What is a recommended sleeping position for infants to reduce the risk of SIDS?

The recommended sleeping position for infants to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is on their back. This position is supported by extensive research and guidelines from health organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics. Placing infants on their backs for sleep has been shown to significantly lower the incidence of SIDS compared to other sleeping positions, such as stomach or side sleeping.

When babies are placed on their stomachs or sides, they may face an increased risk of rebreathing exhaled air or becoming overwhelmed by bedding, which can lead to suffocation or oxygen deprivation. Additionally, the back-sleeping position encourages optimal airways and reduces the likelihood of overheating, both of which are factors associated with SIDS.

Choosing any comfortable position does not align with the recommended guidelines, as it could lead caregivers to select positions that might not be safe for infants. Therefore, back sleeping is the best practice endorsed by pediatric health experts for safeguarding infants during sleep.