Discharge planning for Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) prevention recommends which sleep arrangement?

Discharge planning for Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) prevention recommends which sleep arrangement?

• A. Newborns should sleep in a bed with their mothers so they can be closely monitored.
• B. Newborns should sleep on their backs in their own crib on a firm mattress without a pillow.
• C. Newborns should sleep on their sides or stomachs after feeding to avoid aspiration.
• D. Newborns should be dressed in several layers and well covered to avoid cold stress.

Answer: (B)

Safe sleep is the priority for preventing SUID. The best arrangement is for the newborn to sleep on their back on a firm, flat sleep surface in their own crib or bassinet, with a fitted sheet and no pillows, soft toys, or extra blankets. This setup keeps the airway clear and reduces the risk of suffocation or entrapment, while a firm mattress minimizes the chance of sinking into soft bedding. Keeping the infant in a separate sleep space from adults also lowers the risk of overlay or accidental suffocation. If a doctor or nurse discusses discharge planning, reinforce that this back-sleep position on a firm, bare sleep surface is the recommended standard for every sleep, including naps. Avoiding side or stomach positions, bed-sharing, and over-bundling helps maintain safety.

Safe sleep is the priority for preventing SUID. The best arrangement is for the newborn to sleep on their back on a firm, flat sleep surface in their own crib or bassinet, with a fitted sheet and no pillows, soft toys, or extra blankets. This setup keeps the airway clear and reduces the risk of suffocation or entrapment, while a firm mattress minimizes the chance of sinking into soft bedding. Keeping the infant in a separate sleep space from adults also lowers the risk of overlay or accidental suffocation. If a doctor or nurse discusses discharge planning, reinforce that this back-sleep position on a firm, bare sleep surface is the recommended standard for every sleep, including naps. Avoiding side or stomach positions, bed-sharing, and over-bundling helps maintain safety.