While it can feel comforting to have your baby sleep on your chest, it's generally not recommended for nighttime sleep. Although brief periods of chest-sleeping while you are awake are considered safe, allowing your baby to sleep on your chest overnight poses significant risks.
Risks of Nighttime Chest Sleeping
- Suffocation: Accidental smothering is a serious concern. You may inadvertently roll over onto your baby, or your baby's breathing may be impeded by your body. As noted in one source, emergency calls frequently result from babies falling from a parent's chest.
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): While the exact cause of SIDS is unknown, placing a baby on its chest increases the risk.
Safe Sleeping Practices
- Back Sleeping: Always place your baby on its back to sleep, for both naps and nighttime sleep. This is a crucial recommendation from multiple reputable sources.
- Safe Sleep Surface: Use a firm, flat sleep surface such as a crib or bassinet.
- Awake Supervision: Short periods of chest-to-chest contact while you are awake and alert are generally considered safe, but this should not replace safe sleep practices for extended periods or nighttime sleep. Many sources emphasize the importance of remaining vigilant.
Alternative Solutions for Babies Who Only Sleep on You
If your baby only sleeps when held, resources are available to help transition to safer sleeping arrangements. Consult your pediatrician or consider seeking guidance from sources like the one mentioned (What to Do When Your Baby Won't Sleep Unless Held).
In short, while brief periods of awake chest-to-chest contact are safe, allowing your baby to sleep on your chest at night is risky and should be avoided.
