14 Week Old Rolling over on Belly at Night???

Updated on October 22, 2008
A.M. asks from Latonia, KY
34 answers

Hello, I have a 14 week old who has become obsessed with rolling over. It is totally cute and she is so proud of herself. For the past couple naps and nights, she is rolling over and getting comfortable on her belly to sleep...even though I put her down on her back. Last night, I found myself rolling her back over on her back and getting no sleep while she slept the night through. I read in what to expect that once they can roll over on their bellies, still put them to sleep on their backs but if they are going to roll, they are going to roll. It also said that usually by the time they can roll, they are past the age where SIDS is so dangerous and she really hasn't though. I am paranoid and wondering if anyone else went through this and do you just let them sleep as they land.

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So What Happened?

Thanks for all the responses! I contacted my ped office as well, paranoid yes! They stated that once they begin to roll, you just have to let them. She stated it was one of the many instances where you don't have much control as a parent. She did let me know that the sleep wedges and positioners should NOT be used after the baby can roll b/c they can cause suffocation. I just took all toys, blankets, bumpers out the crib and let her sleep with a warm sleeper and will use the Halo sacks verses blankets. I guess parenting is about letting your child grow up...even if it is sooner than you like. Thanks again!

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L.D.

answers from Columbus on

She can move that well she shouldn't be an issue. Don't be paranoid! Think of all the people who were raised sleeping on their belly before we were told it was "bad." My daughter started rolling over around 4 weeks(wild, I know) and she's fine! Be happy she's sleeping so well!

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K.L.

answers from Cleveland on

If she's strong enough to roll over then she's okay if she ends up on her tummy. That means she's strong enough to lift her head too. Still start her out on her back, though. It's a scarey adjustment, I know.

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K.L.

answers from Indianapolis on

Both of my children were belly sleepers. Just don't put a blanket on her and she will be fine!!! If she is sleeping through the night then she and the whole family will be happier for it!

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R.N.

answers from Columbus on

stop worrying about it. If she can roll over, she can roll back. it is before they can move/crawl/rollover adn get themselves out of a dangerous situation that you place htem on their backs. SHe is fine, she will move to be comfortable. make sure there are no stuffed animals in her crib- we stayed away from blankets and just dressed the kids in warm jamms and zipped them up in the footed jammers in the winter. relax and get some sleep

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S.D.

answers from Indianapolis on

Congrats! lol...the nurse practitioner we love to see instead of the ped. told us she used to do a happy dance in the hall when her kids learned to roll over and sleep on their bellies. It's not so much that they are past the age of SIDS, but that they are strong enough to move if they can't breath well. As long as you put her down on her back, you're home free!

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D.R.

answers from Fort Wayne on

I did not read all the responses so don't know if anyone else saw this-- I just read an article in our paper on studies that show running a fan helps to prevent SIDS--air flow is important. I also would highly recomend using only organic mattress and other products as the out gassing of toxic chemicals could be a factor in SIDS--maybe why the fan works is to keep a build up of the chemicals?

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P.V.

answers from Columbus on

I think the thing to remember is that nobody REALLY knows what causes SIDS. There seems to be a link with stomach sleeping, but it isn't decisive. At any rate, don't worry about her rolling onto her stomach, you can't stay up all night making sure she is on her back! The What to Expect books are kind of alarmist - if your baby wants to roll, that is what she'll do! My son would be all over the place when he slept (he still does). Good luck to you!

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K.W.

answers from Youngstown on

I agree with the others. If she is rolling over herself there is not much you can do about it other than what you are doing, and not getting any sleep. I was excited when my kids learned to roll over in their sleep because it meant they slept better. You probably don't need to worry about SIDS since she can move around at night she will move if she can't breathe. Good Luck and congrats on your new little girl.

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K.L.

answers from Columbus on

My daughter did the same thing and I checked with her pediatrician to see if I needed to be concerened. He told me that if she could roll over on her own to not worry about her doing at night. I did make sure that there was nothing else in her bed with her and I had her sleeping in a Halo sleepsack so that she wouldn't get tangled in a blanket or anything. She did great!

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S.H.

answers from Cincinnati on

I am the proud mommy of 3. My son will be 6 in a week, daughter 4 1/2 and baby girl who is 2. My advice - DON'T LOSE SLEEP OVER IT! All 3 of mine were belly sleepers from the time they came home from the hospital. They didn't want to sleep on their side or back. If she wants to sleep on her belly and she is able to turn her head from side to side, I think she will be fine! With your first child you tend to stress about so many things, including SIDS. I guess I would just say, watch her for a few nights or even at nap time when you get a chance. If you notice her roll over and her face is flat into the bed, roll her back, or turn her head. If she rolls over on her belly and her head is to the side, I think she will be fine (as long as she doesn't have any other medical issues that you need to worry about). No one can really make you feel comfortable and not worry about your baby, it's YOUR BABY! In the end, you do what you feel comfortable with, but I honestly thing she will be fine! Good luck and hope you get some sleep!

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N.N.

answers from Columbus on

Relax. The whole point of putting them on their backs is so that they do not get in a position of suffocation that they can't get out of. If she can roll over, then she can move her head around or wake up and get out of a bad situation. All 3 of my girls were belly sleepers. They were also early rollers, loved tummy time and early sitters and walkers. My oldest could stand unsupported at 3 mos. I'm sure she's a strong girl from what you've described. She'll be fine. The sweet baby just wants to be comfortable sleeping, so let her! They look so sweet with their little butts sticking up in the air! Enjoy her.

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K.Z.

answers from Canton on

As long as she is doing it on her own she is fine. My daughter did the samething around that age and the dr. told me not to be concerned because she has enough head and body control. Hope this helps your concerns:)

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D.T.

answers from Indianapolis on

If she's rolling over by herself then don't wake her up by rolling her back! Just continue to put her down on her back. You do want to make sure nothing else is in the crib because she could easily suffocate if she can't roll her head away. However, having extra stuff in the crib doesn't affect SIDS. If she's rolling around in her sleep, it means she's not falling into that really deep sleep that is the main thing for SIDS (falling into deep sleep and not being able to rouse self out of it). Having a pacifier also helps alot.

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T.C.

answers from Columbus on

I think that she is fine. If she is healthy enough to be rolling over at this age, she can certainly turn her head. Just make sure there are no fluffy pillows, stuffed animals, even crib bumpers for her to put her face into, and then let her sleep on her belly. Babies did it for most of history with few problems! I'm an RN, if that makes my advice more pertinent :)

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J.J.

answers from Columbus on

Hi, A..I feel for you.I have 4 1/2 month old little girl who has been rolling over since 7 weeks. I spent a few nights flipping her back over, but it was a losing battle. Now I just check to make sure her face isn't flat against the mattress (sometimes she does that!). There is nothing in her bed except herself. A pacifier is supposed to help with SIDS (although it increases ear infections), but I get tired of popping it back in. I think she's starting to prefer her thumb anyway.
I wouldn't wrap the mattress in plastic. I'd worry more about suffocation if it came loose. I'd put her to bed on her back and if she flips, she flips.
Just check on her now and then to soothe yourself. She'll be fine.

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A.P.

answers from Cleveland on

Dear A.,
As a Mama who lost my daughter to SIDS just over 3 years ago, I just want to tell you that SIDS is NOT suffocation. The autopsy report will show if a baby died of suffocation. As anouther Mama stated, SIDS can be a multitude of things, there are many theories, no answers, if anyone would like more info, please contact me, but I would not worry about your daughter rolling over. I have 3 biological children, 1 step-daughter, all of my kids rolled when they did. Sommer was on her back, when she passed. Please dont lose sleep over this, as a SIDS Mama, I wouldnt do anything different. SIDS is unpredicable, UNPREVENTABLE,( yes, some guidelines do apply)and un-diagnosable. SIDS means there is NO IDEA why Baby died. Dont beat yourself up, and let your daughter get a good nites sleep( you too!). God Bless and keep your family.

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S.R.

answers from Cleveland on

hi A.!
my 6 month old sleeps on her belly...dr said it was fine because she can roll and hold head up. she also sleeps an extra hour at night on her belly! i was very paranoid at first, i think that is normal or we wouldn't be good moms. let her sleep how she is comfortable. good luck!

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J.B.

answers from Evansville on

I freaked about this happening too! Our ped. told us he would be fine-if he rolls to his belly it's ok to leave him, don't stay up all night rolling him back. -Basically, just what the book said. You don't have anything else in her bed with her like blankets, stuffed animals, crib bumper? They make positioners (sp) to keep them on their back but our ped. said they're not a good idea. It's just something in the bed for them to get stuck on if they do manage to still roll. Good luck! Try to get some sleep!

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S.E.

answers from Cleveland on

Let her sleep and get some sleep yourself. If she chooses her tummy, its fine. Mine rolled at 2 months.

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T.W.

answers from Cincinnati on

I can imagine how scary this must be. I used a 'side sleeper' with my daughter. You can pick one up most anywhere (walmart, kmart, meijer, etc). It's just two triangle shaped wedges connected by a soft piece of fabric. They are adjustable by velcro and can be made larger or smaller as needed. Maybe if you put her down on her side she'll be more comfortable and the side sleeper will keep her from rolling over on her belly. They are very inexpensive. I hope this helps.

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M.C.

answers from Cleveland on

Yes, let her sleep. From a mother of a 9 month old daughter who still doesn't sleep through the night, enjoy your sleep time too.

D.S.

answers from Columbus on

Hi A., the reason you put them on their back as infants is because they can't roll back if in need, now that she's able to do it on her own, it shouldn't be a problem anymore; however, most timer we need to hear it from our doctors to feel reasured, so do so for your peace of mind.

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P.R.

answers from Indianapolis on

Rolling over in her sleep or while she is awake? If the rolling over is really concerning you roll up baby blankets and tuck them gently on each side of her to keep her on her back. Frankly, when my children were little we used to put them down on their backs for one sleep period and their stomaches for the next one hoping to keep them from getting the back of their heads flat so see, different generations different worries.

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S.H.

answers from Indianapolis on

Hi A.,
I can imagine your frustration and worry. As much as I hate to admit this, I let all 3 of my baby girls sleep on their tummy's starting at about 4 weeks old. I know it can be dangerous, but they all slept a million times better on their tummy's rather than their backs. It helps with their gas! :) Anyway, I remember being upset when I learned how well my first daughter slept on her tummy. I wanted to let her do it all them time. Then my mom, grandma, and all of my aunts informed me we all slept on our tummy's as babies. They say back sleeping MAY help prevent SIDS, and there is no law saying you can't allow your baby to sleep on his/her tummy. Good luck with your decision. I would let the sweet sleeping baby stay asleep on her tummy. That's my advice! :)

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D.J.

answers from Terre Haute on

HI A.,

I haven't read if any other moms have recommended this or not, but I wanted to let you know I used a baby positioner with my little boy. I bought it at Babies R Us for $15 or something like that. It kept him positioned laying on his back until I felt it was ok to stop using it. I think I did use it for 6-7 or months. Right now my little baby is 20 months old and he's doing great. Good luck!

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M.R.

answers from Columbus on

When my son reached this stage, I rolled him over onto his back when I went to bed and let it be from there. Just make sure there's nothing to the bed that would be close to their face. You need the sleep!!!! As long as it's not waking her up if she wakes and finds herself on her belly, don't worry about it. Soon she'll be rolling both ways!
PS- reading some of the other responses - new research is indicating SIDS to be related to a hormone imbalance - I believe serotonin - not anything in mattresses/vaccines/ etc. In fact, they are developing tests to help identify kiddos at risk - probably not something you'll see in the next 12 months, but in the works!

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T.P.

answers from Indianapolis on

Hi A.,
Right after my daughter was born and the nurse put her in her bed she rolled over to her side. The Dr and nurses were amazed. My daughter has never slept on her back. As soon as anyone lays her down she would roll on her side. When she was about a month she could roll to her stomach. I was alarmed and told the dr. She told me to roll receiving blankets and put them around her so that she can't roll. Well she rolled on top of the receiving blankets. The dr told me that if she was that persistant there was nothing i could do she just likes sleeping on her stomach. She will be 23 months Friday and she has never had a problem sleeping on her stomach. I can't tell you not to worry but your daughter finds it more comfortable on her stomach. Good luck.

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K.B.

answers from Cincinnati on

I was always told and educate that you should always put them on their backs to sleep and when they roll to their stomaches you can let them stay there. If she's able to roll she's able to turn her head or move it when she is unable to get a good breath in the position she is in. I would suggest taking all blankets out of the bed along with stuff animals, bumpers, positioners (things that should keep them laying in one place, once they start moving around and rolling can move out of them, wiggle down in to them and have the face where the belly should be-they really aren't that safe) and even mobiles if they have anything cloth on them. Make sure the sheet fits the bed tightly.

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B.M.

answers from Cleveland on

One theory I read said that a possible cause of at least some cases of SIDS is chemicals in the mattress. You wouldn't believe what those things are made of, and they can outgas dangerous fumes! Having the baby sleep on its back prevents his/her little nose from being right up against the mattress breathing formaldehyde, etc. Since it seemed plausible to me, I followed the suggestion to wrap the mattress with plastic (the thickest painting drop cloths) and packing tape to seal all that stuff in there. My second son had to sleep on his tummy after 2 months because his head was becoming misshapen just on one side so he could only be positioned one way when he was on his back (he's 8 now and still has a flat spot on the back right side). With my third, we just put him on his tummy from the beginning. In addition to the mattress issue, I have become convinced that certain cases of SIDS are caused by vaccine reactions... but you'll never get an MD to back that up.

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L.G.

answers from Cleveland on

Our daughter wouldn't sleep on her back...only on her belly. The only thing that gave me piece of mind while she was sleeping on her belly was the Angel Care movement and sound monitor. It has the normal audio functions of a monitor...but it also has a sensor pad that goes under her mattress and the alarm will sound if it detects the baby has stopped breathing. It does work as we found out when we've taken her out of bed without turning it off. I don't know if I could have let her sleep on her tummy if I didn't have this monitor.

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A.W.

answers from Toledo on

Hi A....
I have been a mom for almost 23 years now and have 6 adorable kids that ALL have come home from the hospital and slept on their bellies with no problems! With my older 3 (23, 18 & 17) that was how you were told to put them down and now with my younger 3 (4, 3 & 8 wks) you are to put them on their backs. I am sure taht your 14 week old is capable of lifting and holding her head. My 8 week old has been doing that for about 6 weeks now. Not to scare you, but my nephew passed away from SIDS and he WAS laying on his back when he died. That was 18 1/2 years ago. GOOD LUCK!

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K.T.

answers from Columbus on

Congratulations on your new baby!

I say let her be! My sister has three "kids" (now 20, 18 and 15) and the rules about back vs. tummy sleeping changed between her 2nd and 3rd kids. After struggling to get her youngest to sleep on his back she finally put him on his tummy and he slept like a rock. When I had my first 4-1/2 years ago, she wouldn't sleep for more than 20 minutes at a time on her back so my sister convinced me to put her on her tummy. She immediately started sleeping SO much better ... and I stuck to it. I also put my 2nd on her tummy very early and she did great. Relax and try to get some rest for yourself!

K.P.

answers from Cleveland on

I was worried at first too about my son sleeping on his belly (he would roll that way after I laid him on his back to sleep) I actually went out and bought a sleep positioner to keep babies on their back that's how paranoid I was!!! After i read that once babies can roll over that sids is less likely i calmed down because they can now roll away from dangerous things such as crib bumpers and turn their head on its side to breathe.

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M.C.

answers from Cleveland on

I like many others had the rules change between all 5 kids.
you can take 2 receiving blankets and roll them put one on each side and keep her from rolling over if you feel safer.
It's important for you to get a good night rest too Mommy!
Also try wrapping her like a papoose with just one arm out.
Good Night
M.

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