What is SIDS

SIDS is the sudden and unexplained death of an apparently healthy baby under the age of one. The cause of SIDS remains unknown and it cannot be prevented. However, safe sleep practices can help reduce the risk of SIDS. Following safe sleep recommendations can also help lower the risk of other type of infant deaths, such as suffocation.

Back to Sleep

• Always put your baby on his back to sleep, both at naptime and night time. Do not use pillows, comforters, quilts, stuffed animals, bumper pads or positional devices in your baby’s crib. Keep the room at a temperature that is comfortable for everyone, including baby. If a blanket is needed, use one that is thin, lightweight and breathable.
• Make sure that everyone caring for your newborn knows how to put your baby on his back to sleep.
• Once your baby is able to turn on his tummy by himself while sleeping (normally around 5 to 6 months), there’s no need to reposition him on his back to sleep.
• Remember that babies should spend supervised tummy time every day soon after they are born. This helps develop their neck muscles and help prevent plagiocephaly (flat head). Your baby should spend more time on his tummy as he gets older. Always supervise your baby while he is on his tummy.

Don’t share your bed with baby

• Adult beds, sofas and chairs are not designed with your infant’s safety in mind. For the first six months of his life, the safest place for your baby to sleep is in his own crib, cradle or bassinet placed in your room, next to your bed. Share your room with your infant, not your bed.
• You can bring your baby into bed for breastfeeding. However, always return your infant to his crib, cradle or bassinet after the feeding.

Provide a safe sleep environment

• All baby cribs, cradles and bassinets must meet current Canadian safety regulations. Your baby’s crib mattress should be firm, flat, fit snugly in the frame and have only a fitted sheet.
• Swings, bouncers, car seats, playpens, strollers and other infant devices are not safe substitutes for a crib.

Provide a smoke-free environment

• Smoking during pregnancy is one of the highest risk factors for SIDS. No smoking at all is best for your baby.
• Keep your baby away from tobacco smoke after they are born as second-hand smoke increases the risk of SIDS. Keep your baby’s room, your home and your vehicle smoke-free. Choose a non-smoking child care provider.

Breastfeed your baby

• Any amount of breastfeeding for any duration can help lower the risk of SIDS. However, exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months is recommended.

Travelling safely with an infant

• Be sure to provide a safe sleeping environment at all times for your baby when travelling. Playpens and car seats are not designed for unsupervised sleep and are not safe alternatives. Move your baby to a crib, cradle or bassinet to sleep once you get to your destination.