While the rate of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) has declined in Canada, it remains the leading cause of death of healthy infants, with a higher rate amongst vulnerable populations. Current evidence demonstrates that unsafe infant sleep environments also play a role in sudden infant deaths.

There are steps that you can take to help create a safe sleep environment for your baby and lower the risk of SIDS.

• Provide a smoke-free environment, before and after your baby is born.
• Breastfeeding can protect your baby. 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%.
• Always place your baby on his or her back to sleep, at naptime and night time.
• 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.

The following resources are part of the Public Health Agency of Canada's ongoing commitment to promote awareness about SIDS and safe infant sleep environments.

Safe Sleep for Your Baby brochure

The revised Safe Sleep for Your Baby brochure offers current and accessible information to parents and caregivers, so they can help babies sleep safely and lower the risk of SIDS.

Download the Safe Sleep for Your Baby Brochure4.28 MB

Safe Sleep for Your Baby Video

The Safe Sleep for Your Baby video provides steps to create a safe sleep environment for your baby and lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS.