Safer Sleep for Infants

This guide is intended for use by child welfare practitioners and resource families on the topic of safe sleep. Information on safe sleep should be provided to anyone who has an infant in their care, including extended family members, care providers, and anyone who may be responsible for the infant during periods of sleep.

OACAS recognizes that many of these resources refer to mothers and to breastfeeding, which is not language that is inclusive of all 2SLGBTQ+ people or non-birthing people who may be responsible for caring for infants. It is our hope that with time, these resources will become more reflective of the varied caring dynamics that exist when a baby enters the world.  

OACAS released a Practice Note on this topic, which can be found in English and French on the OACAS Professional Resources page. 

Why is Safe Sleep important? 

SIDS is the second leading cause of death in healthy babies in Canada. SIDS is when a baby that seems healthy dies suddenly in their sleep, and the cause of death cannot be explained. We do not know what causes SIDS, so it cannot be prevented. But there are things you can do to help lower the risk. 

Other infant deaths that happen during sleep time can be prevented. These deaths happen when babies accidentally suffocate because of their sleep space. (Government of Canada) 

What Can You Do to Keep Baby Safe During Sleep? 

Follow the ABC’s:  

A – Alone 

• Baby is not sharing their sleep surface with any other children, adults, or pets. 

• There is only a firm mattress and fitted sheet. 

• There is nothing in the environment such as blankets, pillows, toys, or bumper pads. 

B – Back 

• Place baby to sleep flat on their back for every sleep, including naps. 

C – Crib 

• Place baby in a crib, cradle or bassinet that meets current Canadian regulations. 

• Place baby to sleep in a crib within arm's reach of your bed for at least the ­first 6 months of life. 

Adapted from the City of Hamilton’s Safe Sleep website.