Safe sleep training teaches child care professionals how to set up a safe sleep space and follow the safest routines during naps 😴. In Nevada, safe sleep (often taught as SIDS/Safe Sleep) is an important part of caring for infants—and it is also part of the required training for staff who work with babies.
Safe sleep training helps you lower the risk of sleep-related infant deaths, including SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and accidental suffocation. It teaches you what to do every single nap, even on busy days.
Safe sleep training usually covers:
How to place babies down safely (position and routine)
What should (and should not) be in the crib
What to do if a baby falls asleep somewhere unsafe
How to supervise infants during sleep
How to talk with families about safe sleep
In child care, safe sleep matters because infants nap often and different staff members may put them down 💤. One unsafe habit can become a serious risk.
Nevada’s child care training guidelines list Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) training as an initial training requirement for staff working with infants. The guideline chart shows it as 2 hours, and it must be completed within 90 days of hire.
Nevada also requires caregivers in licensed facilities to complete 24 hours of training each year, and training must be approved/recognized by The Nevada Registry to count.
A helpful tip: many Nevada programs track training through The Nevada Registry, and employees are expected to become active members within 90 days of hire.
A simple safe sleep reminder is A-B-C:
A = Alone
Baby sleeps alone in their own space (no pillows, blankets, toys, or bumpers).
B = Back
Place baby on their back for every sleep (naps and nighttime).
C = Crib
Use a safety-approved crib, bassinet, or play yard with a firm, flat mattress and a fitted sheet only.
These steps match CDC-supported safe sleep guidance.
This is one of the biggest safety issues in child care—because adults may want to “make baby cozy,” but cozy can be unsafe.
Safe crib setup
Firm, flat mattress
Tight fitted sheet
Baby in a wearable blanket/sleep sack if needed (follow your program policy)
Not safe in a crib
Loose blankets
Pillows
Stuffed animals
Bumper pads
Positioners or wedges
Loose bibs or necklaces
Keeping the sleep space clear helps prevent a baby’s face from being covered.
Nap time is calm—but it still needs active supervision.
Watch for these common risks:
1) Baby falls asleep in a sitting device
Car seats, swings, bouncers, and loungers are not meant for routine sleep. If a baby falls asleep there, move them to a firm, flat sleep surface as soon as you can safely do so (follow your program policy).
2) Overheating
Too many layers can be risky. Dress baby in light sleep clothing and keep the room comfortable.
3) Baby starts rolling
Babies grow fast. A baby who could not roll last month might roll now. That’s why a clear sleep space matters so much.
4) Loose items creep in
Sometimes a pacifier clip, burp cloth, or toy ends up in the crib by accident. Make a habit of a quick “crib check” every time.
Safe sleep works best when it is the same for every caregiver and every nap.
Try these simple program habits:
Post a crib checklist near the sleep area
Train substitutes and float staff on safe sleep basics
Use the same steps every time: back, clear crib, calm voice, quick check
Do regular room checks based on your policy (and document when required)
If you need a simple handout to share with staff and families, use this ChildCareEd resource:
https://www.childcareed.com/r-00760-safe-sleep-for-babies.html
This can be sensitive. Families may do different things at home. In child care, you must follow best practice and licensing/program policy.
A safe, respectful approach:
Start with care: “We want your baby to be safe during sleep.”
Explain your rule: “In our program, we place babies on their backs for sleep.”
Follow policy: If an alternate sleep position is ever allowed, it typically requires specific documentation (ask your licensing specialist and follow your written policy).
When you stay calm and consistent, families usually understand you are protecting their child.
How do Nevada training requirements connect to safe sleep?
Nevada’s training guidelines show that caregivers working with infants must complete SIDS training (2 hours) as an initial requirement, along with other health and safety topics.
If you’re building your Nevada training plan (including what’s required and what counts), this ChildCareEd article is a helpful guide:
https://www.childcareed.com/a/what-training-do-i-need-for-childcare-in-nevada.html
Safe sleep conversations should feel supportive, not scary.
Try simple phrases like:
“We follow safe sleep steps for every nap.”
“We place babies on their backs and keep cribs clear.”
“Tell us what helps your baby feel calm, and we’ll use those comfort routines safely.”
For quick safety reminders, training updates, and classroom resources, follow ChildCareEd on Facebook and turn on notifications:
https://www.facebook.com/childcareed/
Safe sleep training protects babies during the quiet moments that matter most 💫. When your whole team follows the same safe steps every day, infants get safer, more consistent care—and families gain trust in your program.