Daycare Sleep & Nap Policy Guide 2026: Safe Sleep Practices for Children

Sleep is one of the most important parts of your child's day at daycare—and one that carries significant safety considerations, especially for infants. Understanding your daycare's sleep policies helps you ensure your child rests safely and gets the sleep they need for healthy development.

This guide covers everything about daycare sleep and nap policies in 2026: safe sleep requirements, what to look for, age-appropriate expectations, and questions to ask.

Table of Contents

• Why Sleep Matters at Daycare
• Safe Sleep Requirements
• Nap Schedules by Age
• What Quality Daycares Do
• Common Sleep Challenges
• Evaluating Sleep Policies
• Questions to Ask

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Why Sleep Matters at Daycare

Understanding the importance of quality rest.

Sleep and Development

Quality sleep supports:

• Brain development
• Memory consolidation
• Physical growth
• Emotional regulation
• Immune function
• Learning and attention
• Behavior management

Sleep Needs by Age

Daily sleep requirements: | Age | Total Sleep (24h) | Naps | |-----|-------------------|------| | 0-3 months | 14-17 hours | Multiple | | 4-12 months | 12-16 hours | 2-3 naps | | 1-2 years | 11-14 hours | 1-2 naps | | 3-5 years | 10-13 hours | 0-1 nap |

Why Daycare Sleep Matters

Considerations:

• Children spend significant time at daycare
• Poor naps affect mood and behavior
• Sleep quality impacts learning
• Safety is paramount for infants
• Routines support good sleep habits

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Safe Sleep Requirements

Critical safety information.

Infant Safe Sleep (AAP Guidelines)

Required practices:

• Back to sleep (always)
• Firm, flat sleep surface
• Fitted sheet only
• Nothing in crib (no blankets, pillows, toys)
• No wedges or positioners
• Room temperature 68-72°F
• Sleep sack instead of blankets

SIDS Prevention

Critical rules:

• Always place on back
• No soft bedding
• No crib bumpers
• No loose items
• Monitor regularly
• Avoid overheating
• Pacifiers allowed

State Licensing Requirements

Most states require:

• Individual cribs for infants
• Regular visual checks
• Staff training on safe sleep
• Written safe sleep policy
• Parent acknowledgment
• Compliance with AAP guidelines

Red Flags (Serious Concerns)

Never acceptable:

• Babies sleeping on stomach
• Blankets/pillows in infant cribs
• Babies sleeping in swings/bouncers
• Car seats used for sleeping
• Bumpers in cribs
• Sleep positioners
• Sharing sleep spaces

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Nap Schedules by Age

What to expect at different stages.

Infants (0-12 months)

Sleep needs:

• Multiple naps throughout day
• Responsive to individual schedules
• Following home routine when possible
• Total nap time: 3-5 hours
• Frequent checks required

What to look for:

• Separate cribs
• Quiet sleep area
• Flexible to needs
• Communication about sleep
• Safe sleep practices

Toddlers (1-2 years)

Sleep needs:

• Usually 1-2 naps
• Transition to one nap (12-18 months)
• Nap length: 1-3 hours
• Consistent nap time
• Quiet rest activities if not sleeping

What to look for:

• Consistent schedule
• Individual cots/mats
• Calm environment
• Transition support
• Parent communication

Preschoolers (3-5 years)

Sleep needs:

• One nap or quiet rest
• Some may outgrow napping
• Rest time still valuable
• 1-2 hour rest period typical
• Alternatives for non-nappers

What to look for:

• Quiet time for all
• Options for non-nappers
• Age-appropriate activities
• Not forced to sleep
• Darkened, calm space

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What Quality Daycares Do

Best practices for sleep.

Sleep Environment

Quality features:

• Dedicated nap area
• Temperature controlled
• Darkened/dimmable lights
• White noise or soft music
• Individual sleep spaces
• Clean bedding
• Calm atmosphere

Safe Sleep Practices

Staff should:

• Follow AAP guidelines strictly
• Check infants every 10 minutes
• Document sleep times
• Place babies on back every time
• Use sleep sacks for infants
• Monitor room temperature
• Keep sleep areas clear

Individualized Approach

Good programs:

• Honor individual sleep needs
• Communicate with parents about home routines
• Adjust schedules as needed
• Support transitions
• Recognize developmental changes
• Don't force sleep

Documentation

Should track:

• Nap start and end times
• Sleep position (infants)
• Overnight diaper changes
• Unusual sleep patterns
• Share with parents daily

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Common Sleep Challenges

Navigating typical issues.

Baby Won't Sleep at Daycare

Common causes:

• New environment
• Different routine
• Missing comfort items
• Stimulating environment
• Overtiredness

Solutions:

• Allow transition time
• Share home routine
• Comfort items if allowed
• Consistent approach
• Communication with staff

Toddler Fighting Naps

Common causes:

• Schedule mismatch
• Not tired
• Too tired
• Developmental changes
• Environmental factors

Solutions:

• Adjust timing if possible
• Consistent routine
• Calm pre-nap activities
• Patience during transitions
• Quiet rest if not sleeping

Different Schedule at Home

Managing differences:

• Some variation is okay
• Communicate openly
• Find middle ground
• Focus on night sleep
• Flexibility helps

Sleep Regression

During regressions:

• More patience needed
• Maintain consistency
• Communicate changes
• Usually temporary
• Both home and daycare affected

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Evaluating Sleep Policies

What to look for.

Written Policies

Should include:

• Safe sleep practices
• Nap schedules
• Sleep environment details
• Monitoring procedures
• Parent communication
• Staff training

Staff Knowledge

Staff should know:

• Safe sleep guidelines
• Age-appropriate practices
• What to do if baby rolls
• When to check infants
• How to handle challenges
• When to contact parents

Observe the Space

During tours look for:

• Clean, calm sleep area
• Individual sleep spaces
• Appropriate bedding
• Temperature comfort
• Light control
• Monitoring capability

Green Flags

Positive signs:

• Clear safe sleep policy
• Staff trained and knowledgeable
• Calm nap environment
• Regular parent communication
• Flexibility for individual needs
• AAP guidelines followed

Red Flags

Concerning signs:

• Unsafe infant sleep practices
• Blankets/pillows for babies
• No written policy
• Staff unsure of guidelines
• Inflexible approach
• Loud/stimulating nap area
• Babies left unmonitored

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Questions to Ask

About Infant Sleep

1. "What are your safe sleep practices?"
2. "How often do you check on sleeping infants?"
3. "What do babies sleep in? What's in the crib?"
4. "How do you handle infants who roll over?"
5. "Are staff trained in safe sleep?"

About Toddler/Preschool Sleep

1. "What's your nap schedule?"
2. "Where do children nap?"
3. "What if my child doesn't want to nap?"
4. "What do non-nappers do during rest time?"
5. "How do you handle nap transitions?"

About Communication

1. "How will you tell me about my child's sleep?"
2. "Can we discuss my child's home schedule?"
3. "How do you handle sleep challenges?"
4. "Who can I talk to about concerns?"

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Sleep Safety Checklist

For Infants

• [ ] Written safe sleep policy
• [ ] Back to sleep practiced
• [ ] Firm, flat sleep surface
• [ ] Nothing in crib
• [ ] Regular checks documented
• [ ] Staff trained on safe sleep
• [ ] Sleep sacks used (no blankets)
• [ ] Temperature appropriate

For Toddlers/Preschoolers

• [ ] Individual sleep spaces
• [ ] Clean bedding
• [ ] Calm environment
• [ ] Consistent schedule
• [ ] Options for non-nappers
• [ ] Age-appropriate expectations
• [ ] Communication with parents

Environment

• [ ] Dedicated nap area
• [ ] Temperature controlled
• [ ] Light dimmable
• [ ] Quiet atmosphere
• [ ] Clean and maintained
• [ ] Monitored appropriately

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Resources

• Find Quality Daycare Near You
• Infant Daycare Guide
• Daycare Safety Guide
• Questions to Ask Daycare Providers

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Last updated: December 2025