Which sleeping position should healthy infants be placed in to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome?

Which sleeping position should healthy infants be placed in to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome?

• A. Infants should be positioned on their bellies to sleep.
• B. Infants should be bundled up in hats and booties when they sleep.
• C. Infants should be prohibited from co-sleeping with their mothers.
• D. Infants should be positioned on their backs to sleep.

Answer: (D)

Putting a healthy infant to sleep on their back is the safest choice because this position keeps the airway clear and reduces the chance of the baby rebreathing the air they exhale, which lowers the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. It also helps prevent overheating compared with sleeping on the stomach. Sleeping face down increases SIDS risk, so that position is not advised. Bundling with hats and booties doesn’t reduce risk and can lead to overheating or restrict movement. Co-sleeping with a parent is associated with a higher risk of suffocation, so the recommended safe arrangement is for the baby to sleep on its back in a separate, safe sleep space while sharing the same room.

Putting a healthy infant to sleep on their back is the safest choice because this position keeps the airway clear and reduces the chance of the baby rebreathing the air they exhale, which lowers the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. It also helps prevent overheating compared with sleeping on the stomach. Sleeping face down increases SIDS risk, so that position is not advised. Bundling with hats and booties doesn’t reduce risk and can lead to overheating or restrict movement. Co-sleeping with a parent is associated with a higher risk of suffocation, so the recommended safe arrangement is for the baby to sleep on its back in a separate, safe sleep space while sharing the same room.