It is a heartwarming feeling to have your baby lie on your chest as both of you take a nap, or you let them take a nap. Fortunately, there are many benefits that come with doing this.
For example, it can promote better sleep quality, help your baby bond with you, and more.
We have listed each benefit in detail to help you understand the endless benefits that come with your baby lying on your chest with their tummy down. Here is what you need to know.
Key Notes
- It can boost the emotional bonding and development of the baby
- You can position the baby correctly and keep an eye to ensure their safety
- Babies sleep better when in close contact with the mother
- It can lead to better outcomes of breastfeeding
1. Lowers Risk Of SIDS
When your baby is lying down on your chest with their tummy down, it reduces their risk of suffocation and SIDS.
This is because you can easily track their breathing and ensure they are safe. Make sure that the nose and mouth of your baby are not covered as you both lie down like this.
On the other hand, we also recommend that you don’t fall asleep with your baby. You have to supervise and keep a check on them.
So, it is best to follow the right safety practices when your baby sleeps on your chest in this way.
2. Better Sleep For The Baby
The sleep quality of your infant can also determine how fussy they are during the day. When they are close to your skin, they will easily fall into a deep and restful sleep state that will help them sleep well.
Babies need comfort and warmth, which your chest will provide to them.
A mattress and a mother’s body are not the same thing for the child because of the warmth and comfort that comes with the mother.
So, make sure that you do this to allow your child to sleep in the best way possible.
3. Helps Bonding And Emotional Development
As a new parent, you have to foster a strong emotional attachment between you and your baby.
There is nothing better than the comfort and closeness that your body will bring to the baby. When they lie on your chest, they can feel the sensation of your heartbeat, warmth, and smell.
All of these things will promote a strong and healthy bond and emotional development. In the long run, this will only deepen your bond. So, let your child sleep on your chest with their tummy down from time to time.
4. Reduces Stress Levels
Experts suggest that skin-to-skin contact is crucial for the baby to reduce their stress levels. When you provide physical contact, babies will have the assurance they need that you are there with them.
It is a great way to calm down an irritable baby and improve their well-being.
If your baby is crying, you can also let them lie on your chest to calm them down. It will help your child to feel more secure, and they will be less stressed throughout the day.
5. Better Breastfeeding
Yes, you might not see a link between this and breastfeeding, but skin-to-skin contact has been shown to improve breastfeeding outcomes.
That is because when the child is close to the mother’s breast, it releases oxytocin. This hormone promotes the production of milk.
In the long run, this will help your baby latch and stimulate breastfeeding. So, if you want a better outcome from breastfeeding, you can try letting your child fall asleep on your chest for the best results.
What Can You Do To Ensure The Safety Of Your Baby As They Lie On Your Chest
There are a few things you can do to make sure that your baby is lying on your chest safely without any issues.
Here are a few things you can check for the optimal results:
The Position Of Your Baby
Position will make all the difference in how well your baby sleeps on your chest.
You can do these few things for a fantastic position:
- Keep watching their chest to ensure it rises and falls down
- Check to see whether their nose and mouth are not blocked
- Make sure there is no lack of noise or unusual sounds coming from your baby
The sleeping position impacts the way your baby can breathe.
This is why it is important to keep a check to guarantee a comfortable experience for them.
Temperature, Tone, And Color
These three things can also help you decide whether your baby is safe.
Here are the top things you can look for within these categories:
- Check that the color of your baby’s body is normal, as low oxygen levels can cause the feet and hands to discolor first
- Ensure your baby is not unresponsive or limp
- You have to see whether the temperature is not too hot
Such observations will help you understand your baby is safe and sound. So, be on the lookout for these cues.
Final Thoughts
There are many benefits that come with your baby lying down on your chest with their tummy down.
Just make sure that you follow the right guidelines for optimal results. After all, the safety of your baby should be your top priority, as your baby sleeps on you.
