There are some simple ways that anyone can reduce the risk of SIDS and other infant sleep accidents. The following recommendations are supported by research, and significantly reduce SIDS risks for parents and caregivers.
Provide a Smoke-Free Environment- Smoking increases the risk of SIDS and other illnesses. Read more.
Breastfeed Your Baby- Breastfeeding has been shown to provide some protection against SIDS. Read more.
Back to Sleep - Always place your baby on their back to sleep for all sleeps (nap and night time). Create a Safe Sleep Environment Baby's crib should be free of toys, clutter, loose bedding and other soft objects. Read More.
Create a Safe Sleep Environment - A safe sleep environment reduces SIDS risk. Baby's crib should be free of toys, clutter, loose bedding and other soft objects. A crib should not have bumpers, and if the crib has a blanket it should be light and tucked. We believe an appropriately fitted sleep sack is a preferable alternative to the use of a blanket.
Share your Room, Not your Bed - Place your baby to sleep in a crib next to your bed for the first six months. Read more.
Practice Safe Sleep for your Baby - Visit the Safe Sleep page for more ways you can reduce the risk of SIDS and infant sleep-related accidents and injuries.
A Special Message for Canada’s Aboriginal Community
While SIDS affects all Canadians, it disproportionately affects Canada’s aboriginal community. Despite declines in SIDS rates in all Canadian communities (aboriginal and non-aboriginal), we know that young aboriginal mothers have a 6.5% higher incidence of risk for SIDS than mothers within other Canadian cultural communities. While it is not conclusively understood why this is the case, it is important to recognize this elevated risk and respond to it. Please visit the following link for additional risk reduction strategies offered through the short film “Reducing the Risk in the Circle of Life,” and risk reduction brochure “Look Up to Your Ancestors.”
Please visit HALO®’s website through the link below to discover more about the SleepSack™ wearable blanket, and where it is sold. The Canadian Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths is pleased to support this product, and receives a portion of all Canadian sales. This support assists our Foundation to pursue its mandate.
