Babies on their tummies PART 2

Question

I asked last night why with all the hype about putting a baby on its back to sleep why they put them on their bellies in the NICU. I don't know if my question was misunderstood, so I will clearify. I KNOW a baby is supposed to sleep on thier back to reduce the risk of SIDS. My child isn't the problem, I've just always wondered what the MEDICAL reason was to put a baby on its tummy in the NICU. I KNOW they are hooked up to moniters and all that and a nurse can catch it if something happens. But WHY in the 1st place? Does it help them breath? Something to do with reflux like one person said?

Answer 1

They dont have any muscle, and they cant get back up on their backs. Its much more comfy, and there lungs would have a harder time expanding. Plus if they did try to move at all, it could move any IVs which could be painfull.

A baby should be put on their belly at about 3 months, maybe four, and they can start trying to move around, there arms are beginning to get muscle then. But you need to make sure they are only on their belly for about 10 minutes maximum, or it can upset there stomach with the extra pressure.

Hope this helps.  

Answer 2

Hmm.  Good question!  Possibly reflux like you said, or maybe because they don't swaddle them (because of the monitors) so sleeping on their belly is calming?  Since they are on monitors there is no risk?

Answer 3

Because a newborn/preemie on their belly moves less and sleep more.  Preemies have t "conserve" their energy.

On the other hand kangaroo care kicks an incubators butt every time, and a baby in kangaroo care has more "quiet alert" time, not just sleeping time.

Answer 4

Apparantly, it helps with reflux, respiratory problems, and apnea.  Plus, the deep sleep helps preemies grow.

-------------

A variety of sleep positions, positioning aids, and monitoring devices are used in the hospital to assure safe sleeping for your preterm infant.  The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has developed a set of guidelines for premature infants with respiratory disease, gastric reflux, and upper airway abnormalities suggesting the best sleep position for these infants is prone which means tummy down sleep.  When premature infants are placed on their tummies to sleep they breath easier and have fewer episodes of apnea.   Premature infants tend to sleep better on their stomachs gaining that quiet sleep which is so beneficial for overall growth and brain maturation.  Once your baby is close to term and is preparing to go home, the best sleep position for your baby is on his/her back.  Ã¢Â€ÂœBack to sleep” is the safe way to sleep once your baby leaves the hospital.  Start talking to your baby’s doctors and nurses about putting your baby “back to sleep” as soon as you start discussing your baby’s discharge.