Chest Sleeping: What I’ve Learned as a First Time Mom

One of the most challenging parts of having a newborn is figuring out how to get them (and yourself) some much-needed sleep. If you’re here, you’ve probably found yourself in a situation where your baby will only settle when they’re sleeping on your chest or in your arms.

Let me start by saying: you’re not alone. Many parents experience this, especially during those first few weeks. I vividly remember reaching out to a friend on FB and creepily asking her if she’d send me a picture of how she sleeps with her baby, so I had some sort of idea of what it should look like!

But before we dive in, let me be clear: I’m not a doctor, and this isn’t medical advice. I’m simply sharing my personal experience as a mom and what I’ve learned along the way. Always consult your pediatrician if you have concerns or need guidance about your baby’s sleep.

My experience with chest sleeping:

In those early days, I remember feeling torn. On one hand, chest sleeping with Wyatt felt like the only way for any of us to get some decent sleep. On the other hand, I worried constantly about whether it was safe or sustainable.

Here’s how I navigated it:

Rest During the Day: When my baby was in a contact sleeping only phase, I made a point to grab naps whenever I could (usually Michael would get up early for work and hold him for a little bit while I slept in the bedroom alone). Even 30 minutes helped me recharge.

Set Our Space up: There’s no “research” out there that says what safe chest sleeping looks like so I did what felt intuitive. I propped myself up at an angle (eventually I got a wedge pillow) and put two couch sized pillows under my elbows.

Michael and I used separate blankets. Me, keeping mine down at my waist by tucking it around me. In this position, Wyatt and I could both lay and comfortably get a little rest throughout the night.

Gradual Transitioning: Over time, I began moving Wyatt to his bassinet or pack and play for short naps during the day. That eventually lead to him doing his first stretch of the night in the mini crib next to the bed and finishing the night bed sharing with us.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

Chest sleeping can feel like a double-edged sword: it’s a sweet bonding moment, but it’s not a long-term sleep solution. What helped me was embracing those moments for what they were—a temporary phase—and finding ways to transition my baby to more safe and independent sleep over time.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to any part of parenting. Trust your instincts, seek help when you need it, and know that you’re doing an amazing job.

How have you handled chest sleeping with your little one? Share your experiences in the comments — I’d love to hear from you!