From the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute:
Parents and caregivers need to be educated on the safest sleep arrangements for their infant and to choose a safe environment for their newborn. New parents should be knowledgeable about the safe sleeping habits for their baby to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death or SIDS that includes:
- Always put babies to sleep on their backs. Babies placed on their stomachs or sides are at increased risk of SIDS
- Breastfeed babies. Breastfeeding lowers the risk of SIDS and provides the baby with the necessary nutrients.
- Create a smoke-free environment for babies. Do not expose babies to second-hand smoke. Babies exposed to tobacco smoke and other drugs are at higher risk of SIDS.
- Don’t let babies get too warm. Babies who get too warm have an increased risk of SIDS. Ensure the baby is dressed appropriately for the room temperature.
- Every surface a baby sleeps on should be firm and flat. The risk of SIDS is higher if a baby’s head becomes covered during sleep.
- Don’t share a bed with babies. The safest place for babies to sleep for the first six months is in their own safety-approved crib or bassinet, in their parent’s room.
Media Releases
Children’s Advocate Encourages Province-wide Response to Critical Incident Review and Infant Safe Sleeping – July 28
More Information
Joint Statement on Safe Sleep: Preventing Sudden Infant Deaths in Canada
SIDS Fact Sheet
Safe Sleeping Fact Sheet
