Sleeping Positions?
Not to stir up controversy, but since this was part of Carman's post for paci's or not, I was wondering what you have done as far as baby sleep positions. I thought it would be enlightening for first time moms as well.
Of course, I'm an old school mom, so I've seen/experienced how "research" has changed over the years. With my first there was no real advice on how baby should sleep, just whatever was the baby's preference was fine - no link between "crib death" as it was called back then (SIDS) and a baby's sleep position. My oldest is 22 years old. By the time my 2nd came along (5 years later); he is now 17 - the recommendation from "research" was that they should never sleep on their backs, due to the possibility of them spitting up in their sleep and choking/aspirating the vomit into their lungs and this was thought to be the primary cause of SIDS. With Ava the new "research" was that they should never be allowed to sleep on their tummies because that was what somehow caused SIDS.
I know Rachel mentioned that one of her boys would not stay on his back to sleep. Ava wasn't a back sleeper either and since I had 2 sons that survived sleeping on their tummies, I decided not to let "research" dictate how I should force my child to sleep. I am inclined to believe in SIDS being a predisposition type of syndrome. If your child is going to have that situation, there's probably not much you could do to stop it. Just my opinion. I just wanted to post this mostly for the new moms, in case you have a baby that doesn't like or won't sleep well on their back; don't worry that you will hurt your baby, by letting him/her get comfortable to sleep. Also please note that if you do decide to make sure your baby sleeps on his/her back, you want to be sure and alternate which side you have their heads turn to. This is the only way to avoid a flat spot either to one side or the other or even a flat back of the head. There are more flat headed children nowadays from back sleeping, because they are constantly on the backs of their little heads. This can be more than just a cosmetic issue for some.
Anyway, I will be allowing Presley to sleep however she is comfortable - be it on her side, her back or her tummy. What will/have the rest of you do/done?
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