09.2019
Author Prof. E. Harms, University Department of Pediatrics Münster

The data of 250 cases of sleep-related infant suffocation, which occurred in the period between 2011 to 2014 and were recorded in the American Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Case Registry, was evaluated with regard to their circumstances [1].
69% of the cases were attributed to soft bedding (49% of which occurred in the parents’ bed, 82% were in a prone position, 34% were caused by blankets). 19% of the cases were linked to overlay  (71% of these cases occurred in the parents’ bed, 47% were caused by the mother). 12% of the cases were linked to wedging (48% of which involved the infant becoming wedged between the mattress and the wall). A meta-analysis was published to answer the question of whether a sleeping bag could be the solution to some of these issues [2].

The authors concluded that the use of a sleeping bag is recommended, provided, however, that (1) a sufficiently firm mattress is used, (2) the sleeping bag fits snugly, (3) no additional blanket is used, and (4) room temperature and sleeping bag warmth rating are compatible.