Newborn Sleeping on chest: Benefits, Risks, Best Practices

• Parents fall asleep: If you fall asleep and baby is lying on your chest, your baby could roll into a position where his airway is blocked, or he could be trapped between you and the sofa, bed or other surfaces.
• Baby’s face pressed against your body or clothing: This can block baby’s airway, posing a suffocation risk.
• Soft surfaces involved: If you are lying on a sofa, bed or armchair, there is a risk of baby rolling onto a soft surface or into crevices where he could become trapped or suffocate.

To reduce the risk:

Only let your baby lie on your chest when you are fully awake and alert.
If you are sleepy or need to lie down, put baby in a crib or bassinet.

Newborn Sleeping on Chest Breastfeeding

For safe sleep, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends always placing babies on their backs in a crib or bassinet to sleep. Putting a newborn on your chest while breastfeeding can be a comforting and intimate experience for both baby and parent. Here are some points to consider.

Benefits:

• Closeness: Skin-to-skin contact promotes a deep emotional bond, which promotes feelings of safety and warmth for your baby.
• Comfort: Your heartbeat and body heat can help calm and comfort the baby, creating a sense of security.
• Easy breastfeeding: This position allows for easy access to the breastmilk, especially during nighttime feedings.

Safety considerations:

• Monitored sleep: If your baby falls asleep on your chest, it’s important to make sure you’re awake and alert to avoid accidental suffocation. It is safe for babies to sleep on their backs in their cribs or bassinets.
• Proper support: Make sure to keep your baby’s head and body in a safe position while breastfeeding.
• Avoid exhaustion: If you are very tired, it is better to put the baby in a safe sleeping environment to prevent any risks.

Is it okay to put newborn on chest?

Yes, it’s generally safe and beneficial to hold a newborn on your chest, especially during supervised skin-to-skin contact. This practice, known as kangaroo care, offers many benefits, including.

Benefits

• Bonding: Skin-to-skin contact helps strengthen the emotional connection between you and your baby.
• Regulation: It helps regulate the baby’s body temperature, heart rate, and breathing.
• Soothing: Your baby may feel more relaxed and calm due to the warmth and sound of your heartbeat.
• Breastfeeding: It can stimulate natural breastfeeding instincts, helping your baby to latch on to breastfeed more easily.

Safety tips

• Stay awake: If your newborn is on your chest, it’s important for you to stay awake to prevent accidental suffocation.
• Monitoring: Always make sure someone is monitoring this situation, especially if you’re feeling tired.
• Sleep separately: For unsupervised sleep, follow safe sleep guidelines by always placing your baby on their back in their crib or bassinet.

How do I get my sleeping baby off my chest?

Getting a sleeping baby off your chest without waking them can be challenging, but with a gentle approach, it can be done smoothly. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Steps to move your sleeping baby

1. Prepare the sleep space: Make sure baby’s crib or bassinet is ready with a flat, firm mattress and no loose blankets or toys (following safe sleep guidelines).
2. Wait for deep sleep: If possible, wait until your baby is in a deep sleep stage.
3.  Make slow movements:

• Slide, don’t lift: Instead of picking your baby upright, slowly lower him from your chest to your lap, supporting his head and body all the while. This reduces sudden changes in position.
• Maintain close contact: When you move your baby, keep as much skin-to-skin contact as possible to avoid sudden changes in temperature and make him feel safe.

4. Lower slowly:

• Once baby is in your lap, slowly move him to a horizontal position. When you lower him into the crib or bassinet, gently cup his head and bottom to support him.Rest your hands on top of him for a few moments after you lay him down. This helps maintain a sense of security and warmth.
• Pat or rock: If baby fidgets, pat or rock him with your hand on his chest or back until he calms down again.

Additional tips:

• White noise: A white noise machine or fan in the background can help keep the environment quiet and mask sudden noises during the transition.
• Swaddling: If your baby likes swaddling, wrapping him in a swaddle before you move him can help him feel secure when he lies down.

It may take a little practice, but over time, you’ll find what works best for your baby!

Can Baby Overheat Sleeping on my Chest? 

Yes, a baby can potentially overheat while sleeping on your chest, especially if there are too many layers of clothing or blankets, or if the room is too warm. Since newborns can’t regulate their body temperature as effectively as adults, they are more susceptible to overheating.

Signs of overheating

• Bluish or flushed cheeks.
• Damp hair or skin.
• Rapid breathing.
• Restlessness or irritability.

Tips to avoid overheating

1. Dress lightly: Make sure your baby is dressed lightly for the room temperature. In general, a good rule of thumb is to dress him one layer more than you feel comfortable with.
2. Monitor the room temperature: Keep the room temperature between 68-72°F (20-22°C), which is the ideal range for a baby.
3. Limit excess layers: Avoid wearing heavy blankets or excess clothing. Skin-to-skin contact generates a lot of heat on its own.
4. Check your baby regularly: Feel the back of their neck or chest to make sure they are not too hot. The skin should be warm but not sweaty.
5. Use breathable clothing: If possible, wear breathable clothing yourself and make sure your baby’s clothes are also made of light, breathable fabrics such as cotton.

Safe sleep

While supervised skin-to-skin contact is great for bonding, it is important to be careful. If you are feeling too hot or sleepy, it is safe to transfer your baby to his crib or bassinet to prevent any accidental exposure to overheating or suffocation.

Best Practices for a Newborn Sleeping on Chest

Stay awake and alert

• Always stay awake: If your newborn is sleeping on your chest, it’s important that you stay awake and alert to prevent the risk of suffocation.
• Avoid co-sleeping: Don’t sleep or nap when your baby is lying on your chest. If you’re feeling sleepy, place your baby on a safe sleep surface (crib, bassinet)

Create a safe space

• Avoid soft surfaces: Make sure you’re sitting or lying on a firm surface (such as a chair or sofa) to avoid suffocating into soft cushions or pillows.
• Clear the space: Keep blankets, pillows or any loose clothing away from your baby’s face to reduce the risk of suffocation.

Proper positioning

• Support your baby’s head and neck: Make sure your baby’s head is turned to the side so his airway is clear and not pressed against your chest. Their body should be supported so their face is visible and their chin is up to avoid airway obstruction.
• Monitor breathing: Make sure your baby’s breathing is regular. Adjust your baby’s position if you notice any signs of difficulty breathing or discomfort.

Limit layers to avoid overheating

• Dress your baby lightly: Since skin-to-skin contact warms the body, dress your baby in light clothing or just a diaper to prevent overheating.
• Check for overheating: Touch the back of your baby’s neck or chest to make sure they’re not too hot. If they’re sweating or red, they may be overheating.
• Room temperature: Keep the room temperature between 68-72°F (20-22°C) to prevent overheating.

Supervised skin-to-skin contact

• Benefits of skin-to-skin contact: It promotes bonding, regulates your baby’s heart rate and breathing, and helps calm and soothe your newborn.
• Ideal timing: Skin-to-skin contact can be especially beneficial after feedings, when your baby can naturally fall asleep in a comfortable, safe position.

When to move to safe sleep

• Follow safe sleep guidelines: When your baby falls asleep or if you’re feeling tired, move your baby to a safe sleep environment (crib, bassinet) where they can sleep on their back on a solid, flat surface.
• Sleeping on the back: The safest sleeping position for babies is on their back in their own sleep space. Always move them when no one is supervising them.

Be mindful of your own position

• Comfortable position for you: Make sure you’re in a comfortable but safe position. You can use a recliner or sit up in bed with firm pillows for support, ensuring you can hold your baby safely.
• Avoid bending over: If you lie down too flat or slouched over, your baby’s position may be unsafe. It is important to keep your posture in a way that supports the baby.

Best Practices for a Newborn Sleeping on Chest

Key points

Newborns can safely sleep on your chest under direct supervision for short periods of skin-to-skin contact. However, it’s important to stay awake and alert, avoid overheating, and move your baby to a safe sleeping place (on the back in a crib or bassinet) if you feel tired.

Disclaimer: The advice and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns, always consult your doctor.