Which of the following factors increases the risk of cot death?

Prone sleeping increases the risk of cot death, also known as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). When infants are placed on their stomachs to sleep, their ability to arouse from sleep can be compromised, increasing the risk of apnea, re-breathing exhaled air, and overheating. All of these factors contribute to the potential for SIDS. In contrast, placing infants on their backs to sleep is known to significantly reduce the risk of cot death, making back sleeping the recommended position by health organizations.

Using a baby monitor and feeding before sleep do not inherently increase the risk of SIDS. Baby monitors can provide reassurance to parents and caregivers and help them monitor the baby's sleep patterns, while feeding before sleep is a common practice and does not pose additional risk when other safe sleep guidelines are followed.