Which risk factor increases the likelihood of SIDS in infants?

The risk factor that notably increases the likelihood of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in infants is maternal smoking. Research has established a strong correlation between maternal smoking during pregnancy and an increased risk of SIDS. Smoking can lead to several adverse effects on fetal development, including altered brain development and respiratory issues, both of which can contribute to the risk of SIDS after birth. Infants exposed to smoke, whether intrauterine or through postnatal exposure from caregivers, are more likely to experience impaired arousal responses when they encounter a life-threatening situation, which is a key consideration in SIDS cases.

While other options relate to infant safety practices, they do not increase the risk of SIDS in the same way maternal smoking does. For instance, breastfeeding has protective benefits against SIDS, and sleeping in a crib on their back is strongly recommended as a safe sleep practice. Although sleeping with blankets could potentially pose a suffocation risk, it is maternal smoking that has a well-documented direct impact on the incidence of SIDS.