Final answer:
Cigarette smoking by a caregiver doubles the risk of SIDS, and avoiding exposure to smoke is one of the recommendations to reduce this risk. Current SIDS research examines various risk factors and brain anomalies, while reliable information sources can provide guidance to parents.
Step-by-step explanation:
The risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is significantly increased by cigarette smoking by a caregiver. Exposure to secondhand smoke is one of several factors that heighten the risk for SIDS. Conversely, some practices, such as placing an infant to sleep on their back and avoiding soft bedding materials in the crib, are recommended to reduce the risk of SIDS. Current research into SIDS is looking into risk factors including brain structure and function abnormalities, survival from premature birth, and environmental influences such as smoking. To enhance understanding and prevention, it is essential for caregivers and parents to stay informed about the present findings and recommendations related to SIDS. Ideally, new parents should seek information from reliable sources such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and major hospital or health organization guidelines.