Which position is recommended for infants as part of the 5 S's?

The recommended position for infants as part of the 5 S's is the side or stomach position. The 5 S's refer to a set of calming techniques designed to soothe infants, particularly when they are fussy or crying. Among these techniques, swaddling, side or stomach position, shushing, swinging, and sucking are included.

Using the side or stomach position can provide comfort to the baby, mimicking the environment they experienced in the womb. This position can help alleviate discomfort and promote relaxation, making it easier for the infant to settle down. However, it is crucial to note that while the side position can be comforting during awake time, the safest sleep position for infants to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is on their backs. Therefore, the recommendation of side or stomach position primarily applies to calming techniques and not to sleep safety practices.

This option reflects how parents and caregivers can effectively utilize positional strategies to help infants during the day, while it’s important to reinforce that sleep positions should adhere to safety guidelines, promoting back sleeping during nap and nighttime.