Safe Sleep Rules for Caregivers

Childcare providers are taking important steps to promote the health and safety of babies

North Carolina Law (G.S. 110-91-15) requires child care providers licensed to care for children ages 12 months or younger to:

Safe Sleep Rules for Caregivers

If you care for babies 12 months of age or younger, follow these child care rules to promote sleep safety and to reduce the risks for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

  1. Always place baby on its back to sleep. A written waiver from a healthcare provider or parent stating a different sleep position is allowed in certain circumstances.
  2. Do NOT cover baby's head. Baby's head remains uncovered throughout sleep time.
  3. Visually check the sleeping baby and record information. Record baby's position, who checked, the date and time. Keep record for 1 month.
  4. Create a safe sleep place. Use a crib, bassinet or playpen. Use a firm padded surface (mat or mattress). If objects are allowed in the crib when baby sleeps, your policy must state what kind and how many.
  5. Observe the room temperature where baby sleeps. Keep room temperature 75° Fahrenheit or lower.
  6. No smoking. No one may smoke while children are in care or are being transported . There are restrictions about smoking and using tobacco products. Check with your licensing consultant for more information.
  7. Stomach to play. Put an awake baby on its tummy.
  8. Develop a written Safe Sleep Policy Post your policy or a sleep safety poster in the infants' sleeping area.
  9. Share the Safe Sleep Policy with parents and staff. Talk to parents about the policy before their child enrolls. Have parents sign a statement when the policy is explained and keep a copy. Give parents a copy of the policy.
  10. Take the required ITS-SIDS (or Infant/Toddler Safe Sleep and SIDS Risk Reduction in Child Care) Training. New providers must take ITS-SIDS training within 4 months of being hired. Take ITS-SIDS training every 3 years. Receive contact hour credits.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is the sudden and unexpected death of an infant 12 months of age or younger, for whom no cause of death can be found:

Although SIDS cannot be prevented, caregivers and families can reduce the risk when they

Stomach to Play and Back to Sleep for baby's healthy development and to reduce the risks of SIDS

Top Ten Tips

  1. Allow only one baby per crib.
  2. Tuck blanket along 3 sides of the mattress.
  3. Consider checking sleeping baby every 15-20 minutes.
  4. It is safest to keep toys, stuffed animals and fluffy blankets out of the crib when baby sleeps.
  5. Use a thermometer. Maintaining 68oF to 72oF is safe and comfortable.
  6. Put a No Smoking sign at your door.
  7. Make tummy time interactive and fun for baby.
  8. Review the safe sleep policy at staff orientation.
  9. Include your safe sleep policy in the parent and staff handbooks.
  10. Keep your Training certification up-to-date.

Baby's Safe Sleep Thermometer

To reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Keep Baby Comfortable. Not Too Hot.

Resources

www.NCHealthyStart.org

North Carolina Healthy Start Foundation offers materials about women's and children's health, pregnancy, infant development, SIDS and access to child health insurance.

N. C. Division of Child Development

www.ncchildcare.net

CARELINE

1-800-662-7030

To find a local ITS-SIDS training call or contact:

For more information about SIDS call the NC Family Health Resource Line at 1-800-367-2229.