Final answer:
The statement is False; SIDS most commonly affects infants between 1 month and 1 year old with a peak at 2-4 months. Correct sleep practices and a smoke-free environment are vital in reducing the risk.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) occurs most commonly in children between the ages of 1 month and 1 year old, with the peak incidence occurring at ages 2-4 months. Therefore, the statement that SIDS occurs most commonly in children between the ages of 4 and 6 months is False. Infants younger than 12 months are at the highest risk, with several associated risk factors, such as premature birth, smoking within the home, and hyperthermia.
It is critically important to follow recommended practices to reduce the risk of SIDS. This includes placing infants on their backs to sleep, using a firm sleep surface free from loose bedding and soft objects, and ensuring that the sleep environment is smoke-free. SIDS continues to be a leading cause of death in infants, and while the exact cause is unknown, research suggests that abnormalities in the part of the brain that controls arousal from sleep and breathing may play a role.