Q&A Forum

21/6/25

Karly

Hello smile I have just moved my almost 5 month old ( he will be 5 months in 3 days) from the bedside bassinet to his cot in his own room. This is his 3rd night in the cot. He had started to roll back to tummy and was at the edges of the bassinet so decided to transition to the cot. We put him to sleep on his back which he stayed like this or on his side the first two nights. Tonight I woke and noticed he was lying on his tummy with his head turned to the side. I could see he was breathing but couldn’t relax so I tried to move him to his back which he kept rolling back to his tummy before waking up. He has been on his back for the first 5 hours of sleep and between 12-2 had moved to his stomach when I checked him on the monitor. My concern (from googling) is the risk of breathing in / out his own air and the increased carbon dioxide and his neck being weak. He does tummy time well and since mastering his roll he does this non stop. He doesn’t seem to be able to go tummy to back as easily yet and has only done that a few times. He sleeps in a sack with arms out. His hands are covered in the bonds fold down mittens for the Melbourne cold. Should I leave his hands free? Just seeking some advice on him moving to his stomach on his own accord and if I should continue walking him when I see him like this. Thanks so much smile

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Posted a response on 23/6/25

Red Nose Education

Red Nose recommendations are to “always place baby on back for sleep” not baby must always sleep on their back.
https://rednose.org.au/article/red-nose-safe-sleeping-recommendations

Most babies will be rolling over by 4- 5 months. Some earlier, some later.
This is very normal as babies grow & become stronger.
Many babies then prefer to sleep on their side or tummy.
This is not something that needs to be stopped. It is important to make the “new” environment as safe as possible.
https://rednose.org.au/article/what-do-we-do-now-that-a-baby-has-started-to-roll-over

Important that you have moved him to his now in his cot & has his arms free.
Babies need arms free & the space of a cot to roll well & safely.
Ensure mattress is firm & flat & nothing soft or loose in his cot.
Continue to always place your baby on back for sleep.

The issue of rebreathing can be a problem when a very young baby (not yet rolling) is placed on their tummy for sleep & unable to change position. Rebreathing can also be an issue if baby has face covered by loose, soft bedding.
Tummy time is helpful in building upper body strength including holding his head steady, reach for toys & rolls.

Once baby is rolling well, still place him on his back for sleep & let him find his own position of comfort, ensuring he has his arms free, mattress in cot is firm & flat & that there is nothing loose or soft in his cot.
https://rednose.org.au/article/what-do-we-do-now-that-a-baby-has-started-to-roll-over

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