Seeking Advise from Moms

Updated on April 29, 2008
V.O. asks from Lemon Grove, CA
64 answers

Some people have told me that babies are not suppose to sleep with a blanket. Is this true? If this is true, at what age can a baby sleep with a blanket? My daughter is 8 months this friday.
Also, what age can she sleep on her tummy? I wake up at night to check on her and she is on her tummy and sometimes on her side. And she wakes up when I put her back on her back. Thanks

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E.T.

answers from Los Angeles on

Most people say that once she starts rolling over on her own, it's okay if she rolls to her stomach. There's not much you can do about it at that point anyway.

I think the blanket is normally okay after one year. Until then, use the sleep-sack blankets. They're kind of like sleeping bag overalls. They can get wrapped around the same way blankets do, plus, if she's rolling around, they will stay on better than a blanket and actually keep her warm all night.

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A.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

Usually if they can roll onto their tummies, and are comfortable sleeping on it, it is okay for them to sleep on their tummy. Good luck!

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E.N.

answers from San Diego on

I have always been told if a baby can move in their sleep, let them sleep however they want to. You would be fighting a losing battle if you tried to change her position - she'll just move back to a comfortable position she wants to be in. I always put my babies to sleep on their back, but once they were able to move themselves, they never stayed that way for long. As far as a blanket, I swaddled my babies with thermal knit blankets from birth. When they no longer stayed in the swaddle, the blankets stayed in bed with them for snuggling. We call them their "snuggle blankets" and they still sleep with them at 3 yrs and almost 2 yrs (they are a necessity!). If you are looking for a blanket for warmth, I recommend the sleep sacks. Not only for safety, but they move around too much at that age and a lose blanket would never stay on them. The sleep sack is attached so it stays with them. If it is a blanket for comfort or snuggling, I think it is fine as long as it is not too bulky or big.

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C.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

I am sure this has already been answered, but here is my thoughts.
Babies can sleep on their tummy's when they are able to roll over, which obviously yours rolls over. About the blanket, I believe it is the same rule.

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J.V.

answers from Los Angeles on

My first son started sleeping on his stomach when he was 6 months. It was nerveracking! My second son, 7 months, recently started doing the same thing. My doctor said once they have the strengh to do that they can usually turn back the other way. I found they slept longer once they started sleeping on their stomach. It is more comfy for them. I didn't use a banket for 16 months with my first one. My life saver was a Halo Sleepsac (you can get them at babies r us). It is a blanket without arms that zips up the front and is closed at the bottom so there is no SIDS risk at all. However, it keeps them nice and warm. I am using one for my 2nd baby too. He loves it and it gives me peace of mind. Good luck!

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C.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

If your daughter is old enough to roll from back to front there is little danger of SIDS b/c she has body and head control--leave her on her belly!

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J.D.

answers from San Diego on

Your daughter should be old enough to sleep on her tummy. If she can hold up her head. I am not sure why they can't sleep with a blanket but My son did since the day he was born. But if your worried just put her in those blanket sleepers.

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L.D.

answers from Las Vegas on

Hi V.-
My Dr told me if they can get on their tummies on their own, then they are fine- they are strong enough to lift their heads and move their bodies so they don't smother themselves. It's scary though- I kept rolling my daughter back over and would wake her up in the process, too :)Mine also has a blanket that we started using as a comfort object at around 6 months when we started laying her down awake. That's your call though, because I know moms that are dead set against it for the first year. Good luck!

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N.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi V.! My dughter has always slept with a blanket. I would think that if your daughter can roll over on her tummy by herself she will be fine to sleep like that. My dughter has even been sleeping with a pillow since about nine months. She was able to show that she can sit up on her own and roll away from anything that her face might come in contact with. If your daughter is showing strength in these areas I would say not to worry about it. Only you can be the judge on what is right for your baby...so please don't listen to me or anyone else for that matter because we are not in your house...go with your instincts and don't fret! Good luck!

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K.Y.

answers from Los Angeles on

I know that babies continue to at risk for SIDS through one year of age. My son started turning over on his 4-month old birthday and LOVES sleeping on his stomach. My pediatrician said that if they really want to sleep on their stomach there's not a whole lot you can do about it except make it as safe a crib environment as possible: no bumpers, no comforter, no stuffed animals or toys. The crib should only have a tight-fitting sheet and that's it. To keep my sweetie-pie warm, I dress him in a sleep-and-play or long-sleeve onsie & socks and then put him in a sleep sack. (You can get these at Babies R'Us, Amazon, or Baby Center.) As the weather warms I adjust his clothing appropriately.

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G.O.

answers from Los Angeles on

My daughter is 16 months and I still don't let her sleep with a blanket although sometimes when her dad puts her down, she does. I do have 2 blankets rolled up on the sides for her to sleep sideways on (like when you sleep with a pillow between your legs). At 8 months, she was already sleeping on her tummy also.

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C.D.

answers from Los Angeles on

I have a 9 month old and she sleeps on her tummy every night because the doctor's told me that once she can roll over on their own, it's ok for her to sleep like that.

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T.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

both my childern slept with blankets, make sure it's more of a light weight and not big and fluffy. She's fine sleeping on her tummy now. Most likely she rolling all over during her sleep.
You're doing a great job

T. H

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E.R.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi V.,

Babies shouldn't sleep with any loose bedding as it may contribute to SIDS as a possible strangulation hazard. There are Sleep sacs that you can buy that are lightweight and warm enough for them to wear that still allow the baby to move freely and safely.

As for sleeping on her belly, I asked my daughter's pediatrician about this because she started to sleep on her side and belly at 8-months. He said after 6 months of age, the chance for SIDS to occur goes down dramatically because they are strong enough to roll over and push themselves up from a face down position.

As long as your daughter has been rolling over and sitting up on your own, you shouldn't worry too much about it. My daughter's pediatrician assured me of this and she seems comfortable sleeping on her tummy. Babies tend to move a lot in their sleep at your daughter's age, so she won't stay in that position for long.

If you have any doubts, call your daughter's pediatrician. The doctor will set you at ease. You should do whatever is most comfortable for you.

Hope this helps.

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C.D.

answers from Los Angeles on

My son was about 4 weeks when he figured out how to turn onto his side....and that is where he slept until he rolled over on his belly. His doctor said to leave him alone and just make it safe. I gave him a blanket when he was about 6 months old....I just went with my instinct. I now have a 2 month old and she is sleeping on her side as well.....

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M.S.

answers from San Diego on

Hi V., I would suggest getting this important advice from your baby's pediatrician. Just give the office a call and I'm sure one of the nurses can answer this best for you. I think this is the safest route!

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H.M.

answers from San Diego on

My daughter never slept on her back. She would only sleep on her stomach. We kept her with us until she could life and turn her head and then she went into her own sleeping space. Even now, if she falls asleep on her back within minutes she has rolled over!

We started putting blankets with her when she was about one year. I am not sure what the recommendation is though!

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T.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

When my son was 5 months he started to sleep alllllll over his crib - literally from one end to the other, during winter we just had him in the blanket sleepers to keep him warm because the blanket would never stay on him - now he's 13 months old and i put a blanket in there but he still wiggles everywhere, at this point i would let them sleep where they want as long as they're sleeping.

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T.K.

answers from Honolulu on

The trouble with a blanket is that a small baby can get stuck under it and might not be able to get out on their own. If your daughter is able to roll and crawl than I would say that it is probably ok for her now.
As far as sleeping on her back, as soon as she is rolling well it is just fine for her to choose her own sleeping position so no need to wake her anymore!

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S.O.

answers from San Diego on

Our Ped told us that once they are able to roll over onto their tummies by themselves to let them sleep and not to worry about them suffocating. Most babies by 8 months have good head control and will naturally move their head away from anything that is blocking their breathing.

Both my kids always slept with a light blanket or two. When they were small infants I would just put them in a sleeper (and a sleep sack if it was really cold) and tuck the blanket under their arms and under their legs.

My youngest is almost 1 and now I just put a sleeper on her and put two light blankets on top of her. No sense in tucking it around her since she immediately rolls out of it. Then I just check on her and her big brother (age 3) before I go to bed to make sure they are covered up. My DD also likes to cuddle her blanket up by her face and has done so from infancy.

I would just make sure that you have a safe environment for your DD to sleep in (i.e. no toys in the crib, tight fitting sheet, etc.) Dress her in her PJ's and cover her up with a light blanket or two. I don't ever cover my kids with blankets that are too heavy or too large for them to move away from their face when they are sleeping.

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K.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hello V.! I too still check on my daughter if I wake up during the night and she is just over 2. I felt like I had to use a blanket because she was born in January and it was cold - at that time, I put her in her positioner and tucked her blanket in on the sides of the mattress and since she didn't move, it was fine. I think ... emphasis on think ... the rule is once they can move freely and roll over, a blanket is fine. If you are uncomfortable, try the blanket sleepers. I live in Sierra Madre and have some you could borrow if you are close by. Good luck!

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G.E.

answers from San Diego on

Babies should NEVER sleep with a blanket because of the risks of SIDS. I put my boys in sleep saks...they sell them at all the baby stores. That way they are kept warm without the risks of suffocating.
As far as them rolling on their tummy, as long as they are able to roll back over on their backs once they are on their tummy then it's ok!!

Ask your doctor if you are not sure about something!!

Good luck!

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S.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi V.
My son was very young and turned to sleep on his tummy... of course I was worried. But the Doctor said if he got there on his own to leave him alone. And as for the blanket.... we gave him one at around 7 months. And he was very HAPPY! Trust yourself.

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N.G.

answers from Visalia on

Don't wake up your baby to turn her over. Let her sleep. She is 8 months old she can turn any way she wants to. You should put a blanket on her to keep her warm. Do you sleep with covers? A baby will not let themseleves suffocate. They have a will to live too.
I am very sorry for you young mothers that get feed so much information that is not true. You can't just enjoy your babies. You need to stop worring so much. I am sure you are doing a wonderful job. Think of all the babies in 3rd world countries that manage to live spite of their ignorant parents.
Babies are very strong and as you will soon find out very minpulative. You better get your game plan together for the next stage.
N.
A old mom

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S.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

I have a nine month old (third daughter) and have always covered them with baby blankets. Even in the stroller and car seat.

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J.C.

answers from San Diego on

My son has slept on his tummy since he was 2 weeks old. He HATED being on his back... I think that comes from me! I will put a blanket on him only during his nap times when I'm awake and can check on him... but then again he just runs really warm all the time. Used to be that babies had to sleep on their tummies because of the risk of swallowing any spit up and having it go down their lungs instead of to the tummy. That makes more sense to me than what we do now... no one has it right we just keep flipping them over to suit the latest trend. Go with your instinct. If your baby is sleeping fine on her belly then why flip her over to make you more comfy?

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A.C.

answers from San Diego on

I wouldn't put a blanket on baby until they are no longer in a crib. Buy a sleeper - it zips up and is a blanket that doesn't go near their face. If she turns on her tummy, it's okay to leave her there - but still put her to sleep on her back.

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J.D.

answers from Las Vegas on

The way I understand it is the danger in letting a baby sleep with a blanket is that they may roll over and over again and the blanket will wrap around them strangling them through the mid-section. I would say no blanket. Just dress her warmly enough when you put her to bed. I did hear about a 7 mo old boy who became wrapped in the blanket around his chest and died. I know they look kind of "lonesome" all alone in the crib when sleeping but it's ok. Better safe than sorry.

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T.P.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi V.! I'm a mother of two children (ages 5 & 7). My children both slept with their blankies from about the age of 6 months. My pediatrician told me that as long as they were able to hold onto it and roll themselves over that it wasn't any reason for concern. I wouldn't bother rolling her back over from her tummy unless she wakes up crying and uncomfortable. Hope that this helps!

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T.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi V., A perfect solution that worked wonderfully with both my sons is to put the baby in long-sleeved PJ's (sometimes just the PJ top & diaper if weather is warm), but then use a zip-up sleeveless sleeping blanket/sack. The brand I liked best was Halo Sleepsack Wearable Blanket. They sell them at Babies R Us and Target. My youngest son was a tummy sleeper, no matter what he rolled onto his tummy and always woke up if placed on his back, so I just got one of those sleep positioners that kept him on his sides or back and that worked. Hope this helps!

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L.H.

answers from San Diego on

You know what, I think she will be fine on her tummy, she rolls over on her own already right? My boys all were tummy sleepers. What I did when they were little was elevate the top part of the craddle a little. They just would not sleep on their backs. Oh, and my youngest has always had a special blanket he slept with. It is small and kind of velvety on one side and it comforted him when he was an infant. He would put it up to his cheek and that is how he slept. But here is the thing, all of my kids usually slept with us in bed until they were over a year so I was right there and checked them often. But I think that at 8 months, tummy sleeping in perfectly alright.

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K.H.

answers from Visalia on

Hi V.,
My son has slept with the same blanket from the time he was an infant.....he is now five and still sleeps with it. I have always placed light weigth blankets on my children and tucked it around their torso area and legs. As far as your daughter sleeping on her tummy, I went through the same thing with mine and the doctor said as long as they can roll over,she will be fine. I hope this is helpful, being a new mom is awesome but can be scary at times. Just enjoy and love her to the fullest and someday, those fears will dissipate (kind of).:)
Kandice

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M.R.

answers from Honolulu on

I guess I'm one of those moms that never heard that. Our kids slept in our bed and when in their own, they always had blankets. They all made it just fine.....they are now 11, 9, and 7 :O)

Marie-anne

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C.S.

answers from San Diego on

My 7 month old daughter has slept on her stomach since she was 5 months old. I would put her on her back and she would roll over immediately to her stomach. I was told that not only was it fine to let her do that but that she needed to as well. Rolling from back to front and vice versa is an important part of their development. Now her favorite position is on her stomach with her tush up in the air. Very cute!

I just introduced a lovey sized blanket recently. Supposedly, you can introduce one as early as six months but I know the experts are divided in this area.

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S.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

V., the idea of not putting a blanket on a baby or worrying about putting the baby on her tummy to sleep I think are both rolled up into one. Newborns can get twisted up in a loose blanket but I'm sure you have seen them at the hospital wrapped tightly in receiving blankets. As soon as a baby can turn over by itself most will sleep on their stomachs and that's just fine. Your daughter is old enough for you not to worry about her being on her tummy or being covered with a blanket if it's cold.

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M.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi V.. My 8 month old has been sleeping on her tummy for a couple of months (soon after she learned to roll over, actually). Her crib sheet is fitted and she's big and healthy, so I really don't worry about it (nor do I flip her over and wake her up).
It seems people are still really afraid about SIDS, and that's probably why they say not to let babies have blankets or sleep on their tummy. But personally, I know several moms who let their babies sleep however they are most comfortable. They're all heathy and have no issues.
If you read up on SIDS, you'll find that the risk is greatest during the first couple of months of babies' lives. It's also greater if the baby has any health problems or was a preemie, or if the parents smoke, etc.
Chances are good that, at your baby's age, if she's healthy, doesn't have respiratory problems, and so on, she'll be just fine.
Also, I sometimes put a thin blanket over my baby if it's chilly, but she usually kicks it off or rolls on top of it. So it's kinda pointless. Just dress baby warm and put socks on her and forego the blanket if you're at all concerned.

Take care,
M.

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C.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi V.

A baby CAN sleep with a blanket, as long as you put the baby at the BOTTOM of the crib, so that they can't shuffle down whilst sleeping and disappear underneath the blanket!

Your daughter can sleep on her tummy when SHE can put herself on her tummy and therefore roll back onto her back. You just can't put a baby on their tummy if they can't move themselves onto their back if they want to, ie new babies, but at 8 months old, your daughter must be around sitting up age, and can surely move herself around in her sleep...

Hope this helps?
C. x

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H.W.

answers from Los Angeles on

Yes, I have heard the no blanket thing. I believe the concern is around them suffocating. However, my son (he's 13 months now) has always slept with a small blanket since about 5-6 months(he wouldn't take a pacifier but loves to chew on a blanket instead). I know he doesn't need it to keep warm but it really is his security blanket at night. I think you just need to know your baby.

As far as the tummy thing goes, I understand from my pediatrician that once they can roll over (from back to tummy and back again) the risk of SIDS is much less. The advice I got was to always put them to sleep on their back but not to worry if they move around at night. My son never wakes up in the same position that I put him down in. Hope that helps. =)

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G.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

Trust yourself. My daughter didn't get her blankie till she was about 1 year old but she always slept on her tummy. She insisted. And actually I remember it helped me a lot as a baby with gas. Ask your doctor but your instincts are the best guide to follow.

G.

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R.G.

answers from Honolulu on

Hi V.,
Blankets are okay! When I was pregnant my mom always told me that put the baby on their tummy or side! Why! If they spit up it will be easier for it to come out of their mouth versus being on their back all they can do is swallow it & or choke. I don't want to scare you I think you are doing a great job & parenting never came with a handbook. As an adult when I sleep on my back I snore like crazy & i have a hard time breathing, when i sleep on my side or tummy i breath easy i feel more comfortable. Try it Whatever works for you it will work for your daughter. Keep up the good work! Don't worry so much!

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T.R.

answers from Los Angeles on

The old oadage is that you never wake a sleeping baby. When I was 11, I became an aunt (1981). The recommendation at that time, was for babies to sleep on their tummy. By the time I had children (94', 96' - first 2) it was on their sides (with a holder). By the time I had my youngest (00') it was on their back. I can tell you with certainty, your babies know how they want to sleep irregardless of what your Dr recommends. By 6 mo old in each case, they were sleeping the way they wanted. Call it stubborn or call it willfullness, the fact remains that no matter the position they start in, they move to the way they want. Go with that. You probably have a monitor on your baby & keep it there. That can/will be your comforter. As far as a blanket, mine always had a blanket. They went from being swaddled in one and covered with another on top of it - to just being covered with one. It was never a problem at all. Good luck & God Bless You!

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M.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

I have two sons, one 5 and one 11 months. The older had chronic ear infections and lived with colds for about the first year of his life. From about 3 months on, I would put him face up on a large pillow to allow the drainage to move downward and he slept much better. In addition, I have always put some sort of blanket around both of my boys from about 3 months on as well. Once they left the bassinet in my room and went to their own room and crib, I wanted them to feel some sort of security.

My 11 month old has slept on his side from about 3 months on and for about the last 2 months has been sleeping on his tummy. I feel that if they are mobile enough to move themselves in that position, they will be fine moving themselves out of that position.

Hope this helps and good luck with your daughter. :)

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C.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

I understand how you feel. I used to do the same thing. I asked my doctor and she said that once the baby can roll over on their own you don't have to worry about them sleeping on their tummy. As far as the blanket I believe it is fine. Both of my boys around 5 months loved sleeping with a blanket over their head. It would freak me out but they were always fine. If you would feel more at ease ask your doctor they think.

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K.O.

answers from San Diego on

As long as she can roll over on her own, she can sleep on her tummy and she should be fine with a blanket. The danger of blankets is if they cover their face and aren't strong enough to pull it off, but by 8 months your daughter should be able to move a blanket, and roll herself over. I found my babies all slept better on their tummies! Good luck.

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S.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

I agree with the consensus. She can totally sleep on her stomach now. My son started doing it at 5 months. And I love the sleep sac from babies r us for him. My daughter slept with a blanket but she didn't move the entire time she slept. Since my son was all over the place when he slept I used the sleep sacs for him.

J.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

I stopped putting a blanket in with my son when he starting flipping over, because he had turned over and I came in to check on him and it was wrapped around his head. He was fine, but I was so freaked out... the blanket went bye bye. I just dress him in an extra layer when I put him down at bedtime. Knowing he doesn't have a blanket. I have never flipped him back over to his back when he flips over on his tummy. I know it would wake him up. I just always put him in on his back.

Personally, I will wait on the blanket until I feel he knows how to move it if it gets wrapped around his head. Tough part is, right now, he LOVES to play peek a boo and puts blankets over his own head to play. So, we'll be waiting for a little while still.

Once they can roll over on their own, there really isn't a way to keep them off of their tummys during sleep. It is almost silly to continually go in and roll them back over every time they roll themselves to their tummy. It makes sense, but kinda silly. As soon as I put my son down, he rolls to his side... it's just going to happen. You can't stop it. I would still put her in on her back though.

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J.D.

answers from Reno on

You shouldn't have ANYTHING in the crib until your baby is around 1 year old. As for sleeping on the tummy, it's perfectly O.K. once babies are old enough to roll over. If the baby is old enough to roll over, they're old enough to turn their head to the side if they're not getting enough air. Happy sleeping! :)

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A.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi V.!
My daughter is also 8 months, she has always slept on her stomach from the day she was born. (same with my son, who is 2.5 years now) She slept so much better that way. I just made she there was nothing in her face. I also had a blanket on her from the day she was born. She is now attached to that blankie (same with my son) and she sleeps with it now. She usually holds it in her hand and sucks her thumb with the remaining on her body. She is ALL over the crib at night and it doesn't seem a bothersome to her (her blankie) My son still sleeps with his blanket. He used to put it on his face when he was a baby (still does) It used to freak me out but my pediatrician told me that he was strong enough and he would be OK.
I think she would be ok to sleep with a blanket and if she wants to sleep on her tummy. If she is sleeping well like that don't change her position, if she got there she will be fine :)
Good luck and let her sleep comfy and cozy!
God Bless
A.

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J.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

my baby always had a blanket on her and she rarely slept on her back (she slept on her slde and tummy). shes 13 months now and is all over her bed and also sleeps with a pillow (i know thats a huge no no but im confident in my childs well being and development). if your baby is rolling shes going to get onto her stomach. dont move her she will be ok. with the blanket she should be fine by now because she can push herself up if her head were to get covered (not to mention sit, probably crawl, and would also pull the blanket off her face). i hope you get a lot of good feed back! good luck!

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J.P.

answers from Los Angeles on

at 8 months, there shouldn't be any problem with your baby using a blanket and sleeping on her tummy. at that age, they are old enough to sit up or call you when they are uncomfortable.

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J.A.

answers from San Diego on

If she is mobile enough to roll onto her tummy and her back then she is fine to sleep in whatever position she is most comfortable in. I put my sin to sleep on his back, but if he rolls to his side or tummy then that is what he is most comfortable with. As far as blankets go, I have always put my babies to bed with a small baby blanket, one that is approximately the same size as their mattress or smaller. I don't think you would want to use anything larger.

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M.J.

answers from Reno on

It is ok for your daughter to sleep with a blanket, just not a really fluffy one. I know that they aren't supposed to sleep on their tummies, but my youngest slept on his tummy from the time he was 2 weeks old. I had him sleeping next to my bed until he was a year, so I could check on him as needed. He has turned out ok and once they start rolling it is ok for them to sleep on their tummies. This only a concern when they don't have the muscles to turn over when they can't breathe. I hope this helps.

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S.R.

answers from Los Angeles on

My 11 mo. daughter has been sleeping with a blanket since she was born. Once she got big enough to wiggle her way out of her swaddling, I would just cover her with one small blanket. Once, I did come in to see that she scootched all the way under it, I was a bit alarmed but she was perfectly fine (it wasn't all tight wrapped around her). To avoid that, I would agree with the gal who said to just place them at the bottom of the crib so they can't go any further down into the blanket. If she's rolling and crawling and sitting herself up she has enough control to move around and find herself breathing space. Just use a smallish blanket she could easily maneuver her way out of... nothing giant she could get lost in, or long enough twist all the way around on itself and "lock" her in were she to roll a few times in the same direction. But apparently all this goes against "the rules" so what do I know?

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T.A.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi V.!

These warnings should only apply to newborns. And even some newborns don't need them. The reason they say babies are not supposed to sleep with a blanket is that they can suffocate because their necks are not strong enough to lift their heads (but this depends on the child. My son was lifting his head from birth but my daughter took a little longer). The same goes with the tummy sleeping. Once a child can roll over on their own, the danger for SIDS has passed. Don't even worry about rolling her back over.

But of course, a doctor is always the best source for answers to these questions.

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J.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi V.,
I am not sure when my son started sleeping with a blanket, but i'm sure it was around how old your child is. Also, in regards to sleeping on the stomach, my son preferred this from the day he was born and I didn't force him to sleep on his back. He always slept on his stomach. I think that when you are always checking to make sure they are on their back it's not so necessary. I just think we're too paranoid about that. It's more important that they are getting their sleep because I gave up moving him to his back when he would always wake up, I would rather have him sleep!

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D.D.

answers from Los Angeles on

too young still for a blanket..i remember reading on babyzone.com about a mom whose 7 month old died b/c she had a blanket on her...it tangled around her head. you can use a sleep sack or just the foot pj's but no blankets and no pillows yet. i would say not to worry it about blankets b/c summer is coming.

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L.W.

answers from San Diego on

I think the blanket thing holds true when they are newborns. My five month olds twins sleep with blankets. One is their lovey and the other one is for warmth.
On the sleep position, it sounds like your daughter is positioning herself, which is fine. If she's more comfortable on her back or side, there's no reason to reposition her.
Sounds like you're doing awesome=)

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L.K.

answers from Los Angeles on

My son is 6 1/2 months old and has been using a blanket for naps since he was able to roll over and started preferring to sleep on his tummy. I think it depends on your instincts with your daughter. If she is very vocal and active and able to move things on her own, let her have a blanket. We just started letting my son sleep with a blanket through the night only after seeing how he did with it for naps for awhile.

As far as tummy sleeping, if your baby can roll over on her own, let her sleep on her tummy. At first it looks like they can't breathe like that or that it's not comfortable but they know what they like and prefer. My son LOVES to sleep on his tummy. Just like us, they have their preferences.

Trust your instincts.

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L.A.

answers from Los Angeles on

They can use a blanket and sleep how they wish as soon as they can hold their heads up.

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J.R.

answers from Las Vegas on

Let your daughter decide on the tummy thing! If you put her down on her back and she ends up on her side or tummy, no biggie! Let her sleep! Also, with the blanket thing, I give my son (5.5 months) a blanket to sleep with . He loves holding on to it and playing with it in his hands as he falls alseep. It all depends on your baby>!

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L.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

The problem with blankets in the crib is that they can be a suffocation hazard, especially for babies who are not mobile yet. If your baby is already turning over on her own, which I would guess she is at 8 months, the danger is probably lessened, but a blanket sleeper or a sleep sack is still probably a safer choice until they're crawling. As far as tummy sleeping, once they start to roll over on their own, there's not much you can do to prevent them from turning onto their tummy to sleep if that's what they find most comfortable. I think the danger of SIDS from tummy sleeping is pretty negligable by the time they're able to roll over on their own.

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S.H.

answers from Las Vegas on

If she can roll over onto her belly, she is fine to sleep that way. Once my kids could roll, they never slept on their backs! I would wait on the blanket as long as possible. Baby in a bag makes a wearable blanket that is great. It is too easy for them to get tangled up in a regular blanket while they are sleeping.

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S.W.

answers from Los Angeles on

I used a Sleep Sack for both my girls. The original was made by a company called Halo, but Gerber makes them now too. You can buy them online or at Babies R Us. They cost about $20-$25 each. They have heavy weight and light weight for the different seasons. It's a "wearable blanket". They allow the baby to keep warm, like having a blanket on, but they cannot get tangled up at night.

I love them!

I used them all the time they were in a crib. They went to blankets when I moved them to a toddler bed. (around 2 1/2)

I also used a "sleep positioner" too. my favorite is one made by first steps that is two cloth covered plastic tubes, that connect with velcro. It adjusted for the growing width of the baby, and the sides were breathable, so if the baby rolled out of it, the sides weren't like a foam pillow. I bought mine for my first child (which was 8 years ago), so I don't know if they still make that kind.

S.

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M.B.

answers from Reno on

Even now at 19 months, I don't have a blanket in the crib with my daughter.(We keep the room warm and I dress her appropriately). I also worried about her when she started rolling over onto her stomach but the medical advice is that once they can roll over, you don't have to keep rolling them back onto their back. But the physical dexterity in being able to use her hands and body to remove a blanket from around their faces and necks may not be as developed as their ability to roll over at this age. So don't worry about her tummy sleeping at this point but don't put a blanket in with her until she's at least one year old.
http://www.babycenter.com/408_when-can-my-baby-sleep-with...
I noticed one poster saying something about too many warnings and while that is true in some cases, I would not take chances with SIDS. The prevalence of SIDS when I was a baby was much greater and since the "Back to Sleep" campaign which was launched in 1994 the rate of SIDS deaths per 100,000 births has dropped every year (from 82 per to 55 per in 2001) and significantly over the last several years http://www.sidscenter.org/SIDSdeaths.html
When I was a kid not all of us wore seatbelts, helmets, and blood lead levels have dropped 78% since the 1970's. While we did a lot of this and survived it, does not mean we can't learn from the information we have gotten over the years. As a result of better information, more children are surviving things that more children then, did not. But in the same regard, we need to watch our anxiety levels, be cautious but not neurotic. :)

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