Swaddling: Possible SIDS Risk For Babies

If infants are swaddled during sleep, their risk of dying from SIDS is higher, especially if they are placed on their stomachs, new
research suggests.

SIDS is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It is defined as a sudden death in an infant that

cannot be explained after a thorough investigation, including an autopsy.

Swaddling typically refers to wrapping a child snugly in a blanket or cloth, with head
exposed but arms inside.

“Babies who were swaddled were 50 to 60 percent more likely to die of SIDS,” said lead researcher Dr. Rachel Moon, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Virginia School of Medicine.


While the overall SIDS risk was increased with swaddling, the risk was even greater when swaddled babies were placed on their stomachs to sleep, Moon said.

The risk also increased as infants approached 6 months of age, Moon said, when they are likely to be able to roll over
by themselves. Most babies can do that by around 4 months of age, she noted.

“The take-home messages are, if the baby is getting old enough where they can roll, they shouldn’t be swaddled,” and they shouldn’t sleep on their stomachs or sides, Moon said.

However, another expert sees a slightly different take-home message.

“I normally don’t recommend swaddling to put them to sleep for the night,” said Dr. Gloria Riefkohl, a pediatrician at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami.

“I think swaddling should be done [only with observation],” she said.

“Any swaddling should be done with the baby in your arms, or [while] observing the baby.”










Source: health.com