Swaddling May Increase Risk Of SIDS
BOSTON (CBS) - Researchers may have found a link between swaddling babies and sudden infant death syndrome or SIDS.
Nadine Chawla swaddles her two month old son, Adnan, every time he goes to sleep.
"He was used to being in my womb" says Nadine, "and he was used to being constricted and that's like a position of comfort."
Many parents use the wrapping technique on new babies but a study in the journal pediatrics shows swaddling may increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome or SIDS when a baby is swaddled on their side or stomach.
"You want to make sure as a parent you are always putting them back to sleep on their back," says Dr. Corinn Coss of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Researchers found the risk of SIDS was higher for older babies, since they can roll over onto their stomachs.
Experts say swaddling should not be used for infants over two months old and suggest using wearable blankets or sleep sacks instead.
Dr. Cross also says tight swaddling may cause a baby to sleep too deeply. Swaddling can also cause a child to overheat which is also a risk factor for SIDS.
"As much as we don't want your child up all night long," says Dr. Cross, "We also don't want them so tightly cocooned that they don't wake up when they need to."
Parents should also keep their child's crib free of bumpers, pillows or blankets that can be dangerous
Nadine says, for her, swaddling has been a major help, but she plans to start using sleep sacks soon.
