What is a major risk factor for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)?

Sleeping on the stomach is recognized as a major risk factor for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Research has consistently shown that infants placed to sleep on their stomachs have a higher incidence of SIDS compared to those who are placed on their backs. This risk is thought to be related to factors such as impaired breathing and the possibility of the infant rebreathing exhaled air when positioned face down, which can lead to a decrease in oxygen levels and an increase in carbon dioxide levels.

In contrast, using a pacifier during sleep has been shown in some studies to reduce the risk of SIDS, as it may help keep the airway open and encourage a more alert state during sleep. Similarly, while sleeping with a parent or co-sleeping with siblings can pose risks depending on various factors, they are not as definitively linked to SIDS as the sleeping position is.

Understanding these risk factors is crucial for caregivers and healthcare providers in developing safe sleep practices for infants to help mitigate the risk of SIDS.