New hospital-wide safe sleep guideline
SickKids has recently introduced a hospital-wide safe sleep guideline. The guideline, Safe Sleep Environment for Infants, states that infants under two years of age must sleep in a crib with a firm mattress and fitted sheet with no toys, loose bedding or supplies; unless a medical reason exists to support otherwise.
Recommendations have been made by the Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS), the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), providing evidence that the safest place for infants to sleep or nap is in a crib.
Patient safety is a priority at SickKids. The new guideline will be carefully balanced with our commitment to family-centred care. SickKids will be reaching out to families ahead of admission and educating current patient families about the new guideline.