1. What do the guidelines say about safer sleep for babies?
The Lullaby Trust has issued guidance that says:
Babies should be put down to sleep lying flat on their backs, with their feet at the bottom of the cot and blankets tucked in firmly under their arms.
They should sleep on a separate sleep surface: a flat, firm mattress with no rips or tears. They should not be left to sleep on a sofa or armchair, or sleep on a sofa with an adult. Soft surfaces can make a child overheat.
Bedding should be clean and in good condition.
There should be nothing else in the cot that can be a hazard - no sleep nests, cot bumpers, soft toys or pillows for babies under 1 year old. Bedding should not be heavy or bulky.
The temperature in the room should be between 16-20C. If using a sleeping bag, the baby doesn’t need any extra bedding on top as they may overheat.
Make sure nothing unsafe is in reach through cot bars eg. keep electric electric wires, nappy sacks etc. well out of reach.
Check children frequently while they are sleeping - at least every 10 minutes.
2. What about sleeping car seats or baby bouncers?
Car seats and baby bouncers can make babies overheat and if they are in a bunched up position it can make their breathing more difficult. They’re not to be used as alternatives for a cot. It’s recommended that babies spend no more than 2 hours in a baby bouncer or car seat and these should not be used a sleep space.
If you’re out and about and a baby falls asleep in the car seat, they should be transferred to a flat surface as soon as possible.
Baby bouncers are fine to use for short periods whilst the baby is awake, but bear in mind that when the baby is awake this is the perfect time to give them opportunities for free, unrestricted movement, such as practising rolling and tummy time on a playmat. This helps them to develop their core strength and motor skills. For more information on this, see the Amazing Babies course in your app.
3. What does the EYFS say?
3.69 “Sleeping children must be frequently checked to ensure that they are safe. Being safe includes ensuring that cots and bedding are in good condition and suited to the age of the child, and that babies are placed down to sleep safely in line with the latest government safety guidance”: Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) - NHS (www.nhs.uk).
Childminders may also find it helpful to read NHS advice on safety of sleeping children: Reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) - NHS (www.nhs.uk).
4. What’s the safest sleep option for toddlers and pre-schoolers?
The risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) is much higher for babies under 12 months, but the safe sleep guidance can still be extended to older children.
Make sure children have clean, individual bedding and a separate, flat surface to sleep on such as a sleep mat. Make sure you check and follow the manufacturer’s guidance on the sleep mats.
If the child is mobile, make sure there are no hazards in reach of them when they wake up - e.g. electric cords etc.
Sleeping children should be checked regularly, for example, in 10 minute intervals.
5. What if parents are happy for the child to sleep in a buggy?
Speak to the parents to make sure they’re aware of the safe sleep guidelines. Buggies are not to be used as an alternative to a firm, flat, safe sleep surface. However, practically, there may be times when you go out on trips and a child falls asleep in the buggy. If this happens you should follow guidance for ‘Safer sleep for babies away from home or in emergency situations’:
If the buggy can be laid flat/recline fully, then do that. Ensure the base of the buggy or pram/carrycot is flat and not sloping or tilted.
Keep the hood down when indoors and don’t cover the buggy or pram/carrycot. For example, don’t put material or a blanket over the top of the pram to keep out light.
Make sure they are not overheating in outdoor coats.
The padded sides of a buggy/pram/carrycot may trap more heat, so keep checking the child’s temperature. Feel the back of their neck or chest – if their skin feels sweaty they are too hot, so remove a layer of bedding or clothing.
Ensure you check the child frequently (at least every 10 minutes) while they are sleeping.
If the buggy can't be laid fully flat, or if they fall asleep in a car seat, transfer the child to the firm flat surface when you get home (as per guidance for under 1s).
We really recommend this resource from the Lullaby Trust which goes into more detail around safe sleep in childminder settings.
Resources:
Lullaby Trust guidelines for childminders - https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Safer-Sleep-Awareness-A-Guide-For-Childminders-Foster-Carers-Nannies-and-Nursery-Settings.pdf
Safe sleep in EYFS settings - https://www.nurseryworld.co.uk/features/article/safer-practices-part-2-caring-for-children-while-they-sleep
Lullaby trust guidelines for small babies and parents - https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Safer-sleep-for-babies-a-guide-for-parents-web.pdf
Safe sleep videos -