Baby beds include the sturdy carboard box, mattress, sheets and a onesie for children. (Island Health)

By Spencer Sterritt

good nights sleep

Baby bed program expanding to help babies sleep soundly

Dec 5, 2019 | 5:32 AM

NANAIMO — An effort to give babies a safe place to sleep is expanding across Vancouver Island.

Island Health’s baby bed program is now offered throughout central and northern Vancouver Island. It was previously offered in only five areas starting in 2015 including Campbell River and Courtenay.

Each bed is built out of sturdy cardboard and comes with a mattress, sheets and sleepwear for babies to provide a safe sleeping environment for families in need.

The expansion was funded by the Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island, which will donate $350,000 over the next three years.

Foundation CEO Veronica Carroll told NanaimoNewsNOW roughly 3,000 baby beds will be handed out during those three years.

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“That’s pretty phenomenal to be part of. It’s really all about ensuring parents have the best chance of being good, healthy parents providing a healthy and safe start to life for their kids.”

Carroll was in Campbell River in 2015 when the first baby beds were handed out. She said families were lined up early in the morning to get a bed.

“I was really encouraged because there was such a diversity among people picking it up. From moms who had other kids in tow to brand new parents. There was a real need and benefit I saw.”

Sleep-related deaths are the leading cause of preventable death in healthy infants.

The baby bed program was introduced in Finland roughly 80 years ago and the country now has the lowest infant mortality rates in the world.

The program is open for all families north of the Malahat. Mothers should be at least seven months pregnant or the baby younger than two months to receive a bed.

Picking up a baby bed is also a chance for families to ask health care professionals about any questions or concerns they have.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit