Sleep
Safe Sleep | ||||
When you create a safe sleep environment for your baby, you are lowering the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). SIDS is one of the main causes of death in healthy infants. The cause of SIDS is unknown but the following are ways to lower the risk:
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Sleep Behaviour |
You may ask yourself, "Why isn't my child sleeping through the night?" This may be a worry for you and unfortunately, there is no simple answer. Try not to get down on yourself. As your child changes and grows so does their sleep behaviour. Here are a few things to consider: Sleep pattern Your newborn's sleep pattern may not be regular because their brain is not yet mature. They have different sleep patterns than adults. It is usually not until 6 months of age that they are able to sleep 6 hours straight. Every child is different. Bedtime routine It is important for you to have the same routine with your baby or toddler before bed. This routine may be hard to establish at first but will get easier as your child grows. For more information on sleep, visit the Canadian Paediatric Society and the Centre of Excellence. Dealing with your child's lack of sleep can affect your own sleep. It can be physically and emotionally hard on you. During these hard times it is important to stay calm and remember to never shake a baby or toddler. Also, if you are not feeling like yourself or you are worrying your partner, it is important to get help. Some women experience postpartum blues or postpartum depression. |
How much sleep does my baby or toddler need? |
According to the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for the Early Years (0-4 years):
For more information on infant sleep needs, visit the Canadian Pediatric Society's Healthy Sleep for Your Baby and Child webpage. |
Do you have more questions about parenting?
- Connect with a registered nurse from Health811 for free, secure, and confidential health advice. Service is available 24/7 in English and French, with translation support also offered in other languages. Call 8-1-1 or visit Health811.ontario.ca.
- Connect with a Community Navigator from 2-1-1 for information about community programs and resources across Eastern Ontario. Helpline service is available 24/7 and in many different languages. Call 2-1-1 or visit 211ontario.ca.
- Connect with other parents on the Parenting in Ottawa Facebook page.
- There are a variety of services to make it easier for your child to grow up healthy in Ottawa.
- You can update your child's immunization record using either the Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON) Tool or the CANImmunize App.
- If you have received a message from Ottawa Public Health such as a letter or a call regarding immunization, an infectious disease, or infection control lapse, please call 613-580-6744 and listen to the menu options carefully.
September 2019
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