Okay so most 'experts' would crucify anyone for even thinking about putting a baby to sleep in any other position but on their backs which seems a bit funny to me because only 10yrs (max) ago the 'experts' would recommend baby sleeps on his tummy but with all the new research about SIDS it is said to be a no no. I'm still awiting the arrival of my daughter (I'm 34weeks) but have been doing lots of research, trying to do what can't be done and prepair myself for motherhood. I want to know what you think, do and did in regards to 'tummy time' with your little ones?

I always slept my son on his back, I guess it just seemed right and made sense. I would think about if I put him on his tummy to sleep that he might not be able to breathe if he ended up face down and not strong enough to lift his head or turn it, but maybe that's just me! The only thing I will say is my son hated tummy time, and never crawled. I always thought it was because he didn't sleep on his tummy and therefore was not able to get used to it, even after hours and hours a day of me working with him to crawl. I ended up finding out about a month ago that he is really double jointed, and that is why he still can't walk or crawl at almost 17months old (he bottom shuffles, pretty cute! lol).

My son now sleeps in various positions - back, side and sometimes his tummy. I think sleeping babies on their backs' is a good idea, and soon enough they will sleep however they please! As long as you spend time during the day where you play with them on their tummy from a young age and don't leave it too late

NEVER have a newborn in any other sleeping position than on their backs! Unless you want to bury your child before they live their life. Your risking SIDS and suffocation by having them in any other position. There bodies are too small and don't have a sense of balance to sleep on their sides anyway.

emily. wrote:

QUOTE:
NEVER have a newborn in any other sleeping position than on their backs! Unless you want to bury your child before they live their life. Your risking SIDS and suffocation by having them in any other position. There bodies are too small and don't have a sense of balance to sleep on their sides anyway.

I would like to add that putting a baby to sleep on their tummy doesn't mean they will suffocate, it is just the risks are higher than them sleeping on their back. SIDS may still happen even when sleeping on their back. It's all about DECREASING the chances.

My son was born in 1984, and at that time it was recommended to put the baby on their stomachs for sleeping. Nowadays, it's recommended to put the baby on their backs.

The medical community still doesn't understand SIDS, and makes recommendations not just on sleeping positions, but air circulation, bumper pads, bedding, teen mothers, mother's education, smoking etc.

Here's a Wikipedia link for more information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudden_infant_death_syndrome

Thanks for the link, I think I have that one bookmarked
There are lots of articles on SIDS and just as many opinions readily available too (most of which I've heard ) but I guess what I really want to know is how many mother's actually do put there bub's on there tummies?

By the way Emily, there are pillows/chocks that keep baby on his side. I don't really agree with these too much but an alternative to 'tummy time' if baby suffering from reflux and mum doesn't feel comfortable with tummy down. Thanks for your opinion even though I am a little annoyed with your reply. Maybe it's your ignorance or it might just be the way you have worded it but I think your attempt to push your opinion (instead of simply voicing it) to be very rude and uncalled for, but each to there own right