Ensuring Safe Sleep Practices in Nurseries: A Guide for Parents

At our nurseries, we prioritise following all guidelines and training our practitioners in Safer Sleeping practices. But what exactly is Safer Sleeping?

Safe Sleep Experts suggest that good sleep habits can be cultivated, making the early years the ideal time to start. Sleep is crucial for a healthy lifestyle, helping to reset our brain and body, combat illness, and alleviate stress.

The Importance of Sleep Approximately four in ten children experience> sleep issues, with this rising to eight in ten for children with additional needs. Lack of sleep affects physical and mental health, concentration, and communication. Scientists assert that humans can survive three times longer without food than without sleep. Both the quality and duration of sleep are vital, with a good night’s sleep being six to ten hours for adults and ten to thirteen hours for children aged one to five.

Children’s Sleep Sleep is crucial for children’s growth and development, aiding learning, problem-solving, memory development, and happiness. It also supports the immune system, reducing susceptibility to illness. Sleep deprivation can result in hyperactivity, behavioural issues, and can hinder mental and physical development. Developing good sleep habits early on can prevent long-term sleeping problems.

Celebrating Sleep It’s never too late to encourage good sleep habits. By integrating sleep as a key component of a healthy lifestyle during a child’s early years, you lay the foundation for lifelong good sleep. Engage children in positive discussions about sleep:

• Discuss bedtime routines.
• Role-play bedtime with toys.
• Recognise when they feel tired and how to relax.

Tips for Creating Bedtime Routines Creating a positive and consistent bedtime routine can help your child transition smoothly into sleep. Here are some strategies to consider:

• Set a Consistent Bedtime: Decide on a bedtime that allows your child to get enough sleep and stick to it every night.
• Create a Calm Environment: Dim the lights and ensure the room is quiet and comfortable before bedtime.
• Wind Down Activities: Encourage peaceful activities like reading a story, drawing, or listening to calming music an hour before bed.
• Limit Screen Time: Turn off all screens at least an hour before bed to minimise blue light exposure, which can interfere with melatonin production.
• Relax with a Bath: A warm bath before bed can help relax your child and signal that it’s time to settle down.
• Share a Bedtime Story: Reading a story together can be a comforting ritual that your child looks forward to each night.
• Establish a Routine: Create a consistent sequence of activities leading up to bedtime, such as brushing teeth, putting on pyjamas, and tucking into bed.
• Encourage Independence: Allow older children to have some say in their bedtime routine, whether it’s choosing a story or deciding which pyjamas to wear.
• Stay Calm and Patient: Bedtimes can sometimes bring resistance, so stay calm and patient as your child adapts to the routine.

Minimising SIDS Risk Risk factors can be significantly reduced by:

• Placing babies on their back for sleep in a separate space with a firm, flat mattress.
• Maintaining a room temperature between 16-20 degrees.
• Using sleep bags or securely tucked-in bedding.
• Supervising sleeping babies.

Sleep for Practitioners and Parents Practitioners must lead by example. Despite the demands of the job, it’s vital to maintain good sleep habits. A good night’s sleep helps adults manage stress. Parents and carers, often sleep-deprived, should also prioritise sleep and seek help if needed.

By understanding and implementing these practices, both nurseries and homes can ensure a safer, healthier sleep environment for children and adults alike. 

Safer sleep resources Safe Sleep Policy for nurseries in England, Scotland and Wales Lullaby Trust Safer Sleeping Guide Lullaby Trust helpline 0808 802 6869 Scottish Government ‘Safer sleep for babies guide for professionals’ Scottish Cot Death Trust ‘Early Years Safe Sleeping Guide’ The Sleep Charity NHS sleep guidance.