Swaddling & Sids?

Question

I heard that swaddling gives an increased risk of SIDS?

Does anyone know anything about this?

Answer 1

I have read in this book called "from here to maternity" that they send home with new moms at the hospital, that overdressing your baby can cause sids because they get to hot and mabye swaddling the baby can lead to overheating.

Answer 2

I've never read or heard that one before... if it didnt come from a medical journal I would disregard that! Of course, like others have said, the only concern would be if your baby was improperly swaddled... they make specific blankets for swaddling where I dont think there could be any concern whatsoever. Once your baby is past the swaddling stage, a baby sleeping bag is perfect instead of sheets and a blanket which could potentially suffocate your baby.

OK - just googled this and it came back with the websites below if you are interested. The first article responding to concern of increased risk of SIDS in babies who are swaddled: There is no evidence that swaddling increases the risk of SIDS if babies sleep on their backs or sides.

The second article stating a DECREASED risk of SIDS in babies who are swaddled: Along with Dr. Claudia M. Gerard, an instructor in pediatrics at Washington University, Dr. Thach conducted research that showed the practice of swaddling babies lowers SIDS risk. And researchers at the Pediatric Sleep Unit of the University Children's Hospital in Brussels, Belgium, recently found swaddling does help babies sleep longer and better. That means more shuteye for parents.

Answer 3

Hello,

Last November, my hubby and I gave birth to our twin girls. They were born preemies and the NICU doctors and nurses had them swaddled. The nurses taught my hubby and I how to swaddle them to keep them warm and to remind them of what it was like to be secure in my womb.

Personally, I have never heard of swaddling causing SIDS. My twins are 11.5 months old today and the swaddling did not cause SIDS. Practice swaddling tighter. Our twins were total escape artists when it came to staying in the blanets. You know, Babies sells these cute swaddling blankets that have Velcro on them. I used those as well as regular receiving blankets.

Hope this helps you..............:-)

Answer 4

I've never heard that before! Swaddling simply makes the newborn feel more like he is still in the womb, and therefore, is able to sleep more comfortably. SIDS, is more about not placing a very young baby on his belly, which causes him to smash his face against the mattress, and stop breathing.

Answer 5

I think this refers to swaddling without making sure the blanket is snug enough to not be loose around the baby's face which could smother them. I am a NICU nurse and swaddling is one of the things we teach parents about prior to going home. If in doubt, just swaddle when you are going to be able to watch the baby (ie. not at night).

Answer 6

and dont forget feet to foot ie when you lay your baby down make sure their feet touch the foot of the cot thus making the baby unable to wiggle down and under the covers all the best hun xxx p.s using one of those crocheted blankets you know the ones with the holes in would make you feel a little better about swaddling good luck xxx

Answer 7

No. It helps prevent the risk of SIDS. There are numerous websites, articles in news papers, and even doctors that say so.

Answer 8

never heard that one.