News Release                              For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                         June 5, 2007

Unsafe Sleep Environments put Children at Risk

A report, released yesterday, by the Office of the Chief Coroner reinforces the practice of laying children down to sleep on their backs. The report identifies an increase in infant deaths, from 16 in 2004 to 21 in 2005, as a result of sleeping in unsafe environments.

Recommendations by the Canadian Paediatric Society are clear. Infants should be placed on their back for sleep, in a crib with a firm mattress and free of bumper pads, stuffed toys and oversize blankets. Bed sharing is a practice to be avoided because of the risk of overlie (another person rolling onto the infant and causing suffocation).

"Children should be placed down to sleep on their backs until they are one year of age," advises Dr. Jim Cairns, Deputy Chief Coroner of Investigations and Chair of the Paediatric Society Review Committee. "We also advise that children should be placed on a firm mattress in a crib without pillows, crib bumper pads or blankets."

Reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by providing a smoke and drug free environment before and after baby is born and by keeping a baby warm, not hot, while in bed. Breastfeeding is the healthiest way to feed a baby and may provide some protections against SIDS.

Since many children spend time with other caregivers, it is important for parents to ensure that other people who care for their children follow these guidelines.

For further information call Public Health at 519-376-9420 or visit our web site at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

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For more information:

Carrie Griffith

Program Manager, Family Health

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 417