Swaddled infants face increased risk of death if left to sleep on the front or side, according to a new study.
Researchers warned the problem may be worsened if babies are kept swaddled after the age of four months – when they can begin to roll.
The Bristol University, UK, researchers analysed studies from England, Tasmania in Australia and Chicago, USA.
The findings were reported last night in the journal Paediatrics.
Researcher Dr Anna Pease said: "The focus of our review was not on studies about swaddling – a traditional practice of wrapping infants to promote calming and sleep – but on studies that looked at Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
"We tried to gather evidence of whether there was an association between swaddling for sleep and SIDS."
She added: "We found some evidence in this review that as babies get older, they may be more likely to move into unsafe positions while swaddled during sleep, suggesting an age is needed after which swaddling for sleep should be discouraged.
"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."
Paediatricians said the findings highlighted the need for awareness campaigns for vulnerable families.
Professor Neena Modi, president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, said: "This, coupled with what it is already known about SIDS such as the increased risk when a mother smokes during pregnancy, further emphasises the need for education to encourage change.
"Targeted awareness campaigns for vulnerable families that promote safe sleeping habits are one way of delivering this and another is through the school system with compulsory PSHE lessons, instilling positive health behaviours at an early age.”
Anna Pease et al. Swaddling and the Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: a Meta-analysis. Pediatrics 9 May 2016
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