I'm a little afraid to ask because as I've read some people's responses to certain topics. Some people are a little harsh in their responses and I already know that this is a controversial topic. But here goes... I am a first time mom. My son is 4 weeks today. Though the time with him has been great, it's been exhausting (as parenthood always is) because he doesn't want to sleep on his own. How we've coped thus far is by putting him on our chest and sleeping with him in our bed, taking turns. That's scary because of what you hear about people rolling onto their kids. Plus we of course want him to be able to sleep on his own. So a few days ago, I layed him next to me on his stomach and watched him the whole time. He slept So well for like 2 hours. Amazing! So I've been letting him nap like that for a few days, watching him all the while. Last night we laid him on his tummy and he actually slept for 3 hours at a time, as oppossed to 5 minutes previously (on his back). His cradle is a foot away from our bed so we keep tabs on him regularly. Anyway, I know it's taboo these days to set them on their tummy, though that's how most of us slept growing up. I hope that we can transition him soon to the back. I just don't know what else to do to keep our sanity and get some rest and keep him safe. I also heard there is some type of monitor at babies r us or something to alarm if they stop breathing. Anyone heard about these or tried them? Anyone tried letting their babies sleep on their stomach?
Please be kind in your responses.
K.,
My oldest son slept on his tummy and my younger son slept on his back. My oldest just couldn't sleep on his back, same as your son. All children are different. Make sure there is nothing near his face like a pillow or blanket.
I am a Mom of 6 and I know how you feel, when my 18 yr old was little it was put them on their tummy, now its the back. All of mine have ended up on their tummy they sleep better. I have had not issues but at the same time had a friend who lost hers because of SIDS. It is real scary. Try swaddling the baby like they do at the hospital and use one of the wedges I also found that using a t-shirt or a baby blanket that I had slept on also helped, they say the smell also helps them sleep. Good luck I know it is hard. No matter what go with your gut feeling they have always been right for me. :0)
I did the same thing. My now 1yr old slept on his tummy the whole time. He was in a cradle next to the bed until he was 4 months old. I am a pretty light sleeper anyway so I didn't get to crazy. Just be sure that there is nothing near he face that could possibly get bunched and block fresh air. Also make sure the mattress isn't too soft for his little face to get mooshed in. My son napped on the couch (on his tummy) during the day too. I got stuff done and I could watch him sleep. I felt a little guilty at first but I got over it. You aren't the only one. Nobody wants to admit it though. Enjoy him. It really does fly by.
I am a first time mom and i also experienced the same thing with my son. He was about 3-4 weeks old when i placed him on his tummy and he slept "so well". He would always wake up so frequently if i ever placed him on his back to sleep. I also watched my son like a hawk while he slept. Make a long story short he is 10 months old now and continues to sleep on his tummy. At this point, he is very mobile and is what i call a "wild sleeper". He tosses and turns untils he gets comfortable. Most of the time he's on his tummy, but occasionally i'll peep in on him and he'll be on his side or his back. I read that once infants are able to roll over, they end up sleeping on their bellies anyway. SIDS is real and the thought of losing a child is "very scary". You just have to go with your gut feelings.
