A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a parent of a newborn about home safety precautions.

Which of the following statements by the parent indicates an understanding of the teaching?

The guideline of being able to fit one finger between the mattress and the side of the crib ensures that there is a safe space to prevent entrapment and suffocation risks.

Placing a newborn on a pillow for sleep is unsafe. Infants should be placed on their backs to sleep on a firm, flat surface without pillows, blankets, or soft bedding. This reduces the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Attaching a pacifier to the newborn's clothing with a string is hazardous. Strings and cords pose a strangulation risk. Pacifiers should be used according to safe guidelines, but they should not be attached to the baby's clothing with any type of string or cord.

Placing a newborn's crib near a heat vent can result in overheating, which is a safety concern. It is important to keep the baby's sleep environment at a comfortable temperature without direct exposure to heat sources or drafts

Choice A Reason:

Attaching a pacifier to the newborn's clothing with a string can be dangerous, as it poses a risk of strangulation. Pacifiers should be used, but they should be the type with a handle designed for infant use.

Choice B Reason:

Placing the newborn face up on a pillow when sleeping is not recommended. The baby should be placed on their back on a firm and flat sleep surface, such as a crib mattress, without pillows, blankets, or other soft bedding items. This helps reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Choice C Reason:

Placing the newborn's crib near a heat vent during cold weather can lead to overheating, which is a risk factor for SIDS. It's important to maintain a comfortable room temperature for the baby and use appropriate sleep clothing to keep them warm without the need for additional heating devices near the crib.

Choice D Reason:

"I will make sure that I can fit one finger between the mattress and the side of my newborn's crib." This statement indicates an understanding of safe sleep practices for newborns. Ensuring that there is a small gap (about one finger's width) between the mattress and the side of the crib helps prevent the risk of suffocation or entrapment. It allows for proper airflow and reduces the risk of the baby getting stuck between the mattress and the crib.