Release
Department of Justice and Public Safety
July 13, 2026
FREDERICTON (GNB) – The Office of the Chief Coroner has released a report from the Child Death Review Committee highlighting ongoing concerns related to unsafe infant sleep practices and their role in preventable infant deaths.
A review found unsafe sleep practices were either a direct cause or a contributing factor in 20 child deaths between Jan. 1, 2020, and Sept. 11, 2025.
“Every child death is a tragedy, and this report identifies opportunities to prevent future losses,” said Public Safety Minister Robert Gauvin. “These findings reinforce the importance of safe sleep practices and the need for continued public awareness, education and collaboration across government, health-care providers and community partners.”
The review found unsafe sleep practices were associated with 36 per cent of all deaths of children under the age of two during that period. In 16 of the 20 cases, unsafe sleep practices were directly linked to the cause of death.
The report has six recommendations, which include strengthening safe sleep education and policy across child welfare training, hospital discharge practices and public health messaging, as well as releasing the report publicly.
Unsafe sleep practices include putting infants to sleep on their side or stomach; bed-sharing; using unsafe sleep surfaces, such as adult beds or couches; and the presence of soft bedding, toys or other items in a baby's sleep environment. The review noted the growing influence of social media narratives that portray these practices – particularly sharing a bed or any sleep surface – as safe alternatives. Federal health authorities recommend that infants sleep alone, on their backs, in a crib, cradle or bassinet free of blankets, pillows and toys.
The Child Death Review Committee is an independent advisory body that conducts thorough reviews of child deaths to identify opportunities for system improvements and help prevent future tragedies.
13-07-26
Related links
Unsafe Sleeping Practices in New Brunswick
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Media Contact(s)
Paul Bradley, communications, Department of Justice and Public Safety, [email protected].