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New Nursery Safe Sleep Guidance UK: What It Means for Your Baby

New nursery safe sleep guidance has just landed in the UK, and if your baby is in, or heading to, an early years setting in England, it's worth knowing what's changed.


Poster by the Lullaby Trust reading Safer sleep awareness shows a caregiver leaning over a sleeping baby in a crib, with nursery drawings and a teddy bear.

What's New

In April 2026, the Department for Education and The Lullaby Trust published updated safer sleep guidance for every early years setting in England. It's being written into the EYFS framework this September, but nurseries are expected to follow it now.


The Headlines:

  • Babies under 12 months must sleep in a cot — including carrycots, Moses baskets, and travel cots. They should be placed on their back, on a clear, flat, firm surface.

  • Babies under 6 months must always be in the same room as an adult while sleeping, and all sleeping children must be checked regularly, within sight and hearing of staff.

  • Room temperature should sit between 16–20°C, with nothing extra in the cot — no toys, pillows, bumpers, or loose bedding.


A Note on the Current Heatwave

Just like homes, not all nurseries can always keep rooms in that exact 16–20°C range, especially during a heatwave.

If it's warmer than 20°C, the priorities shift slightly: lighter layers (a vest alone can be enough), a fan pointed at the wall rather than directly on your baby, curtains closed during the day to keep heat out, and extra checks for signs of overheating — flushed cheeks, damp hair, a chest that feels hot to touch.


Why This Matters From September

From September, nursery safe sleep guidance will by checked by Ofsted at every single inspection.


Why Now?

This guidance follows real campaigning by families who tragically lost babies in nursery settings — pushing for clearer rules, not looser ones.


What To Do

Ask your nursery how they're already implementing this. A good setting will talk you through it openly, not defensively. There is no one-size-fits-all — but there is a safe baseline every baby deserves.

If a grandparent or family member helps look after your baby, this is worth sharing with them too safe sleep guidance matters wherever your baby naps.

 
 
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