Every fall and winter, RSV makes people sick. Most of the time, the illness is mild. But it can be more serious for babies and young children. Nirsevimab is a free immunization for all babies born between October 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026. It will be available in the fall of 2025, and your baby should receive it before they are discharged from the hospital, birth centre or home birth. If your baby doesn’t receive Nirsevimab before discharge, ask your local healthcare provider about how to get it.
What is RSV?
RSV is a common virus that spreads easily through coughs and sneezes, touching things such as toys or doorknobs, or kissing someone who has the virus. Most kids will get RSV by the time they turn two.
RSV is usually mild, however babies under six months old may get really sick and need to be hospitalized.
Nirsevimab (Beyfortus™) is an antibody product that provides immunity right away to protect your baby against RSV. One dose, given by a needle, helps protect your baby for five to six months. It has been shown to lower the chances of serious illness and hospital visits by up to 90 per cent.
Tips for soothing your baby during immunizations:
Breastfeed/chestfeed or bottle feed your baby while they are being immunized.
Hold your baby skin to skin and sing or talk to them while being immunized.
When should my baby get Nirsevimab?
It is best for your baby to get Nirsevimab soon after they are born so they are protected against RSV right away. A healthcare provider will offer to give Nirsevimab to your baby before they are discharged from the hospital/birth centre. If your baby doesn’t receive Nirsevimab before discharge, be sure to ask your local healthcare provider (midwife, nursing station, health centre) about how to get it.
Who can get Nirsevimab?
Starting in fall 2025, all babies born between October 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026 in Manitoba can get one dose of Nirsevimab. For up-to-date eligibility criteria for Nirsevimab, visit: Vaccine Eligibility | Health | Province of Manitoba
Who should NOT get Nirsevimab?
Talk to a healthcare provider if your child:
Had a strong allergic reaction to a previous dose of, or to any ingredient in, Nirsevimab
There have been no reports of serious allergic reactions with Nirsevimab. Severe reactions are extremely rare but could happen. Watch for signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
Hives (raised, itchy bumps on the skin)
Trouble breathing
Swelling of the face or throat
Does my baby need Nirsevimab if I got the RSV vaccine in pregnancy?
If you have received an RSV vaccine while pregnant, ask your health care provider if your baby still needs Nirsevimab.
There are no known safety concerns with giving Nirsevimab to your baby if you received the RSV vaccine during pregnancy.
Using both is not routinely recommended however, it may be considered if your baby is at high risk or born less than 14 days after the birthing parent received the RSV vaccine.
Learn More
If you have questions about RSV or Nirsevimab, talk to your local healthcare provider or contact:
Your baby will spend a lot of time sleeping. It is important to create a safe space for every sleep. Check out this video on safe sleep from The First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba to learn more.
For more information on safe sleep practices, including safe sleep environments for every sleep, take a look at our article on Safe Sleeping for Your Baby.
The safest place for a baby to sleep is in a crib, cradle or bassinet. Parents may also choose to use cradleboards and moss bags. Ask a Knowledge Keeper about safe use of cradleboards and moss bags.
Measles is a respiratory infection caused by a virus that can make you very sick and spreads easily. Measles is mainly spread through the air. You can catch measles when someone with measles coughs or sneezes, and the spray from their droplets land in your nose or mouth. The virus can live in the air for an hour or more which means you can catch it by being in the same room with a person with measles or where someone with measles has recently been.
Did you know?
In severe cases, measles can cause swelling of the brain, which is called encephalitis. This can lead to seizures, permanent brain damage, hearing loss or death. Measles occurring during pregnancy has been associated with miscarriage, premature delivery and babies born with low birth weight.
What are the symptoms of measles?
Measles begins with a fever, aches and pains, runny nose, a severe cough (often bronchitis, an infection of the airways) and very red eyes. You may think it is a cold. Symptoms can appear in people who are not immune 7-21 days after being exposed to the virus.
In a few days, a reddish blotchy rash begins around the face and head, then spreads down to the body, arms and legs. Bright light may cause eye pain.
Measles can cause an ear infection or pneumonia (a serious disease where breathing becomes difficult).
Did you know?
Measles is very contagious four days before the rash starts and up to four days after. This is why it is important to stay home if you know you have been exposed to someone with measles.
Who is more likely to get very sick from measles?
Babies and young children
Pregnant people
People with weakened immune systems
What should I do if I think me or my child(ren) have been exposed to measles or have symptoms?
Avoid contact with others. Stay home from work, school or daycare. Call your health care provider or local public health office for advice. If you are going to a clinic or hospital, tell the front desk staff that it might be measles and follow their instructions. To prevent the spread of measles you should not wait in the same waiting room as other people.
How can I protect myself?
There is no cure for measles. You can protect yourself by making sure you are vaccinated. The measles vaccine is offered free of charge as part of Manitoba’s Recommended Routine Immunization Schedule and to those who meet Manitoba’s eligibility criteria. If you or your child(ren) are eligible for the MMR or MMRV vaccine, appointments can be scheduled through your health care provider or local public health. A list of public health offices in Manitoba is available here.
Please note that pharmacists do not administer publicly funded MMR or MMRV vaccines. For general health inquiries, you can also call Health Links – Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257.
Did you know?
If you are not fully vaccinated against measles, pregnant or have a weakened immune system and you were exposed to the virus, call your healthcare provider right away. Depending on when the exposure occurred, you could receive measles preventive treatment. This can protect you from measles infection or make the symptoms less serious.
Other ways to prevent spreading the virus are:
frequent hand washing
covering your nose and mouth when you cough and sneeze
avoiding sharing personal items such as water bottles, lip gloss and cigarettes
If you planned your pregnancy, finding out you are pregnant can be exciting news, but it also can be a time of uncertainty. If your pregnancy was unplanned you may want to know more about your options. Either way, you have come to the right place for information to help you make the best choice.
Missed your period? Peeing more than usual? Have tender breasts? Feeling tired and nauseated? Do you think you could be pregnant? The only way to know for sure is through a positive pregnancy test. You can take a home pregnancy test or have a test done through your health-care provider.
When should I take a home pregnancy test?
An at home pregnancy test, provides the most accurate result one week after you have missed your period.
When should I seek prenatal care?
Getting early and regular prenatal care improves your chance of having a healthy pregnancy. Call to book an appointment as soon as you think you may be pregnant. Click here to see what options are available in Manitoba for your regular prenatal care.
Signs and symptoms of pregnancy
With this pregnancy, you may have none, some or all of these symptoms, which can range from mild to intense. You may find your experience different from that of your friends or family.
Late period or missed period: This is the most common sign of pregnancy. Your period stops because your body produces hormones that stop ovulation and the shedding of the lining of your uterus.
Tender (swollen) breasts: Your breasts may feel tender and sore. They may start to enlarge and your areolas (the area around your nipple) may also start to darken and enlarge. As your pregnancy progresses, your cup size may increase (due to increased fluids and milk production) as well as your band size (as your ribs expand to make room for your growing baby).
Peeing more often: This can be an early sign of pregnancy. Your pregnant body makes more blood to nourish your growing baby. This increase in fluids makes you pee more often.
Nausea and Vomiting: These common symptoms of early pregnancy are caused by your changing hormones. Despite being called morning sickness, it can occur any time of day. For tips to help with your morning sickness, see our article Morning sickness got you down?
Fatigue: Your changing pregnancy hormones may make you feel extremely tired in your first trimester. People often get their energy back in their second trimester, then often feel more achy and tired as they get closer to their due date. This is due to your changing pregnancy hormones.
Spotting and cramping, especially around the time you expected your period
Strong cravings or dislike of certain foods
Learning about the healthiest choices for you and your baby, whether your pregnancy was planned or unplanned, is very important. If you planned your pregnancy, finding out you are pregnant can be exciting news, but it also can be a time of uncertainty. If your pregnancy was unplanned, you may want to know more about your options. Either way, you have come to the right place for information to help you make the best choice for your experience.
Planned Pregnancy
You can start taking care of your unborn baby right away by:
For some people, an unplanned pregnancy is simply a welcomed change in life plans. For others, it can be quite an unwelcome shock. You are not alone, as many pregnancies are unplanned. For pregnancy counselling and supports, see Women’s Health Clinic for more information.
Abortion
Making the decision to end your pregnancy can be very difficult. Abortion is safe and legal in Canada. You do not need the permission of a parent or partner to have an abortion. Speak to your health care provider as soon as possible to learn about the process and about the availability of abortion services. Seek help early because abortions should be done early on in pregnancy.
Many people drink alcohol occasionally to relax, socialize or celebrate. Some use alcohol because they feel it helps with mental health problems and life’s stresses.
Safety tip:
If you use alcohol to manage your stress, anxiety, depression or other mental health symptoms the best choice is to seek other supports. Talk to a health care provider. If you do not have a health care provider, Family Doctor Finder can help.
Alcohol is affecting your family and/or your relationships
Even though alcohol is commonly used, there is no amount that is safe in pregnancy. All types of alcohol are equally harmful, including all wines and beer. Alcohol use can affect health, learning, relationships, children and parenting.
Alcohol and Fertility
Alcohol can:
decrease sperm production and quality
reduce your sex drive
can cause erection problems
affect fertility
Safety tips:
When planning a pregnancy, it’s safest not to drink any alcohol because you might be pregnant and not know it for up to four to six weeks. During this time your unborn baby’s brain is already developing. You could be drinking and exposing your unborn baby to alcohol without meaning to.
If you didn’t know you were pregnant, stopping or reducing alcohol use as soon as possible is the safest choice. If you choose to use alcohol despite the risks, use as little as possible.
Stopping alcohol use can be difficult, especially if you are also trying to cut down on other substances. While alcohol, cigarettes and cannabis are all harmful to your unborn baby, alcohol causes the most harm and should be what you quit first.
When you are pregnant your unborn baby is connected to you by your placenta. Your placenta sends what you eat, drink and breathe to your unborn growing baby.
If you drink alcohol during pregnancy, it gets passed on to your baby through the placenta. The baby’s organs are developing and cannot break down the alcohol like you can. Alcohol use during pregnancy may cause permanent damage to the baby’s brain and spinal cord. There is no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy.
The effects of alcohol will last for your baby’s lifetime.
Alcohol use can cause Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
FASD is a lifelong disability that can affect motor skills, physical health, learning, memory, attention, communication, emotional control and social skills.
Alcohol may cause neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS)
Babies who are exposed to drugs and/or alcohol during pregnancy may experience withdrawal symptoms (NAS) after birth such as tremors, irritability, poor feeding, diarrhea, vomiting, sleep problems and seizures.
When you drink alcohol, it passes into your breastmilk/chest milk. The safest choice is not to drink alcohol if you are breastfeeding/chestfeeding because:
Drinking alcohol decreases your let-down reflex (it may take longer for your breasts/chest to release your milk)
Drinking alcohol can cause a decrease in your milk production (Drinking alcohol does not increase your milk production as urban myth suggests. Your baby’s feeding determines how much milk you make.)
Babies may not like the taste of breastmilk/chest milk containing alcohol which could make them drink less
Very young babies have immature organs which makes it harder for them to clear the alcohol from their bodies.
Alcohol may affect your baby’s sleep
How long does alcohol stay in my breastmilk?
On average, it takes two to three hours to clear one standard size drink from your body.
How fast your body gets rid of alcohol depends on:
the amount of alcohol you drank
how fast you drank it
whether you have eaten food
how much you weigh
how fast your body processes alcohol
Do I have to pump and dump after drinking an alcoholic beverage?
No. As alcohol leaves your bloodstream, it leaves your breastmilk/chest milk (it doesn’t stay in your breastmilk/chest milk). Pumping and dumping, drinking a lot of water, resting or drinking coffee will not speed up how quickly your body gets rid of the alcohol.
Can I have a drink and still breastfeed/chestfeed?
Mothers who only drink once in a while should continue to breastfeed/chestfeed, because the benefits outweigh the risks. Here are some ways to make it safer for your baby:
it’s best if you can plan ahead if you are going to have a drink
Parents who drink alcohol need to be aware of the risks to their children. These include:
Poisoning:
Children should not consume alcohol because it can make them very sick and put them at risk of poisoning.
Smaller children are at higher risk of poisoning because of their size and weight.
Children can mistake drinks containing alcohol for regular drinks (punch, juice, slushies, Jell-O, pop, etc.) so alcoholic beverages should never be left unattended.
Safety tip:
Store all alcohol and products with alcohol (mouth wash, cosmetics, cleaning solutions etc.) out of the sight and reach of children, if possible, in a locked cabinet.
What to do if you think your child has swallowed alcohol:
Many people smoke commercial tobacco for many different reasons. Pregnancy is often a time when families consider their lifestyle choices. If you smoke, you might be wondering how it can affect the health of your pregnancy, breastfeeding/chestfeeding and your children. This article is referring to commercial tobacco use and gives a brief statement about ceremonial tobacco.
Tobacco and Fertility
Research shows that smoking:
can reduce fertility, making it difficult to conceive.
may negatively affect hormone production.
and exposure to tobacco smoke can harm the reproductive system
can damage the DNA in sperm
Tobacco and Pregnancy
When you are pregnant, your unborn baby is connected to you by your placenta. Your placenta sends what you eat, drink and breathe to your unborn growing baby. When you smoke cigarettes or breathe in secondhand smoke during pregnancy, the nicotine, carbon monoxide and tar are passed on to your baby. This can:
cause harm to your placenta. Your baby will get less food and oxygen than they should.
cause babies to weigh less at birth. This makes them more susceptible to infections and other health problems.
reduce blood flow which affects your unborn baby’s heart, lungs, digestive system and brain.
increase your risk of miscarriage or stillbirth.
increase the risk of your baby being born prematurely (early).
increase the risk for Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID).
Safety tips:
Stopping smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke is the safest choice for you and your unborn baby.
If you choose to smoke despite the risks, smoke as little as possible.
The best time to quit smoking is before you get pregnant.
If you quit within the first four months of your pregnancy, you can lower the risks of health problems for your baby.
Even if you quit at the end of your pregnancy, it still helps you and your baby.
The healthiest choice for your baby is to breastfeed/chestfeed and for you to avoid tobacco use. If you can’t stop or cut down, breastfeeding/chestfeeding is still recommended. Breastmilk/chestmilk gives your baby immunities to help fight illness. It can also help lessen some of the negative effects of tobacco on your baby.
If you choose to smoke while breastfeeding/chestfeeding, follow these tips to help protect your baby:
Don’t smoke right before or during breastfeeding/chestfeeding. This way there won’t be as much nicotine in your milk and your baby won’t be exposed to secondhand smoke.
Wait as long as possible between smoking and breastfeeding/chestfeeding.
Keep your home smoke free. Smoke outside, away from your baby and other children. Don’t allow anyone else to smoke near your baby.
Protect your baby from thirdhand smoke. Wash your hands and change your clothes after you smoke and before you hold your baby.
Tobacco and Parenting
Parents who smoke cigarettes need to be aware of the risks to their children. These include:
1. Poisoning:
Nicotine is very poisonous. The amount in only one cigarette butt is enough to poison a child. Other forms of nicotine that are poisonous to a child are:
cigarettes,
cigars,
chewing tobacco,
pipe tobacco,
nicotine gum and patches
and liquid nicotine used for electronic cigarettes (vaping).
Safety tips:
Keep all tobacco products out of the sight and reach of children, if possible in a locked cabinet.
Throw out all cigarettes butts to keep them out of your child’s reach.
2. Secondhand Smoke:
Secondhand smoke is the combination of smoke that comes from a cigarette and smoke breathed out by a smoker. When a non-smoker is around someone who is smoking, they breathe in the secondhand smoke.
Babies and children are smaller and breathe faster than adults, so they take in more of the harmful chemicals from secondhand smoke.
Risks to babies and children:
Secondhand smoke can harm a child’s behavior and ability to think things through.
Babies who breathe in secondhand smoke have a higher risk for dying from Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID).
Babies and children exposed to secondhand smoke have more colds, pneumonia, bronchitis, croup and ear infections.
They are also more likely to develop asthma.
Secondhand smoke is harmful to everyone, including your pets.
3. Thirdhand Smoke:
Thirdhand smoke is the remaining nicotine and other chemicals left on indoor surfaces by tobacco smoke. Thirdhand smoke clings to these and other surfaces long after smoking has stopped:
Clothes
Furniture
Drapes
Walls
Bedding
Carpets
Dust
Vehicles
Children and non-smoking people can be at risk for health-related problems when they inhale, swallow or touch surfaces containing thirdhand smoke. Infants and young children are more at risk because they like to touch and put things in their mouth to learn about their world.
4. Fires and Burns
Children can get a burn from:
Butt’s that have been tossed
A lit cigarette
From playing with lighters and matches
Be sure to store all smoking gear (lighter, matches) out of reach from children.
Every year there are smoking related house fires. To prevent fires:
Don’t smoke in bed or if you are feeling drowsy.
Install smoke alarms outside all sleeping areas and on each level of your home. Test them monthly by pressing and holding the test button.
Make sure you have a fire extinguisher and know how to use it.
Creating Smoke Free Spaces:
Make your house and vehicles smoke free.
Know the law-it is illegal to smoke in your vehicle with children under the age of 16 present.
Click here for more tips from Health Canada on making your house and vehicle smoke free.
Smoke outside - either take your child outside with you or plan to have someone watch them while you go out for a smoke (a neighbour, a partner or a child who is over 12).
Cutting Down and Quitting
Quitting smoking is the single most important thing you can do to improve your health and your family’s health.
If you cannot quit, start by cutting down.
Fight cravings with deep breathing, a breath mint or nicotine gum.
If you use cigarettes to cope with stress, anxiety depression or other mental health symptoms, the best choice is to seek other supports. For help and more information, visit:
Cannabis in any form is toxic to children. Parents who use cannabis need to be aware of the risks. Since edibles look like regular food (gummy bears, brownies, lollipops, cookies), children can’t tell the difference. They need to be protected. Parents who use cannabis need to be aware of the risks to their children. These include:
Poisoning
It is important that children do not eat cannabis. It can make them very sick and put them at risk of poisoning or overdose.
Smaller children are at higher risk of poisoning because of their size and weight.
Kids love to watch and copy what their parents do. Whether using cannabis as medicine or for recreation, avoid consuming it in any form in front of children.
Lock it up
Parents should keep cannabis out of the sight and reach of children, if possible, in a locked cabinet. Invest in a safe, a lock box, a locking bag or have a lock put on a cupboard. It is best for any poisonous products to be stored “out of sight and locked up tight.”
Store your guests’ purses, coats or bags that have cannabis products in a secure (locked) place while they are in your home.
Label it
Keep all medicine and other drugs in their original, child-resistant packaging. If it is not in its original packaging, make sure to label it.
Clean it up
Put cannabis products away after every use, even if you plan on using it again later.
Always throw away waste products like ashes, unfinished joints or pieces of edibles.
If you use a babysitter, ensure they are mature, responsible and recommended by someone you trust. Ask them not to bring cannabis, alcohol or any other harmful substances into your home.
Make sure teens and friends are aware of the danger of cannabis to young children. Share this article with them.
Second-Hand Cannabis Smoke
Second-hand cannabis smoke may cause some of the same health problems as second-hand tobacco smoke. It is harmful for everyone, especially pregnant people, babies and young children.
Children exposed to second-hand cannabis smoke are being exposed to the active chemical THC. The THC enters your child’s body where it can remain for weeks.
Cannabis smoke can affect babies’ and young children’s alertness, understanding and judgement.
It is best to avoid smoking or vaping anything around your baby or children.
Parenting your Kids:
Using cannabis can reduce your ability to pay attention, make decisions and react to emergencies. This can affect your ability to respond to your child’s needs and keep them safe. You may not notice if your child:
is in danger
needs medical attention. If you are impaired, you will not be able to drive your child for care.
needs to be comforted
shows cues for hunger
needs to connect, play and learn
When you consume cannabis edibles, the effects are delayed (up to two to three hours for some people) and you may end up taking more cannabis than you planned. Consuming cannabis in foods or drinks can make people feel higher than expected and the effects can last for several hours or sometimes days.
Safety tips:
To ensure your child’s safety always have a plan in place.
Be sure that there is always someone available who is not high to take care of your child.
Impaired Driving
Like alcohol, cannabis affects your judgment and ability to drive. No one should ever drive impaired. Know the law.
Cannabis is used by people for many reasons including: to relax, feel high, for medical purposes and to help manage mental health symptoms. Cannabis can be consumed in a variety of ways, such as:
inhaled (smoked)
swallowed (in food and drinks)
placed under the tongue (strips and sprays)
applied to the skin (oils and creams)
Safety tips
If you’re using cannabis to manage your stress, anxiety, depression or other mental health symptoms, the best choice is to seek other supports. Talk to your health care provider.
Even though cannabis is legal in Manitoba, there is no amount that is safe during fertility planning, pregnancy and breastfeeding/chestfeeding.
Cannabis use affects health, learning, relationships, children and parenting.
Cannabis and Sperm
Cannabis has been shown to reduce the number and quality of sperm, which can make it more difficult for a couple to become pregnant.
Cannabis and Pregnancy
Cannabis use in all forms, such as Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) may affect the way your unborn baby’s brain develops. This can result in mental illness, learning and behavioral problems. Some of the effects, such as poor impulse control and hyperactivity, can last into adulthood.
Like tobacco, smoking cannabis reduces the supply of oxygen and nutrients to your unborn baby. This can result in slower growth of your unborn baby, premature birth and a lower birth weight.
Safety tips
Because there is no known safe amount cannabis in pregnancy, it is best to avoid it completely.
If you choose to use cannabis despite the risks, use as little as possible.
Cannabis and Morning Sickness
Some pregnant persons use cannabis to treat morning sickness. There is no evidence that cannabis is useful for morning sickness. Ask your health care provider to help you find the best option for safer treatments. Also check out our article for tips on coping with morning sickness.
Cannabis and Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding
When you use cannabis, the psychoactive chemical called THC is stored in your fat cells (like your brain and breast tissue/chest tissue). When your baby breastfeeds/chestfeeds, THC is passed through your breastmilk/chestmilk and enters your baby’s brain and body, where it can remain for weeks. When a baby is exposed to cannabis through breastmilk/chestmilk, the effects are similar to when a baby is exposed during pregnancy. The baby may have sleep problems, be fussier and startle easily. As the baby grows, they may have problems with memory, reasoning, focusing and be easily distracted.
The healthiest choice for your baby is to breastfeed/chestfeed and avoid cannabis use. For more information on breast/chestfeeding your baby click here.
If you choose to use cannabis while breastfeeding/chestfeeding despite the risks, use as little as possible.
Your baby will spend a lot of time sleeping. It is important to create a safe space for every sleep.
Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) is a term that refers to all causes of sudden infant death during sleep. This includes accidental deaths caused by suffocation or strangulation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) when the cause is not known.
Place Baby on Their Back for Every Sleep
Infants that sleep on their back can breathe better and are less likely to choke or suffocate (stop breathing) than infants who sleep on their tummy or side.
Safe Sleep Environment for Every Sleep
Providing a safe sleep space for your baby for every sleep is the best way to keep them safe and comfortable.
A crib, cradle or bassinet are safe sleep spaces. They can be purchased new or used but should meet Health Canada standards.
The mattress must be:
Firm
Flat
The right size for crib, cradle or bassinet
Sleeping in the same room as your baby helps you attend to their needs and to bond with your baby.
Place crib in your room
The safest place for a baby to sleep is in a crib, cradle or bassinet in your room for the first six months, or ideally, for the first year.
Avoid overheating
Dress baby in sleeper
Use a sleep sack or wearable blanket for extra warmth
Keep room temperature comfortable, not hot
Hats can make most babies too hot
See Safer Swaddling Tips below
While it may seem comforting to include other items in the crib, it is best for baby to sleep without:
Pillows or bumper pads
Bottles
Stuffed animals or toys
Sleep postioners
Loose blankets or quilts
Also, baby should not have anything around their neck for sleeping such as jewelry, teething necklaces, bibs or soother strings
Other Sleep Safe Options
The safest place for a baby to sleep is in a crib, cradle or bassinet. Playpens usually do not meet Canadian safe sleep recommendations. Bassinets that are sold with some playpens are a safer, lower cost choice.
Parents may use other options below for a temporary sleep space. Talk to your health-care provider to make sure it is as safe as possible.
All sleep spaces should be kept:
On the floor to avoid the risk of falling
Away from baseboard or portable heaters, fireplaces, wood stoves, ovens and other sources of heat
Away from pets. Pets may wish to snuggle and can accidentally smother the baby.
Ask a knowledge keeper about safe use of cradleboards and moss bags
Check out this video on safe sleep from The First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba.
If you do not have a crib, cradle or bassinet, you can make a safe sleep space for your baby with some very simple household items such as a drawer (pulled out from the dresser), a basket, a box or a bin (without a lid). Your baby can sleep comfortably and safely in these homemade sleep spaces.
For tips on making these temporary sleep spaces and making a mattress, call your health-care provider, your public health office or visit our other pages on parentinginmanitoba.ca
Unsafe sleep spaces
Remember your ABCs!
Baby should sleep:
Alone On their Back In a Crib (cradle, bassinet, safe sleep space)
It is important for baby to always sleep alone, on their back and in a safe sleep space with a firm flat mattress and sides that will prevent the baby from rolling/falling out.
Baby should sleep alone. Bed-sharing in the same sleep space such as a bed has risks. Adults, other children or pets can accidentally hurt the baby or make it hard for the baby to breathe. If you decide bed-sharing is best for you and your baby, see safer bed-sharing below.
Babies should sleep on their backs. Sleeping on their side or tummy can make it hard for your baby to breathe. Surfaces that are sloped (not flat) may cause the baby to roll into an unsafe sleep position. Baby’s head can also slump forward, making it hard for the baby to breathe.
Soft surfaces do not support the baby to lay flat and in the best position for breathing. Soft materials, such as blankets could cover the baby’s face, making it hard for them to breathe.
Surfaces like couches or an adult bed are risky as they may be too soft for baby to be in a good sleeping position and the baby may roll off and fall, become trapped between the mattress and cushions, or the cushions or material may make it difficult for baby to breathe.
Images with an X are not safe sleep spaces. Sharing any sleep surface with your baby is unsafe
Safer Bed-Sharing
Babies are safest in their own sleep space like a crib, cradle or bassinet.
If you do not have a crib, cradle or bassinet, contact your health care provider or public health office who will work with you to find a solution. You can also make a safe sleep space out of common household items (see above).
Some families choose to have their baby sleep in their bed with them.
Use this checklist to bed-share more safely.
Baby sleeps on back directly on a firm mattress. Co-sleepers, car seats, or infant seats are not safe sleep spaces.
Parent’s long hair is tied up and away from baby’s face.
Bedding and sheets are pulled low enough so that there is no risk of blankets or sheets covering the baby’s face.
Bed is away from the wall and other furniture so baby can’t get trapped between the bed and a firm surface.
Baby is not swaddled. Use a sleep sack if needed.
Baby is placed on the side of one parent. Both parents know that the baby is in the bed. Baby is never in the middle of two adults or next to other children or pets.
No soft bedding such as comforters and pillows near baby
Room temperature is cool and comfortable so that baby doesn’t overheat
When Not to Bed-share
If your baby:
Was born at less than 37 weeks (pre-mature, or born early)
Was small at birth (weighed less than 2.5 kilograms or 5.5 pounds)
Is under four months of age, when the risk of suffocation (not breathing) and sudden unexpected infant death is highest
If you or your partner:
Smoke, if there is any smoking in the home or if you smoked during pregnancy
Are overly tired or are sick
Have been drinking alcohol
Have taken any medications or drugs that make you feel sleepy
Are obese
Sleep Sacks and Sleepwear
There are many types of swaddles, blankets and sleep sacks on the market. Choose the right size for baby and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Not all are safe.
Choose safer ones that:
Are snug around the upper body so that baby is unable to wiggle out
Are not tight around baby’s chest. You should be able to get two fingers between baby’s chest and the sack
Are loose around the hips. Your baby’s legs should bend and move comfortably.
Have no choking hazards like snaps, buttons
Meet children’s sleepwear flammability standards.
Remember, outdoor wear is not designed for sleep. Day clothes may have zippers, hoods and strings that are also not appropriate for sleeping or meet Health Canada’s flammability standards.
Most sleepwear in Canada is safe. However, be cautious of clothing purchased in other countries, vintage clothing, novelty wear (like costumes) and homemade/crafted sleepwear as the material may not meet Canada’s fabric sleepwear standards.
Safer Swaddling
Most babies are warm enough in just a sleeper, or with a wearable blanket or swaddler if they need extra warmth. Swaddled babies can become overheated. The swaddle can also become loose and cover the baby’s mouth and nose, making it hard to breathe.
If you choose to swaddle your baby, follow these tips to help keep them safer.
When choosing a swaddle wrap, look for:
Light, breathable fabric such as cotton with a loose weave. Avoid heavy blankets.
No drawstrings, ribbons, cords or tight elastic.
No buttons, snaps or decorations.
Choose the right swaddling technique for your baby’s age:
For younger babies (birth until three months old), wrap the arms in the swaddle with baby’s elbows bent and hands close to the chin.
For older babies (about three to six months old and babies who can roll), leave their arms free.
How to safely swaddle a baby
Spread the wrap out with one corner folded. Lay baby on wrap.
Bring baby’s hands together over their chest. Bring one side of the wrap over their arms and tuck under baby.
Fold the bottom of the wrap up, leaving room for baby’s feet to move.
Bring the second side of the wrap across baby and tuck the end behind baby.
Follow these tips to keep baby safer
Keep baby on their back
Don’t let baby get too hot
Make sure that the blanket or swaddle doesn’t cover their face
Keep swaddle loose at the hips and legs. Babies who do not have their legs free to bend and kick can suffer abnormal hip development.
When baby can roll over, stop swaddling or wrap baby with arms free.
Other practices to protect against SIDS
Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Protects Baby
Breastfeeding/chestfeeding lowers the risk of SIDS. Breastmilk/chestmilk boosts infants’ immune systems, supports their brain development and helps them wake up from sleep easier.
Once breastfeeding/chestfeeding is established, consider using a pacifier (soother), which may reduce the risk of SIDS.
While not everyone can or wants to breastfeed/chestfeed you can still protect your baby if you are bottle-feeding by following all of the other tips in this article.
When bottle feeding always hold your baby and the bottle to prevent your baby from choking. No matter how you feed your baby, always place your baby back to sleep in a crib, cradle or bassinet.
Keep baby smoke-free before and after birth
Smoke exposure increases the risk of SIDS. Tobacco smoke contains several toxic chemicals that can damage the cells of the body. It can affect infant brain and lung development. This can affect how an infant breathes and may increase the risk of SIDS.
It is safest for a home to be smoke free. If you smoke, do it outside, wash your hands and change your clothes before holding your baby. It is safest to avoid using alcohol, tobacco, vaping products, cannabis and other drugs while trying to become pregnant, during pregnancy and while breastfeeding/chestfeeding.
For support with quitting or cutting down visit Smoker’s helpline or call them at 1-877-513-5333, Tobacco Has No Place Here, NUQUITS and/or talk to your health-care provider
For help with other substances call Manitoba Addictions Helpline – 1-855-662-6605
For more information on safe sleep, bed-sharing, swaddling, sleep sacks and other child health and safety topics, contact your primary care provider, your public health officeor see our other articles on parentinginmanitoba.ca.
Check Health Canada’s website for recalls on baby equipment including sleepwear, cribs, cradles and car seats. Visit healthycanadians.gc.ca.
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