Caring for babies is no small job. You're feeding, soothing, changing diapers, and keeping a close eye on every little one in your care. On top of all that, making sure they sleep safely is one of the most important ways you can protect them.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the leading cause of death in infants under one year old — but the good news is that following safe sleep practices can dramatically reduce the risk. These practices are simple to understand and easy to implement once you know what to do. With the right information, you can confidently create a safe, cozy sleep environment for every baby in your care.

Here are three essential steps to create a safe, nurturing sleep space while meeting Wisconsin’s child care licensing requirements.

1. Creating a Safe Sleep Space

Picture this: The room is quiet except for the soft hum of a sound machine and the playful chatter of an infant who is playing with a caregiver. The other babies in the infant room are resting comfortably in their own cribs, peacefully snoozing without a stray blanket or stuffed animal in sight.

That’s the goal — a safe, simple sleep space where babies can rest soundly. Here are the best practices and Wisconsin licensing requirements around safe sleep environments: 

• Back to Sleep: Babies sleep in all kinds of funny positions — arms stretched out, legs tucked up — and that's okay. The important thing is to start each sleep session by placing infants under 12 months on their backs (unless a doctor provides written instructions saying otherwise). Back sleeping is the safest position for easy breathing and reducing the risk of SIDS — and it's part of Wisconsin's child care regulations, too. Once babies can roll over on their own, they should be allowed to find the position that’s most comfortable for them.
• Crib Safety: Cribs themselves should meet current safety standards to ensure they are sturdy and secure. For information on safe cribs, visit this resources from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
• Clear Crib Rule: Keeping cribs clear is key. Each crib or playpen should have a snug-fitting mattress with a tightly fitted sheet — and that’s it. Soft bedding, pillows, bumper pads, stuffed animals, and other loose materials might seem cozy, but they pose safety risks; an infant can become entangled in them, or they could cover the face or mouth and restrict breathing. A bare crib is a safe crib.
• Dedicated Sleep Spaces: Every baby needs their own dedicated crib or playpen. This helps prevent the spread of germs and illness and keeps babies physically safe from accidental bumps or shifting during rest. Providing individual sleep spaces ensures each infant has their own secure spot whenever they’re ready to rest.
• Audio Monitoring: Wisconsin requires an audio monitor wherever infants are sleeping. This ensures caregivers can stay aware of sleeping infants at all times.
• Temperature Control: Babies can get warm quickly, and overheating is linked to a higher risk of SIDS. Keeping the room comfortable — not too warm — is key.

2. Safe Sleep Routines

Babies are constantly growing and developing, and their sleep needs change rapidly. Following their cues is the best way to meet those changing needs.

Flexible Sleep Schedules: Babies are constantly growing and developing, and their sleep needs change quickly. They do best when we follow their cues. This means offering sleep opportunities when they show signs of being tired — not based on a rigid schedule. Cue-based feeding is also important, especially for nursing parents.

• Swaddling: According to best practices outlined by the American Academy of Pediatrics, swaddling is not necessary or recommended, but it is permitted if requested by a parent. If a parent requests swaddling, it should be done using a designated swaddle product — not a blanket — and is not recommended after one month of age. Centers are encouraged to get written permission from the parent if swaddling is requested.
• Sleep Sacks: Sleep sacks are a safer alternative that keeps babies warm without loose blankets. Weighted sleep sacks and other weighted products may not be used because an infant is unable to remove a weighted object on their own.

3. Training for Caregivers

Caring for infants is both rewarding and demanding, and proper training helps build confidence in your ability to provide safe sleep environments.

Wisconsin requires caregivers working with infants to complete at least 10 hours of approved infant and toddler care training within six months of starting their role. This training covers best practices for safe sleep, giving you the tools to provide the best care possible.

By creating safe sleep spaces, establishing consistent routines, and investing in proper training, you’re giving the infants in your care a safe, nurturing environment where they can rest peacefully — and their families can feel reassured knowing they’re in good hands.

Our SIDS - Reducing the Risk course meets Wisconsin licensing requirements and can be completed entirely online. Maintain clear training records and ensure your staff stays updated — it's essential for compliance and infant safety.

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ProSolutions Training offers subscriptions with state-aligned courses tailored just for Wisconsin. 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:

✅ Classroom Management 101

✅ The Early Years: Infant and Toddler Mental Health

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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:

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Want access to all Wisconsin-required courses at one affordable price? Our Individual Subscription gives you unlimited access to our complete Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin child care licensing requirements, please refer to the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families website.