Side sleeping!!

[JulyDreams]

We have tried everything  our newborn (only 1 week old) has realised she can turn herself over now on her side (not front). She looks so comfortable and seems to sleep well on her side but I have done some research and there is a risk of SIDS. I am literally so worried now...

If we tried to prevent her sleeping on her side we would literally get no sleep at all. We try to move her back but she will wake up and be up for hours!

Anyone have any advice on what we can do?

Bump please x

I did speak to a midwife friend who said it's ok as long as nothing is instructing her airways?

Hey! I’m sure that’s scary for you with such a small baby!

The advice is lay them on their back & if they naturally move then that’s ok. Keep an eye on baby if you feel more comfortable , make sure they’re on a flat surface with nothing around them and they should be ok. I don’t think a newborn would be able to get their other arm untucked to get full into their front anyway!

I hope that helps! The early days are full of worries (and wonderfulness!). I’m sure you’re doing great x

Thank you! @Perpop

Yes it is very nerve wracking!!

We are also putting her in a sleep suit with her arms and legs contained and she seems to sleep better that way! Always on flat surface with nothing around.

So many worries and also wonderfulness you're right

I have a very similar problem, however our little one can roll all the way over from near on day 1! It is terrifying to wake up and find her in this position, no matter how many times I roll her back onto her back, she just rolls over again.

I contacted my HV who put me in touch with The Lullaby Trust who advised that it is safer to continue rolling her back over whenever I see her make the move rather than putting anything in the cot to prevent her rolling in the first place.

I would definitely recommend having a look at The Lullaby Trust and even speaking to the helpline if need be. They certainly made me feel more at ease, if baby is strong enough to roll onto their side then they are capable of rolling back onto their back.

Good luck!

I was told my my HV to stop swaddling (containing arms and legs) once they could roll so they can roll themselves back if they end up rolling over. Could you use a sleep sack that their arms are out just to be safer?

echoing the lullaby trust recommendation! Learnt so much about safe sleep!

If it helps - my newborn could do this at first but it stopped somewhere along the way (she’s now 10 weeks!) I think it was her froggy little legs at the beginning. Used to terrify me.

Always place your baby on their back to sleep, even if they can roll over. This is the safest slitherio sleep position for reducing the risk of SIDS.