My son is almost 6 months old. He recently seems to prefer sleeping on his side. I've always had him sleep on his back for safety, but lately he seems resistant to this. He'll soothe himself to sleep on placed on his side, but fusses on his back. So, I've been letting him fall asleep on his side, then flippig him to his back after about 5-10 minutes. Often, when I return to check on him, he's rolled himself back on his side. If he is able to roll on his own (he can also roll tummy to back independently during playtime/awake time), can I leave him on his side? I will ask the pediatrician at our upcoming appointment, but would like advice in the meantime. Thanks!
Yup, there's no problem with babies sleeping on their sides. They just don't want them to sleep on their stomachs. No worries- if he looks comfortable on his side just let him be. They always say "back to sleep" but in reality, the side is just as fine. He is old enough to be able to roll over on his own now anyway, so even if he did fall asleep on his stomach it wouldn't be as big of a deal as the first 4-5 months.
If he can roll on his own, you can let him sleep in the position he chooses.
My son was really long and lean so he was able to get to his side pretty much at birth and by 5 months was rolling all over the place, I was told if they can get there by themselves its fine to leave them. Basically the fear is that they wont be able to lift there heads if they aren't getting enough air but by now he can do that and if he rolls in his sleep as much as my son does you can be pretty sure he wont be so sound asleep he wouldn't wake up if he wasn't getting enough oxygen. I say however he sleeps, let him!! :-)
For goodness sake, let him sleep on his side!!! :)
If he's getting himself onto his side he should be able to get himself off of his side. I wouldn't move him once he's sleeping. My oldest was a side sleeper and my youngest was a tummy sleeper. You have to do what works for you and your family.
S.,
If you are worried he will roll onto his tummy, there is a product called a side sleeper... At least when my son was little (now 8). Go to this site to see a picture (I checked to see if stores still sell this)...
http://www.epinions.com/review/The_First_Years_Air_Flow_S...
You need to do what works for your family. Although they say "back to sleep", neither of my kids liked being on their backs. You may get better rest knowing he won't be on his belly. My daughter (now 3) slept sooo much longer when she was not on her back... she didn't like it either. Both she and I had a better night sleep :)
Good luck in whatever you choose.
~SR
