Rubb'in My Worry Beads

Hi folks. Welcome to another exciting episode of “New Parent Neurosis” brought to you today by Mom’s Breast Milk.

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Neurosis No. 1 – Babies Cannot Sleep on their Stomachs
Why? Because we’re afraid of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Terrified in fact, even though the jury’s still out that there is such a thing. Research seems to suggest that the brains of some infants develop in such a way that the child’s auto-response breathing mechanism stutters when the baby is on its stomach. This results in the baby asphyxiating. Less of a syndrome and more of a physiological condition.

Serious stuff for sure. But to suggest that a baby must categorically never sleep on their stomach is taking it a step too far. Here’s an interesting take on the need for babies to sleep on their stomachs at least once in a while.

Neurosis-free Tip No. 1: When you’re in the room and they’re sleeping put them on their stomachs and let them sleep in what is a natural position, prone. When you leave the room, turn them over onto their backs. Don’t leave them sleeping prone but let them do it when you’re there.

Besides, if you’re a new parent you’re already checking their breathing every 30 seconds anyway.