Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario

Risk factors

  • These risk factors are modifiable and some may be considered non-modifiable. It is recommended that a comprehensive assessment of risk factors be conducted at the initial encounter with pregnant women and families. 

Risk factors include:

  • Smoking
  • alcohol and substance use
  • lack of or late initiation of prenatal care
  • obstetrical factors
  • parental mental illness
  • low socioeconomic status
  • beliefs that are incongruent with safe sleep recommendations.
Women and Children
Working with Families to Promote Safe Sleep for Infants
Point of Care Resources