Which statement supports pacifier use to reduce SIDS risk?

Which statement supports pacifier use to reduce SIDS risk?

• A. Avoid pacifiers
• B. Pacifier use has no effect
• C. Offering a pacifier at naps and night
• D. Encourage pacifier every hour when asleep

Answer: (C)

Offering a pacifier during naps and nighttime sleep is linked to a lower risk of SIDS. The protective effect is observed when the pacifier is used at these sleep times, helping with airway patency and promoting quicker arousal if breathing becomes irregular. This aligns with evidence-based guidance that supports using a pacifier during sleep to reduce SIDS risk. Avoiding pacifiers or claiming no effect doesn’t reflect the data, and recommending use every hour is not appropriate or necessary. Keep in mind that if breastfeeding is being established, some guidelines suggest delaying pacifier use until feeding is well established, then offering it at sleep times.

Offering a pacifier during naps and nighttime sleep is linked to a lower risk of SIDS. The protective effect is observed when the pacifier is used at these sleep times, helping with airway patency and promoting quicker arousal if breathing becomes irregular. This aligns with evidence-based guidance that supports using a pacifier during sleep to reduce SIDS risk. Avoiding pacifiers or claiming no effect doesn’t reflect the data, and recommending use every hour is not appropriate or necessary. Keep in mind that if breastfeeding is being established, some guidelines suggest delaying pacifier use until feeding is well established, then offering it at sleep times.