What is the recommended method to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)?

The recommended method to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is to place the baby on their back to sleep. This practice is supported by extensive research and is a key aspect of safe sleep recommendations for infants. Sleeping on the back has been shown to significantly lower the risk of SIDS, as it helps to maintain an open airway for the baby and reduces the chances of rebreathing carbon dioxide, which can occur when a baby sleeps on their stomach or side.

The back-sleeping position allows for optimal airflow and decreases the risk of suffocation, making it the safest sleeping position for infants. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly endorses this recommendation as part of a comprehensive approach to reducing SIDS.

In contrast, placing a baby on their stomach to sleep is associated with a higher risk of SIDS, as it can lead to airway obstruction. Similarly, placing a baby in a crib with toys can pose hazards, as toys can become potential suffocation risks or inadvertently block the baby’s airway. Using a firm mattress with bedding is important for creating a safe sleep environment, but the positioning of the baby during sleep is the crucial factor in reducing SIDS risk. Thus, putting the baby on their back to