Safe Newborn Sleep

Although newborn babies are known for not sleeping for more than a couple of hours at a time, it is important to practice safe sleep for your baby for every sleep. Advice on safe sleep has changed over the last few decades, and it is vital to use the most up-to-date information (and not rely on how things were done in the past- no matter what grandparents might say!).

Health Canada recommends that baby sleeps in a crib or bassinet in the same room as you for at least the first six months. The recommendations below significantly reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). SIDS is very rare in Canada, and the numbers have decreased dramatically since the 1990s because of better education about these safe sleep recommendations.

• Baby should be placed on their back to sleep. When a baby is very young, they cannot turn from their stomach to their back and are at risk of breathing in too much carbon dioxide. Once a baby is old enough to turn from their back to their stomach and back again, you do not have to turn them onto their back if they roll over in their sleep.
• Baby should be placed on a firm, flat surface, such as a bassinet, cradle, crib, or Health Canada approved bassinet attachment for a playpen.
• Baby should not have anything else in their sleeping area with them. No blankets, stuffed animals, pillows, crib bumpers. Infant sleep sacks can be used to keep baby warm while they sleep without posing a risk, as these cannot cover baby’s head. Be sure to use the correct TOG (Thermal Overall Grade) rated sleep sack for the temperature of the bedroom so that baby does not overheat.
  • 0.2 TOG – ideal for room temperatures between 24°C and 27°C
  • 1.0 TOG – ideal for room temperatures between 20°C to 24°C
  • 1.5 TOG – ideal for room temperatures between 18°C to 22°C
  • 2.5 TOG – ideal for room temperatures between 16°C to 20°C
  • 3.5 TOG – ideal for room temperatures below 16°C
• Do not place baby in an unsafe place to sleep. Car seats, swings and bouncers are NOT appropriate sleep spaces for baby.
• Provide a smoke-free environment for your baby. Secondhand smoke can increase the risk of SIDS. This recommendation includes vaping and cannabis products.
• If possible, breastfeed your baby.

Remember, practice the ABCs of safe sleep: Alone on my Back in my Crib, cradle, or bassinet.