Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN) Practice Exam

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Which of the following practices helps in preventing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)?

Place infants on their stomachs to sleep
Use a soft mattress with many covers
Keep babies sleeping in parents' beds
Place infants on their backs to sleep

The correct answer is: Place infants on their backs to sleep

Placing infants on their backs to sleep is a key practice in preventing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). This recommendation is grounded in extensive research which has consistently shown that back sleeping significantly reduces the risk of SIDS compared to other sleeping positions. The prone position, where an infant lies on their stomach, is associated with a higher incidence of SIDS as it can lead to airway obstruction or rebreathing of carbon dioxide. Additionally, sleeping on a soft surface increases the risk of suffocation, which is why a firm mattress and a clear sleep environment are advised. Co-sleeping, or keeping babies in the same bed as parents, also poses risks due to potential accidental suffocation and overlay. Therefore, the practice of placing infants on their backs creates a safer sleeping arrangement, which is supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines for SIDS prevention.