Safe Sleep & SIDS Information

During our sleep training journey together, Love & Lullabies will only provide safe sleeping advice that the Canadian Governments Health Regulator, Health Canada recommends. The same advice is also recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Please review the following guidelines prior to purchasing any products. If purchasing one of our services, a form reviewing these recommendations will need to filled out prior to moving forward. 

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Information:

To lower the risk of SIDS:

  • Provide a smoke-free environment, before and after your baby is born.
  • Any amount of breastfeeding for any duration can help protect your baby from SIDS; but exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months (when the risk of SIDS is highest) can lower the risk of SIDS by up to 50 % as long as you place your baby back to sleep in a crib, cradle or bassinet after the feeding.
  • Always place your baby on his or her back to sleep, at naptime and nighttime. As babies get older, they are usually able to turn over onto their tummies by themselves, often around 5 months. When this happens you do not have to reposition your baby onto his or her back to sleep.
  • Provide your baby with a safe-sleep environment that has a firm surface and no pillows, comforters, quilts or bumper pads.
  • Place your baby to sleep in a crib, cradle or bassinet next to your bed.
  • Dress your baby appropriately at night so your baby doesn’t overheat.
    • Your baby is safest when he or she sleeps in a fitted, one-piece sleeper that is comfortable at room temperature and does not cause your baby to overheat.
    • If the room temperature is comfortable for you, then it is comfortable for your baby.
    • Babies do not need extra blankets because a baby's movements can cause their head to become completely covered, which can cause them to overheat.

Safe Sleep

As mentioned above, the safest place for your baby to sleep or nap is in a crib, cradle or bassinet that meets current Canadian safety regulations. When babies sleep in places that are not made for them, such as on an adult bed, sofa or armchair, they can become trapped and suffocate. The risk of suffocation is even higher if a baby shares the same sleep surface with an adult or another child.

Safe Sleep Environment:

  • Other than a firm mattress and a fitted sheet, there is no need for any extra items in the crib, cradle or bassinet.
  • Soft bedding, such as pillows, comforters, quilts and bumper pads, can increase the risk of suffocation.
  • Soft surfaces, such as adult beds, sofas and armchairs, can increase the risk of suffocation.

Safe Crib, Cradle or Bassinet:

  • Check for a label that shows the date it was made. If it does not have a label, it may not be safe.
  • Check regularly to make sure that the hardware is tight and not damaged.
  • Health Canada only recommends cribs made after 1986 and/or no more than 10 years old.

To learn more about crib, cradle and bassinet safety, please visit Health Canada Consumer and Product Safety.

Please note: baby swings, bouncers, strollers and car seats are not made for sleep. Sleeping in a sitting position can cause your baby's head to fall forward which can make it hard for your baby to breathe. For this reason, it is important to move your baby to a crib, cradle or bassinet to sleep or when you arrive at your destination.

Room Sharing:

Room sharing for the first 6 months (when the risk of SIDS is highest) helps your baby sleep safely and lowers the risk of SIDS. Room sharing means placing your baby to sleep in a crib, cradle or bassinet next to your bed, in your room.

Bed Sharing or Co-Sleeping is Not Recommended:

Bed sharing or co-sleeping is when a baby shares the same sleep surface, such as an adult bed, sofa or armchair, with an adult or another child. Sharing the same sleep surface increases a baby's risk of SIDS and suffocation. This risk is even higher for babies less than 4 months old.

Sharing the same sleep surface is unsafe because a baby can suffocate if:

  • He or she becomes trapped between the sleep surface and the body of an adult or another child, the wall or other objects.
  • An adult or another child rolls over onto the baby
  • The sleep surface has soft bedding, such as pillows, comforters or quilts.
  • The risk of SIDS and suffocation is even higher if a baby shares the same sleep surface with a parent or caregiver who smokes, is very tired, or has taken drugs, alcohol or medications that can make them sleepy.

 Love & Lullabies will not be responsible for any sleep-related practices you do in your own home.