck' him (still working on rolling over BOTH ways). But I think we're getting there. Thanks to most of you for your kind words.

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C.D.

answers from Springfield on

As long as he has good head control, the ability to move his head from side to side and push up there's no need to worry. Most babies start tummy sleeping around 5-6 months.

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K.S.

answers from Chicago on

As long as you have a healthy baby with good head control, there is no reason to not just let him be. If you worry about it, go in and check him yourself until your confident that he's really ok. and remember, when we were babies it was the norm. to sleep babies on their tummies.....oh my gosh!! we survived!! Sometimes I think everyone is out to freak out 1st time moms! Hang in there!

I am a mom of 5 ages 11yrs. to 4yrs.

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T.S.

answers from Chicago on

K.,

Congrats on your new baby boy! My older son (2.5) did this at about 5 - 6 months and my second son (now 6 months) has been rolling to his tummy to sleep for awhile. Both freaked me out and I hated it! But, as long as he can push up to turn his head from side to side you should be ok. I'd make sure there are no teddy's, crib bumpers or blankets in the crib with him.

And, even with my son at 2.5 yrs, I still check on him and like to hear his breathing before I go to bed at night.

Welcome to being a Mama! Lol.

T.

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B.

answers from Chicago on

Hi K.- I am a mom of 4 and was always told once they can flip themselves over the SIDS worry time has passed. I am surprised that your ped would have you waking up to fip him- even if you do that 1-2 times a night chances are he is still flipping on his own unless you are sleeping on the floor watching him every moment. My piece of advise is NEVER wake a happy sleeping baby!
Good Luck!
Beth

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P.D.

answers from Chicago on

K.:

stop worrying about it... he is finding his own position... you can not stay awake all night holding him on his back.

P., RLC, IBCLC, CST
Breastfeeding and Parenting Solutions

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K.F.

answers from Chicago on

When my two kids Started flipping over on their own, it really freaked me out too. But if you look at it as - they are strong enough to lift their head up to breathe, it doesn't seem SO scary.
So, my only advice is to relax and as long as your baby's head is strong enough, don't worry about it.

Hope this helps!!

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D.B.

answers from Decatur on

The same thing happened with my dd. I SO worried and spent several nights rolling her back onto her back. I finally stoped bothering her and everything was fine. My advice is just to let him sleep the way he feels comfortable.
I know, it is hard being a new mom :)

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M.S.

answers from Chicago on

Hi K.,

This scared me with both of my kids. It's certainly a nerve-wracking part of parenting.

Chances are he will be just fine. He's probably old enough that he'll figure out flipping over both ways very soon.

Best of luck!!!

M.

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