Safe Sleep In Child Care

When placing a baby in the cot to sleep:

• Ensure that the baby is placed on its back at the top of the cot to allow for maximum movement.

• Ensure that the baby is on its back with feet touching the bottom of the cot to prevent them wriggling down under the blankets.

• It does not matter whether the baby is at the top or the bottom of the cot.

Which statement is correct?

• • Side and tummy sleeping is only recommended for babies under the age of three (3) months if they have reflux.

• • Side and tummy sleeping increases the risk of SIDS and must be avoided.

• • Tummy sleeping is safe providing that the baby is on a firm mattress and cannot suffocate.

• • It is OK to sleep a baby on the tummy during the day but it's recommended to sleep them on their back at night.

The parent of a four (4) month old baby asks you to sleep the baby on its tummy because this is how all her babies have slept and he settles best on the tummy. Your response should be

• Comply with the parent's request as you do not want to upset the baby or the parent.

• Inform the parent that you can only do this if the parent signs a waiver which removes responsibility from you if you the baby dies.

• Acknowledge the parent's concern, spend time informing the parent about your service's policy and advise the parent why the back is best for the baby.

When selecting bedding for a baby's cot, the most appropriate choice would be:

• A pillow and a thin blanket tucked in at the bottom of the cot.

• A duvet/doona that the baby is used to at home but no pillow.

• Light weight blankets tucked in at the bottom or a safe baby sleeping bag.

Which statement is correct?

• Pillows, products or devices to restrict the movement of a baby and to keep the baby on their back or side are recommended to prevent the baby from rolling over onto their tummy.

• 
  Baby sleeping bags are a good alternative to bedding and may help to maintain the baby on their back.

• When the baby is able to roll over, wrapping or swaddling them snugly with arms in by their side can prevent them rolling.

Which statement is correct?

• Soft Toys are permitted in a cot and can be used to settle young babies.

• Lambs wool or sheepskins are safe to use in a cot or portable cot as long as they are placed under the cot sheet.

• Soft toys and comforters should not be introduced into the sleeping environment until the baby is over the age of twelve (12) months.

Which statement is correct?

• Babies are more likely to choke if they are placed on their back.

• Sleeping a baby on their tummy or side is recommended if baby has colic, reflux, a flat head or wind.

• Titling or elevating the sleeping surface for for babies sleeping on their backs do not reduce the symptoms or reflux.

Which statement is correct if a baby is ill or has a cold?

• It is best to place more blankets on a baby to keep them very warm and to let them sweat out the fever.

• 
  Protect the baby from overheating by sleeping the baby on their back with their head and face uncovered and removing some bedding or clothing if baby is overly warm to the touch, sweating or red in the face.

• Maintaining a specific room temperature where the baby is sleeping is the best practice to stop the baby overheating and to reduce the risk of SIDS.