New Study Says Swaddling Infants Can Increase Risk Of SIDS

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By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Swaddling babies is something that has been done for centuries. Even the bible refers to "wrapping the Christ child in swaddling clothes" but could swaddling an infant be bad for its health?

According to a report in the Journal Pediatrics, placing swaddled babies on their stomachs or sides to sleep was linked to a higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome. The first and most crucial point I need to stress is that infants should always be put on their back to sleep— just remember "back to sleep". But what about swaddling?

While being swaddled on their belly had a twelve fold risk of SIDS and on their sides a three-fold risk, those on their backs and were swaddled only had a slight increased risk. This was a very small study, but the authors say there is evidence that swaddled infants have fewer arousal from sleep and this could contribute. This is clearly something to discuss with your doctor and I guarantee there will be more research.