Magazines Show Babies Sleeping Unsafely

Many magazine photos show babies sleeping in unsafe positions, according to researchers at Children's National Medical Center.

Sudden infant death syndrome researcher Dr. Rachel Moon analyzed pictures of sleeping babies in 24 magazines that are widely read by 20- to 40-year-old women.

More than one-third of the photos had problems, according to a news release on the work.

The authors of the study looked at whether the baby was on its side or stomach, positions not recommended. Experts say they should be placed on their backs. The team also looked for hazards such as soft bedding.

The problems were found in editorial content and ads.

"There are major discrepancies between what doctors recommend to prevent sudden infant death syndrome and what moms may see in mainstream media," Moon said. "The most important thing for moms to realize is that what they see in magazines may not be what's best for their baby in real life."

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies be placed on their backs when sleeping, on a separate sleep surface from their parents and without blankets, pillows or other soft bedding.