For child care professionals everywhere, safety checks are critical not only when infants are awake but when they are sleeping. From the moment an infant goes down for a nap, the mental checklist starts running: Are they positioned safely? Is the crib clear of hazards? Has the latest sleep check been documented?

Safe sleep practices aren't just boxes to check for licensing—they're a foundation of quality infant care that gives parents peace of mind and keeps the little ones in your care protected. When it comes to preventing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), staying current with best practices is absolutely essential.

Texas child care licensing has specific requirements around safe sleep practices, and staying current with these practices is essential. Here are 10 critical SIDS prevention practices that every Texas child care center should know and implement.

1. Back to Sleep, Every Time

Always place infants on their backs to sleep—no exceptions. This single practice has been shown to reduce SIDS risk more than any other. Even when babies are able to roll over on their own, you should still initially place them on their backs for sleep. Texas licensing specifically requires this sleep position for all infants in care.

2. Firm Sleep Surface with Fitted Sheet Only

Cribs should have a firm, flat mattress covered only by a fitted sheet. Avoid mattress toppers, padding, or positioning devices unless specifically prescribed by a physician with documentation. Remember that Texas requires documentation for any sleep positioning devices, so keep those records accessible.

3. Keep the Crib Clear

No toys, stuffed animals, bumper pads, blankets, or extra bedding should be in the crib while an infant is sleeping. Those cute nursery accessories can pose suffocation hazards. Texas inspectors look for clear cribs during visits, so make this a non-negotiable practice in your center.

4. One Infant per Crib

Every baby needs their own crib—no exceptions. Sharing cribs isn’t safe and increases the risk of suffocation and spreading germs. Texas licensing requires one crib per infant, so be sure each little one has their own designated sleep space.

5. Regulate the Room Temperature

To create a safe sleep environment, keep the room temperature comfortable and ensure the air is moving. Texas child care regulations require that sleeping areas be well-ventilated and kept at a temperature comfortable for a lightly clothed adult.

Blankets are not allowed in cribs. If an infant needs extra warmth, dress them in sleep clothing such as sleepers, footed pajamas, or wearable blankets (sleep sacks).

6. Pacifiers Are Safe for Sleep

Pacifiers can be a safe and comforting option for naps; some studies even show they can help reduce the risk of SIDS. According to Texas safe sleep regulations, pacifiers are fine to use as long as they aren’t attached to a stuffed animal, clothing, or anything with a string or cord that could be unsafe. If a baby wants a pacifier, great! If not, no worries—never force it. Just be sure the pacifier is clean and dry before offering it.

7. Conduct Regular Sleep Checks

Texas child care regulations require staff to actively observe sleeping infants by sight and sound. What does this look like in practice? Known as "sleep checks," keeping an active eye on sleeping infants is an important part of safe sleep practices in child care centers. 

About every 10 minutes, take a moment to check on each sleeping infant. Look for their position and ensure their sleep environment is safe—no clothing covering their head or mouth, no objects in the crib, and that the baby in the crib matches the name on the crib. Also, take note of the baby’s skin color, breathing, and body temperature. These quick, consistent checks are a simple yet powerful way to keep little ones safe and comfortable while they rest.

Your child care center may require documentation of sleep checks. This is a great way to show your commitment to infant safety and provide helpful records for staff and families.

8. Train All Staff Regularly

Safe sleep is everyone’s responsibility, and proper training is both critical and required by the state of Texas for licensed child care centers. SIDS is the leading cause of death in infants between one month and one year of age in the United States, making safe sleep practices a serious and essential part of infant care. Every staff member—from directors to substitutes—must be trained to follow safe sleep guidelines consistently.

Our SIDS - Reducing the Risk course meets Texas licensing requirements and can be completed 100% online. Keep clear records of all completed training and ensure staff stay up to date to maintain compliance and keep infants safe.

9. No Swaddling—but Sleep Sacks Can Help

Swaddling can be a comforting practice for many young infants, but Texas child care regulations prohibit swaddling for sleep or rest unless there is explicit permission from a health care provider.

However, there is a helpful alternative! Sleep sacks are a cozy, safe option for helping babies feel secure during naps. Consider sleep sacks as a comforting transition-to-sleep tool for the infants in your care.

10. Move Sleeping Infants to a Crib

It’s common for babies to fall asleep in strollers during walks or even arrive at your center asleep in a car seat. While this is natural, Texas regulations require that if an infant falls asleep in a restrictive device other than a crib (such as a bouncy chair, swing, or car seat), they must be moved to a crib immediately. 

Sleeping in an upright position can cause an infant’s head to fall forward, restricting their airway. Moving the baby to a safe, flat sleep space is the best way to keep them safe and comfortable.

Staying Compliant While Providing Peace of Mind

Following these 10 practices not only helps you stay compliant with Texas child care licensing requirements but also provides the highest standard of care for the infants entrusted to you.

Remember that Texas requires annual training on infant safety topics, including SIDS prevention. Investing in comprehensive, up-to-date training ensures your team remains confident and competent in implementing these critical practices. The right training transforms these practices from "rules we have to follow" into "the way we naturally care for infants every day."

🌟 Unlimited Access to Texas-Aligned Training 🌟

ProSolutions Training offers subscriptions with state-aligned courses tailored just for Texas. These comprehensive training options make sure staff members are classroom-ready and compliant with state requirements.

Here are a few key courses included in our subscription:

✅ 24-Hour Texas Pre-Service Training for Infant Caregivers

✅ 24-Hour Texas Pre-Service Training for Toddler Caregivers

✅ 24-Hour Texas Pre-Service Training for Preschool Caregivers

Our subscription is designed to make staff training easier, help you meet compliance, and allow your team to manage their classrooms confidently.

For Child Care Center Directors:

Managing training for your entire staff? Our Group Subscription includes unlimited access to all required Texas health and safety courses, including SIDS prevention training. Track completion, manage assignments, and ensure compliance all in one place. Director features include staff tracking, assignment management, and comprehensive reporting—all designed to save you time and reduce your administrative burden. 📊

For Individual Teachers:

Want access to all Texas-required courses at one affordable price? Our Individual Subscription gives you unlimited access to our complete Texas course library, including all annual required training. Perfect for teachers looking to advance their careers and maintain their credentials with high-quality, state-approved training.

This blog post is for informational purposes and does not replace comprehensive SIDS prevention training. For official Texas child care licensing requirements, please refer to the Texas Health and Human Services website.