The Baby Bed program is a universal safe-sleep initiative that provides a safe bed for baby.
The baby bed is a bassinet constructed of heavy cardboard with a mattress insert, creating a safe place for babies to sleep. Sleep-related deaths are among the leading cause of death in healthy infants. The beds can be used until babies are up to four or five months old, or until they begin to roll.
*Infants are not to be transported or carried within the baby bed.
Participating families are also connected to public health nurses and programs that support the infant, parent and family unit.
Learn more about the program in this short video: Island Health Baby Beds
Who can get a baby bed?
The Baby Bed program is free to all families living in the Island Health region. See “How to get a baby bed” for a list of all participating Public Health Units.
Pregnant people in their third trimester or families with a new baby, up to two months old, are eligible to receive a free baby bed.
How to get a baby bed
The Baby Bed program is part of Public Health services, which offer pre- and post-natal services, breastfeeding support and supportive nurse-family partnerships.
Contact your local health unit
Campbell River Health Unit
Comox Valley Health Unit
Duncan Health Unit / Margaret Moss Health Unit
Esquimalt Health Unit
Ladysmith Health Unit
Lake Cowichan Health Unit
Nanaimo – Princess Royal Family Centre Health Unit
Nanaimo Public Health Unit
Parksville Family Place
Peninsula Health Unit
Port Alberni Child Youth & Family Health Unit
Port Alice Health Unit
Port Hardy Health Unit
Port McNeill Health Unit
Saanich Health Unit
Salt Spring Island Health Unit
Sooke Health Unit
Tofino and Ucluelet Health Unit
Victoria Health Unit
West Shore Health Unit
Safe sleep resources
Donate to the Baby Bed program
Local community organizations and businesses are invited to donate items that can be included with the baby beds as a way to celebrate and support new families. Preferred items include diapers, wipes, blankets, knitted hats, baby books and more.
If you are interested in making a donation, please contact your local public health unit.
Organizations interested in supporting further expansion of the program can contact their local public health unit.
