Swaddling: will it get babies onto their backs for sleep?

The supine sleep position is recommended to reduce sudden infant death syndrome risk. Swaddling may improve adherence with supine placement.

To assess knowledge, attitudes, and practice regarding swaddling among adult caregivers of 0- to 3-month-old infants.

Cross-sectional descriptive survey.

All 103 adults interviewed had swaddled their infant. Common reasons for swaddling included infant comfort and warmth. Almost 80% of those who swaddled their infant found it effective, 80% believed it to be comfortable, and ~90% believed swaddling to be safe. Parents who routinely used swaddling were more likely to find it effective and to place their infant supine when swaddled (P < .01).

Parents often use swaddling to comfort the infant, and most find it effective. Parents who routinely use swaddling are more likely to place their infant supine if swaddled. Swaddling may be a strategy for parents of infants who have difficulty sleeping in the supine position.