Infant Sleep and Sleep Habits

Sleep is important to your baby's growth, development and learning. Good sleep habits start from birth.

Creating a safe sleep environment

Creating a safe sleep environment lowers the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The safest place for your baby to sleep is on its back in a crib, cradle or bassinet.

Safe sleep tips

These tips will help you put your baby to sleep and can lower the risk of SIDS:

• Always put your baby on its back to sleep.
• Put your baby in a crib, cradle or bassinet in your room for their first six months.
• Do not use baby swings, car seats or strollers for sleeping.
• Dress your baby in a one piece sleeper.
• Remove all comforters, heavy blankets, quilts, toys and bumper pads from your baby's sleeping area.
• Keep the room temperature comfortable.
• Keep your home smoke-free.
• Breastfeed your baby.

Read more about crib safety

Bedsharing risks

Bedsharing means sleeping on the same surface as your baby. Adult beds are not safe sleeping surfaces for babies.

Remember, the safest place for your baby to sleep is on their back in a crib that is close to your bed. Never sleep with your baby on a couch or in a chair.

Risks of bedsharing:

• Your baby can fall off the bed.
• Your baby can get trapped between the mattress and wall, or the mattress and bedframe.
• You can roll over onto your baby. This is more likely especially if you are tired, or if you use substances such as alcohol, drugs or medicine.

For more information on safe sleep visit the Canadian Paediatric Society's website.

Sleep habits

In the first few months, your baby's sleep patterns are not regular. Some babies will sleep for a few hours and wake up when they are hungry. It is normal and healthy for your baby to wake up during the night to feed. After three months, your baby may start sleeping longer at night.

The Canadian Pediatric Society suggests how many hours of sleep your baby needs each day. It is important to remember this is a guide. Every baby is different and will have different sleep habits.

Infant sleep resources

Learn more about safe sleep with:

• Best Start: Sleep Well, Sleep Safe
• Public Health Agency of Canada: Safe Sleep for Your Baby
• Health Canada: Is Your Child Safe? Sleep Time Guide

If you are concerned about your child's sleep, talk to your health care provider.