WRAP’s Guide to Safe Sleeping
At WRAP, we understand how important sleep is for your little one's growth and development. We also know that safe sleeping practices are a top priority for parents. That’s why we’ve created a warm, secure environment that promotes healthy sleep habits, while ensuring every child’s safety is at the heart of what we do. Whether your child is napping at home or with us, we’re here to support you with some helpful tips for safe sleep.
Why Safe Sleep Matters
Sleep is a crucial part of your child's development. Not only does it help them grow, but it also supports brain development, mood regulation and learning. While sleep is essential, ensuring that your baby or toddler is sleeping safely is equally important. At WRAP, we follow trusted advice from The Cot Death Society and The Lullaby Trust to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and to create the safest possible sleeping environment.
Our Safe Sleep Practices at WRAP
We follow these key practices to make sure every nap is as safe and restful as possible:
Back to Sleep: We always place babies on their backs to sleep. If they roll onto their tummy, we gently turn them back. However, once they can roll independently from back to front and vice versa, we allow them to find their own comfortable position.
No Self-Feeding During Sleep: For safety, we never put children down to sleep with a bottle to self-feed. This ensures they’re safe from choking risks and encourages healthier feeding habits.
Constant Monitoring: Rest assured, your child is never out of sight while sleeping. Our staff monitors all sleeping children visually, regularly checking for the rise and fall of their chest to ensure they are sleeping comfortably and safely.
Creating the Perfect Sleep Environment
We’ve designed our nursery to be a place where children feel comfortable and safe during naps. Here's how we ensure a safe and cozy sleeping environment:
Ideal Room Temperature: We keep an eye on the room temperature to make sure it’s just right—neither too hot nor too cold—so that your little one is comfortable and safe from overheating. We try to keep the room temperature between 16 -20°C and recommend you do at home too.
Clean, Light Bedding: We provide clean, light bedding for all our children and make sure they’re dressed appropriately for sleep. Overheating is a risk factor for SIDS, so we take extra care in this area.
Safety-Approved Equipment: All our cots and sleeping mats comply with British safety standards and are firm, flat and waterproof.
Clear Spaces: No hanging cords, drawstrings, or other objects are left near sleeping areas. We ensure every space is free from hazards.
Gentle Transitions: If your baby falls asleep while being held, we gently transfer them to a safe sleeping surface, so they can finish their nap comfortably.
Working Together on Sleep Routines
We know that every child is different when it comes to sleep routines, and we’re here to partner with you in finding what works best. When your child starts at WRAP, we’ll ask you to complete our "All About Me" form, which gives us an understanding of your child’s unique sleep habits. This form is regularly updated, so we can adapt to any changes in their routine.
If your child has a specific sleep position that differs from our policy, such as sleeping on their tummy, we’ll work with you to ensure that any exceptions are medically advised and documented.
We respect your expertise as a parent and value the insights you provide about your child's sleep preferences. While we always aim to follow your child’s routine as closely as possible, our focus remains on safety and well-being.
What Happens When Routines Change?
We know that some days don’t always go according to plan—especially when it comes to naps! If there are any changes in your child's sleep pattern, our team will discuss this with you at the end of the day. Whether it's a missed nap or a longer-than-usual sleep, we’ll share any observations so that you’re fully informed.
Our commitment is to always keep the lines of communication open, helping you feel confident and reassured that your child’s sleep needs are being met.
Safe Sleeping Practices at Home
In addition to our efforts at WRAP, we encourage safe sleeping practices at home too. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Always put your baby on their back to sleep.
Avoid using heavy blankets or soft toys in the crib.
Keep your baby’s sleeping environment cool and clear of any hazards.
Ensure they’re dressed appropriately for sleep, avoiding overheating.
For more information on safe sleep, you can visit The Lullaby Trust website.
Let’s Work Together for a Safe, Restful Sleep
At WRAP, we’re passionate about ensuring every child gets the rest they need in the safest possible environment. If you ever have any questions or concerns about your child’s sleep routine, our team is always here to chat, support, and work together to create the best sleep experience for your little one.
