What is a recommended prevention method against sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)?

Breastfeeding is recognized as a recommended prevention method against sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Numerous studies have shown that breastfeeding can play a significant role in reducing the risk of SIDS. This protection is thought to be due to several factors, including the nutritional benefits provided by breast milk, the immune properties that support the infant's health, and the bonding that occurs during breastfeeding, which may help ensure closer monitoring of the infant during sleep.

Breastfeeding has been associated with a lower incidence of respiratory infections and other illnesses, which can be contributing factors to SIDS. Additionally, breastfeeding encourages more optimal sleep patterns in infants, which may contribute to lower risk of SIDS.

Other options, such as co-sleeping in the parent's bed and the side-lying position for sleeping, have been associated with an increased risk of SIDS due to potential suffocation or overheating. Allowing smoking around infants is the opposite of a preventive measure, as exposure to secondhand smoke significantly increases the risk of SIDS. Therefore, emphasizing breastfeeding as a protective factor aligns with current recommendations for reducing the risk of SIDS in infants.