I know babies sleeping on their stomach is bad...

[berolina]

...but what about sleeping on their stomach on a parent?
ds (3.5 mo) loves to go to sleep on dh's chest. I worry about this because I know that sleeping on his stomach is bad, but dh insists it's OK as he feels his breathing and this 'reminds' him to keep breathing too. Who's right?

Personally I think it's fine - you can't get much closer.

I'm with your dh.....

but only having been worn down by my dh when we had the self same disagreement

both my babies have loved sleeping on either dp's or my chest. i think i agree with your dh. and it's so lovely! apart from when you actually want to do anything...

DH .. kind of

I think that the reason that sleeping on stomach is bad is they can vomit and not have the strength to turn their head so there is a chance they can suffocate. That is why it is ok when they have good neck control

I think DH might be made aware if DS pukes on his bare chest

If my ds didn't get to sleep on his tummy on a parent we would all be in the lunatic asylum by now. Is your dh awake whilst ds is lying on him? (I must confess, I am not always). If so, I can't a problem, he would surely notice if he stopped breathing.

I always thought the reason for not lying them on their stomachs is the risk of them overheating as they lose alot of heat through their chests and overheating is thought to be a contributing factor in cot death. But i would think with a baby on your chest you can tell if they're getting too hot so i wouldnt think its a problem, i did it with mine, i think its just if they're on their own.

thanks
he is actually holding his head very well now and turns it to the side anyway when sleeping on dh.
sometimes dh does fall asleep with ds on him but I discourage him from it.