Sleeping positions for newborn.

**hello_pitty** · 12-12-2009 08:15 PM

I am getting overhwelmed by all the info i'm getting on this subject and it's starting to scare me.

Most say, baby should sleep on his/ her back. Then there's some study (wasn't linked to source though) that babies who sleep on their backs have developmental problems as they get older, like learning disabilities and reflux etc.

Some say baby should sleep on their stomach, but I know for a fact this is dangerous because they can suffocate.

Some say to put baby on their side, especially for ones that have reflux. But wouldn't that make their arms numb? I mean think about it... swaddled, unable to move and stuck on your side...your arm would be pretty numb. I can see this neccesary if there is a medical problem.

So what then????????

I am beyond confused and due anytime this week, and I am so nervous!!!!

**WildChild** · 12-12-2009 08:29 PM

After the first few weeks they will start wiggling themselves all over the place. The general suggestion is on their backs as there seems to be a lower incident of SIDS with this posistion. But then the SIDS people also warn against having your baby sleep with you, which both mine did from birth without any problem.

I wouldn't worry about the developmental problems claim, never heard that one. Breast fed babies have higher IQs so just keep nursing!

You're going to be fine! Just don't do any high risk stuff like smoking, drinking, doping and such - those are really what lead to the biggest risks for both health and how well you care for your baby.

When my first was just a couple weeks old, I accidentally closed her tiny little foot in a drawer, it left a mark. I was in a total panic, in tears, sure I'd crippled her for life, I ran with her over to a neighbor who had 4 kids. She just laughed, as she plucked a child off from the top of the fridge and said, "she'll do far worse to herself later and be fine."

New motherhood is an awesome responsibility, chances are whatever you do lovingly will be fine. PS an excellent mag. I found really helpful was, Mothering.

**k_ap** · 12-17-2009 09:50 AM

My daughter always slept on her back and she is now 9 and never had developmental problems so far. I think babies sleep the way they are confortable.

**the wench** · 12-17-2009 11:12 AM

both of mine at 1st were put 2 sleep on their backs but after a few weeks they do their own thing! i worried so much with my 1st born and was up alnight checking on him and didnt move him out my room until he was almost 2 big 4 his moses basket....however...with my 2nd...she was put in2 her own room in her cot after a few days!
its al about confidence and knowing whats right 4 you and your baby...there isnt a right or wrong in my opinion its just different people do different things...take everyones advice try them out and see what works best 4 you both!
goodluck!

**the wench** · 12-17-2009 11:12 AM

ohhhhh no development problem with either of mine either

**Ahryin** · 12-17-2009 12:14 PM

LOL, ok first off calm down both my girls slept with me and by themselves. With my 1st and oldest I purchased this contraption from babies rus that cost me about 50 beans that had pillows to help her stay in place and on her back....that she no doubt got out of at 2mnths! By the way my daughter is not only smart but in the 97th percentile which means she is a GENIUS..lol She gets straight A's and is a sassy young thang.

My advice is not to believe the hype. don't get me wrong SIDS is real but at your baby will decide what is comfortable. I used to wrap my baby girls up and they would take themselves right out of the wrap! Me...I fell between the bed and the wall..and i'm still here..lol (my mother loves telling that story to attribute to what she believes is wrong with me..she tells her friends i'm secretly brain damaged)

**LanaBear** · 12-17-2009 12:22 PM

Both of mine slept on their backs for as long as I could control it. No developmental issues or nothing (brought home straight A's yesterday).

They will find what works best for them after a few months. With my 2nd, guess what? The only way he would sleep is in his car seat! So, yep, after I figured this out, he slept in his car seat next to my bed for a couple of months.

**patricias213** · 12-28-2009 09:57 AM

I think the only thing that bothered me with sleeping on the back was when my baby had a cold and having that flat spot at the back of the head from sleeping all the time on her back....other than that, she was fine.

**berntrice** · 04-26-2010 10:52 PM

I had five children. I allowed them to sleep any way they were comfortable. When they learned how to roll over "which was about three to four months old", no matter which way I laid them , they would roll into the position that they wanted to be in. If your baby has a problem with keeping formula down it is a good idea to lay them on their side, but this is just my opinion. If they are laid on their sides and happens to turn up they are less likely to choke.

**JadedQueen** · 04-28-2010 08:52 AM

When my son was born I was told to put him to sleep on his back or his side. I know they make wedge pillows to prevent the baby from rolling onto it's stomach. Don't stress and fret, when you have the baby the doctor will come in and give him/her a clean bill of health prior to you going home, not to mention the nurses that will be there at the hospital and they will be sure that you know all that information before you have to go it alone. I know it's overwhelming but don't worry, a lot of things will just be instinct. If you have any questions jot them down and put your list with your hospital bag and be sure to ask them before coming home with your bundle of joy. Good luck