Creating Safe Sleep Environments: A Guide for Early Childhood Educators and Families

Early childhood educators and families share the responsibility of helping infants sleep safely. Consistent safe sleep practices in child care programs and at home reduce the risk of sleep-related incidents, including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). When caregivers work together, they create a safe, nurturing, and consistent sleep environment.

Because infants often move between home and child care, consistency matters. They are safest when every caregiver follows the same sleep guidelines, no matter where they rest. For educators, these practices are often required by licensing rules. For families, they offer peace of mind that their child is protected throughout the day.

To help remember safe sleep guidance, keep the following ABCs in mind.

• • Alone: Infants sleep in their own space
  • Back: Always place infants on their backs
  • Cribs: Use a firm, flat approved sleep surface

These three principles form the foundation of safe sleep in both child care programs and at home. For additional safety, always feed infants while holding them rather than leaving a bottle in the crib. Remove all bumper pads, blankets, and stuffed animals from the crib, as an added safety measure. Remove all bumper pads, blankets, and stuffed animals to reduce suffocation risks.

• • Local fire departments may distribute smoke detectors at no cost.
  • Hospitals conduct car seat checks to ensure correct installation.
  • Community health departments provide vaccinations to those with limited or no health insurance.

Infants should always be placed on their backs for every nap and nighttime sleep, including time spent in child care programs. When educators and families consistently follow these practices, infants are more likely to develop safe and predictable sleep routines.

• • Follow program policies and safe sleep regulations
  • Communicate safe sleep expectations with families
  • Practice back sleeping at home to remain consistency

Even if an infant seems more comfortable on their stomach, back sleeping remains the safest position until their first birthday. This practice significantly reduces the risk of sleep-related incidents and supports healthy development.

Infants need a firm, flat, and uncluttered sleep surface. Approved sleep spaces include safety-certified cribs, bassinets, and portable Pack ‘N Plays. Always keep the sleep area free of soft objects and loose bedding.

• • Cribs should meet current safety standards
  • Each infant should have their own designated sleep space
  • Avoid letting infants sleep on pillows, couches, cushions, or adult beds

Maintaining a clear, consistent sleep space is one of the most effective ways to protect infants during rest. These practices not only reduce risk but also help establish healthy sleep habits that support overall growth and well-being.

Adults may be tempted to include soft objects to help infants sleep, especially if those items are used in other environments. However, these objects can increase the risk of suffocation or choking. Safer alternatives include the following actions.

• • Wearable blankets or sleep sacks
  • Swaddling newborns when appropriate
  • Maintaining a comfortable room temperature instead of adding loose layers

Educators can support families by explaining the risks associated with soft objects and demonstrating safe alternatives. Modeling these behaviors helps build confidence and consistency across care settings.

Always follow program policies and pediatric recommendations regarding pacifier use in child care programs and at home. Consistency across programs helps ensure that safe sleep practices are maintained by everyone supporting the infant. Room sharing, where an infant sleeps in the same room as an adult but on a separate sleep surface, is recommended as a safer option than bed sharing. Bed sharing increases the risk of suffocation, entrapment, and overheating, especially when soft bedding is present.

• • Keep the infant’s crib or bassinet in your room for at least the first 6 months
  • Avoid bringing the infant into bed for sleep
  • Always return the infant to their own sleep space

Creating a separate, firm sleep surface within the same room allows caregivers to remain close and responsive while maintaining a safe sleep environment. This balance supports both bonding and safety.

Offering a pacifier at nap time or bedtime can reduce the risk of SIDS and help soothe infants as they fall asleep. When used correctly, pacifiers can be a helpful part of a consistent bedtime routine. 

• • Use pacifiers without clips or attachments during sleep
  • Do not force an infant to take a pacifier
  • If the pacifier falls out, there is no need to replace it

Always follow program policies and pediatric recommendations regarding pacifier use in child care programs and at home. Consistency across programs helps ensure that safe sleep practices are maintained by everyone supporting the infant.

While infants should sleep on their backs, tummy time while awake is essential for development. Tummy time should be offered throughout the day and holds the following benefits.

• • Core muscle strength
  • Motor skill development
  • Prevention of flat spots on the head

Both educators and families can make tummy time by engaging and incorporating simple interactions like playing Peek-a-Boo, looking at pictures, or reading soft books. These activities support physical, cognitive, and social-emotional growth.

Effective communication ensures that safe sleep practices are followed consistently across settings. Educators can share reminders through bulletin boards, newsletters, and program websites while encouraging collaboration with families.

• • Share daily sleep routines and observations
  • Provide education on safe sleep policies
  • Encourage open questions and conversations

Open, ongoing dialogue builds trust and helps ensure that everyone caring for the infant is aligned on safe sleep practices. By working together, families and educators can create a consistent and supportive environment that prioritizes each child’s safety and well-being.

Safe sleep is most effective when it becomes part of a shared culture of care. Educators and families can work together to ensure all caregivers consistently follow recommended practices.

• • Provide regular safe sleep training for staff and families
  • Post guidelines visibly in classrooms, newsletters, and websites
  • Stay informed on current safe sleep recommendations

By prioritizing education and consistency, communities can strengthen their commitment to infant safety. Together, these efforts help ensure that safe sleep practices are understood, valued, and consistently followed across all caregiving environments.

Keeping infants safe during sleep is a shared responsibility. When early childhood educators and families work together, they create a consistent and protective environment that supports both safety and healthy development. By following simple, research-based guidelines, every infant—whether at home or in care—can have a safe and secure place to rest.