Sleeping on Tummy

V., I am a mother of a 4 year old boy and I had the same problem. I know doctors recommend that they sleep on thier back or side but my son refused to do it. I finally had to let him sleep on his stomach so that I could keep my sanity. And he slept through the night from the time he was 1 1/2 months old. From the day I brought him home from the hospital he slept on his stomach. The best thing to do is make sure there is no toys or bottles, including pacifiers in the crib. Just so they cant choke. I never had a problem with him sleeping on his stomach and he still sleeps that way. Believe me if you want some sleep, and want to keep your hair let your child sleep whatever way they are comfortable. And I can tell you that my son never had to take a pacifier to fall asleep. He does not and never has sucked his thumb and has never gone to bed with a bottle. It seemed to be his comfort zone. So he didn't develop any bad habits when going to bed. I hope this helps. By the way I am a young mother and had no idea what to do either. I had my mother helping me with him. And she raised 4 children and we all slept on our stomachs and never had any of the vices that come along with putting children to bed screaming and having to give them something to stick in thier mouth to relax them.
M. (24)
Tyler (4)

You may try elevating the head end of the crib (put a blanket under the mattress) or lay him in the boppy. I did both of these when my baby was sick. Mine also went thru a growth spurt at 6 wks, so you may try feeding a little more.

I hate to say this, but I'm sure everyone a geration older will say "you slept on your tummy & you turned out fine. Don't worry so much."

I'm also a first time mom. My baby girl is 8 months old. I'd be happy to brainstorm more ideas if you want to write back. Good Luck!

My son Gavin did the same thing and I was a new mommy only 1 year ago. The only thing that worked for us was using “Inclined to Sleep” for him and abiding by a schedule/routine. You can pick this sleep device up at Babies R' Us for $20. This holds them in place so they don’t have the opportunity to roll. I know you said in your email that you tried almost every device but this is what worked for us. For us it wasn’t so much the device it was that we picked him up every time he whimpered or even made a peep plus had no routine with him. We tried everything but changing our behavior and buying this is what worked for us. He screamed his head off the first few times we put him in it on his back but your baby is only 6 weeks so they don't know much except if I cry mom will pick me up and hold me which was really what my son was saying to me. The tears dried up instantly and life was great again. That’s a sign they are perfectly fine and just want to be held. That’s not to say you should EVER leave your child unattended, neglect them or let him cry when they are in need but your baby even at 6 weeks is testing you. We tried the new “position” during daily naps then gradually did it overnight. It’s not easy but you have a long road ahead of you. The incline to sleep is supposed to cut down on the risk for SIDS as well which being a new mommy put my mind at better ease.

Again every baby is different but that’s what worked for us.

Hang in there! I’m a new mommy too…it’s not easy but it’s well worth it!

Hi Vicki,

I feel your pain. I have been there twice. My first born wouldn't sleep in any position but upright in a car seat for five months. My second born liked sleeping on his side and stomach. It's very hard to force any person (no matter what age) to sleep in a position they are not comfortable in. I let my babies sleep in whatever position they found comfortable, as long as their mouths and noses were not blocked by blankets, etc... I simply checked on them...A LOT! For many years experts advised parents to have babies sleep on their stomachs, then it changed to their sides, and last but not least it changed to their backs. I don't think stats have changed as far as SIDS is concerned. I just did my best to make sure my babies airways were free to breathe while sleeping. I hope this helps! Don't worry, it will all get better soon. Usually between the third and fifth month. Take care!

Kathy

A lot of times when babies that have reflux feel better sleeping on there stomachs. You might want to try having him sleep on a slant. You can do this by raising one end of his crib. We put towels under one end of the mattress to do this. I don't know if this will haelp but it is worth a try.

Hi V.,

Have you talked to your pediatrician about this yet? Your little one could have a physical reason for not wanting to lay on his back. Good luck! :)