by Brigitte » 30 May 2016, 21:38
Here in Canada our rules are:
Have a firm sleeping surface with no extra blankets or pillows or anything anywhere near the baby. Sleep sacks are great if your baby needs extra warmth because you just wear them and they can't get moved up to the baby's face. Never let your baby sleep on a couch or in a carrier or otherwise being held if the holder is also going to sleep, like in a chair or something.
No cosleeping if parents have been drinking or are otherwise under the influence of anything that might make them sleep more deeply than usual. No loose long hair or loose pyjamas. Parental obesity is also a risk factor.
Having a smoker in the same home as the baby is a huge risk factor for SIDS, even if the smoker only smokes outdoors, the clothing they wear can bring the smoke inside.
The safest position for a baby is beside one parent only, not in between two, so at the edge of the bed.
If you like, have a fan circulating some air in the room for good measure.
I can't remember the rest, I've got a newborn of my own and I'm off to go take a nap while I can! (I suppose I should officially announce that birth on the forum and not hijack this thread...long story short, he's a boy, he came very late but very fast on May 15th, and all is well. Now I go sleep. Cosleep, even.)
I love my kiddos! Two April girls (2011 and 2013) and a May boy (2016). I guess we have spring babies in this family.