The nurse is planning to teach infant care and preventive measures for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) to a group of new parents. Which information is most important for the nurse to include?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Ensure that the infant's crib mattress is firm. A firm mattress reduces the risk of SIDS by preventing the infant from sinking into a soft surface, which can obstruct breathing. B. Prop the infant with a pillow when in a side-lying position. Propping with a pillow is not recommended as it can increase the risk of suffocation and is not a recommended SIDS prevention measure. C. Place the infant in a prone position whenever possible. Placing an infant in a prone (stomach) position is a significant risk factor for SIDS. Infants should be placed on their backs to sleep. D. Swaddle the infant in a blanket for sleeping. While swaddling can be safe if done correctly, it is not as critical as ensuring a firm mattress. Additionally, improper swaddling can pose risks if the blanket becomes loose.