What is a factor associated with decreased incidence of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in addition to smoke avoidance and supine sleep position?

Pacifier use during sleep has been associated with a decreased incidence of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The mechanisms behind this protective effect are not fully understood, but it is thought that pacifiers may help keep the airway open and reduce the likelihood of airway obstruction, as well as potentially influencing sleep patterns in a way that promotes safer sleeping conditions for infants.

Research indicates that using a pacifier while the infant is sleeping or napping may provide a significant reduction in the risk of SIDS, supporting its inclusion among other preventive strategies. This makes it an important consideration for caregivers alongside avoiding smoke exposure and ensuring that infants sleep in a supine position.

While breastfeeding has its own protective benefits and can partly reduce the risk of SIDS through providing nutritional and immunological advantages, the strongest association in existing studies tends to emphasize pacifier use as a direct factor linked to decreased risk. Regular pediatric check-ups are essential for overall infant health but do not specifically target SIDS prevention like pacifier use does. Similarly, while exposure to sunlight can play a role in vitamin D synthesis, it is not directly related to SIDS prevention.