I am struggling this morning after four nights of little sleep. I'm quite sure, in addition to the two teeth that are now through the gums, Jane's going through a growth spurt. She's eating every two hours and waking twice at night to feed as well as a bunch more times just to wake up and smile at me! :pWhen she's been napping in her crib, I've been allowing her to sleep on her belly. She can flip both ways now so they say that's ok but I'm too scared to let her do it all night. She sleeps SO much more soundly and longer when she's sleeping on her belly. Last night, in my frustration about not getting any sleep, I flipped her on her belly - she immediately went from wide awake to passed out cold. Of course, then (because I'm crazy) I lied awake for 2 hours worrying about SIDS and eventually flipped her back on her back, of course, waking her.
What the heck do I do here ladies? She can flip both ways, she easily lifts her head and shoulders off the ground when on her belly, but is that enough to allow her to sleep on her belly? I read online you should always put them to sleep on their back and if they flip onto their belly then that's ok... but not to put them to sleep on their bellies?!?! HELP!
At this point, I don't know what to do. She's not getting a good sleep and neither am I. But I just can't imagine if something happened to her, I would never forgive myself.
What are your thoughts?
Jen xoxo
PS - Here's a picture of Jane and her "boyfriend" Parker from this weekend! They look like an old married couple in this picture! :p
6 comments:
I think sometimes it is important to just follow your mommy instincts and do what you think is best. I know that may not sound helpful but there are going to be people who agree with both sides of the issue with equal conviction and in the end it is for you to decide.
Good Luck in your decision!
I am "crazy" like you - I know I would worry, BUT a friend of mine's daughter (about the same age as Jane) always sleeps on her tummy and she's fine.
When I was a baby, that was the norm and I survived! My Mom has suggested that to me several times when I've been having trouble with my daughter napping. My Mom really thinks babies like that better, and maybe she's right.
Also, I'm sure you're doing everything else "they" suggest to prevent SIDS, i.e. no bumper pads, no blankets, etc.
Like Kacie said, she's your baby and you've gotta follow your instincts!
Sam has been sleeping on his belly since he was a month old because he has such a strong startle reflex he would constantly wake himself up on his back! I heard not to let him be a tummy sleeper but my sister and I both were and we are still here!
How did you get Jane to sleep unswaddled? I am still working on Parker. I think it must be the age our babies are at as parker is also not sleeping well. We are up three to four times a night. Sometimes he wakes up to feed and goes right back to sleep. other times he is wide awake and up for a bit. A lot of moms i've spoken with are finding their little ones around 5 or 6 months old waking up a lot. Hopefully she will sleep better soon. Glad to hear the teething is going well so far. We are still waiting for his.
Leah has slept well on her back since she was born, and I fretted about it, too, at first. Once she could roll herself and hold her head up, though, I was fine with it.
Do what you feel is best. If you don't feel like it's a good idea, hold off on it. Trust your instinct. It's there for a reason. =)
Jill, I still swaddle Jane at night... but when she sleeps on her belly, I let one arm out. That way she can easily flip over if she wants but she's not doing push ups like she would if both arms were out. :)
Thanks for your advice guys - after last night's half-decent sleep, I might be able to wait until I'm a little more sure of my decision... but eventually this child is going to sleep on her belly. She just enjoys it too much!
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