13. Napping and Sleeping Space

Question 1

Napping/Sleeping Spaces

Answer 1

~ children must have their own designated sleeping area where they can sleep or quietly rest
~ when not in use, this space may be used as indoor floor space
~ napping or sleeping spaces may not be under furniture or against furniture, creating a hazard
~ these spaces may not block exit areas
~ a minimum of 18 inches must be maintained around the individual napping or sleeping spaces
~ two sides may be against a solid barrier such as a wall; however, a solid crib side does not meet this requirement

Question 2

Safe Sleep Practices

Answer 2

~ all child care personnel who care for infants must follow safe sleep practices recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics
~ cribs must have tight fitted sheets with no excess bedding, such as bumper pads, comforters, pillows, stuffed animals, etc., which can pose a strangulation or suffocation risk
~ all programs must have written policies and procedures to identify and prevent shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma
~ children who are unable to roll over must be put on their backs to sleep on a firm surface to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), unless a physician authorizes an alternate position and the documentation is on file with the child care program
~ sleep sacks that fit according to the manufacturer’s recommendations may be used if they do not restrict the infant’s arms or slide up around their face; however, swaddling shall not be used unless authorized by a child’s physician