Final answer:
To increase safety, the nurse should instruct parents to place the infant on his or her back and avoid placing pillows, blankets, or stuffed toys in the crib.
Step-by-step explanation:
New research indicates that to increase safety, the nurse should instruct parents to place the infant on his or her back. This position reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). It is recommended to avoid placing pillows, blankets, or stuffed toys in the crib as they pose suffocation threats. The infant should sleep on a firm mattress with a fitted sheet and without any other loose items.