Sleep

Tips for Healthy Sleep Habits

​

• Keep a consistent bedtime and wake-up time, even on weekends.

• Create a calming bedtime routine, such as a bath, reading a book, or quiet cuddles.

• Avoid screens and electronic devices for at least one hour before bedtime.

• Make sure your child’s sleep environment is quiet, comfortable, and relaxing.

• Watch for signs of tiredness and try to put your child to bed before they become overtired.

​

Safe Sleep for Your Baby

​

Creating a safe sleep environment helps reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and suffocation.

​

For every sleep:

• Place your baby on their back to sleep. Once they can roll on their own, you do not need to roll them back.

• Use a crib, cradle, or bassinet with a firm, flat mattress and fitted sheet that meets current Health Canada safety standards.

• Keep the sleep space completely clear—no pillows, blankets, bumper pads, toys, positioners, or other soft items.

• Room share for the first 6 months: keep your baby's sleep space in your room, but on a separate sleep surface.

• Avoid overheating. Dress your baby in appropriately fitted sleepwear or a sleep sack rather than using blankets.

• Keep your baby's environment smoke- and vape-free.

• If swaddling, stop as soon as your baby shows signs of trying to roll.

• Avoid using couches, armchairs, adult beds, baby nests/pods, swings, bouncers, or car seats as regular sleep spaces.

If your baby falls asleep in a car seat, stroller, swing, or carrier, move them to a safe sleep space when possible.

​

Remember: Back to sleep, firm and flat surface, and an empty sleep space. For more information on safe sleep practices, click here.

​

Sleep and Babies

​

Young babies often wake during the night to feed, and sleep patterns gradually become more predictable during the first year of life. As babies grow, they usually sleep for longer stretches at night and take fewer naps during the day.

​

For infants under 1 year, safe sleep practices are essential:

• Always place your baby on their back to sleep.

• Use a firm, flat sleep surface.

• Keep blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, and other loose items out of the crib.

• Share a room with your baby, but not the same bed.

​

​

When to Talk to Your Healthcare Provider

​

Speak with your healthcare provider if your child regularly has difficulty falling asleep, snores loudly, wakes frequently at night, seems excessively sleepy during the day, or if you have concerns about their sleep habits or development.

​

Remember: Healthy sleep habits take time to develop. Consistent routines, patience, and a supportive sleep environment can help your child build lifelong healthy sleep patterns