When it comes to infant care, few things matter more than sleep. That's why parents often put a great deal of thought and care into creating safe sleep environments at home, where safety is in the details and often a matter of close monitoring.
But when a baby starts daycare, that monitoring becomes trust. Knowing what to look for in a program's approach to crib safety at daycare can help families make informed decisions and gain peace of mind knowing their baby is in an environment that follows the same crib safety and safe sleep practices they trust at home.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends placing babies on their backs to sleep on a firm, flat sleep surface in a crib, bassinet, portable crib, or play yard that meets current safety standards. The sleep environment should be free of blankets, pillows, bumper pads, stuffed animals, and other loose objects that could create potential hazards.
Whether your baby sleeps at home, in daycare, or another caregiving setting, understanding current crib safety recommendations can help create a safer sleep environment and support overall infant care safety.
What are the AAP's crib safety recommendations?
The AAP recommends that infants:
- Sleep on their backs
- Sleep on a firm, flat, non-inclined surface
- Sleep in a crib, bassinet, portable crib, or play yard that meets current safety standards
- Sleep in a crib that is free of blankets, pillows, toys, bumper pads, and loose bedding
- Share a room, but not a sleep surface, with a parent during infancy
The safest crib setup is also the simplest: a firm mattress, a fitted sheet, and your baby.
What should parents know about crib standards and setup?
Cribs used by child care facilities must meet applicable federal safety standards. Parents can ask how a program confirms compliance, checks equipment for wear or damage, tracks recalls, keeps hardware secure, cleans cribs between users, and positions cribs away from cords, window coverings, heaters, and other hazards.
During a tour, look for a sleep area that is uncluttered and visible to teachers. Cribs should be locked in place when required, free of loose items, and used for sleep rather than as a place to contain an awake infant.
Are crib bumpers and inclined sleepers safe?
No. The AAP recommends against the use of crib bumpers and inclined sleepers.
Crib bumpers have been associated with sleep-related hazards and are not recommended for infant sleep environments. The Safe Sleep for Babies Act of 2021 also prohibits the manufacture and sale of crib bumpers in the United States.
Can babies sleep in swings, car seats, or bouncy seats?
No. Infants should sleep on a firm, flat, non-inclined sleep surface designed for infant sleep.
While babies may occasionally fall asleep in a swing, car seat, bouncy seat, lounger, or similar product, these devices are not intended for routine sleep. If a baby falls asleep in one of these devices, they should be moved to a safe sleep space as soon as it is safe to do so.
The AAP also advises against using inclined sleep products because research has shown they do not provide a safe sleeping environment for infants.
What questions should parents ask about crib safety at daycare?
When evaluating infant care programs, asking the right questions can help you understand a program's approach to daycare crib safety and safe sleep practices.
Crib safety checklist for parents
- Are infants placed on their backs for sleep?
- Do cribs meet current safety standards?
- Are cribs free of blankets, pillows, toys, and bumpers?
- How are safe sleep recommendations communicated to caregivers?
- What happens if a baby falls asleep outside of a crib?
- How often are cribs checked for damage or wear?
- How often are crib safety inspections conducted?
- What routine crib checks are performed to help ensure cribs remain safe?
- How do caregivers maintain a safe sleep environment throughout the day?
The answers can provide valuable insight into a program's commitment to crib safety at daycare and whether its practices align with current expert recommendations.
What should parents remember about crib safety?
Crib safety starts with creating a simple sleep environment and following evidence-based safe sleep recommendations. Whether a baby is sleeping at home, at daycare, or with another caregiver, the same principles apply:
- Place babies on their backs to sleep
- Use a firm, flat sleep surface
- Keep cribs free of loose objects and bedding
- Avoid inclined sleep products.
- Follow current AAP safe sleep recommendations
When it comes to infant sleep, consistency matters. Parents should feel confident that the same crib safety principles they follow at home are also being followed wherever their baby sleeps. Understanding crib safety guidelines can help families make informed decisions and feel more confident about their child's care.
Looking for infant care you can trust?
- Use our Center Finder to locate a Bright Horizons® center near you
- Explore Bright Horizons’ infant care programs
- Learn more about daycare safety
