Final answer:
Prone sleeping, low birth weight, and passive exposure to cigarette smoke are risk factors for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), a condition where an infant unexpectedly dies in their sleep. Preventive measures include placing infants on their backs to sleep, avoiding exposure to smoke, and ensuring a safe sleeping environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Prone sleeping (sleeping in a face-down position), low birth weight, and passive exposure to cigarette smoke are all risk factors for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). SIDS is a condition where an infant stops breathing during sleep and dies, and it's most prevalent in infants younger than 12 months. Factors such as premature birth, exposure to secondhand smoke, a history of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), and sleeping on the stomach can increase the risk of SIDS.
It's noted that when a mother smokes, this not only affects her health but can also result in devastating outcomes for the baby, such as low-birth-weight, stillbirth, and SIDS. Recommendations to prevent SIDS include placing an infant on its back to sleep, maintaining a smoke-free environment, and ensuring the crib is devoid of items like pillows or blankets that could pose suffocation risks. By following these guidelines, the incidence of SIDS has declined in recent years, emphasizing the impact of awareness and preventive practices.