Which practice is NOT recommended to reduce SIDS risk?

Which practice is NOT recommended to reduce SIDS risk?

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

Answer: (B)

Safe sleep practices to lower SIDS risk emphasize keeping the baby in a supine position on a firm sleep surface, in a smoke-free environment, and supporting breastfeeding, all of which are protective. Using a wedge to maintain a side-lying position is not recommended. Side-lying is unstable and a baby can roll onto the stomach, where breathing can be more easily obstructed. Wedges and other positioning devices can also create gaps or entrapment that raise suffocation risk. In contrast, placing the baby on the back for every sleep, keeping the environment free of smoke, and breastfeeding have demonstrated protective effects against SIDS.

Safe sleep practices to lower SIDS risk emphasize keeping the baby in a supine position on a firm sleep surface, in a smoke-free environment, and supporting breastfeeding, all of which are protective. Using a wedge to maintain a side-lying position is not recommended. Side-lying is unstable and a baby can roll onto the stomach, where breathing can be more easily obstructed. Wedges and other positioning devices can also create gaps or entrapment that raise suffocation risk. In contrast, placing the baby on the back for every sleep, keeping the environment free of smoke, and breastfeeding have demonstrated protective effects against SIDS.