DD is Sleeping While Sitting Up! HELP!

**bmiltimore** · 05-26-2004, 11:18 PM

My daughter (9 months) has been falling asleep in her crib while in a seated position. She sits up when we put her down to sleep, and when she gets sleepy, she bends forward and puts her head down. Imagine sitting on the floor with your feet out in front of you--bending forward and putting your head on your knees and SLEEPING!

My in laws were watching her today and she did this for 2 of her naps. My FIL is worried because the second time she woke up crying and her face was all red. He is wondering if she could be cutting off her oxygen/blood supply.

I couldn't find anything about this in any baby/child care books.

Have any of your heard of this? Have your kids ever done this? Should I be concerned?

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

**Missy** · 05-27-2004, 12:03 AM

Do you have a nurse hotline? I have no idea what advise to give, never heard of anyone sleep llike that, lol, sounds incredibly uncomfortable. Can you roll her into a sleeping position with out waking her? I'd call a pediatrician or a nurse helpline. maybe another lady here has some advice...

**guest2** · 05-27-2004, 10:18 AM

One of my sons used to do that and we would just gently lay him down when we found him asleep in that postion. He's 16 now, so obviously he survived!

**canadian gardener** · 05-27-2004, 10:42 AM

Get her checked to rule out any condition that she may be compensating for. A good paediatrician should be able to check, and set your mind at ease.

**bmiltimore** · 05-27-2004, 11:14 AM

Thanks for the help. I plan to call the phone nurse today when they open.

I'll let you know what they say.

**dz_blonde_girl** · 05-27-2004, 11:38 AM

Please do. It seems to me that sleeping position might indicate something, though I can't remember what....

Hey! It's great seeing you post again!

Let us know how it goes.

**Guest1** · 05-27-2004, 12:17 PM

All of mine have had sleep quirks....
until I read this, I never thought it was anything more than their specific bent....

Definitely let us know what the nurse/doc says....
It'll give me one more reason to kick myself for being a lousy mom....

**dz_blonde_girl** · 05-27-2004, 05:52 PM

Well

**Guest1** · 05-27-2004, 05:55 PM

Originally posted by dz_blonde_girl
Well

**CatherineID** · 05-28-2004, 12:25 AM

I'm going to stick my neck out on this one ...

I can't tell but the way you worded your post it sounds like this is a new sleeping position for your daughter. If so, that may be why we haven't heard back. You may be busy.

When adults have trouble breathing they'll sit in a three-point stance - lean forward with their elbows resting on their knees. It's easier to breath that way.

It's possible your daughter has developed an allergy (it's the season) or a touch of asthma. Not all asthma causes wheezing so it would be difficult to detect without a stethescope.

So you're right to discuss this with your doctor, especially if this is a new habit. If there isn't a medical problem then your daughter will eventually find another way to fall asleep and you'll have other things to worry about like orthodontia, boys and the first time she drives a car.

**bmiltimore** · 05-28-2004, 01:21 PM

Thanks for all of your responses. I spoke with the phone nurse yesterday. She said as long as she is still eating well, playing normally and doesn't show any other signs that something is "off", there is no need for concern.

She did say that it is most likely caused by wanting to just keep going. My DD is a pistol! LOL

She does seem to find this position comfortable for some odd reason. Since I orginally posted, she hasn't done it again. Lately she does the typical baby pose on on the belly with the knees curled up under. I think it is called "child's pose" in yoga!

Although I am relieved that it isn't anything serious, I am going to keep a close eye on her when she goes down to sleep--to make sure she is in a comfortable position which allows her to breathe well and get proper rest.

Thanks again for your help!

**dz_blonde_girl** · 05-29-2004, 10:08 AM

Please mention this to your pediatrician on her next well baby visit, OK? For me? Thanks.

**bmiltimore** · 05-29-2004, 01:23 PM

I will mention it at her next dr. appt if she continues to do it. So far--she hasn't done it again.

**homesteadmamma** · 05-29-2004, 04:18 PM

Originally posted by dz_blonde_girl
Please mention this to your pediatrician on her next well baby visit, OK? For me? Thanks.

I agree with Karen on this. Please don't let this slip by without mentioning it to your pediatrician.

**canadian gardener** · 05-31-2004, 09:16 PM

Ditto. I've got my old bat nurses hat on here, and I think the paediatrician needs to know that she was doing even this a little.

Not every nurse picks up on stuff that needs attention nor every dr. But that does qualify as a significant symptom.

How significant? Well likely she is just fine, but it's best to be sure. Next visit, get it checked by the dr, not just the nurse hotline.