Is Your Child Safe? Sleep Time - Health Canada Updates its Advice on Safe Sleep Practices for Infants and Children

OTTAWA, July 10, 2012 /CNW/ - Health Canada has updated its advice on safe sleep practices for infants and children.

Likely the only time a parent or caregiver will leave a baby or young child unattended is while he or she sleeps. Therefore, it is important to make sure children are sleeping where they are safe. For this, it is important for parents and caregivers to be aware of safe sleep practices.

The safest place for a baby to sleep is on his or her back, in a crib, cradle or bassinet. The Department is now advising that cribs more than 10 years old should not be used, as they are more likely to have broken, worn, loose or missing parts, and to be missing warnings or instructions.

To help parents and caregivers keep infants and children safe, Health Canada has produced the "Is Your Child Safe? Sleep Time" guide containing the most up-to-date information on best safe sleep practices.

For more information on sleep time, visit: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/alt_formats/pdf/pubs/cons/child-enfant/sleep-coucher-eng.pdf

For more information on how to keep your child safe, consult Health Canada's web site at: http://hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pubs/cons/child-enfant/index-eng.php

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