BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is the most common cause of death for infants between 2 months and 1 year of age.

To reduce an infant's risk of sudden death, the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that babies be allowed to sleep on their backs and that things such as loose bedding, swaddling, or soft sleep surfaces be avoided.

New research conducted at the Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. has shown that, contrary to these recommendations, magazines geared towards women of childbearing age portray infants in unsafe sleep positions 36 percent of the time and in unsafe sleep environments 63 percent of the time.

Researchers said such images could send conflicting messages to parents and may inadvertently lead to improper infant care.

Researchers suggested that it is essential that both the media and health professionals provide a consistent message on safe sleep practice for infants.