front sleeping

[crumbs12]

My baby boy (10.5 weeks) has for the last two weeks only slept on me overnight. I'm exhausted and really need to be able to sleep when he does. He'll do the first stretch from 9pm in his Moses basket fine and then won't settle unless sleeping on my chest.

I've just done the first feed of the night, tried him on his back as usual and he kicked up a fuss, as usual. Was about to put him on my chest but tried him on his front and he's fallen happily asleep. Eek. Would love to leave him sleeping but isn't this dangerous? Is 10.5 weeks way too young for sleeping on his front? Any reassurance would be great, or tell me I should put him on his back regardless. Thank you in advance!

Front sleeping carries a very significant SIDS risk. SIDS risk is at its peak between 2-3 months old. Having said that everyone has a different attitude to risk management with their children.

The Lullaby Trust Factsheet (downloadable here) says:

My baby loves sleeping on his front, how do we change to his back without him waking up?

"We sometimes get calls from parents who say their baby prefers sleeping on their front. If a baby is given a choice, they may well prefer this position, but unfortunately it is not a safe one! This is why we encourage all parents to follow back-sleeping from day one. Getting your baby to stick to sleeping on their back once if they have tried sleeping on their front might be difficult, but is made easier if your baby is always put down to sleep whilst awake rather than allowing your baby to fall asleep in your arms. Keep going, they will eventually get used to it"

Yikes, we're in the peak danger period for SIDS then. Righty Ho, will persevere with back sleeping if we can. Having a duvet day today in an attempt to encourage him to fall asleep on his back. Minor success this morning - he fell asleep after 15 mins of shush patting but then woke himself up 10 mins later and then wouldn't be settled. God this sleep malarkey is so hard!!!

For daytime naps, what about a bouncy chair? It is a little more upright, rather than being flat. Also means you can bounce baby to sleep.

You could also try swaddling, it makes transfer to the cot easier.