Joint Statement on Safe Sleep: Preventing Sudden Infant Deaths in Canada

Question 1

What is the definition of SIDS?

Answer 1

Sudden death in an infant <1yo which remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation, including the performance of a complete autopsy, an examination of the death scene, and a review of clinical history

Question 2

How common is SIDS?

Answer 2

5% of all infants deaths (<1yo)

17.2% of postneonatal deaths (28do to 1yo)

Question 3

What are the recommendations for safe sleep?

Answer 3

1. Back to sleep for every sleep
2. Preventing exposure to cigarette smoke
3. Sleep in a crib, cradle, or bassinet that meets current Canadian regulations
4. Only a fitted sheet and firm mattress should be in the sleeping area
5. Place to sleep in a fitted one-piece sleepwear
6. Do not sleep in swings, carseats, or high chairs
7. Room sharing is protective
8. Do not bed share
9. Breastfeeding is protective
10. Pacifiers for every sleep can be protective

Question 4

What infants are at higher risk of SIDS?

Answer 4

1. Male
2. Premature
3. Low birth weight
4. Low SES
5. Aboriginal