At Canterbury Road Day Nursery, your child’s safety and wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do – including nap time. One of the most important ways we keep babies safe is by following the latest safe sleep guidelines. Whether you’re a first-time parent or looking for a refresher, this post outlines simple steps you can take to help your baby sleep safely at home, based on trusted advice from The Lullaby Trust.

Why Safe Sleep Matters

Sadly, over 200 babies die suddenly and unexpectedly every year in the UK, and many of these deaths are unexplained. This is known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). While the exact cause of SIDS is unknown, research shows there are proven ways to reduce the risk—and it starts with creating a safe sleep environment.

The Basics of Safer Sleep

Here are the key recommendations from The Lullaby Trust that we also follow at Canterbury Road Day Nursery:

✅ Always place your baby on their back to sleep

This is the safest position for sleep. Never place babies on their side or front to sleep.

✅ Keep the sleep space clear

Use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress and avoid pillows, cot bumpers, duvets, soft toys, or loose bedding. These can pose a risk of suffocation or overheating.

✅ Share a room—but not a bed

It’s recommended that babies sleep in the same room as parents or carers for the first six months—day and night. However, they should have their own separate sleep space, such as a cot or Moses basket.

✅ Keep baby smoke-free

Babies who are exposed to cigarette smoke during pregnancy or after birth are at a much greater risk of SIDS. Make sure your baby’s environment is always smoke-free.

✅ Avoid overheating

Dress your baby in light sleep clothing and keep the room at a comfortable temperature (between 16–20°C). A baby sleeping bag that’s the right size and tog rating can help keep your baby at a safe temperature.

How We Support Safe Sleep at Nursery

At Canterbury Road Day Nursery, we provide:

• Clean, firm cots with no soft bedding or toys
• Individual bedding for each child
• Frequent monitoring during sleep
• Staff trained in safe sleep practices
• Clear communication with parents about your child’s sleep habits and routines

Whether your child naps in our baby room or is having a quiet rest in the toddler space, you can be confident that we’re prioritising their safety every step of the way.

Learn More

You can find full safe sleep advice, videos, and downloadable guides from The Lullaby Trust here:
https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/safer-sleep-advice/ 

We’re always here to help answer any questions you have about your child’s sleep at nursery or at home. Please feel free to speak to your child’s key person or our nursery team at any time.

Let’s give every baby the safest start, because every sleep matters.