Safe Sleep for Babies
Put your baby on his back to sleep
Always put your baby on his back to sleep. Sleeping on his back lowers the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Around 6 months of age your baby will learn to roll over on his own. Continue to put him on his back for sleep. It is ok if he changes his position on his own.
Choose a safe place
Choose a safe place for your baby to sleep. Your baby needs a firm, flat uncluttered surface for sleeping. The safest place is a crib or cradle that meets government safety standards. A safe crib:
- is made after 1986
- has slats that are no more than 6 cm (2 3/8 inches) apart
- has a firm, flat mattress that is in good condition and has a snug fit
- is free of pillows and heavy blankets that could cover the face
- is free of toys and stuffed animals, bumper pads, and positioning devices
- is set up in the bedroom of the parent or caregiver
Make your baby your roommate
It is not safe for your baby to sleep in an adult bed, on a sofa, waterbed, or recliner, or with other children. Room sharing means putting your baby’s crib in your room or sleeping in your baby’s room. Room-sharing protects your baby from SIDS. The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends room-sharing until your baby is at least 6 months old. Room-sharing keeps your baby close without the risks of having your baby sleep with you in your bed.
Bed-sharing means a baby is sleeping on the same surface with an adult or other child. Bed-sharing is not recommended by Alberta Health Services. Adult beds, children’s beds, and soft surfaces are not designed for infant sleep. Babies can strangle or suffocate if they get trapped in cracks, or under bedding, pillows or another person. The safest place for your baby to sleep is in a crib or cradle that meets government safety standards.
Keep your baby warm
Room temperature should be comfortable for lightly clothed adults. Avoid heavy blankets. Overheating increases the risk of SIDS and babies can get trapped in loose bedding.
Smoke-free environment
Exposure to second hand smoke increases the risk of SIDS for your baby. Make sure no one smokes around your baby, at home, during travel or with others.
Breastfeed your baby
Breastfeeding helps protect your baby from illness and helps prevent SIDS. Room-sharing makes breastfeeding easier.
Recommended web links
- Government of Canada’s site Healthy Canadians provides information about many child health and safety topics including safe sleep tips, cribs and cradles, bunk beds, playpens and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Site also provides product recalls, warnings and advisories
- Public Health Agency of Canada outlines four steps for creating a safe sleep environment for your baby.
- Safe Kids Canada focuses on reducing unintentional injuries among children and youth in Canada. Site provides information about many child safety topics including information about safe sleep for your child, when your child is ready to move to a bed, bunk bed information and safe sleepwear.
