Which is NOT a risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome?

Which is NOT a risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome?

• A. Sleeping in a supine position
• B. Prone sleeping
• C. Bed-sharing
• D. Exposure to tobacco smoke

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that how a baby sleeps greatly influences SIDS risk. Sleeping on the back (supine position) is protective because it keeps the airway open and reduces the chance of rebreathing exhaled air or overheating. In contrast, sleeping face-down (prone) increases the risk by promoting airway obstruction, rebreathing of CO2, and overheating. Bed-sharing adds risk of suffocation or overlay on soft surfaces or when a caregiver is exhausted or under the influence. Tobacco smoke exposure, including maternal smoking during pregnancy or in the home after birth, also raises SIDS risk by disrupting the infant’s arousal and breathing control. So, sleeping supine is not a risk factor, while prone sleeping, bed-sharing, and tobacco exposure are.

The main idea is that how a baby sleeps greatly influences SIDS risk. Sleeping on the back (supine position) is protective because it keeps the airway open and reduces the chance of rebreathing exhaled air or overheating. In contrast, sleeping face-down (prone) increases the risk by promoting airway obstruction, rebreathing of CO2, and overheating. Bed-sharing adds risk of suffocation or overlay on soft surfaces or when a caregiver is exhausted or under the influence. Tobacco smoke exposure, including maternal smoking during pregnancy or in the home after birth, also raises SIDS risk by disrupting the infant’s arousal and breathing control. So, sleeping supine is not a risk factor, while prone sleeping, bed-sharing, and tobacco exposure are.