Sweet Dreams

What is the Sweet Dreams program?

Babies sleeping in certain unsafe environments—such as a stroller, a shared bed or a couch—can increase their risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). That’s why the Catholic Children’s Aid Foundation (CCAF) funds the Sweet Dreams program, to cover the costs of new and safe cribs, toddler beds, mattresses and sleep sacks for families involved with the Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Toronto (CCAS). Thanks to your support, little ones are safe every time they are put down for a nap or the night.

How it helps:

Keeping babies and toddlers safe while they sleep

Approximately 420 healthy Canadian infants under the age of one died from SIDS between 2015 and 2020, according to Statistics Canada. Yet struggling new parents in Toronto may not be aware of SIDS. They may not know that a sleep sack is safer for newborns than blankets. These families are also facing financial hardship: they may be forced to choose between buying food and rent, or buying for a crib or toddler bed that meets Canadian safety regulations. 

The Sweet Dreams program provides these safe sleep basics as well as education. CCAS workers and health promotion staff teach new parents how to keep their baby safe using the best sleeping practices, such as “back to sleep,” where infants are always laid down on their back, never their tummy. They also explain why quality sleep in a safe crib is essential for infant brain development, emotional security and overall health.

Your impact:

Donations to CCAF support Toronto babies and toddlers

Over the last five years, donors like you have provided hundreds of at-risk families with cribs, toddler beds and safe sleepwear to protect their little ones. The Sweet Dreams program helped struggling single parents like Joyce and Ann prevent SIDS. Here’s how your gift can help more Toronto families sleep safely: 

• Your $25 donation will pay for a sleep sack.
• Your $100 donation will pay for a mattress.
• Your $400 donation will pay for a crib.
• Your $500 donation will pay for a crib, mattress and a sleep sack.