Use of duvets and the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.

BACKGROUND The use of duvets in infancy is not recommended in the UK and Australia because of a reported association with sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). AIMS To examine the association between the use of duvets and the risk of SIDS. METHODS A nationwide case control study (393 cases, 1592 controls). The use of duvets was assessed by interview with the parent or guardian. RESULTS The use of duvets was associated with an increased risk of SIDS (odds ratio (OR) = 1.65; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.31 to 2.08); however, after adjustment for potential confounders there was no increased risk of SIDS (OR = 1.04; 95% CI, 0.77 to 1.38). Furthermore, subgroup analysis did not identify any group in which the use of duvets was associated with an increased risk of SIDS. CONCLUSIONS This study does not support the recommendation to avoid duvets.