What primary preventive strategy can help reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)?

Placing infants on their backs to sleep is the primary preventive strategy that has been extensively studied and recommended to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Research shows that placing infants in a supine sleeping position significantly lowers the risk of SIDS compared to other positions. It allows for safer breathing patterns and reduces the likelihood of suffocation, which can occur if an infant rolls over while sleeping on their stomach or side.

This recommendation is part of the "Back to Sleep" campaign launched in the 1990s, which has led to a substantial decrease in SIDS rates. The evidence supporting this guideline is robust, making it a critical practice for caregivers and health professionals to adopt. Therefore, consistently placing infants on their backs during sleep is a fundamental aspect of safe sleep practices aimed at protecting vulnerable infants from SIDS.