Sleep and rest procedures.
Safe sleep and rest practices for children at our centres, in line with Red Nose guidelines.
Introduction: All children have individual sleep and rest requirements. Children need a comfortable, relaxing environment to enable their bodies to rest. This environment must be safe and well supervised to ensure children are safe, healthy and secure in their environment. The purpose of our Sleep and Rest for Children Policy is to ensure the safety, health and wellbeing of all children attending our service and to ensure that appropriate opportunities are provided to meet each child’s need for sleep, rest and relaxation. All stakeholders are required to ensure that the safety, rights and best interests of the children is the paramount consideration in all decisions and actions.
All children are kept safe while sleeping or resting, and their health, wellbeing and dignity are our highest priority
The Education and Care Services National Regulations requires approved providers to ensure that services have policies and procedures in place for children’s sleep and rest.
Our Sleep and Rest for Children Policy means our educators, management, co-ordinators, other staff, families and the community can be confident that children’s needs for sleep and rest are met while attending the service.
Legislation relating to this policy:
Children (Education and Care Services) National Law (NSW) (the Act)
Education and Care Services National Regulations (Regulations)
Children (Education and Care Services) Supplementary Provisions Act 2011 (State Law)
Children (Education and Care Services) Supplementary Provisions Regulation 2019 (State Regulations)
Relevant Provisions in that legislation include but are not limited to:
| Section 165 of the Act – Offence to inadequately supervise children | Regulation 105 – Furniture, materials and equipment |
|---|---|
| Section 167 of the Act – Offense relating to protection of children from harm and hazards | Regulation 106 – Laundry and hygiene facilities |
| Regulation 84A – Sleep and rest | Regulation 107 – Space requirements – indoor space |
| Regulation 84B – Sleep and Rest Policies and Procedures | Regulation 110 – Ventilation and natural light |
| Regulation 84C – Risk assessment for purposes of rest polices and procedures | Regulation 115 – Premises designed to facilitate supervision |
| Regulation 84D – Prohibition of bassinets | Regulation 168 – Education and care service must have policies and procedures |
| Regulation 82 – Tobacco, drug and alcohol free environment | Regulation 170 – Policies and procedures to be followed |
| Regulation 87 – Incident, injury, trauma and illness record | Regulation 171 – Policies and procedures to be kept available |
| Regulation 103 – Premises, furniture and equipment to be safe, clean and in good repair | Regulation 172 – Notification of change to policies or procedures |
Implementation
Most children benefit from periods of rest which help them grow and prepare them for meaningful learning experiences. Rest periods are included in all children’s daily routine consistent with their developmental needs, including a short period of rest each day for older children.
We are required under the Education and Care Services National Regulations to take reasonable steps to ensure children’s sleep and rest needs are met, having regard to each child’s age, developmental stages and individual needs. Our policies and procedures must address specific matters that are set out in the Regulations, and we must also conduct regular risk assessments that consider a range of specific risks to children who are sleeping and resting at our service.
We have strict measures and processes in place to ensure children are safe and their needs for sleep and rest are met. Specifically, we:
Conduct thorough risk assessments in line with the requirements set out in the National Regulations
Follow best practice sleep, rest and health guidelines - namely the current Red Nose guidelines, the recognised national authority in this area, as well as guidance from ACECQA and regulatory authorities
Work closely with families and consider their cultural practices. We will accommodate any requests from families about their child’s sleeping practices where these are not inconsistent with the safe sleeping practices discussed in the policy
Implement clear procedures for supervision and monitoring
Have defined roles and responsibilities for staff, students and volunteers
Train staff, students and volunteers on our policies and procedures, both at induction and at regular intervals
Have appropriate sleep and rest spaces, equipment and environments
Communicate our rest and sleep policies and procedures to families
Keep accurate records
Monitor and audit compliance and strive for continual improvements to our practices.
Educators must also comply with laws requiring them to offer children sleep and rest based on their age, development and individual sleep and rest needs. Educators will take into account families’ preferences about the amount of sleep their child has at the service, but if a child is displaying signs of tiredness, educators must allow the child to sleep or rest for a reasonable period of time. We want families to feel respected and heard when they discuss their sleeping and rest preferences for their child. The nominated supervisor will provide an opportunity at orientation/enrolment for families to discuss their child’s sleep and rest arrangements.
Where families are concerned that children’s sleep at the service is impacting night sleep patterns, educators will discuss expected sleep patterns with families based on advice from recognised authorities and adjust a child’s sleep time at the service if appropriate. The Nominated Supervisor and educators, however, will make the final decision about the child’s sleep and rest at the service to ensure they can meet their obligations. For example, if a resting child falls asleep without assistance in instances where families have requested the child not have naps, educators may allow the child to sleep for a period they believe is in the best interests of the child.
Approved Provider Responsibilities
The Approved Provider must ensure systems are in place to ensure the health and safety of children, including during periods of sleep and rest. These systems include effective induction processes, training opportunities, spot checks and audits of educator practices and sleep/rest environment, and procedures ensuring compliance with policies and procedures, including supervision and safe sleep practices.
The Approved Provider is also responsible for ensuring there is suitable furniture and equipment, for example, cots which comply with relevant Australian Standards, and the environment is hygienic and comfortable.
Nominated Supervisor Responsibilities
The Nominated Supervisor must ensure sleep practices, environment and equipment are safe and reflect best practice guidelines from recognised authorities, and educators understand and follow Service sleep and rest policies and procedures, including the safe sleeping practices in this policy at all times.
To promote children’s safety and wellbeing during sleep and rest periods, the Nominated Supervisor will also ensure:
sleep and rest environments are quiet and restful.
sleep spaces are light enough to allow supervision and for educators to properly see babies’ and toddlers’ breathing, lip and skin colour (and that of older children who may be ill, have additional needs etc) when they physically check them.
a timer is used (either a physical timer or via the centres App (OWNA) to ensure 10-minute checks of sleeping or resting babies, toddlers or preschoolers is not overlooked.
there are comfortable spaces for children to engage in quiet activities if they’re not sleeping or resting.
rostering enables adequate supervision of sleeping and resting children.
ratios are maintained at all times children are sleeping and resting.
hanging cords or strings from blinds, curtains, mobiles or electrical devices are away from cots and beds/stretchers.
babies are never left to sleep in a bassinet, hammock, pram or stroller.
heaters and electrical appliances aren’t near cots or beds/stretchers.
there is no furniture in the sleep or rest area that a child could pull over or collapse onto themselves.
information about safe sleeping practices is discussed during enrolment and displayed or available in the parent information area.
Sleep and rest areas are arranged appropriately with consideration to the ages, developmental stages and individual needs of the children and in accordance with protecting against any risks identified in our risk assessment.
Risk assessments
We must conduct a risk assessment for the purposes of our sleeping and rest policies and procedures at least once every 12 months and soon as practicable after becoming aware of any circumstances that may affect the safety, health or well-being of children during sleep or rest. A record of each risk assessment conducted must be kept, in line with our regulatory obligations.
We will ensure that children are protected from any risks identified in the risk assessments our service conducts, and newly identified risks are communicated to the approved provider as soon as practicable.
Our service uses the Sleep and Rest Risk Assessment Template developed by ACECQA when we conduct our risk assessments.
Risk assessment areas to consider
The risk assessment must identify and assess risks associated with rest or sleep at our service, and specify how the risks will be minimised and managed. It must consider:
The number, ages and developmental stages of the children in our care
The sleep and rest needs of children in our care including:
Health care needs
Cultural preferences
Sleep and rest needs of individual children
Requests from families about their child’s sleep and rest
Staffing arrangements and how children can be adequately supervised and monitored during sleep and rest (e.g., ratios, specific skills needed, roles and responsibilities defined, method and frequency of checks)
The level of knowledge and training of the staff who are supervising the children during these periods
The location of the sleep and rest areas including the arrangement of cots and beds within the sleep and rest areas
Safety and suitability of any cots, beds and bedding equipment, having regard to the ages and developmental stages of the children who are using the cots, beds and bedding equipment (e.g., babies who climb out of a cot; if children might roll out of bed and fall from a height; recommended weight limits; children becoming trapped between a mattress and a wall; bedding trapping children; weighted sleep products impairing a child’s breathing etc)
Any potential hazards in the sleep/rest areas and on a child during sleep/rest periods (e.g., unsecured furniture, curtains, hanging blind cords, electrical cords or equipment, access of child to other parts of the space as they wake, and access of other people to the sleeping/rest space etc)
Any potential hazards on the child, such as clothing or jewellery
The physical safety and suitability of sleep and rest environments at our service, including temperature, lighting and ventilation.
Updating risk assessments and communicating change
If circumstances that may affect the routine sleep and rest arrangements change, the approved provider has the ultimate responsibility to:
Update the risk assessment and the Sleep and Rest for Children Policy as soon as is practicable (if necessary)
Ensure any new risks and proposals for mitigating them are communicated to, and made in consultation with, staff and families (and in line with regulations for notifying families about changes)
Educators and other staff are responsible for informing the approved provider and/or nominated supervisor of any changes or new risks they identify. Families should also communicate any changes that may impact our policy and procedures for sleep, rest, relaxation and clothing.
The location and arrangement of sleep and rest areas for our centre is located in our risk assessment which is attached to the back of this policy.
Family Responsibilities
If a child has a medical condition which prevents educators from following these procedures, for example the child cannot sleep on their back, a medical practitioner must authorise an alternative resting practice in writing as part of the child’s Medical Management Plan.
Families should also update educators on their child’s sleeping routines and patterns when these change, this can be done either face to face with educators or through the handover section in the App when they sign their child in for the day. Families are also encouraged to let educators know when their child has not slept well during the night.
Educator Responsibilities
To ensure children’s safety and wellbeing during sleep and rest periods, educators and volunteers will:
ensure they understand and follow the safe sleeping practices in this policy at all times.
ensure they can always see and hear sleeping or resting children.
accommodate each child’s and family’s preferences, for rest, sleep and clothing, including cultural and religious preferences, to the extent they are consistent with this policy.
provide children who do not require sleep or rest with quiet, meaningful activities.
encourage children to communicate their needs for sleep and rest and make appropriate decisions about these needs.
support children who need rest and relaxation outside the designated rest time
play calm, relaxing music.
communicate daily with families about their child’s sleep and rest routines.
comfort child when required.
ensure babies are never left to sleep in a bassinet, hammock, pram or stroller.
ensure hanging cords or strings from blinds, curtains, mobiles or electrical devices are away from cots and mattresses.
implement the safe sleeping practices which follow at all times, with the only exception based on written authorisation from a child’s doctor.
record the time children sleep and rest via the App and provide this information to families.
Consider the age, developmental stage and individual needs of the child, and develop rest and sleep routines that match in collaboration with each child’s family.
Safe physical environment for sleeping and rest.
Safe Sleeping Practices
All children
can always see and hear sleeping or resting children and children actively supervised i.e., educators are not distracted by other duties.
child’s face is never covered when they sleep or rest.
regular physical checks of all sleeping or resting children paying particular attention to breathing patterns and skin colour (particularly important for babies and toddlers). Checks will be more frequent if there are increased risk factors e.g., medical conditions, illness or sleep issues.
temperature of rest environment monitored to ensure it’s not too hot or cold.
adequate space between sleeping and resting children
Preschool Children (3-5 years)
Will be offered sleep/rest opportunities and given the opportunity to choose what they would like to do based on their families wishes which will be gathered in a survey completed at enrolment. Children’s choice and sense of agency and autonomy over their choices will be respected.
If a child has slept or chooses to sleep, families will be informed via the App. Educators will ensure they
can always see and hear sleeping or resting children and children actively supervised i.e., educators are not distracted by other duties.
child’s face is never covered when they sleep or rest.
regular physical checks of all sleeping or resting children paying particular attention to breathing patterns and skin colour. Checks will be more frequent if there are increased risk factors e.g., medical conditions, illness or sleep issues.
temperature of rest environment monitored to ensure it’s not too hot or cold.
adequate space between sleeping and resting children
We will ensure that children who do not wish to sleep are provided with alternative quiet activities and experiences, while those children who do wish to sleep are allowed to do so, without being disrupted. If a child requests a rest, or if they are showing clear signs of tiredness, regardless of the time of day, we will provide a comfortable, safe area for them to rest (if required).
It is important that opportunities for rest and relaxation, as well as sleep, are provided.
Babies and toddlers
babies and toddlers placed on back.
babies re-positioned onto back when they roll onto their front or side if they cannot repeatedly roll from back to front to back (occurs around 5-6 months of age). Once a baby has been observed to repeatedly roll from back to front and back again on their own for several weeks, they can be left to find their preferred sleep position (this is usually around 5-6 months).
light bedding used and tucked in tightly. Sleeping bags with a fitted neck and arm holes but no hood may be used instead of bed linen. Wraps made from lightweight material like muslin or cotton.
babies’ arms free from wraps once startle reflex disappears (around 3 months old)
no wraps used if babies can roll from back to front to back again.
no quilts, doonas, pillows, lamb’s wool or cot bumpers
no electric blankets, hot water bottles and wheat bags
babies and toddlers placed so their feet are close to the bottom end of the cot.
no bottles given to child (for safety and dental hygiene reasons)
no bibs on child
dummies provided if required without chain attachments. Dummies not replaced if they fall out while child sleeping.
babies are never left to sleep in bassinets, hammocks, prams or strollers.
toddlers moved from cot to bed if likely to succeed when attempting to climb out of cot (usually 2-3½)
babies and toddlers sleeping/resting in the cot room physically checked from the side of the cot or toddler bed every 10 minutes and sleep record completed at this time. Physical checks do not include looking through a window or using CCTV, audio or heart monitors.
Educators will be respectful and considerate of a family’s cultural needs/practices in relation to sleep/rest. However, if these practices do not align with current Red Nose Safe Sleep Guidelines, Educators and the Nominated Supervisor will meet with the family and discuss the guidelines set out by Red Nose and explain to the family that we must comply with and follow these guidelines at all times. We will explain to the family that without written authorisation from a medical practitioner we would have to follow the safe sleep guidelines as set out by Red Nose for their child.
Supervision of sleeping children
All children should be placed on their back to sleep.
All children when asleep will be physically checked at the cot or bedside every 10 minutes (this includes children sleeping on stretcher beds or sleeping mats). This will be recorded on a template used by the centre and signed at the time of checking, never retrospectively. A physical check entails an educator gently placing their hand on the child’s chest or back (if the child is confidently rolling from back to front to back repeatedly (usually occurs around 5-6 months) and has placed themselves in this position for sleep) to monitor for movement of the chest, checking the child’s breathing and looking at their skin and lip colour. Physical checks do not include looking through a window or using CCTV, audio or heart monitors. If the child cannot repeatedly roll from back to front to back, they will be repositioned onto their back if they roll onto their front or side.
Educators will ensure that at all times, including times of sleep/rest that ratios are maintained to allow educators in the room to be able to adequately supervise and conduct physical checks of sleeping children while maintaining supervision of other children in the room. No child will be left unattended to conduct a sleep check and sleep checks will be carried out every 10 minutes. Educator breaks will be structured to ensure that ratios are always maintained. Other educators will be rostered on to cover breaks to ensure that ratios are maintained at all times.
Safety, suitability and use of cots, beds, bedding, bedding equipment and other infant sleep products
Our rest, relaxation and sleep equipment and furniture must be safe, suitable (National Regulations s 84B(i)), clean, in good repair (National Regulations s 103), sufficient in quantity, and appropriate for the range of ages, sizes and developmental stages of the children who use them (National Regulations s 105)
Staff must follow our procedure for setting up a safe sleep and rest environment (attached)
The approved provider will ensure that regular risk assessments, safety checks and audits are conducted to verify that all sleep furniture, sleep equipment and non-sleep inclined products are safe, hygienic, well-maintained and compliant with applicable safety standards
Any product that poses a risk of injury, entrapment, strangulation or suffocation to a child will be removed from our service immediately
We will provide enough appropriate sleep products to accommodate all children and will follow manufacturer guidelines to ensure products are suitable for each child’s age, weight, height and development
Bassinets are prohibited at our service at any time children are present (National Regulations s 84D)
Relevant staff must keep our sleep and rest furniture, bedding and equipment clean and hygienic in line with our Health, Hygiene and Cleaning Policy
The approved provider must ensure that our service continues to have adequate and appropriate laundry and hygiene facilities or other arrangements for dealing with soiled clothing and linen, including hygienic facilities for storage while they are dirty (National Regulations s 106)
Bassinets
Bassinets are banned from education and care services in Australia. They are not allowed on our premises at any time, including when children are being delivered or collected.
Mandatory safety standards
The approved provider must ensure that any sleep product (including cots, portable folding cots, mattresses and inclined products such as bouncers, recliners, rockers and swings) we purchase after 19 January 2026 complies with the mandatory Safety Standards (Consumer Goods (Infant Sleep Products) Safety Standard 2024 and Consumer Goods (Infant Sleep Products) Information Standard 2024) (Refer to the ACCC Product Safety website and summary at Schedule 1 attached to this policy)
Any sleep product or inclined non-sleep product we purchase after 19 January 2026 must have a legally compliant safety information and warning label affixed. This label must stay affixed during the product’s time at our service
Cots purchased before 19 January 2026 must continue to comply with AS/NZS 2172, and portable folding cots must continue to comply with AS/NZS 2195. Both must have labels affixed to prove compliance
Mattresses and non-sleep inclined products purchased before 19 January 2026 will be checked against the mandatory Safety Standards (which incorporates AS/NZS 8811.1:2013 for sleep surfaces) to see that they do not pose a risk to any child
All cot and foldable cot mattresses must be firm, flat (not curved or on an incline) and the recommended size. A cot mattress must be no more than 20mm from any cot side or end when the mattress is centred; a foldable cot mattress must touch all sides and fit snugly
Non-sleep inclined products must only be used for their intended purpose (i.e., to soothe, not to sleep) and children must never be left unsupervised in them
The approved provider and nominated supervisor will subscribe to the ACCC Product Safety alerts to keep abreast of any recalls
Note, the mandatory Safety Standards incorporate the AS/NZS 2172:2013 for cots; AS/NZS 2195:2010 for portable folding cots; and AS/NZS 8811.1:2013 for sleep surfaces, including mattresses
Inclined non-sleep products
Inclined non-sleep products that have a surface on which an infant may lie and are designed, intended or marketed to soothe or settle an infant may put an infant or child in an unsafe position or can restrict their breathing. These products are subject to the same standards as cots. Inclined non-sleep products include:
• products to move baby: car seats, prams and strollers
• products to play with baby: bouncers, rockers and swings.
Inclined non-sleep products are not safe for sleeping and should only be used for their intended purposes. ECEC services will need to ensure children do not sleep and are not left unsupervised at any time when using these products.
Cots
The Approved Provider and Nominated Supervisor will ensure all cots meet Australian Standards and have one of the following labels - AS/NZS 2172 or AS/NZS 2195 (folding cots). For normal cots this means, for example:
cot mattresses are in good condition, clean, firm, flat and fit the cot base with no more than a 20mm gap between the mattress and the cot sides.
the distance between slats is at least 50 mm.
cots in the lowest base position, the distance between the top of the mattress base and the top edge of the lowest cot side or end is at least:
600 mm when access is closed.
250 mm when access is open.
for cots in the upper base position, the distance between the top of the mattress base and the top edge of the lowest cot side or end is at least:
400 mm when access is closed.
250 mm when access is open.
Portable cots (portacots) are not intended for permanent use. The Approved Provider and Nominated Supervisor will ensure portable cots, if used, are only used temporarily (no more than few days) for children up to 15 kg. Educators will ensure locking mechanisms are secure, only use mattresses supplied with the cots, and never add additional padding or a mattress under or over the mattress. Mattresses must be firm and meet the current and mandatory Australian and New Zealand Standard for cots (AS/NZS 2172).
The Approved Provider and Nominated Supervisor will also ensure:
mattress firmness complies with AS/NZS 8811.1:2013 Methods of testing sleep surfaces.
mattresses are not tilted or elevated.
plastic packaging is removed from new mattresses.
waterproof mattress protectors are strong, not torn and a tight fit.
Hygiene
To ensure sleeping environments are hygienic educators will:
clean beds, linen and mattress covers with detergent and water every day or at end of the week if used by same child.
clean beds, linen and mattress covers when they look dirty.
make sure each child has clean bed linen.
implement the Cleaning Procedure Cots and Stretchers to clean soiled cots, beds, mattresses and bed linen.
Stretcher beds will be cleaned everyday if used with detergent and water and stacked neatly in the storeroom. Beds will be made up with clean linen as they are placed out for the sleep/rest period.
Sleeping mats will be cleaned everyday if used with detergent and water and stacked neatly away once dry. Beds will be made up with clean linen as they are placed out for the sleep/rest period.
Cleaning Procedure Cots and Stretchers
Wash cots and stretchers at the end of every day with detergent and warm water, and during the day if visibly dirty.
Wash sheets and mattress covers, or return them home, on child’s last day for the week.
If poo/urine/vomit etc gets on the cot/stretcher/mattress/linen
wash hands and put on gloves.
clean the child.
remove gloves.
dress the child.
wash child’s hands
educators wash hands.
put on gloves.
remove most of the soiling in the cot/bed with paper towels.
place paper towels in garbage bin
put linen in a plastic-lined, lidded laundry bin. Throw liner out after linen is washed and place new liner in bin.
clean cot or mattress thoroughly with detergent and water
use disinfectant after detergent if surface is or could be contaminated with infectious material.
air dry if possible
remove gloves and wash hands.
put clean linen in cot.
Product Recalls/ Banned Products
In the event that a product or any of our sleeping equipment is subject to a product recall, the centre will immediately cease using that equipment and arrange for new equipment that complies with the Australian Safety Standard to be used within the centre. As a part of our commitment to safe sleeping and rest for the children at the centre we will conduct a 6-month check of our equipment to ensure that it continues to comply with the standard and is not part of a product recall. Product Safety Australia (www.productsafety.gov.au) is one resource that can be used to check for product recalls.
Sleep and Rest Environment
The Nominated Supervisor will conduct regular safety checks of the rest environment and equipment. This includes checking all cots for damage, wear and tear etc. Mattresses will be checked for damage or tears and replaced if needed. Rest environments will be checked to ensure no cords or cables are hanging or in reach of children or could pose a choking/hanging hazard. Furniture will be checked to ensure that it cannot be reached by a child or pulled over on themselves in the sleep/rest environment. Sheets will be regularly checked by educators for tears or loose elastic (fitted sheets) as they are used for the day and replaced as needed. At anytime educators feel that equipment or the rest environment may be a potential hazard to the children this is to be immediately reported to the Nominated Supervisor.
Educator Training
Educators will be encouraged to complete safe sleep and rest training through Red Nose (). They will be encouraged to complete this training every 12 months.
For new educators to the centre during induction they will be given a copy of this policy and mentored in the use of this policy. They will be encouraged to complete safe sleep training through Red Nose. At regular intervals the Nominated Supervisor will check in with new educators to ensure they are familiar with and following safe sleep guidelines and practices.
Sharing of information between educators
Daily handovers between educators in the room either verbally or written will be undertaken to pass on information related to the children attending for the day, including sleep information (changes to sleep routines). Families are also encouraged to record handover details with any changes via the App. Any permanent changes to a child’s sleep routine (i.e., the family have requested the child have a 45-minute nap only) will be recorded on a chart in the child’s room for all educators to be aware of.
The nominated supervisor will include the Sleep and Rest for Children Policy in staff inductions and ensure all relevant staff receive regular practical training and other resources in relation to the requirements, including how to identify and manage risks.
The nominated supervisor will conduct regular checks on children’s rest and sleep spaces, furniture and equipment, and will monitor staff to ensure they are following our policies and procedures for children’s sleep and rest. The nominated supervisor will act quickly to fix any issues and will give staff any extra support or training they need to comply. Volunteers and students are also required to comply with all service policies and procedures.
At orientation, parents will be provided with the Sleep and Rest for Children Policy and asked to describe their child’s current sleeping needs and preferences. Information about safe sleeping practices is discussed during enrolment and displayed or available in the parent information area.
Staff and family can access the risk assessments we conduct at any time.
Location and Arrangement of Sleep and Rest Areas
The location and arrangement of sleep and rest areas for our centre is located in our risk assessment which is attached to the back of this policy.
Sources
Children (Education and Care Services) National Law
Education and Care Services National Regulations
Early Years Learning Framework
Work Health and Safety Act 2011
Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011
Red Nose (www.rednose.org.au)
NSW Early Learning Commission: Sleep and Rest for Children – Policy guidelines for early childhood education and care services
NSW Early Learning Commission: Sleep and Rest for children – Procedure guidelines for early childhood education and care services
ACECQA
Standards Australia: AS/NZS 2172:2003 – Cots for household use – safety requirements
Standards Australia: AS/NZS 2195: 1999 – Folding cots – Safety requirements
NHMRC: Staying Healthy Preventing infectious diseases in early childhood education and care services.
Product Safety Australia (www.productsafety.gov.au)
Centre Support
Review Date: January 2027
Roles and responsibilities
All staff, volunteers, students and families must understand our Sleep, Rest, Relaxation and Clothing Policy and Procedure and their role and responsibilities in keeping children safe and cared for.
| Responsibilities | Role |
|---|---|
| Ensure our service meets its obligations under the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations, including to take every reasonable precaution to protect children from harm and hazards likely to cause injury and to ensure that children are adequately supervised at all times they are in our care. | Approved Provider Nominated Supervisor |
| Take reasonable steps to ensure that the needs for sleep and rests of children in our service are met, having regard to ages, development stages and individual needs of the children. | Approved Provider Nominated Supervisor |
| Ensure that our service has policies and procedures in place for children’s sleep and rest that address specific areas set out in the National Regulations - i.e., this Sleep, Rest, Relaxation and Clothing Policy and Procedure needs to be in place. | Approved Provider |
Take reasonable steps to ensure that nominated supervisors, staff and volunteers follow, and can easily access, the Sleep, Rest, Relaxation and Clothing Policy, including by:
The Policy must also be available for inspection. | Approved Provider |
Notify families at least 14 days before changing Sleep and Rest for Children Policy if the changes will:
| Approved Provider |
| Implement the Sleep and Rest for Children Policy. | Nominated Supervisor |
| Ensure that educators and volunteers understand, follow and are aware of their legal obligations to implement, the Sleep and Rest for Children Policy. | Nominated Supervisor |
| Be aware of legal obligations, and understand and follow the Sleep and Rest for Children Policy. | Educators Volunteers |
| Approved Provider (ultimate responsibility) Nominated Supervisor |
| Ensure that procedures are appropriate in practice to our service, identify risks and hazards, and any potential improvements to make to the Sleep and Rest for Children Policy. Report any issues to the appropriate staff member (either approved provider, nominated supervisor or educators). | Approved Provider Nominated Supervisor Educators and Families |
| Approved Provider (ultimate responsibility) Nominated Supervisor |
| Ensure that there are no bassinets on the premises at any time during which children are being educated and cared for by our service. | Approved Provider Nominated Supervisor |
Ensure that the indoor environment is hygienic and comfortable (not limited to being well ventilated and free from cigarette/tobacco smoke, with adequate natural light, and appropriately heated/cooled). Ensure that our service continues to have adequate and appropriate laundry and hygiene facilities for dealing with soiled clothing and linen, including storage facilities. | Approved Provider |
| Ensure that the layout/design of the premises allows for supervision and is appropriate for children’s rest and sleep. | Approved Provider |
| Ensure that children are adequately supervised during rest and sleep, and that systems are in place for regular and documented physical bed-side checks of children. | Approved Provider Nominated Supervisor |
| Ensure sleep and rest periods are documented and communicated to families | Approved Provider Nominated Supervisor |
| Families |
SCHEDULE 1 – Mandatory safety standards requirements
Summary of Mandatory Safety Standards for Infant Sleep Products 2024
Consumer Goods (Infant Sleep Products) Safety Standard 2024 and the Consumer Goods (Infant Products) Information Standard 2024
What is covered?
Infant sleep products including (but not limited to) bassinets, cradles, co-sleepers, inclined sleepers, household cots, portable folding cots, mattresses
Non-sleep products used to soothe or settle including bouncers, hammocks, recliners, rockers, swings
Design and construction requirements for all products under the standard
An infant sleep product must have enough strength and integrity to safely support an infant
The surface of an infant sleep product must not have an incline greater than 7 degrees to the horizontal. It must be flat and not be curved
The sleep surface, including the mattress, must be sufficiently firm and rigid
An infant sleep product that rocks or swings must not have a tilt or incline greater than 7 degrees to the horizontal
The mesh or fabric sides of an infant sleep product must be firm enough so it doesn’t cover the infant’s nose or mouth which could cause suffocation. It must also be made of material a baby can breathe through
An infant sleep product must not have sharp points or edges which may puncture a baby’s skin, or gaps that can trap their head, neck, limbs or fingers
It must not have a restraint system, harness or strap
If fitted with castors or wheels, at least 2 must be fitted with brakes
If an infant sleep product has a locking mechanism, it must have a clearly distinct locked position. It must be apparent that the mechanism is engaged and can only be disengaged on purpose
Additional requirements for household cots
Household cots must also meet the requirements of one of the following:
AS/NZS 2172:2013, Cots for household use – Safety requirements
ASTM F1169-19, Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Full-Size Baby Cribs
BS EN 716-1:2017 Furniture. Children’s cots and folding cots for domestic use
| Household cot requirements | |
|---|---|
| The distance between the top of the mattress base and the top edge of the lowest cot side or end must be a minimum of:
|
| Cots in the upper base position | This distance between the top of the mattress base and the top edge of the lowest cot side or end must be a minimum of:
|
| Slats or filler bars | The distance between slats or filler bars must be at least 50 mm |
| Cot mattresses | Cot mattresses of the recommended size must be no more than:
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| The cot must not have any:
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| Safety and performance | Cots must not have any hazardous gaps:
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| Informative labels | The cot must come with information about:
(either on a leaflet with the cot, swing tag or label attached to the cot, external packaging that comes with the cot, and cot base) |
| Safety markings | Cots must have legible, durable and prominent markings on the mattress base which has information about:
|
Additional requirements for folding cots
Folding cots must also meet the requirements of one of the following:
AS/NZS 2195:2010, Folding cots – Safety requirements
ASTM F406-22, Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Non-Full-Size Baby Cribs/Play Yards
BS EN 716-1:2017 Furniture. Children’s cots and folding cots for domestic use
| Folding cot requirements | |
|---|---|
| Mattresses, padding and cushioning material |
|
| Depth of folding cot lower position | When no mattress is fitted, the vertical distance from the top of the base to the top edge of the lowest side or end must be a minimum of 550 mm. When a mattress is fitted, the vertical distance from the top of the mattress to the top edge of the lowest side or end must be a minimum of 500 mm. |
| Depth of folding cot upper position | With or without a mattress fitted, the vertical distance from the upper base to the top of the lowest side or end must be a minimum of 250 mm |
| Footholds | There must be no features up to 500 mm above the mattress base that create a potential foothold that would allow a child to climb out |
| Locking devices | The locking devices that operate the folding mechanism must be designed so that the folding cot doesn’t collapse inadvertently. All locking devices should:
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| Safety and performance | To stop children climbing out of the folding cot, specific minimum height measurements apply to:
|
| Safety markings | Folding cots must be permanently, prominently and legibly marked on the inside so that users will see the marking when erecting the cot. The marking must include:
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PROCEDURE – Setting up a safe sleep and rest environment
When to use this procedure
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IMPORTANT! Sleep and rest environments must be arranged appropriately with consideration to the ages, developmental stages and individual needs of children and in accordance with protecting against any specific risks identified in sleep and rest risk assessments
Setting up cots, foldable cots, beds, mattresses and non-sleep inclined products
Check that all cots and foldable cots meet the current Australian Standards (AS/NZS 2172:2013 for cots and AS/NZS 2195:2010 for foldable cots) and that there is a label attached to prove it
All new cots, foldable cots (and their mattresses) and non-sleep inclined products, such as rockers, swings, bouncers, hammocks, we buy from 19 January 2026 onwards must have a warning and safety label attached to prove they meet the mandatory Safety Standards introduced in 2024. Keep these labels attached at all times
Cots, foldable cots, mattresses and non-sleep inclined products bought before 19 January 2026 should be assessed for safety against the mandatory code to make sure they are still safe for use
Mattresses must be the size and depth recommended by the cot manufacturer, firm, clean and fit as follows:
For household cots, there should be no more than 20mm space from any cot side or end when the mattress is centred on the mattress base, and 40mm from any cot side or end when the mattress is pushed to one side
For foldable cots, mattresses should touch all sides
Do not use any mattress that can fold or separate when laid on, and do not elevate or tilt the mattress
Do not use bassinets (these are banned)
Assemble cots and portable folding cots according to the manufacturer’s instructions (without modification) and keep instructions in a location that staff can easily access
Remove plastic packaging from cots and mattresses
Waterproof mattress protectors must be strong, not torn and a tight fit
Do not use foldable portable cots on a permanent basis – that is, no more than few days
Set up cots/beds as follows:
With enough room for educators to walk around safely
At least 30cm clear space away from objects and furniture so children can’t reach things
Toe to toe to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, if possible
Don’t use any pillows, soft toys, sleep aids, bumpers, infant positioners, inclined sleepers padding, pillows, weighted products, extra bedding (e.g., folded quilts, doonas, sheepskin rugs) for children under 2 years
Don’t use electric blankets, water bottles, heat packs, restraints, straps
Don’t add additional padding or a mattress under or over the mattress
Make sure any locking mechanisms are secured
Regularly check all cots, portable foldable cots, beds and mattresses to make sure they are still safe to use, including:
All parts are intact and not broken or missing
The base is not sagging
Locking devices and safety latches work
There are no loose parts and material is not torn or too worn
Mattresses are clean and not damp, torn, mouldy or saggy
Check for product recalls and immediately stop using any products that have been recalled
Check any sleep support equipment brought from home (e.g., comforters, sleep bags, special bedding) for safety before using it
Setting up safe sleep and rest spaces
Make sure that sleep and rest areas are well-ventilated (e.g., open windows if safe or through mechanical ventilation). Monitor for stuffiness or draughts and adjust ventilation where necessary
Check lighting is appropriate. It should be dark enough to ensure children can sleep or rest undisturbed, but light enough that educators can see when they are supervising and doing their physical checks
Check the room temperature is comfortable – not too hot or too cold
Play calm, relaxing music and keep voices low
Remove or secure all hazards such as:
Hanging cords from blinds, curtains or electrical appliances
Falling objects such as mobiles, bunting, pictures, or mirrors
Large furniture, such as shelves, chests of drawers, tables
Electrical appliances and power points
Educators must ensure sleep and rest areas are free from
Tobacco smoke
Vaping aerosols
Strong chemical smells
Excessive dust and air contaminants
Provide comfortable spaces for children to engage in quiet activities if they’re not sleeping or resting
This policy is the property of Eikoh Seminar Australia Pty Limited and must not be reproduced without the consent of management.