Department for Education (DfE): Create and Maintain Safer Sleep Environments for Babies and Young Children
New DfE guidance for early years providers.
The DfE has published new guidance: Help for early years providers : Safer sleep
Refer to FAQs here: Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS): Safer sleep requirements – Frequently Asked Question - Foundation Years
The guidance has been developed in collaboration with The Lullaby Trust and supports planned updates to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework, expected to come into effect from September 2026.
It includes information on:
- how to provide an appropriate sleep space for babies and children
- safe use of cots, mattresses, bedding and sleep bags, including relevant British Standards
- how to supervise children while they are sleeping
- what to do when babies and children fall asleep while travelling,
- managing temperature, positioning and the use of comforters
By following this guidance, you can help keep children safe and meet EYFS requirements, while supporting consistent practice across early years settings.
Further information is available through NHS guidance on sudden infant death syndrome and from The Lullaby Trust.
Until the guidance above comes into effect, please continue to follow the EYFS statutory framework on sleeping arrangements (section 3.84). The EYFS statutory framework will be updated in time for September, in line with the above new DfE guidance.
The Lullaby Trust poster for childcare providers
A handy poster with advice on what babies should sleep in in early years settings. Poster for Childcare Providers
