Qualification: NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator
Unit: Unit 1.3: Support physical care routines for children
Learning outcome: Understand rest and sleep needs of children
Assessment criteria: Explain safety precautions which minimise the risk of sudden infant death syndrome
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the unexpected and unexplained death of a seemingly healthy baby during the first 6 months of their life. Although the causes are unknown, there are a number of safety precautions, recommended by the NHS, which can be taken to minimise the risk of SIDS, including:
- Always positioning the baby on their back to sleep
- Put the baby in the “feet to foot” position (with their feet touching the end of the cot, Moses basket or pram)
- Keeping the baby’s head uncovered (their blanket should be tucked in no higher than their shoulders)
- Regularly check on the sleeping baby
- Use a mattress that is firm, flat, waterproof and in good condition
- Not smoking during pregnancy or letting anyone smoke in the same room as the baby
- Not sleeping on a bed, sofa or armchair with the baby
- Maintain an adequate temperature (a room temperature of 16C to 20C is comfortable for most babies)