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Vaccines: Common concerns

…disaster), disease and related deaths always go up. Vaccines protect children who are immunized, and people close to them– like newborns too young to be vaccinated or others whose immune systems don’t work as well – by preventing the spread of disease. Can vaccines wear out my child’s immune system?…

Pacifiers (soothers)

…the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Pacifiers may help to relieve pain during brief medical procedures. Can there be problems with using a pacifier? Using a pacifier incorrectly can lead to problems with breastfeeding, teeth (cavities and overbite), and possibly ear infections. Homemade pacifiers, sweetened pacifiers or pacifiers…

Preventing flat heads in babies who sleep on their backs

…to die of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). SIDS is when a baby (less than 1 year old), that seems healthy dies suddenly in their sleep, and the cause of death cannot be explained. A baby’s skull is very soft and the bones can be affected by pressure. Babies also…

Car seat safety

…prevent many injuries or deaths. What type of car seat should I use? Rear-facing car seat: All infants must use a rear-facing car seat. A rear-facing seat provides the best protection for your child’s head, neck, and spine in a sudden stop or crash. Once your baby outgrows the infant…

Pertussis (Whooping cough)

…they can’t breathe. Young infants may not be able to cough forcefully and may stop breathing. Babies with whooping cough may have fits (seizures) and in serious cases, go into a coma. About 1 in 400 infants with pertussis dies because of pneumonia or brain damage. Older children, adolescents and…

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

…Paediatric Society recommends that infants sleep on their backs and on a flat surface to prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Positioning (laying baby on their side or elevating their head) should be avoided. When should my baby see a doctor? Call the doctor if your baby: isn’t gaining weight,…

Safe sleep for babies

…of injury and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). SIDS is when a baby (less than 1 year old), that seems healthy dies suddenly in their sleep, and the cause of death cannot be explained. We don’t know what causes SIDS, so it cannot be prevented, but there are things you…

Water safety

…leading causes of injury-related death for children under 5 years of age in Canada. Children can drown in as little as 2.5 cm (1 inch) of water. Many of these tragedies happen in backyard pools without 4-side pool fencing and self-closing, self-latching safety gates, or in a context where supervising…

Vaccination and your child

…6-in-1. Rotavirus vaccine protects infants against rotavirus, the most common cause of serious diarrhea in babies and young children. Pneumococcal vaccine protects against infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, including meningitis (a brain infection), pneumonia, and ear infections. Meningococcal vaccine protects against diseases caused by the meningococcus bacteria, including meningitis and…

When parents choose not to vaccinate: Risks and responsibilities

…others. Protecting your child Infant and childhood vaccines prevent diseases that can be serious and even deadly. Some examples: Measles can cause brain swelling, which can lead to brain damage or death. Mumps can cause permanent deafness. Meningitis can also lead to permanent deafness or brain damage. Polio can cause…

Vaccines: Myths and facts

…serious illness, complications and death, even with the best medical care. Many of these diseases also have no cure. Measles outbreaks still happen. Complications occur in about 10% of cases. For every 1,000 cases of measles, 1 or 2 of those people will die. Pertussis (“whooping cough”) kills between 1…

Prenatal health and your baby

…the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Avoid second-hand smoke, as well. How long can I work? Most women with uncomplicated pregnancies are “fit to work” until the start of labour. However, if your work is hard on your body – including activities such as standing for a long…

Keep your young child safe around the house

…the leading cause of death among children and youth in Canada. While many injuries among young children occur at home, the majority are preventable. Be prepared and anticipate injury risks Consider your child’s age and developmental stage. Is your baby too young to lift their head? Can your child open…