Safe Sleep Guidelines

The American and Canadian Pediatrics Societies both recommend that for the first 6 months, your baby sleep in the same room as you, but on a separate surface. This separate surface could be a bassinette or a crib, which are placed within arm’s reach of a parent.

The Crib

When you are setting up your crib, first make sure that they meet the requirements put out by your government’s consumer safety boards.

Click this link to see the American Consumer Safety information:

http://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/cribs/

  • The Mattress – your crib or bassinette’s mattress should be firm; you should not add any extra cushioning (such as memory foam) to the mattress.
  • The Bedding – Sheets used in your crib need to be tucked down tightly, and not able to come off the corners easily. There should be no blankets or pillows in the crib whatsoever.
  • Keep your crib bare. You should not leave any toys in your baby’s crib.
  • No bumper pads in your crib. Your baby will not move that much in the night and if they are moving, try giving them more tummy time during the day, this will help with their motion at night.
  • Don’t use cribs that are more than ten years old. Make sure the crib is in good repair and be sure to check for factory recalls for your crib model.
  • Make sure that the gap between the crib bars and the mattress is no larger then two fingers width.
  • Place the crib in an area that is smoke free.
  • Do not place the crib near windows where the hanging string can entangle your baby.
  • Remember, no loose bedding, only use bedding that will stay tight around the baby such as a swaddle or a safe sleep sack.
  • Car seats and carriers should not replace cribs and bassinettes.
*The information and advice on the Gentle Baby Solutions’ site and handouts should not substitute for the advice of your family doctor or other trained
healthcare professionals and is not intended to diagnose or treat your child. The content may not be relevant for children with health or developmental
problems. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this site.

Sleeping Position

  • Never place your baby to sleep on his tummy. Your baby should always be put down to sleep on his back. This greatly reduces your risk of SIDS.
  • Avoid letting your baby get too hot. Your baby’s room temperature should be on the cool side.  Your baby’s clothes, swaddle, or sleep-sack should never feel dampened by sweat.
  • Do not leave your baby alone to sleep on an adult bed, water bed, sofa, cushion, or pillow even for a brief period of time.

For more information visit:

AAP – http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/pages/A-Parents-Guide-to-Safe-Sleep.aspx

CPS – http://www.cps.ca/en/documents/position/safe-sleep-environments-infants-childre