Front sleeping, a big no no?

[bigbang]

I have a lovely 3 week old dd, who refuses to sleep on her back. We are co sleeping, with her on my chest, at the mo but I don't really like doing it as I get uncomfy and don't want it to be a long term thing. She sleeps well in her basket on her front.

My ds slept on my chest for 2/3 weeks then in his crib on his back just fine. He started front sleeping at about 6 mo and still front sleeps now at 2 and a bit. I didn't mind by that age as he could roll and what not, plus he seemed a lot more sturdy by then.

The sids guidelines are making me panic a bit. Is it really that bad? Seeing as there are no other risk factors involved (smoke/drink etc) I think the risk is minimal, but I'm still worried. I don't want to put her at risk of course, but I know a better nights sleep would be had by all if I let her front sleep. Feeling a bit torn really. What do you think?

Sorry for the waffle, not getting much sleep

[bigbang]

Oh and what exactly is the risk involved with front sleeping? Suffocation, over heating? Or something else?

[fleacircus]

DD is nearly 4wks and is asleep on her front right now - she has terrible wind and this is the best sleep she's had for ages. But she's next to me on the sofa, I don't think I'd feel safe putting her down in her crib like that. I'll be interested to see what others say, though.