My son has been able to roll both ways for about two weeks now. In fact, he's been rolling from tummy to back since he was about 2.5 months old. Now he's taken to the habit of rolling over on his stomach in the night and then starts crying like he can't remember how to roll the other way! So two questions:
I give him plenty of tummy time during the day so it really isn't a strength issue--he rolls onto his back just fine then--but is there anything else I can do that will keep him from getting "stuck" on his tummy at night?
Also, if he happens to sleep on his tummy on his own (I put him on his back to go to sleep to begin with), do I really have anything to worry about? I'm terrified he might stop breathing, so I get up and run in there to look at him every time I wake up in between the "I'm stuck, help me," cries.
By 5 months, and especially after a child is S. enough to reposition his head, the danger of SIDS decreases tremendously. Particularly if there are no other risk factors.
But babies do get stuck sometimes. If that bothers your son and keeps him from sleeping, you may have to rescue him. It won't be long before he's able to get himself unstuck. And at that point, you won't be able do keep him on his back.
I wouldn't worry too much at this point. My little one would not sleep on her back, at all! So I just made sure she didn't have anything in her crib. We used the sleep sacks when needed and she's a healthy 3 year old now! If he does wake up with it, there are the wedges you can buy to keep them from rolling over in the first place. Good luck!
L.
As far as the stuck on his belly part, well that's going to happen sometimes, but if worried about SIDS, try getting a motion sensor baby monitor. They are a little more expensive than most normal monitors, but I always felt more assured with it, and it was well worth the extra few dollars for my own peace of mind.
You are worrying too much. It will be OK
