Which instruction is key to reduce the risk of SIDS for new parents?

The focus on placing the baby to sleep on their back is rooted in extensive research that has shown this practice significantly reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). When infants sleep on their backs, the risk of airway obstruction is minimized, and their ability to breathe properly is enhanced. The supine position is considered the safest for sleep because it helps prevent the rebreathing of exhaled air and the risk of overheating, both of which can contribute to SIDS.

Providing warmth with blankets or soft toys can create a hazard by increasing the chance of suffocation. Additionally, placing the baby on their stomach for sleep is associated with a higher incidence of SIDS. Therefore, the guidance to always put the baby to sleep on their back is a critical preventive measure that new parents should follow to ensure their child's safety during sleep.