NSBR: Need BTDT Mommy advice

mrs_jb

New member
I'm desperate and I know there are lots of mommies here, so I though maybe someone have some advice...
Logan (4.5 mos) has learned to roll back to belly... YAY! I'm so proud of him!

However this is causing a sleep issue as he does not yet know how to roll belly to back. Any BTDT advice? Last night I tried to just keep rolling him back, but he got so mad and upset that I had to keep picking him up and helping him to sleep. This went on for an hour and he finally just was to tired to keep waking. He didn't end up on his belly through the night, but I think that was only because he had scooted close to the side and he couldn't roll.

So I don't know what to do. Keep helping him to sleep until he learns how to roll the other way? Which I don't really want to do since he currently puts himself to sleep, so it seems like a step backwards. And do you think it's safe to put him close to the side so he can't roll over? Otherwise I think he'll keep waking through the night.

Thankfully I use the Angel Care Monitor, so I will know if he gets stuck or is in distress but I don't want to put him that position... kwim? Also, it really bothers me that he seems to forget he has arms when he's on his belly. If they are at his sides, he won't bring them up by his face. Or he gets them stuck underneath him. I think that's just a thing he'll learn quickly, with time spent on his belly, but what do I do in the mean time?

How is it that I never had these issues with the other two? I don't even remember! LOL!

TIA!
 
We used to always have to prop Rae on her side because she used to throw up so much, right from when she was a newborn. She didn't roll over as easily either then, and seemed content there. I think if you don't have a bumper (we didn't with Rae) then you could put him close to the side. I definitely don't think I would help him to sleep if he has figured that part out on his own.

Just remember, it won't be long, and he'll learn the other roll, so he'll be all over the crib then LOL
 
I would try what Jamie suggested. You don't want to start that helping him to sleep cycle, since he's already used to doing that on his own. I'm sure he'll learn the other roll soon. :)
 
I am no help LOL - by 4.5 months my kids were belly or side sleepers. BUT They were also breastfed so I had to get up at least once a night anyway to feed them.
 
With my first DD I spent 2 completely sleepless nights watching her when she started rolling to her belly during the night. I was completely and utterly exhausted that DH convinced me to just let her be in the third night. She slept fine (better even) and has been a belly sleeper ever since (she is now 4yo). I would make sure that the crib is completely empty of everything but the baby (no bumpers or anything soft) and let him sleep. Good luck.
 
Thanks for the advice ladies. He's down now for the night, but he fell asleep with his bottle, which is semi-normal for him. We'll have to see how tonight goes I guess.
 
I am no help LOL - by 4.5 months my kids were belly or side sleepers. BUT They were also breastfed so I had to get up at least once a night anyway to feed them.

Same here....

You could definitely use those wedges (I think they're called) or roll up a receiving blanket and put one on both sides.
 
Funny you should post this today because I was just talking to my mom this afternoon about my older daughter having this exact same problem when she was about this age. She would roll over in her crib then scream her head off because she couldn't get off her tummy. This went on every 15 minutes all night long, so needless to say I was motivated to find a solution.

I ended up resorting to using a sleep positioner. I was really scared to do it because I had heard they were unsafe and a SIDS risk, but I ended up using it and sleeping next to her crib for a couple nights in case something did happen, which of course it didn't. I just put the positioner around her hip/butt area, so it wasn't near her upper body or face. It worked! She stopped rolling over at night and we all went back to being happy and rested.

Good luck! :)
 
Well..this is a tough one. Positioners and rolled up blankets are not recommended due to the SIDS risk. You really should consult your pediatrician...but my suspicion is that he/she will tell you to let the baby be. If they can roll onto their bellies, they are strong enough to turn their heads to breathe appropriately. You rolling your baby back is definitely not a sustainable solution, but I would seek a professional recommendation just to be sure.

Susan
 
I haven't read all the response yet so this might have already been said, but my pediatrition has always told me (my oldest will be 10 in May) that when they learn to roll on their belly themselves it is safe for them to sleep on their belly.

There is no "safe" way for you to keep them from rolling and anything you do to try and stop it can be more dangerous (propping them with blankets or wedges or propping them along side the crib) this is just inviting them to get wedged between the crib rail and the mattress (or bumper pad if you still have them in the crib...which you shouldn't now that he can roll) or getting a rolled up towel over their face or wedged on their belly if you have them in a wedge.

Just make sure that your sheet is tight fitting and that there are no blankets, stuffed animals or bumper pads in the crib and your little man will be fine.

Also if it would make you more comfortable, call you baby's doctor and see what they recommend!!!

Good Luck and congrats to your little man on his new milestone!!!
 
Thanks again ladies!

He did okay last night, but again, he ends up against the side (I think when he tries to roll and fails it ends up moving him over). So I think that I am going to let him be and just put breathable bumpers on the crib to prevent him from getting an arm or leg out.
 
Both my boys slept with wedges because they both had reflux and back when they were babies (12 and 9 years ago) the side was the 'safe' position, it's amazing how the 'safe' sleep positions seem to change tho. I think letting him work it out and the bumpers are a great idea!
 
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