Every sleep, for every baby, has to follow safer sleep guidance. There is no quick nap where the rules can relax. This course gives your team the NHS and Lullaby Trust approach to reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), from how a baby is placed down to what a proper sleep check looks like and how to speak up when a colleague gets it wrong.
Why safer sleep training matters
SIDS is rare, and that is the result of safer sleep practice, not a reason to relax it. The risk is highest in the first six months of life, and higher again for babies born early or with a low birth weight. When the “back to sleep” advice became standard in the UK, deaths fell dramatically.
The EYFS requires providers to follow safer sleep guidance for the babies in their care, and Ofsted expects to see it in your sleep policy, your daily practice and your sleep records. Parents trust you with every nap, and a consistent, well-recorded routine is how you show that trust is well placed.
What’s in the course
- Understanding SIDSWhat SIDS is and is not, when babies are most at risk, and the factors that raise or lower it.
- Safe sleep positionsBack to sleep for every sleep, feet-to-foot, head uncovered, and what to do once babies start rolling.
- A safe sleep environmentFirm, flat, waterproof mattresses, a clear cot, the right bedding or sleeping bag, and room temperature.
- Monitoring and recording sleepPhysical checks at the cot side, what to look for, how often, and records that satisfy parents and Ofsted.
- Working with parents on safer sleepTalking about sleep at settling-in, handling home routines that differ, and recording wishes and medical advice.
- Recognising and challenging unsafe sleepSpotting unsafe practice, putting it right, raising it without blame, and responding in an emergency.
- Assessment10 questions. Pass mark 80%.
What you’ll learn
- Why babies go down on their back for every sleep, feet-to-foot, with the head uncovered
- How to set up a clear, firm, flat sleep space: no pillows, duvets, bumpers or soft toys for under-ones
- How to keep the sleep room at a comfortable 16 to 20°C and dress babies for the room
- What to check at every sleep check: breathing, colour, temperature, position and head covering
- Why audio and video monitors support checks but never replace them
- What to do when a baby falls asleep in a car seat, pushchair or bouncer
- How to talk to parents about safer sleep warmly and without judgement
- How to challenge unsafe practice and what to do in an emergency
Who this course is for
- Baby room and toddler room practitioners
- Room leaders and managers who write or check the sleep policy
- Childminders caring for babies and children under two
- Apprentices, students, bank and agency staff who cover sleep times
How it works
- OnlineStudy on any device and pick up where you left off.
- 6 short lessonsAbout 45 minutes in total.
- 10-question assessmentPass mark 80%. Resit as many times as you need.
- CertificateIssued when you pass. NFAQ accredited.
Training your team
Everyone who puts children down to sleep or covers sleep checks should follow the same routine, so this course works best taken by the whole room. Choose the number of learners at checkout, with group rates from 3 learners, or get it as part of the Training Portal for £5 per learner per month. It pairs well with Working with Babies and Safer Eating, Choking Prevention and Safe Weaning.
Frequently asked questions
Who needs safer sleep training?
Anyone who puts babies or young children down to sleep, or checks on them while they sleep. That includes cover staff, apprentices and students, not just the baby room team.
How often should sleeping children be checked?
Your sleep policy should set the interval, and checks must be regular. Many settings check every 10 minutes, and more often for very young babies, first sleeps in the setting and children who are unwell. Every check is a physical check at the cot side.
Can babies sleep in a car seat, pushchair or bouncer?
They are not designed for sleep. If a baby drops off in one, move them to a firm, flat cot as soon as you can.
What if a parent asks us to put their baby down on their front?
Explain the guidance and why you follow it, and record the conversation in the child’s care plan. Babies are placed on their back unless there is specific written medical advice for that child. The Lullaby Trust’s parent resources are a good place to point families to.
What happens if I don’t pass the assessment?
You can resit it as many times as you need until you pass. Your certificate is issued as soon as you reach the 80% pass mark.
Does the course cover toddlers as well as babies?
The SIDS guidance focuses on babies, especially under six months, but the sleep checks, the environment and the challenge culture apply to every sleeping child in your care.
