Tummy Time

In light of a comment on a previous post, I thought I would address this issue. We do allow Peanut (and did with Sweet Pea) to sleep on her tummy. I know that everywhere you turn people are saying it is wrong to do so. For us it boils down to some simple things.

1. Our girls have slept through the night at a much earlier age than most babies these days, resulting in happier days. I know many kids who aren't sleeping through the night at 18 months and can't help but wonder if it is because they feel insecure on their backs.
2. Both of our girls have had severe Reflux and throw up their entire stomach contents while sleeping on their backs.
3. The girls both had issues with choking on spit up when on their backs.

I think the push to find out what causes SIDS has caused a little oversensitivity. I think the paranoia has caused new problems as well. Statistically the number of kids requiring cranial banding or "helmets" has gone way up, as well as the average age that kids sleep through the night. I am not going to be foolish enough to say that tummy sleeping has nothing to do with SIDS, mostly since the occurrences have dropped dramatically since the "back to sleep" program went into effect. However, for us, we have made the decision to let them sleep how they are most comfortable.

That being said, I would be absolutely devastated if something did happen to Peanut in her sleep and am a bit paranoid about it at times. We have tried to eliminate as many factors that could contribute to SIDS as possible. We don't allow anything in the bed with the babies, we make sure they are on a firm mattress, we make sure they can turn and lift their head, we chose to breastfeed, we don't allow them to be around cigarette smoke, we monitor them closely and we pray for safety nightly. I know that this is still not fool proof, but I feel comfortable with the decision we have made.

There is also an awesome monitor on the market called AngelCare. It has a pad that sits between the mattress and frame and sounds an alarm if there has been no movement (ie. breathing movements) for more than 20 seconds. In studies, the alarm sounding is enough to rouse a baby enough to start breathing again, as well as alerting the parents. It does give some peace of mind. (Thanks Amy!)

So there is my two cents for what it is worth. I don't judge anyone for their choice on sleeping positions and think it is similar to the breast vs. formula feeding argument. To me, it is your choice and you should do what is best for your baby and your family.