A baby is sleeping in on their back, with their head tilted to the side. They have dark hair, light skin and wear a polkadot baby grow. Their arms are rested either side of their head.

Training overview

This essential training is provided by The Lullaby Trust on behalf of Walsall Council, for early years professionals who are directly responsible for placing babies to sleep. Whether a nursery practitioner, childminder, foster carer, or work in another early years setting. This course will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to follow and promote safer sleep practices that help reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

With a clear focus on real-world application, this training will enhance your understanding of SIDS and sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI), what increases the risk, and the protective role of safer sleep. You’ll explore the latest evidence-based advice and learn how to implement these guidelines practically within your setting to safeguard the babies in your care.

The course also addresses how specific factors, such as smoking, breastfeeding, and infections can influence risk, and provides clear guidance on how to create a safer sleep environment. You’ll gain awareness of common products that are not suitable for sleep and learn how safer sleep practices help  to protect a baby’s airway.

Cost per person: Free

Early years professional sitting on the floor in a nursery with a little girl on her lap, playing with toys.

Key skills

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Understand the definitions of SIDS and SUDI, and how they differ.
  • Recognise the risk factors that make some babies more vulnerable to SIDS.
  • Apply evidence-based safer sleep practices confidently in your early years setting.
  • Understand the ways in which safer sleep positions and environments help protect a baby’s airway.
  • Identify products that are not suitable for infant sleep.
  • Understand the influence of smoking, breastfeeding, and infections on infant sleep safety.
  • Access and use trusted resources and materials to support safer sleep messaging and implementation within your setting.

4098

professionals trained in our safer sleep advice last year.

98 %

of professionals said they can apply our training to their daily work.

95 %

believe The Lullaby Trust's training is of a high quality.

Frequently asked questions

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