The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies be put to sleep on their backs because research shows it helps reduce the risk of SIDS. And ever since pediatricians have told moms to put babies on their backs SIDS deaths have indeed declined. The AAP also says that side sleeping is not the same as back sleeping and it's not advised. However, babies do need to spend time on their bellies so their muscles develop properly, but tummy time should take place only when the baby is awake and someone is watching them.
Okay, so we all know that's what we're supposed to do. But what do you really do?
Natalie Morales, the co-anchor of the Today show, recently confessed that she put her newborn to sleep on his stomach. She writes: "I let my newborn sleep on his stomach. I know, I know, being a journalist, I've read all the research that says to put babies on their back to sleep. But Luke was very colicky, and it turned out he had GERD, so his digestive system was really immature. Whenever he slept on his back, he'd grunt like he was in pain ... since he seemed much happier on his tummy, that's how I let him sleep. And guess what? We can both sleep better at night because of it. Is that such a bad thing?"
I put my baby to sleep on her back, but as soon as she could roll over by herself, she'd get onto her tummy as fast as she could. I think she was more comfortable sleeping that way. I sleep on my stomach too. (The AAP says that belly sleeping is okay once a baby has mastered rolling over.)
What do you think of Natalie Morales's confession? Do you let your baby sleep on his tummy? Or do you follow the AAP's recommendations?
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Comments 51
I put my son on his belly as soon as he could pick up his head and move it (approx. 6 weeks). As soon as I did this he started sleeping through the night. He was extremely gassy and was small at birth and I think he was just happier without the belly cramps that developed when he slept on his back.
belly sleep may be OK for some, but do not take the risk, it may be too late, then what.
I understand that the baby breathes it's own carbon dioxide (stale air) than oxygen, It is really common sense if you know. I have 4 healthy kids 26yrs, 24yrs, 20yrs and 6yrs, they all belly slept while infants. Then had my 5th, she was left on her tummy in the hospital nursery, after 50hrs was found not breathing. They ruled it to SIDS, I say if there they not able to find reason to the diagnose, I will not take the risk.
I rolled up a recieving blanket behind her back so she was propped up on one side or the other. Not completly on her side, but tilted a little. I was parianoid about her spitting up in her sleep and drowning in it if she was on her back.
I always put my son to sleep on his back -- he liked to sleep swaddled, so it was great. Now he is moving all over his crib, rolling and starting to push up onto his arms and knees. I put him down on his back, but most often he rolls over to his side, and sometimes onto his stomach. I am not so worried anymore now that he's so strong and mobile!
It is statistically true that the rate of SIDS is lower when the baby is on their back, but the occurrence is still very, very rare. I put my babies on their backs, but I think that if there is a reason why they are more comfortable on their tummies, it likely will be okay.