Study: Breastfeeding Reduces SIDS Risk

Breastfeeding reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), a review of related research concludes. And the benefit is greatest if babies receive breast milk only, the study found. The new study combined the results of 18 previous studies. All of them looked at any links between breastfeeding and a baby’s risk of SIDS. Researchers also adjusted their numbers to account for other factors that affect SIDS risk. These include smoking and infant sleep position. They concluded that breastfeeding a baby for any length of time reduced SIDS risk by 45%. The risk was 73% lower for babies who received only breast milk. The journal Pediatrics published the study online. HealthDay News wrote about it June 13.