Safe Sleeping Tips for Your Baby-- Information from Public Health Canada

Four Easy Steps to Remember:

1. Provide a smoke free environment before and after your baby arrives- 

Studies have shown that exposure to smoke is a health risk, before and after your baby is born, and has been linked as a great risk for SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) Whether it be at home, out and about, or at childcare, insure that these are smoke free environments.

2. Always place your baby on his or her back to sleep- 

Through a launch of the Back to Sleep campaign in Canada in 1999, where it was taught to place your baby on his or her back to sleep, the rate of SIDS had dropped by more than 50 percent. Placing your baby on his or her back is the safest way for your baby to sleep.

3. Place your baby to sleep in a crib next to your bed for the first 6 months-

 Co-sleeping and bed sharing are not recommended and is unsafe for your baby. Having the crib next to your bed can also help you hear your little ones feeding cues, and makes it easier for breastfeeding.

4. Provide a safe crib environment, free of toys, or loose bedding- 

Anything extra in the crib may cause injury or suffocation. Other than a firm mattress and a fitted sheet, there is no need for any extra items in the crib. Health Canada suggest instead of a blanket, to use a light one piece sleeper. 

If you would like more information on crib safety, please go to www.healthcanada.gc.ca/cps