Safer Sleep in Early Years – Updated Guidance April 2026

by | Apr 21, 2026 | Blog, Early Years, Safeguarding

Safer Sleep in Early Years

Safer Sleep in Early Years – Updated Guidance April 2026

On the 20th of April 2026, the Department for Education, in collaboration with the Lullaby Trust, published updated safe sleep guidance. The updated guidance applies to all early years settings and plans to be included in the updated Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework expected in September 2026.

In this blog, we will explore the latest updates to safer sleep guidance within early years settings for April 2026. We’ll look at what has changed in the most recent guidance, the reasons behind these updates, and how practitioners can apply the recommendations in everyday practice to help ensure safe sleep environments for babies and young children.

Why is Safe Sleep Important?

Providing a safe sleep environment reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in babies up to 12 months of age, and sudden unexpected death in childhood (SUDC) in children aged over 12 months. SIDS refers to the sudden unexpected death of a baby where no exact cause is found.

There are some factors that can increase a baby’s risk of SIDS. These include:
• being born prematurely
• low birthweight
• exposure to smoking in pregnancy
• sleeping with babies and children on sofas or chairs

SUDC is the sudden unexpected death of a child where no cause is found.

Therefore, creating a safer sleep space is important in preventing SIDS.

Genevieve Meehan

The tragic death of Genevieve Meehan has been widely referenced in conversations around safe sleep and child safety. Genevieve died at nine months old after being placed face down on a beanbag at a nursery in Cheadle Hulme. In January 2026, her parents delivered a letter to Downing Street calling for stronger legal protections to help prevent similar tragedies. Since then, they have continued to campaign for clearer and safer sleep practices in early years settings.

Providing a Safer Sleep Space for Babies and Children Under Two Years of Age

It is important to follow all the steps below to ensure that you are providing as safe a sleep environment as possible for every baby and child in your care.

Providers must ensure that:

  • Babies under 12 months should always sleep in a cot. This includes carrycots, Moses baskets, and travel cots. It’s helpful to check that any product meets relevant British Safety Standards.
  • Always place babies on their back to sleep, in their own separate sleep space, on a clear, flat, and firm surface such as a cot, bed, or a suitable mattress on the floor.
  • The sleep space should only include a firm, flat, waterproof mattress with lightweight bedding tucked in securely, no higher than the child’s shoulders, to prevent head covering. A properly fitted baby sleep bag can also be used, following the manufacturer’s guidance.
  • If using blankets, place the baby at the foot of the cot (feet-to-foot position) and tuck the blankets in securely.
  • Do not place any extra items in the cot, such as toys, pillows, loose bedding, bumpers, wedges, or straps.
  • Make sure children are kept at a comfortable temperature. For babies under 12 months, the recommended room temperature is 16–20°C.
  • Ensure that children’s heads remain uncovered while sleeping.
  • Babies under six months must always sleep in the same room as an adult, and all sleeping children should be checked regularly.
  • Children should always be within sight and hearing of staff while they sleep.

Baby monitors may be used for children over six months, provided they always allow both visual and audio monitoring.

Babies under 12 months have a higher risk of sudden infant death if their heads are covered. Adding unnecessary items to a sleep space, such as cot bumpers or toys, can also increase the risk of accidents. Sleep comforters should only be used for children over 12 months.

To check if a baby or child is too hot or cold, feel their chest or the back of their neck (hands and feet are usually cooler, which is normal). If their skin feels clammy or sweaty, remove a layer of clothing or bedding. Use your judgement during very hot or cold conditions.

Once babies can roll from their back to their front and back again on their own, they can settle in the position they choose. However, they should still always be placed on their back at the start of sleep.

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