Keeping your newborn safe

Providing your baby with a safe environment helps them reach their milestones through infancy. As a parent or caregiver, it is important to be aware of a variety of safety considerations for a newborn.

Safe sleep

Creating a safe sleep environment for your newborn is important as it helps to reduce the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). A safe sleep environment incorporates where your baby sleeps, the position your baby sleeps in, the type of crib and mattress, and the home environment. To learn more about safe sleep for your newborn, visit the Public Health Sudbury & Districts. safe sleep page

Healthy babies cry

Crying is a normal, an everyday event in the lives of most babies. Since they can’t talk right away, crying is the only way babies can communicate. Some infants cry very little, while others cry a lot. To learn more about why babies cry, what your baby might be saying, and the affects your baby’s crying has on the parents or caregivers that may lead to shaking a baby, visit the Public Health Sudbury & Districts healthy babies cry page.

Car seat safety

Car crashes are a leading cause of childhood injury. When a car seat is used correctly, children are well protected and less likely to be severely injured. It is important to choose the right car seat for each stage of development. To learn more about car seats visit our car seat safety page.

Home safety

As a parent or caregiver, it is very important to be aware of the safety concerns that relate to a newborn baby. Many infant and childhood injuries can be prevented by learning more about safety. Health Canada’s series “Is Your Child Safe?” has resources to help identify hazards and recalls when purchasing new products, safe sleep, play time and general safety tips.

To learn more about preventing infant and childhood injuries, safety recommendations and injury prevention please see additional resources below.

Additional injury prevention resources

This item was last modified on January 20, 2025