Infant Sleep Position Policy

The American Public Health Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics have written guidelines for child care centers called Caring for Our Children - National Health and Safety Performance Standards: Guidelines for Out-of-Home Child Care Programs. Suggested are the following rules regarding infant sleep position and surroundings:

• Infants under 12 months of age shall be placed on their backs on a firm tight-fitting mattress for sleep in a crib.

• Waterbeds, sofas, soft mattresses, pillows, and other soft surfaces shall be prohibited as infant sleeping surfaces.

• All pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and other soft products shall be removed from the crib.

• If a blanket is used, the infant shall be placed at the foot of the crib with a thin blanket tucked around the crib mattress, reaching only as far as the infant’s chest.

• The infant’s head shall remain uncovered during sleep.

(Caring for Our Children, Standard FA 190A )

I, ___________________________, parent/guardian of ___________________________ have read the policy memorandum on reducing the potential for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in Child Care Programs. I understand that placing infants on their backs during sleep is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics to lower the risk of SIDS. I support this policy and am working with my child’s caregiver/provider on the best sleep position for my child.

Instructions for sleep position:

_________ ___________________________

Date Parent/Guardian Signature