What behavior by a parent shows a need for education regarding newborn care?

Co-sleeping with a newborn is a behavior that can indicate a need for education regarding safe sleep practices. While parents may intend to provide warmth and closeness by sharing a sleep surface with their baby, this practice can pose significant risks for the infant, including the potential for suffocation, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), or accidental injury. Educating parents about safe sleep environments—such as placing the baby on their back in a crib free of soft bedding and ensuring that they have a separate sleep space—is crucial for ensuring the newborn's safety and promoting healthy sleep habits.

In contrast, actions such as holding the infant properly during feeding or changing diapers when needed demonstrate an understanding of care that is fundamental for a newborn's well-being. Demanding immediate feedings at scheduled times may suggest a misunderstanding of an infant's hunger cues, but it does not inherently reflect a lack of knowledge about newborn care as deeply as co-sleeping does. Understanding the importance of a safe sleep environment is essential for preventing accidents and safeguarding an infant's health.