Beware! Swaddling Babies May Increase Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Most mothers have the practice of wrapping their babies in a blanket with just the head exposed to make them sleep better. But this habit may even be fatal, warns a new study.

The review study conducted in England, United States and Australia showed that swaddling increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Babies tend to move or roll back when swaddled, leading to suffocation due to overheating.

‘Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) risk increases when infants are swaddled while sleeping on their stomachs or sides.’

Also, swaddling infants on the side or back also resulted in suffocation. The authors suggest that parents must be cautious while putting their babies to sleep. Also, they must stop swaddling for sleep as babies get older.

Lead author Dr. Anna Pease, from the School of Social and Community Medicine, said, "We found some evidence in this review that as babies get older, they may be more likely to move into unsafe positions while swaddled during sleep, suggesting an age is needed after which swaddling for sleep should be discouraged. Most babies start being able to roll over at about 4-6 months."

Source: Medindia