Baby Sleeping on Belly
by MW
(Ontario Canada)
My 4 month old daughter rolls onto her belly during sleep. She seems content sleeping like that, but I have been told that due to SIDS babies should sleep on their backs or sides for the first year.
When I put her down to sleep I always place her on her back or side, but during the night she rolls on her belly on her own. When I move her to her side or back she wakes up and it takes a long time for her to fall back asleep.
Baby Helpline Response
Hi MW!
In the best of worlds, your baby should sleep on her back during the first year, due to the risk of SIDS. However, once your baby starts rolling over and hence chooses for herself how to sleep, there isn't much you can do! Of course, you could set the alarm clock and turn her over, but chances are she will roll back to belly sleeping within a split second. Or, as in your baby's case, wake up and have troubles going back to sleep again. That won't work for any of you!
Instead, make sure you make all precautions possible. Take away any pillows and blankets and make sure you use a firm matress in her crib. For more SIDS prevention tips click here.
Also, mention your situation for your daugther's health care provider, to discuss any particular precautions suitable for your baby.
As you are worried, it might be nice for you to know that 80% of all cases of SIDS occur for babies younger than 6 months old. The risk is highest when the baby is between 3 and 4 months old and then it rapidly falls.
I wish you good luck!
/Paula
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