Final answer:
The safest sleep position for most infants to prevent SIDS is placing them on their backs. This recommendation is part of a broader strategy to create a safe sleep environment, promoting infant safety and reducing the risk of SIDS.The correct option is (a).
Step-by-step explanation:
Recommendation: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and other health organizations recommend placing infants on their backs to sleep as the safest sleep position.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS):
Risk Reduction: Placing infants on their backs has been associated with a significant reduction in the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
SIDS Definition: SIDS is the sudden, unexplained death of an otherwise healthy infant, typically during sleep.
Other Recommendations:
Firm Mattress: Infants should sleep on a firm mattress to reduce the risk of suffocation.
Clear Sleeping Area: Keep the sleeping area free from soft bedding, toys, and other items that could pose a suffocation risk.
Supervised Tummy Time: While awake and supervised, infants can have tummy time to support healthy development.
Sleep Environment Safety:
Avoiding Side and Stomach Sleeping: Placing infants on their sides or stomachs for sleep is discouraged due to an increased risk of SIDS.
The safest sleep position for most infants to prevent SIDS is placing them on their backs. This recommendation is part of a broader strategy to create a safe sleep environment, promoting infant safety and reducing the risk of SIDS.