What is a recommended practice for safe sleep environments for infants in preschool settings?

• A. Place infants on their stomachs to sleep
• B. Use a soft mattress with plush bedding
• C. Allow shared sleeping spaces
• D. Place infants on their backs to sleep, use a firm mattress, and remove soft bedding per policy

Answer: (D)

Safe sleep for infants means placing them on their backs to sleep on a firm, flat surface with no soft bedding or pillows. In preschool settings, following a policy that requires these practices helps reduce the risk of SIDS and suffocation and keeps routines consistent for caregivers. This option is best because it combines the essential steps: lie the infant on their back, use a firm mattress, and remove soft bedding or other hazards as directed by policy. The other options describe practices that increase risk: sleeping on the stomach raises the risk of airway problems and SIDS; a soft mattress with plush bedding can lead to suffocation; and shared sleeping spaces can create opportunities for entanglement or overlay. Following these guidelines creates a safer sleep environment for infants.