Researchers Say Swaddling Can Increase Risk Of Infants Dying From SIDS

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Researchers say that babies that are swaddled in a tight blanket are 50-60 percent more likely to die of SIDS.

The thought has been that babies were comforted by swaddling, because it simulated conditions in the womb. It's also what they do in the hospital with newborns.

New research says that swaddling can be especially dangerous when babies are not on their back.

Many parents use the wrapping technique on new babies, but the study in the Journal of Pediatrics said swaddling may increase the instance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome when a baby is swaddled and put on their side or stomach.

"You want to make sure, as the parent, you are always putting them back to sleep on their backs," said Dr. Corrin Cross of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Researchers found the risk of SIDS was higher for older babies because they can roll over onto their stomachs.

Experts say infants over two months of age should not be swaddled. They also warn that tight swaddling could make a baby sleep too deeply.

"As much as we don't want your child up all night long, we also don't want them so tightly, sort of cocooned, that they don't wake up when they need to," Cross said. Experts also say you should keep your babies crib free of bumpers, pillows or blankets which could be dangerous.

Experts add that swaddling could also overheat a baby. They suggest putting them in wearable blankets, or sleep sacks instead.