Talk

She's 13 weeks today but was 5 weeks early if that makes any difference?

The Back To Sleep campaign has been the single biggest factor in reducibg the death of babies from SIDS.

In the 25 years since the campaign was launched SIDS deaths have reduced by 85% now that parents know to put babies to sleep on their backs.

There is absolutely no disputing the facts on tummy sleeping - it definitely is dangerous and carries risk.

It's really not unusual that baby sleeps better on their tummy. This was one of the reasons parents used to do it! In fact it is suggested that the fact babies sleep better on their tummies might be a read on why it is dangerous - the arousal levels (how easy it is to wake baby) of a baby sleeping face down are thought to be much lower. So baby's breathing rates can reduce. Then factors involving soft bedding or mattresses, or turning head, can obstruct breathing further.

All that said, some people do let baby sleep on their tummies anyway. It would be a risk too far for me, you need to make your own personal assessment of the risk.

Instead you could look at the reasons baby isn't sleeping well on her back.
- have you tried a swaddle previously?
- have you tried a dummy?
- what about raising on end of the cot?
- will she sleep if safely co sleeping?
- does she need feeding more?
- does she need more daytime sleep?
- would movement help her slerp more?