Which measure is NOT recommended to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)?

Which measure is NOT recommended to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)?

• A. Maintain a smoke-free environment
• B. Use a wedge for side-lying positions
• C. Breast-feed the baby
• D. Place the baby on his or her back to sleep

Answer: (B)

Safe sleep practices focus on creating a stable, flat, and hazard-free sleep environment and avoiding positions or devices that increase suffocation risk. The strongest protective measure is placing the infant on the back to sleep on a firm surface, which consistently reduces SIDS risk. Breastfeeding and keeping the baby in a smoke-free environment also contribute to lower risk. Using a wedge or positioning the infant on the side with a wedge is not recommended because it creates an unstable sleep surface and can allow the baby to roll into a face-down position or shift the device, increasing the chance of suffocation. There is no demonstrated safety or benefit to side-lying with a wedge, whereas back-to-sleep on a firm surface remains the evidence-supported practice.

Safe sleep practices focus on creating a stable, flat, and hazard-free sleep environment and avoiding positions or devices that increase suffocation risk. The strongest protective measure is placing the infant on the back to sleep on a firm surface, which consistently reduces SIDS risk. Breastfeeding and keeping the baby in a smoke-free environment also contribute to lower risk. Using a wedge or positioning the infant on the side with a wedge is not recommended because it creates an unstable sleep surface and can allow the baby to roll into a face-down position or shift the device, increasing the chance of suffocation. There is no demonstrated safety or benefit to side-lying with a wedge, whereas back-to-sleep on a firm surface remains the evidence-supported practice.