A new provincial report reveals a concerning pattern in New Brunswick. Unsafe sleeping practices account for 36 percent of all deaths in children under the age of two over a five year period. The provincial child death review committee released these findings on Monday, prompting calls for immediate changes to hospital discharge policies.

According to a CBC News report, the committee reviewed 140 child deaths between January 2020 and September 2025. They found 20 deaths directly or indirectly caused by unsafe sleeping arrangements. The youngest victim was just six days old. Unsafe sleep practices directly caused 16 of these deaths.

Emily Caissy chairs the committee and serves as deputy chief coroner. She notes that many of these incidents are entirely preventable. ‘We know this is a trend,’ Caissy said. ‘We know this is not getting any better.’

What Makes a Sleep Environment Unsafe?

The report outlines several common hazards. Unsafe practices include placing infants on their side or stomach, sleeping on soft surfaces, and sharing a bed with another person. Loose bedding, pillows, stuffed animals, and toys also create dangerous environments for newborns.

Andrea Melanson coordinates discharge planning for the neonatal intensive care unit at the IWK in Halifax. She highlights the severe risks involved. ‘Babies are at a higher risk of suffocation deaths if they are on a softer surface or sleeping in bed with someone,’ Melanson said. She adds that the risk of a baby rolling over and putting their face into a mattress increases when they do not sleep on their backs.

Social Media Spreads Dangerous Misinformation

Misinformation online plays a significant role in these tragedies. Caissy points specifically to the growing trend of bed sharing promoted on social media platforms. Many posts falsely claim that sharing a bed helps parents bond with their infants. Health authorities strongly advise against this practice, and Caissy confirms that sharing a bed is not required for bonding.

New Rules for Hospitals and Social Workers

To address this problem, the report recommends regional health authorities update their discharge policies. Before you leave the hospital with a newborn, you must demonstrate safe sleep practices to medical staff.

The committee also discovered that half of the deceased infants belonged to families involved with the Department of Social Development. The report found no evidence linking this to socioeconomic factors. However, it calls on the department to train social workers thoroughly in safe sleep practices.

Social Development Minister Cindy Miles accepted the recommendations and updated the departmental standards. ‘Training is essential to help caregivers provide safe and nurturing care for children who have experienced trauma,’ Miles said. Safe sleep information now forms a mandatory part of training for prospective foster, adoption, and kinship caregivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the safest way for a baby to sleep?

Babies should always sleep on their backs on a firm surface. Keep the sleep area free of loose bedding, pillows, toys, and stuffed animals.

Is sharing a bed safe for newborns?

No. Health authorities strongly advise against sharing a bed. Sleeping in the same bed increases the risk of suffocation and infant death.

Will hospitals change how they discharge newborns?

Yes. The new report recommends that parents must demonstrate safe sleep practices to hospital staff before they can take their newborn home.