When can my baby sleep on her belly?

My baby is 5 months & has been rolling over (both ways) since around 3.5 months. Lately when I lay her down she wants to roll onto her side or belly. Is it okay to let her sleep this way now? Can I lay her on her belly to sleep since she prefers it, or should I only let her sleep this way if she gets herself into that position? She has excellent head control and can push her upper body up on straight arms. I only worry a little because she does not roll as easily from her belly to back-- she can do it, just not as easily as she does from back to belly.

4Red2011-04-12T14:16:33Z

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Once they can roll themselves over, it really not an issue anymore.
If she prefers to sleep that way, let her.
Even if she can't roll great, at her age, she has plenty of neck strength to move her head and is able to move herself all around if she needs to.

Anonymous2011-04-12T21:14:40Z

As soon as they are able to roll over both ways you can let her roll over to her belly if she wants it.
Because she can now turn to her side or back herself if she wants it/gets less air.. etc.
Don't try to limit her from rolling over because you'll just wake her up.
The only problem I have with mine is that he now does push-ups in his sleep when on belly lol.

Good luck!

Samantha2011-04-12T21:23:18Z

My son always slept on his tummy. They always change which way is safe for the babies to sleep every couple of years it is changed. When your child is a ble to roll over easily I dont think it would be a problem because if she were to get in trouble she could roll over.

Cardinal2011-04-12T21:16:07Z

my 2 month old sleeps on his belly because he won't sleep on his back.
On his belly he sleeps 9-10 hours a night.
I was worried at first but he has a strong neck and i can see him on the monitor lifting his head and moving it around.

Just have nothing else in the crib and make sure your baby has control over his head and he will be fine.

Megan2011-04-12T21:11:53Z

I would start by letting her roll and check on her every couple of minutes during her naps. when you see that things are okay then u can let her

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