4 month old turning on his side when sleeping

[Chester1980]

As it says in the title. It’s worrying me so much in terms of safe sleep practices that I can’t sleep. He’s waking every hour at the mo. When I pop him back in the next to me crib (ok his back) he turns to the side. When I move him to his back he cries. I want to be awake all night to make sure he’s ok. This lack of sleep has been going on 6 weeks.

I know I'm probably not up to date with current thinking, but surely it's more comfortable sleeping on your side? And aren't you more likely to choke if you're on your back (especially a baby, who's more likely to vomit up milk or saliva)? Tell me if I'm wrong, but what's wrong with a baby sleeping on his side?

It's fine - if he's able to turn to his side then he should be able to turn back if required- just always place him down on his back.

My two both did the same!

If he can turn himself on his side he's fine to sleep that way - leave him be. A 4mo is not a newborn anyway and has the neck strength to lift his own head if needed.

Side sleeping isn’t a problem. Back sleeping is. And even then only until the baby can move itself.

Teddybear45 back sleeping isn't a problem, it is recommended.
However, as other posters have said once they can move themselves it's fine. You put them down on their back, if they can turn to the side on their own that's fine.

Information here for those not up to date with safe sleeping advice: www.lullabytrust.org.uk/safer-sleep-advice/sleeping-position/

I'd think if he's able to roll himself then it's fine. It's only when you put them into a position on tummy or side that they can't then get out of. NHS advice is once they can roll it's OK.

My little guy did that for a while at just a few weeks old, the midwife said if he can get himself there then not to worry.

Hope you get sleep soon xx

Thank you for the responses - much appreciated. It does make me feel a bit better.

It’s the lullaby trust, as noted by @cellebelly which outlines the advice:

Sleeping a baby on their front or side greatly increases the chance of SIDS

That’s what has been on the back of my mind. I’m such a worrier, I keep thinking of all these scenarios. That he’d roll over and not be able to move and I’m so tired I’d sleep through it. This sleep deprivation is messing with my head 🙁

As others have said, if he's doing it himself then leave him be. There really should be an addition to that advice to make that clear. I would never have slept with my two - both were rolling at 4 months!