Sleeping in a Swing

Chances are that your son has reflux, meaning that when he lies down, stomach acid makes its way through the sphincter at the top of the stomach into the esophagus (throat). Acid belongs in the stomach, but in the esophagus, it can cause very uncomfortable burning and pain. This would be a likely reason for his colic, and for waking up with screams when he’s lying down. Upright positioning greatly reduces reflux. Parents are often advised to put something under one end of the crib to incline it 30 degrees or so but many just end up with their baby siding down to the end of the crib.

Babies naturally have a weak gastroesophageal sphincter. Although a very tiny number of babies have extensive reflux simply because their sphincter is unusually lax, most have reflux because they are reacting to foods in their diet, or in their breastfeeding mother’s diet. Cow’s milk proteins are the number one cause for colic and reflux. You may wish to try eliminating 100% of dairy from your diet; reading labels for whey, casein and hydrolyzed protein, and of course cheese, yogurt, butter or cream. If you notice some improvement, but not complete resolution, then you will want to do a greater elimination diet to find out what other foods may be involved.

As a chiropractor, I’m not greatly concerned about this sleeping position in terms of the development of his spine, though you are right to consider it. Go ahead and pad and position him in the swing in whatever manner that looks best to you. If you can raise the swing out a little so that his weight is on the back of the swing some, rather than being fully vertical, this might be better. He might sleep in a carseat and then his spine would be more supported. It’s possible, however, that the relief he’s achieved from sleeping in the swing was so good that he’s imprinted on that idea. He’s found it to bring comfort and so may want to stick with what has worked for him. This won’t last forever. Do try other options on occasion but don’t worry if he stays in the swing. Be glad he can sleep somewhere.

If your child is not neurologically compromised, it’s very doubtful that he would allow himself to suffocate sleeping at your breast (especially after being several weeks old). If his airway is impeded, he would naturally turn his head. If this doesn’t work, then he would fuss and squeal. Babies sometimes suffocate when sleeping on their tummies and rebreathing air from soft bedding because they are unable to turn their head from that position before they’re able to roll over. If he’s on his side or back, he should be fine. More importantly, however, I think you should trust your own instincts as you are the only one who really knows the situation and the baby. Even if you do try sleeping this way again, he still may not care for lying flat. A sip of mommy  milk can soothe a burning throat quickly though so many colic/reflux babies who won’t sleep well in many other fashions will sleep contently next to mom.