Baby sleeping

[MissClimpsonsTypingBureau]

I've just checked the safe sleep guidelines again and it says the only safe place for a baby to sleep is in a cot on their back. My DS (7 weeks) has hated that from day 1 - he wakes up and screams if you put him down asleep, and if you put him down awake he doesn't fall asleep and sooner or later gets bored/ overtired and screams. He will only sleep being held and reliably only on his front - on my chest/ in my arms/ in a sling. I asked the HV what to do and she said just to hold him and it wouldn't be forever. But looking at the safe sleep guidelines I'm terrified I'm putting him at major risk - due to the position he's in but also because I'm horrendously tired and might fall asleep. Should I put him down anyway and leave him to scream? Is the psychological damage that might cause better or worse than the danger of SIDS from him sleeping on me?

[MissJC]

Don't let your baby sleep on his front whilst you are also asleep, this is a big no no.

My DD is 8 weeks old and has only just settled into a solid routine in her moses basket. If you are going to co-sleep then do your research into how it can be done safely so you are aware of all the facts and can minimise risk. Also have a look into a SleepyHead Pillow. Its a safe cocoon type pillow that is quite expensive but supposed to be the nuts in baby sleeping. Its not that your baby hates being on his back, it's because he feels exposed and gets more comfort from being in your arms. He has been all snuggled up in your womb for 9 months so it will take a little time to adjust.

Have you tried swaddling? As long as baby can't overheat (I have used a muslin) and their hips are free to move, swaddling is a great way to get a baby to sleep.

Good luck OP, the struggle is real but will pass

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

Will he sleep next to yiu in the bed? Have you tried warming the Moses basket with a hot water bottle? Putting in one of DHs t-shirts in the Moses baskets might help, get DH to wear it for a good few hours first though so it has his reassuring smell

Agree that swaddling and white noise may help too. If he doesn't like being flat on his back in the Moses basket, have you tried propping the head end of the basket up? You could put a couple of big books down and rest the head end of the Moses basket on them IYGWIM.

If you are worried about sleeping with him because of tiredness, have you got someone who could have him for a couple of hours this evening while you rest? Maybe take him out for a walk or drive?

[MissClimpsonsTypingBureau]

Thanks both. Have tried swaddling and he hates it, tried our clothes in the moses basket and a sleepyhead and they haven't made any difference. Tried having him next to me in bed and it works about one time in 3. DH doesn't do well on limited sleep and works long hours so has him for a few hours some evenings but can't do it every evening.

Will try white noise and propping the basket though - thank you!

MissJC - thanks, I guess I was also asking whether him sleeping on his front on top of me while I'm reliably awake is also a big no no... do you happen to know?

[voobylooby]

I'd second the sleepyhead suggestion. I could have written the same post as you, but using the sleepyhead we've transitioned from only being held, to in own crib within a few weeks. I hope you find a solution.

[MrPoppersPenguins]

If you're wide awake it's fine for a baby to sleep on your chest. I know exactly how you feel as my DS1 was the same. To survive I ended up putting him in his big cot in own room from 5 weeks (not recommended I know!) as he was constantly disturbed by us in our room. Also put him in sleeping bag so I didn't wake him when tucking in blankets, co-slept in the end- once asleep I kept him in crook of my arm and slid into lying position in bed. V gradually lowered him to mattress when I could. It's so exhausting and I really feel for you. Also, try a fleece blanket in bottom of cot/crib as it doesn't feel as cold when they get put down on it... less of a shock that might wake them!

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

Just to clarify, putting your clothes in the Moses basket won't work, it has to be DH's