What practice can help reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)?

Avoiding babies from getting too warm during sleep is an important practice that can significantly reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Overheating is considered a potential risk factor for SIDS, as it can impair an infant's ability to regulate their temperature and could affect their sleep patterns. By ensuring that babies are not too warm, caregivers can help create a safer sleep environment. This includes dressing infants in light clothing and keeping room temperatures at a comfortable level.

In contrast, using soft bedding can actually increase the risk of SIDS, as it can lead to suffocation or make it harder for infants to breathe. Keeping infants warm during sleep is also potentially problematic if it leads to overheating. While keeping babies’ sleep areas free of toys is a safety measure, it is less directly related to factors that impact body temperature regulation and SIDS risk. Thus, maintaining a comfortable temperature is crucial in promoting safe sleep for infants.