Last week we celebrated Canada’s first ever “Safe Sleep Week”. We wanted to recap the week with 8 great tips that will help to reduce the risk of accidental deaths and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in infants.

To practice safe sleep with your infant, ensure that you are doing the following:
• Breastfeed your baby* — this has been shown to cut the risk of SIDS by up to 50%.
• Do not smoke. If you do smoke, make sure that nobody smokes in the house at all. Even smoking in a bathroom will allow smoke to filter through the house and add to your baby’s risk. For help to stop smoking call the Health Unit to learn about Smoking Cessation Programs.
• Use an approved crib, cradle, or bassinet for your baby to sleep in. The mattress should fit snugly with no gaps and a fitted sheet should cover the mattress. Do not use bumper pads, pillows, or sleep positioners in the crib.
• Place your baby on their back for sleep. There is no need to swaddle as this interferes with normal movement for your baby.
• Cover your baby with a light blanket or a proper-sized sleep sack to keep them warm
• Don’t place stuffed animals or toys in the crib with your baby
• Keep your baby in your room with you for nighttime sleeping for the first 6 months: this will make it easier to breastfeed at night and you will be able to hear your baby if they need you.
• If your baby falls asleep in a car seat or swing, move them to their bed so that they are in a safe position for sleep

*If you are an expecting parent and want to set yourself up for success when it comes to breastfeeding, please contact us at CK Public Health. We have a wonderful team of lactation consultants that are ready and willing to provide you with the support you need!

Safe sleeping, folks!