Patented Q & A Database

My 7-month old has started turning onto his tummy in his sleep. I have concerns about SIDS so should I be switching him to his back?

Trish Booth, MA Replied: Once babies start rolling over, it's OK to let them choose their sleep position after they have been put down to sleep on their back. Although the risk of SIDS decreases after 6 months, it's best to continue these safe sleep practices: • Keep cigarette smoke away from your baby. • Make the place where your baby sleeps a no-smoking zone. • Have your baby sleep in a crib. Couches, waterbeds, and sheepskins are a suffocation hazard. • Make sure your baby's crib mattress is firm and fits snugly into the crib. Don't use a bumper pad. • Keep toys and pillows out of the crib. • Avoid overheating your baby by keeping the room comfortably cool and not overdressing him. • If a blanket is needed, use a light one and only put it up to your baby's shoulders. Don't use a fluffy blanket or comforter.
Posted On 2005-07-08 17:44:06

Dr. Steven Kairys Replied: Children should stay on their backs to sleep at least through the first year of life. Since your child appears to go sleep sleeping on his back, you could roll a blanket and tuck it in so that he reduces the tendency to roll over onto his stomach. Some parents use side sleeping as a compromise position. Side position does also reduce the risk of SIDS but infants will even more easily turn from that position
Posted On 2005-07-08 10:17:02

Penny Warner Replied: When babies start turning over, there's little we can do to prevent it - and it's a great milestone in their development. You could roll up two small blankets and place them next to your baby when he's on his back, to help prevent him from turning, or buy a back-to-sleep foam form that helps keep baby on his back. Other than that, just make sure there are no loose blankets, the mattress is flat, when you check on him, perhaps roll him back over -- without waking him!
Posted On 2005-07-07 10:36:15