Sleeping positions?

Hi there,
This is my first time on the forum. I have a 3 week old daughter who can't seem to sleep on her back! She just doesn't like it! The only way she can sleep is if she is on her stomach and if im lucky maybe on her side! But she's much happier on her stomach and sleeps more soundly and for longer, which of course makes me happier -'cause I can then get some sleep! Not sure what to do as I know its against the advice given! Should I persevere with trying to get her on her side? Any advice would be much appreciated!

Hi Cass, welcome to the forum!

This is a tricky one and not at all uncommon as far as I can work out. While putting your baby to sleep on her back substantially reduces the risk of cot death as you will know, it also seems the case that many babies prefer to sleep on their fronts, maybe because they feel less exposed that way.

Does she have problems settling or is it that she wakes herself up?

When on her back does she wake herself up and wave her arms and legs around? If so have you tried swaddling her? She might prefer to sleep like this anyway as she might feel more secure (but be prepared that she might not like it at first).

Is she sleeping in the same room as you? If not then keeping her near you might also help her to settle.

If I were you I'd persevere with back and side for a bit longer because of the risks. I know that's easier to say thatn do though, some babies just hate sleeping on their backs.

Hi Julie,
Thanks so much for the advice and help. So happy to hear you say that its not uncommon! Yes she does have problems settling but I will try persevere more with the side and back (as i really would sleep better myself knowing that she was safe) and I'll swaddle her as you suggested! She is sleeping in our room - i made sure of that especially as she was wanting to sleep on her stomach.
Cross fingers!
Thanks again!

Cass, I had similar problems with Clarry when she was newborn and was at my wit's end with it. She didn't really seem to settle well until I put her in a baby sleeping bag at about 3 months.

I have to confess that when I was really tired I let her sleep on her front sometimes, but had the cot right next to the bed and found that then I didn't sleep that well for worry!

I did let her sleep on my chest during the day and it did slowly get better as she got used to sleeping a different way at night, but as I said, it was with the baby sleeping bag that we really turned a corner. I don't think you're supposed to let newborns sleep in them though.

If she really won't sleep on her back you could try her side as an alternative maybe?
Good luck with persuading her to adjust. I really feel for you hon.

Hi shoestring,
I've actually heard form another friend about how sleeping bags help so i think im going to try that! Good idea! Thanks!

Just an update from me. I realised that she's too young for a sleeping bag, so tried the swaddling thing. That seems to help, but I feel a bit mean wrapping her up.

But then yesterday I saw the review on here of the Nature's nest hammock and it sounds like it could be the answer to my prayers, so I've just ordered one. Will let you know how it goes!

Cass

The hammock has arrived!

I'm going to set it up later today and he first test will be tonight.

I let Samuel sleep on my chest and then when he was old enough to hold/raise his head up I let him sleep on his tummy. He just won't sleep on his back.

He is 10 months old and still sleeps on his tummy.

Claire.

hi cass im havin sam problems wer u get the nest hammock from