At Keystone Childcare, your baby’s safety and well-being are always our top priority, especially when it comes to sleep. Safe sleep practices not only give infants the rest they need to grow but also protect them from risks such as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and accidental suffocation. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide clear guidelines that we follow both in our classrooms and recommend for your home.
Safe Sleep Basics
The AAP “ABCs” of Safe Sleep:
- Alone: Babies should always sleep in their own sleep space (crib, bassinet, or portable play yard), not in the bed with adults or siblings.
- Back: Always place your baby on their back for every nap and nighttime sleep.
- Crib: Use a firm, flat mattress with a fitted sheet, no blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, bumpers, or toys.
At Keystone Childcare
Our infant teachers are trained to follow strict safe sleep guidelines every day:
- Infants are always placed on their backs in safety-approved cribs.
- Each crib is free from loose bedding or objects.
- Sleep spaces are kept cool, smoke-free, and monitored by staff at all times.
- Teachers conduct visual checks during naps to ensure each baby’s well-being.
At Home: Tips for Parents
- Consistent routine: Always put your baby down on their back, even for short naps.
- Room sharing, not bed sharing: Keep baby’s crib or bassinet in your room for the first 6–12 months.
- Dress safely: Use a sleep sack instead of blankets to keep your baby warm.
- No car seat sleeping: Car seats, swings, or loungers should not be used for routine sleep.
Away From Home
Sometimes families are traveling or visiting loved ones, safe sleep is still possible!
- Pack a portable crib or play yard that meets safety standards.
- Never place a baby on an adult bed or couch to sleep.
- Remind caregivers (grandparents, babysitters, friends) about current safe sleep recommendations, since advice has changed over the years.
When Baby is Fussy
It can be tempting to let a tired parent or caregiver bend the rules when a baby won’t settle. Instead:
- Soothe first: Try rocking, gentle shushing, or a pacifier (AAP notes pacifiers may reduce the risk of SIDS).
- Swaddle safely: Only for young babies who cannot roll over yet, and always on the back. Stop swaddling as soon as rolling begins.
- Consistency helps: Keeping the same safe sleep routine at home and daycare teaches babies what to expect and makes transitions easier.
Why It Matters
Following safe sleep guidelines can dramatically reduce risks and help everyone sleep more peacefully. When families and caregivers work together, babies experience consistent, safe, and nurturing environments, at home, at daycare, and anywhere else they lay their heads.
At Keystone Childcare, we take every nap seriously because each moment of rest is an opportunity for your baby to grow strong and healthy in the safest way possible. By practicing safe sleep habits both at home and in our center, we can ensure your little one enjoys sweet dreams and safe dreams, every single day.