Napping on stomach

[Theia]

Hi everyone. I've been away for awhile as we adjust to our new lives. I haven't even been able to lurk lately. I miss you all!

I have a question about baby napping on her stomach. DP will sometimes put DD down on her stomach to nap because she sleeps longer that way than on her side or back. This makes me nervous, isn't it recommended to not stomach sleep cuz of SIDS? This is only done during the day and while one or both of us is only a few feet away. I keep checking DD during this, him less so. I am wearing her quite a bit, but there are times when I can't wear her and so DP will hold her until she sleeps and then put her stomach-down for a nap. She is lying on a quilt that is covering 2 flat/non-fluffy pillows. He lays her in the little valley where the two pillows butt up against each other. Is this OK? Usually the nap follows a feeding if that makes a difference.

Thanks mommas!

[sarahn4639]

i think as long as you are aware it's fine but i'd get rid of the pillows and blanket. my ds only sleeps on his side. he rolls over when i put him on his back.

[eilonwy]

The issue with SIDS has to do, primarily, with a phenomenon known as 'rebreathing,' wherein infants rebreathe the same air for too long, draining it of oxygen. It's a problem for tummy sleepers if they're not on a nice, firm surface, for tummy or back sleepers if there are floofy animals or blankets in the immediate vicinity, and, likewise, for tummy or back sleepers if they're on any kind of surface into which they can 'sink.' Some parents are actually advised to put their babies to sleep on their tummies; Babies who reflux are in more danger of suffocation on their backs. Bear sleeps on his tummy for hours on end.. on his back, he coughs, gurgles, and stops breathing.

In short... it's probably just fine. If you are extremely concerned and want to be as safe as possible, try setting things up so that your baby is on a firm surface at a slight incline. Make sure there is nothing near baby's face on either side-- no pillows, no blankets, nothing soft or fluffy (sheepskin, wool or fleece blankets, stuffed animals, etc). If it's cold, make sure that the baby is dressed comfortably, put a little hat on that little head, and perhaps a flat, jersey-knit blanket (folded down just below shoulders).

[Jezzy]

My MW told us to put her on her stomach for naps. She said, like Rynna the matress should be firm and no stuffed animals around, the room shouldn't be warm and no smoking.

She said the babies today aren't getting enough belly exercise to strengthen up their back and muscles .

I lay my little one on her tummy for naps, she likes it. I do keep a close eye on her though

[AlwaysByMySide]

Blake's favorite way to nap is on his stomach when it is on another human's stomach/chest. (His favorite way to be awake is either on his stomach or sitting straight up. He really doesn't enjoy being on his back for very long.) At night, he tends to sleep sideways, cuddled up to me. All of my kids preferred not being on their backs, now that I think about it.

I would follow what the others have said, and not worry about it too much.

[weeirishlass]

I'd remove the pillows, for sure, and the blanket as well. Connell naps on his tummy on me. It also forces me to sit down and stop jumping up every 2 seconds to get/do something.