Which of the following is considered a risk factor for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)?

Being exposed to hyperthermia is recognized as a risk factor for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Hyperthermia refers to an elevated body temperature due to excessive heat, which can occur if an infant is placed in an environment that is too warm or if they are overdressed during sleep. Infants have a limited ability to regulate their body temperature, and overheating can increase the risk of SIDS because it may impair their breathing and arousal mechanisms.

In contrast, other options present different aspects of infant sleeping environments or practices. For example, using a soft pillow can also pose a risk, as it can increase the likelihood of suffocation. Sleeping on one’s back is actually recommended as a protective factor against SIDS, since this position reduces the risk by helping to keep the airway open. Breastfeeding exclusively is generally considered beneficial for an infant’s health and is associated with a reduced risk of SIDS, making it not a risk factor.