Swaddling May Raise Risk of SIDS

The custom of swaddling infants to promote sleep by making them feel secure and calm may be linked to an increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Researchers found that the risk of SIDS is greater among swaddled babies and the risk is increased for infants placed on their stomachs to sleep and for those old enough to roll over on their own. Lead author Dr. Anna Pease writes, “On a practical level what parents should take away from this is that if they choose to swaddle their babies for sleep, always place them on their back, and think about when to stop swaddling for sleep as their babies get older and more able to move.” Pediatrics, May 2016