A nurse is providing teaching to a parent about sudden unexpected infant death (SUID). Which of the following statements should the nurse Include?
Explanation & Rationale
A. "Share a bedroom with your infant for the first 6 months.": Room-sharing without bed-sharing is recommended to reduce the risk of SUID. Having the infant sleep in the same room as the parents allows for closer monitoring and easier access for feeding and comforting. B. "Cover your infant with a nonflammable blanket at bedtime.": Loose bedding, including blankets, increases the risk of suffocation and SUID. Instead, sleep sacks or wearable blankets are safer options to keep the infant warm without creating hazards. C. "Use bumper pads around the interior of your infant's crib.": Bumper pads are not recommended because they can lead to suffocation, strangulation, or entrapment. A firm mattress with a fitted sheet and no additional items in the crib is safest. D. "Place your infant on a soft crib mattress after they are 4 months old.": Infants should always sleep on a firm, flat surface, regardless of age. Soft mattresses increase the risk of airway obstruction and SUID, making them unsafe for infant sleep.