Introduction: Sleep is a fundamental physiological need; however, the question of sleep safety remains a significant public health issue, particularly in the prevention of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Research has shown that recommendations for safe infant sleep are not consistently followed, which increases the risk to infant health and safety. Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in advising parents on proper sleep positions, making it important to systematically examine scientific evidence and reinforce recommendations for safe sleep. Purpose: The aim of this thesis is to present safe infant sleep practices in relation to the prevention of sudden infant death syndrome. Methods: A descriptive research method was used. Only foreign literature in English was included. The search was conducted between September 2024 and February 2025 via the Digital Library of the University of Ljubljana (DiKUL), providing access to the CINAHL Ultimate, MedLine/PubMed, and Cochrane Library databases. Additional literature was obtained through Google Scholar and the reference lists of already identified sources. Results: The safest sleep position for infants is supine (on the back), as it reduces the risk of SIDS and improves physiological stability. Side-lying is sometimes used as an alternative; however, it is unstable and poses a risk of rolling onto the stomach. Prone (on the stomach) sleeping carries the highest risk of sudden infant death syndrome, with contributing factors including altered respiratory regulation and reduced protective reflexes. Despite existing recommendations, parents often do not follow safe sleep practices, influenced by factors such as education level, socio-economic status, and access to healthcare guidance. Findings highlight the importance of healthcare professionals in raising parental awareness, with health education interventions, including mHealth programs, proving effective in promoting safe sleep practices. Discussion and conclusion: Sleep position is a key factor in SIDS prevention, but it requires a comprehensive and critical approach, considering both benefits and potential risks of each position. The increased incidence of positional plagiocephaly, brachycephaly, torticollis, and heightened risk of obstructive respiratory events in infants who sleep exclusively on their backs underscores the need for complementary practices, such as sufficient supervised tummy time while awake and careful monitoring of infant development. The findings reveal a gap between available scientific evidence and parental behavior, indicating the necessity for systematic support through educational programs targeting both parents and healthcare professionals. Additionally, access to information on safe sleep should be improved through brochures, workshops, and digital content tailored to Slovenian parents. Only a multidimensional and holistic approach can achieve lasting changes in parental behavior and consequently enhance infant sleep safety in Slovenia.
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