Q&A Forum
Carrie
Our 11-day old likes to sleep on my chest. When she does this, she’s on her tummy. If I’m awake, is this ok?
Red Nose Education
A baby’s airways are best protected by placing baby for sleep on their back on a firm & flat mattress.
While sleeping baby chest to chest is pleasant & baby will sleep more deeply, there is a high risk of parent falling asleep.
Red Nose does not recommend that parents sleep baby in this position, especially when their is soft, padded objects (eg cushions/pillows) or loose bedding as these are a risk to baby.
There is also risk baby may sleep in the “chin on chest” position which may compromise baby’s airway.
https://rednose.org.au/article/does-sleeping-with-baby-on-a-sofa-or-couch-increase-the-risk-of-sudi
https://rednose.org.au/article/what-do-the-safe-sleep-recommendations-mean