Swaddling may increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS, if babies are placed on their stomachs or when they sleep on their sides, according to a new study.
Researchers reviewed data from four studies and found that the risk nearly doubled among swaddled infants and the risk doubled in babies found sleeping on their stomachs. Risk of a SIDS death was least in babies sleeping on their backs, but it was still higher among swaddled babies, compared with those who were not swaddled.
The study was published in Pediatrics.
Putting infants on their backs to sleep is considered a key factor in preventing SIDS deaths. It's not known what causes SIDS.
