A nurse is providing health promotion teaching to the parents of an infant. Which of the following conditions should the nurse identify as the leading cause of death among this age group?

A. Respiratory distress: While respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a major complication, it is typically a consequence of prematurity rather than the top statistical category of death itself. B. Low birth weight: Low birth weight and short gestation are the second leading cause of infant mortality in the U.S., but they trail behind congenital defects. C. Congenital anomalies: According to CDC data, congenital malformations (birth defects) are consistently the leading cause of infant mortality (death before 1 year of age) in the United States, accounting for approximately 20% of infant deaths. D. Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS): SIDS is a leading cause (usually ranking 3rd or 4th), but it causes fewer deaths annually than congenital anomalies or complications of prematurity.