NCLEX-PN® ExaminationHealth Promotion and MaintenanceEasy
A practical nurse is conducting a health education session for new parents about infant safety. Which of the following statements by a parent indicates a need for further teaching regarding safe sleep practices?
- A“My baby will sleep in a crib in my room for the first six months.”
- B“I plan to use a soft bumper pad in the crib to prevent my baby from bumping their head.”
- C“I will ensure the crib mattress is firm and covered with a fitted sheet.”
- D“I will always place my baby on their back to sleep, even for naps.”
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. “I plan to use a soft bumper pad in the crib to prevent my baby from bumping their head.”
Soft bumper pads, along with other soft bedding, increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and suffocation. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends a bare crib environment.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Room-sharing (infant sleeps in the parents' room, but in their own separate sleep space) is recommended to reduce SIDS risk.
- C. A firm mattress and a fitted sheet are essential components of a safe sleep environment for infants.
- D. Placing an infant on their back to sleep significantly reduces the risk of SIDS and is a core safe sleep recommendation.
Safe Infant Sleep Practices
Guidelines to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related infant deaths.
- Always place infants on their back to sleep.
- Use a firm sleep surface.
- Keep the crib free of soft objects, loose bedding, and bumper pads.
Memory trick: Back to Bed, Bare & Firm, Baby's Own Room.