What is considered the most effective way to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)?

Putting babies on their backs to sleep is recognized as the most effective way to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). This practice, often referred to as the "back-to-sleep" campaign, has been extensively researched and validated by pediatric health organizations. When infants are placed on their backs, their airways remain open, reducing the likelihood of suffocation and allowing for better breathing.

The physiological position of sleeping on the back is crucial because it helps prevent the infant from rolling over into a position that could obstruct their airway. This strategy has significantly decreased SIDS rates since its implementation in the 1990s, making it a cornerstone recommendation for safe sleep practices.

Other methods, while potentially beneficial in specific circumstances, do not carry the same level of evidence or direct impact on SIDS prevention. For instance, using a pacifier may offer some protective effect, but it is not as foundational as positioning the infant on their back. Keeping the room temperature warm could actually pose additional risks, as overheating is a known factor linked to SIDS. Lastly, feeding infants before sleep, though a common practice, does not address the safety of sleep positioning or the prevention of SIDS directly. Therefore, the crucial factor remains the recommendation