A 6-month-old infant diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) presents with poor weight gain, frequent regurgitation, and occasional respiratory distress. The nurse must prioritize interventions to manage GERD effectively. Which nursing action is most appropriate to include in the care plan?

A. Instruct parents to feed the infant large volumes less frequently is incorrect because large feedings increase gastric distention and can worsen reflux. Small, frequent feedings are preferred. B. Advise parents to allow the infant to sleep on their stomach is incorrect because placing infants on their stomach increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and is not recommended. Infants should be placed on their back for sleep. C. Recommend thickening all infant feedings with cereals is partially correct for some infants, but thickening should be guided by a healthcare provider, as it is not appropriate for all infants and can pose risks if done incorrectly. D. Educate parents to position the infant at a 30-degree angle for 30 minutes after feeding and avoid propping bottles during feedings is correct because upright positioning after feedings uses gravity to reduce reflux and prevents aspiration. Avoiding bottle propping reduces the risk of choking, overfeeding, and increased reflux episodes.