Safe sleep basics (and common mistakes to avoid) - post

What does “ #safe- #sleep” mean for babies and young #toddlers?

Safe sleep means setting up a sleep space that lowers the risk of sleep-related injury and death. In child care, #safe-sleep also means everyone follows the same rules, every time.

A simple way to remember the basics is the ABC rule:

• A = Alone (no loose items in the sleep space)
• B = Back (place baby on their back to sleep)
• C = Crib (a safe crib or approved sleep space)

What is the safest sleep setup for infants in child care? 

Here is a safe, easy checklist. You can post it in your infant's room and review it with #staff.

A safe sleep space should be:

• Flat and firm (a tight, fitted sheet on a firm mattress)
• In a crib or approved #play yard that meets #safety rules
• Free of loose items, including: 
• Blankets 
• Pillows
• Bumper pads
• Stuffed animals
• Positioners or wedges
• Placed on the baby’s back for sleep (unless a doctor gives a written medical note)

For a printable reminder, use this #free ChildCareEd resource: Safe Sleep in Child Care poster

What should babies wear for safe sleep (and what should they NOT wear)?

Many sleep problems happen because babies are dressed in ways that can block breathing or cause overheating.

Safer options include:

• A one-piece sleeper (footie pajamas)
• A wearable blanket/sleep sack (no loose blanket needed)

Common clothing mistakes to avoid:

• Hats during sleep (can #lead to overheating)
• Loose swaddles (if swaddling is allowed, it must be tight at the chest and hips should move #freely)
• Too many layers (overheating is a risk)

A simple rule: dress the baby in one more light layer than an adult would wear in the same room.

What are the most common safe sleep mistakes to avoid?

These mistakes are common because they feel “helpful” in the moment. But they raise risk.

Avoid these unsafe practices:

• Adding a blanket “just in case.”
  If a baby seems cold, use a sleep sack instead.
• Using pillows, bumpers, or stuffed animals
  Soft items can cover a baby’s face.
• Letting babies sleep in swings, bouncers, or car seats (outside the car)
  These positions can cause the head to fall forward and block airflow.
• Using inclined sleepers or wedge devices
  Babies should sleep on a flat surface.
• Putting a baby to sleep on the tummy
  Babies should be placed on the back for sleep.
• Bed-sharing or couch sleeping
  These are especially dangerous for infants.
• Propping bottles
  This can be a choking risk and is not safe supervision.

If you want a deeper ex #planation of why these steps #matter, this related ChildCareEd article is a helpful read: The Role of Safe Sleep Practices in Reducing SIDS Risk

What if a baby rolls over during sleep?

This is a common worry.

If a baby can roll both ways (back to tummy and tummy to back), most guidance allows you to:

• Place the baby on its back at the start of sleep
• If the baby rolls over on their own, you do not keep flipping them all night

But you still must keep the sleep space empty and firm. Rolling is one reason loose blankets and toys are especially risky.

How should caregivers supervise babies during sleep in child care?

Safe sleep is not only about the crib. It is also about active supervision.

Helpful child care habits include:

• Keep cribs in clear view
• Do regular visual checks during #naps (follow your program and licensing rules)
• Look for:
• Normal breathing and color
• Safe position (placed on back)
• No items added to the crib
• Document sleep checks if your #center requires it
• Make sure staff know the plan if a baby has a medical note for a different sleep position

Tip: Avoid “quiet fixes” like adding a blanket or moving a baby to a swing. Instead, use safe soothing steps (see below). 

How can you soothe babies to sleep #safely (without unsafe items)?

It’s normal for babies to fight sleep. Here are #safer ways to help:

Try:

• A calm, short routine (dim lights, soft voice, same steps)
• Gentle patting while the baby lies on their back
• White noise at a safe volume (if allowed by your program)
• A pacifier (if the family agrees—never force it)
• Consistent timing (same nap windows each day)

Avoid:

• Putting bottles in the crib
• Letting babies sleep on you in a chair or couch
• Using positioners or rolled blankets

What should you tell families about safe sleep rules? 

Families may do things at #home that are different from child care rules. Your job is not to judge. Your job is to keep babies safe and follow licensing and best practices.

A #respectful way to say it:

• “In our program, we follow safe sleep rules every time. We place babies on their backs, in an empty crib, on a firm mattress.”

If a family requests tummy sleeping or extra items in the crib, use a calm script:

• “I understand that’s what you prefer at home. In child care, we can only use an alternate sleep position if we have a doctor’s written note.”

What are quick “safe sleep checks” staff can do every day?

You can use this as a fast checklist during busy times:

Before sleep:

• Baby is on their back
• The crib is empty
• The mattress is firm with a fitted sheet
• Baby is dressed safely (sleep sack or sleeper)
• The room temperature feels comfortable

During sleep:

• Visual checks on schedule
• No changes to the position using extra items
• Move the baby to a crib if they fall asleep in a device 

After sleep:

• Clean and sanitize based on your program rules
• Share notes with families (how long the baby slept, mood, feeding times)

Where can you #learn more (and stay connected)?

If you want more support for safe infant care and #classroom-safety, these ChildCareEd courses are directly related and listed on the course catalog:

• Safe Sleep Training
• Prevention of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and Use of Safe Sleep Practices
• SIDS: Saving Babies: A Change of Position, A Change in Tradition

For quick tips and reminders, follow ChildCareEd on Facebook and share posts with your team:

• https://www.facebook.com/ChildCareEd/ 

Safe sleep is not about doing “perfect.” It’s about doing the safe basics every time, even on busy days. That consistency helps protect babies and builds trust with families.