Safe Sleep Policy

The purpose of the Safe Sleep Policy is to create a safe sleep environment that minimizes the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUID) in children under one year of age. In accordance with Missouri law (§ 210.223.1, RSMo.), all licensed childcare facilities caring for infants must implement and uphold a written safe sleep policy that aligns with the latest safe sleep guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Additionally, Missouri childcare licensing regulations require that parents and guardians of infants in care receive a copy of the facility's safe sleep policy.

SIDS refers to the unexplained death of an infant under one year old after thorough investigation, including autopsy, death scene examination, and review of the clinical history. SUID encompasses any sudden and unexpected death of an infant less than one year old, where the cause of death is not immediately apparent prior to investigation. Factors contributing to SUID may include metabolic disorders, hypothermia or hyperthermia, neglect or homicide, poisoning, and accidental suffocation.

Childcare providers can enhance sleep safety for infants and reduce the risk of SIDS by following specific guidelines. My goal is to take proactive measures to decrease the chances of SIDS in childcare settings and collaborate with parents to ensure infants are as safe as possible during sleep. To achieve this, Gloria's Daycare will adhere to the following safe sleep policy:

• Sleeping position

  Infants should sleep on their backs in a crib with a firm mattress and tight-fitting sheet. Infants who can roll over can choose their own sleeping position.

  
  

• Sleeping environment

  Cribs should be free of soft items like blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, and bumper pads. Infants should not sleep in furniture like car seats, swings, or bouncy seats. 

• Dressing

  Infants should be dressed appropriately for the environment, with no more than one extra layer than an adult. 

• Supervision

  Home monitors and commercial devices should not be used instead of supervision. 

• Pacifiers

  Pacifiers without cords or attaching mechanisms are allowed if indicated on the infant's care plan or with written parent consent. 

• Co-sleeping

  Daycares should not co-sleep with infants one year of age and younger. 

• Smoking

  No one should smoke or use tobacco products in the daycare while children are present. 

• Policy communication

  Daycares should provide a copy of the safe sleep policy to each infant's parent or guardian, upon request, when they enroll.