A nurse evaluates a parent's understanding of safe sleep for a healthy infant. Which statement by the parent indicates correct understanding?
1I will place my infant prone on a firm crib mattress after each feeding
2I will place my infant on the side with a rolled blanket behind the back
3I will place my infant supine on a firm, flat crib mattress with a fitted sheet✓ Correct answer
4I will let my infant remain in a buckled car seat after falling asleep for a nap
Explanation
A healthy infant should be placed supine on a firm, flat sleep surface with only a fitted sheet. Prone or side positioning, loose bedding, and routine sleep in a sitting device increase sleep-related risk.
Quick answer The correct plan is supine sleep on a firm, flat crib mattress covered only by a fitted sheet. This reduces risks from airway obstruction, entrapment, and unsafe positioning.
Why this is correct Safe sleep begins with back positioning and a separate, firm, flat surface. The sleep area stays free of pillows, rolled blankets, bumper pads, toys, and loose bedding, and a sitting device is not used as the routine sleep location.
Easy analogy or mental picture Picture the crib as a clear landing pad: flat, firm, and empty except for the fitted sheet. Adding props creates places where breathing can be blocked; the image supports setup but does not replace individualized medical instructions for uncommon conditions.
Memory hook Back, flat, firm, and clear: place the infant supine and keep soft objects out of the sleep space.
NCLEX decision rule When NCLEX asks about infant sleep, select supine positioning on a separate firm, flat surface with no loose or soft objects. Do not choose side positioning, prone positioning, or routine sleep in a car seat.
Why the other choices are wrong Prone and side positions are less stable and increase sleep-related risk. A rolled blanket is loose bedding, and a car seat is designed for travel rather than routine sleep because the seated angle can compromise positioning.
References
[1]
NCSBN: 2026 NCLEX-RN Test PlanNational Council of State Boards of Nursing
[2]
CDC: Providing Care for Babies to Sleep SafelyCenters for Disease Control and Prevention, reviewed 2024