Babysitting Certification Practice Test

Positioning an infant on their back when put to sleep is the recommended practice because it significantly reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). This sleeping position allows for better airflow and reduces the chances of the baby's face becoming covered by bedding or other materials that could obstruct breathing.

Research and guidelines from health organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics emphasize that placing infants on their backs is the safest option for sleep during the first year of life. This practice has been widely adopted and has contributed to a decrease in the incidence of SIDS.

While placing an infant on their stomach or side may seem comfortable, it poses risks; sleeping on the stomach can hinder their ability to breathe easily, while side sleeping has also been associated with higher SIDS risk. Likewise, keeping an infant in a sitting position while they sleep is neither safe nor practical, as it can lead to potential airway obstruction or slumping that compromises breathing.