Advisory

2003-65
August 6, 2003
For immediate release

Health Canada advises Canadians that infants and young children should never sleep on mattresses not specifically designed for them

OTTAWA - Health Canada is reminding parents and caregivers about the potential hazards of placing infants and young children on mattresses not specifically designed for them. The Department especially advises against letting infants sleep on air mattresses, also known as inflatable mattresses.

Many parents and caregivers are unaware of the hidden dangers associated with placing infants and young children on mattresses or surfaces that are not specifically designed for them, even if an adult is sleeping on the same mattress or surface as the infant or young child. Infants and young children should not be placed on soft mattresses, sofas, waterbeds, air mattresses or any other soft surface. Doing so may lead to any of the following dangers:

• The infant or young child becoming entrapped between the mattress and another object, such as a wall.
• The infant or young child falling from elevated surfaces.
• Suffocation as a result of airway obstruction, when the infant or young child is placed face-down.
• Suffocation in soft bedding materials, such as pillows and comforters.
• Suffocation as a result of a baby sleeping with an adult.

Air mattresses pose particular hazards for infants. Air mattresses have gained in popularity in Canada, and their use increases during the vacation and summer seasons. The soft edges of these mattresses create entrapment space that can lead to suffocation. Health Canada is aware of one recent incident in Canada where an infant suffocated as a result of being placed to sleep on an air mattress.

To avoid these and other hazards, make sure that infants sleep only in a cradle or a crib (manufactured after September of 1986) with a firm and tight-fitting mattress, that meets current safety standards. As well, make sure to place infants on their backs with all soft bedding and toys removed from the crib or cradle.

For further information, contact your nearest Health Canada Product Safety Office:

• Vancouver (604) 666-5003
• St. John's (709) 772-4050
• Edmonton (780) 495-2626
• Longueuil (450) 646-1353
• Calgary (403) 292-4677
• Montréal (514) 283-5488
• Saskatoon (306) 975-4028
• Québec (418) 648-4327
• Winnipeg (204) 983-5490
• Moncton (506) 851-6638
• Toronto (416) 973-4705
• Halifax (902) 426-8300
• Hamilton (905) 572-2845

Photograph of product

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Media Inquiries:
Margot Geduld/Carole Saindon
Health Canada
(613) 957-1588

Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991