Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

The movement to eradicate SIDS has led to which unintended consequence?

1. A delay in the onset of crawling

2. An increase in insecure attachments

3. A delay in the development of speech

4. An increase in obesity among infants

The correct answer is: A delay in the onset of crawling

The movement to eradicate Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) primarily focused on encouraging safe sleeping practices for infants, such as placing babies on their backs to sleep. While this initiative is crucial for reducing the risk of SIDS, it has also led to unintended consequences in infant development. Research suggests that infants who are placed on their backs to sleep may have less opportunity for tummy time when they are awake. Tummy time is essential for developing the muscles necessary for crawling. As a result, delaying the onset of crawling can occur, as infants may spend less time in prone positions, which are critical for developing upper body strength and coordination. The other options—an increase in insecure attachments, a delay in the development of speech, and an increase in obesity among infants—are not directly associated with the increased emphasis on sleep positioning for SIDS prevention. The initiative focuses primarily on sleep safety without a direct link to attachment issues, speech development, or obesity in infants as primary concerns or direct consequences of back-sleeping recommendations.