Which child is at the highest risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)?

The highest risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is observed in infants who are in the age group of 1 to 4 months. The onset of SIDS is most prevalent between 2 and 3 months, which makes an infant who is 3 months old particularly vulnerable due to a variety of factors such as developmental stage and sleep patterns. During this period, infants may experience greater fluctuations in breathing and an immature nervous system that affects their ability to arouse from sleep.

While the other scenarios involve children who may present various health concerns, they do not align with the typical SIDS risk profile. A 2-year-old with apnea is beyond the primary age range for SIDS; typically, SIDS is a consideration for infants under the age of 1. The first-born child with older parents and the 6-month-old who has had bouts of pneumonia do not have as significant a correlation with the risk factors associated with SIDS as the 3-month-old infant does, given the timing and developmental vulnerabilities.

Thus, the 3-month-old infant stands out as being at the highest risk for experiencing SIDS, highlighting the importance of understanding age-related risks when assessing infant safety during sleep.