Childcare Safe Sleep and Rest Policy

What a good one includes

• A clear directive requiring all infants under twelve months to be placed flat on their backs for sleep unless a pediatrician-signed medical waiver is provided.
• A strict prohibition of loose bedding, bumper pads, pillows, blankets, or stuffed toys inside infant sleep spaces.
• A detailed physical and visual monitoring protocol that specifies exactly how often staff must check on sleeping children to observe breathing and skin tone.
• Safety specifications for all sleep equipment, ensuring cribs, cots, and playpens meet current federal safety standards.
• Clear instructions for immediately transitioning any child who falls asleep in a swing, car seat, or bouncer to an approved, flat sleep surface.
• A dedicated section outlining how staff will support toddlers who do not nap, offering quiet activities that respect their developmental needs.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Allowing soft bedding or plush toys in infant cribs to appease parents, which violates safety standards and increases physical risks.
• Failing to define clear, measurable intervals for physical safety checks, leaving staff to rely on casual observation from across the room.
• Writing the policy in dense, clinical jargon that alienates parents instead of using reassuring, transparent language that builds trust.
• Neglecting to mandate annual safe sleep training for all current staff and immediate onboarding education for new hires.

Frequently asked questions