Can my baby sleep on his stomach on my chest?

Question

My newborn loves sleeping on my chest, especially after a feed, and often drifts off on his stomach there. My mother-in-law warned me about it. Is it safe for my baby to sleep on his stomach like that while he's on my chest?

Aman Verma · Accepted Answer

My sister does this with her newborn all the time while watching TV, but my mom always yells at her to be careful. I guess it's fine as long as you are wide awake, but definitely don't fall asleep yourself because it can be risky for the baby.

Priya Patel · Answer

I am expecting my first baby next month and I have been reading about this. Is it only safe when we are awake? What if we accidentally doze off for a few minutes? I'm quite anxious about safe sleep practices.

Meera Sen · Answer

It is safe for contact napping only if you are completely awake and actively monitoring the baby. However, pediatricians strongly advise against letting the baby sleep on your chest if you are also sleeping, as it increases the risk of SIDS and accidental suffocation. Always consult your pediatrician for safe sleep guidelines.

Suman Mishra · Answer

I once dozed off with my baby on my chest and woke up to find her face covered by my clothes—it was the scariest moment of my life, and I still regret being so careless. Please do not risk it. Keep the baby on a flat surface on their back for safe sleep, and always consult your doctor.

Kavitha Rajan · Answer

Please be very careful with this. My baby had minor breathing issues after birth, and the doctors strictly warned us about chest sleeping because if you fall asleep, the baby's airway can get blocked so easily. Please discuss safe sleep positions with your pediatrician at the next checkup.

Can my baby sleep on his stomach on my chest?

5 answers

Consult a gastroenterologist

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