Caring for babies that aren’t your own
Whether you’re caring for a baby in a nursery setting, childminding, nannying or in foster care, it’s important you take steps to keep babies as safe as possible.
By understanding what SIDS is, and knowing what you can do to reduce the risk, you can fulfil your duty of care for babies you are looking after.
Please note that The Lullaby Trust’s safer sleep guidance is designed for infants up to 12 months. Queries relating to best practice for children over 12 months should be directed to the Department for Education.
Back to sleep
All babies should be placed on their back for every sleep, day and night. Sleeping a baby on their front or side greatly increases the risk of SIDS and can block or narrow a baby’s airway (their ability to breathe).
Once babies can move from their back to their front and back again by themselves they can find their own sleeping position. However, continue to place them on their back to sleep.
Sleeping place
The safest place for a baby to sleep is in a Moses basket, cot, travel cot or carrycot on a firm, flat mattress with a waterproof cover.
Avoid beanbags, sofas, bouncy chairs, pods/nests, cushions and car seats as these significantly increase the risk of SIDS. We advise against sleeping babies in a seated or inclined position such as in pushchairs/buggies. If a baby falls asleep in a product like any of the above, you should move them onto a clear, firm, flat surface.
Sleep supervision
Research has shown that sleeping a baby on their own sleep surface in the same room as their parent or carer, day and night, reduces the risk of SIDS.
In a nursery environment, sleeping babies should be closely supervised.
A member of staff must be present in the same room as any baby being slept who is under six months of age. For babies older than six months, sleep supervision could be a member of staff being present in a dedicated sleep room whilst the babies sleep, or frequent monitoring by members of staff. Children should always be within sight and hearing of staff when sleeping.
Checking equipment
Ensure the equipment your setting is using for the babies’ sleep space has passed necessary safety checks and follow the manufacturer’s guidance that comes with any products you use.
Mattresses
In your early years setting you should check that the mattress is still firm, flat and is in good condition with no rips, tears or sagging. We also recommend that the mattress is protected by a waterproof cover, wiped down with anti-bacterial spray and that a freshly washed sheet is used over the mattress. All mattresses should be inspected and replaced immediately if there are any signs of damage.
Bedding
Firmly tucked in sheets and blankets (not above shoulder height) are suitable for a baby to sleep in. Sleep baby in the feet-to-foot position (baby’s feet at the bottom of the cot) and avoid using soft or bulky bedding such as quilts, pillows and duvets. Remember that one blanket doubled over counts as two blankets.
A baby sleep bag is also a good option as it reduces the risk of blankets and sheets being kicked off and covering baby’s head. Baby sleep bags should be well fitted, so the baby can’t wriggle down inside. Use the correct tog rating for the room temperature. There is no need to use any additional bedding when using a baby sleep bag.
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SIDS and safer sleep training for early years professionals
This essential training is specifically designed for early years professionals who are directly responsible for placing babies to sleep.
Keeping a clear cot
There is evidence to suggest that babies are at higher risk of SIDS if they have their heads covered and some items added to a cot may increase the risk of head-covering.
Unnecessary items in a baby’s cot can also increase the risk of accidents. We therefore recommend babies are slept in cots that are kept as clear as possible and specifically advise:
- No pillows or duvets
- No cot bumpers
- No soft toys
- No loose bedding
- No pods or nests
- No products (such as wedges or straps) that will keep the baby in one sleeping position.
Temperature
Aim to keep the room that babies sleep in between 16 – 20°C. It is important to make sure that the baby’s room is a comfortable temperature – not too hot or too cold. The risk of SIDS is higher in babies who get too hot.
Resources for early years professionals
Advice for early years settings poster
A handy poster with advice on what babies should sleep in in early years settings
Safer sleep awareness for early years settings booklet
A safer sleep guide for childminders, foster carers , nannies and nursery settings.
We're here to help
If you have any concerns about safer sleep or you're worried about looking after someone else’s baby, you can contact us for advice and support. We even offer training specifically for early years practitioners like you.
Frequently asked questions
Remember
If you are caring for babies in an early years setting, there are actions you can take to keep them as safe as possible. Always lay babies on their backs to sleep, use a firm mattress with no soft items, and keep their sleep space smoke-free. Keep the room temperature between 16-20°C and avoid overheating. Ensure that sleeping babies are always closely supervised. Consider writing a policy and procedure document to support staff in explaining safer sleep guidance to parents/carers.
Every baby safe. Every family supported.
This webpage has provided you with an overview of safer sleep in early years settings, but to ensure you have a full understanding, take our training. Our safer sleep and SIDS training is specifically for early years professionals. It provides practical guidance on creating safer sleep environments in your setting, and improves your knowledge and confidence. This course includes:
- Videos
- Written content
- Downloadable resources