What is a guideline for sleep safety for infants?

The guideline for sleep safety for infants emphasizes placing infants to sleep on their backs. This practice significantly reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The back-sleeping position is recommended because it limits the likelihood of airway obstruction and helps maintain a clear breathing pathway for the infant. This recommendation has been supported by extensive research and is a fundamental aspect of safe sleep practices advised by pediatric organizations and health care providers.

While the other options may seem comforting or convenient, they present risks that can compromise an infant's safety during sleep. For instance, soft blankets and stuffed animals can pose suffocation hazards, while sleeping on their stomachs has been linked to a higher incidence of SIDS. Allowing infants to sleep in a swing may lead to unsafe positioning that could affect their ability to breathe freely. Emphasizing back sleeping is critical in ensuring that sleep practices are aligned with current safety standards for infants.