A nurse evaluates a parent's understanding of safe sleep for a healthy infant. Which statement by the parent indicates correct understanding?

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.