DANGEROUS DILEMNA
Dear Dr.Bear,
My 5 month old daughter has recently learned to roll over onto her stomach from her back. The problem is that once she is on her stomach, she cannot roll back over onto he back, and she doesn't turn her head to the side. The past 2 nights I have been awakened by her muffling (we share a room) and when I turn on the light she is lying face down in the mattress. I have watched to see if she lifts her head or turns it, but she doesn't. Then I turn her onto her back and calm her down and put her back to sleep. I am terrified I may not hear her muffling sounds while I sleep and am afraid I may one morning wake up to find
a disaster. PLEASE HELP US!!!
Sincerely,
Extremely Concerned
Dear Extremely Concerned,
This could be very serious. I suggest you visit with your pediatrician immediately to discuss these issues. In the mean time, I would be sure the surface that she is sleeping on is very firm and that she is propped so she cannot roll over until she can lift her head. My concern is that she does not lift her head. You should check with your pediatrician about her overall development as well as this particular issue. You are correct to be
worried.
Sincerely,
Dr. Bear
