What should parents do to change an infant's position in a crib?

Changing the position of an infant in a crib regularly is recommended to help promote motor development and prevent positional plagiocephaly, which is a flattening of one part of the head. By alternating the direction in which the infant lies, parents encourage the child to develop muscles and strength while avoiding putting undue pressure on the same part of the skull.

This practice also helps the infant to experience the environment differently from various angles, which can stimulate visual and cognitive development. Regularly changing the position does not compromise safety as long as the infant is placed on their back for sleep, which aligns with guidelines to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Other options do not align adequately with these practices; placing the infant consistently in one direction can lead to developmental and physical issues. Leaving the infant on their back only, while important for safety during sleep, does not incorporate the need for positional changes that allow for physical development. Swaddling, while it can provide comfort and security, should not be done too tightly and does not relate directly to changing the infant's position in the crib.