Daycare Sleep Protocol 2026: What Does Safe Sleeping Mean for Your Baby?
The sleep protocol at daycare: what does it mean for your baby?
Sleeping at daycare raises a lot of questions for parents. How will my baby be put down to sleep? How often will they be checked on? What if my child sleeps differently at home?
Because safe sleeping is literally a matter of life and death, childcare in the Netherlands follows a nationally established Safe Sleep Protocol for Daytime Childcare (Protocol Veilig Slapen in de Dagopvang, 2026). In this article, we explain what the protocol involves, what has recently been updated, and what it means for you and your baby in practice.
Why is safe sleeping so important?
To prevent incidents during sleep, guidelines are continuously refined based on scientific research and real-world experience. Safe sleeping requires clear agreements and careful implementation.
For young babies, the transition to daycare can be particularly vulnerable. They are faced with a new environment, unfamiliar sounds, different caregivers, and sometimes a different sleep routine. These changes can affect sleep and may cause stress. The protocol helps childcare organisations minimise risks and ensure a safe sleeping environment.
What is the Safe Sleep Protocol for Daytime Childcare?
The protocol applies to children under 2 years old and forms part of the health and safety policy of childcare organisations. It was developed in collaboration with medical experts and industry bodies, and aligns with the national guideline on SIDS prevention.
This means that childcare locations operate according to nationally established, evidence-based guidelines. This is not a voluntary agreement — it is a fixed part of policy that must be applied in practice.
The basics: the 4 rules for safe sleeping
The core of the protocol consists of four clear principles that together form the foundation for safe sleeping at daycare.
- Back sleeping
First and foremost, babies are always placed on their backs to sleep. Back sleeping is the safest sleep position. Sleeping on the stomach significantly increases the risk of SIDS. Once a baby can easily roll from their back to their front and back again on their own, they no longer need to be actively repositioned — but until that point, back sleeping remains the standard. - A well-fitting sleeping bag
Babies sleep in a well-fitting sleeping bag. Extra blankets or sheets are not used as a rule. A safe sleeping bag is not too warm, fits snugly around the neck and armholes, and fastens with a zip rather than buttons or press studs. The arms can move freely. Hats are not worn indoors, as the head plays an important role in regulating body temperature. - A safe, approved cot
Babies always sleep in a safe, approved cot. The mattress is firm, flat, and fits the cot exactly. There are no pillows, large soft toys, baby nests, side-support cushions, or other soft materials in the cot. Pram baskets, playpens, and hammocks are not used as sleeping spaces. - Regular supervision
Supervision is an essential part of safe sleeping. Sleeping babies are checked on regularly in person — in most cases at least every 15 minutes. During vulnerable periods, such as the first few weeks at daycare or during a significant developmental leap, checks are carried out more frequently. A baby monitor with camera may be used as an additional tool, but never as a replacement for in-person checks.
The critical phase: learning to roll over
An important risk period is when a baby first starts trying to roll from their back to their front. This developmental milestone often comes with an increased risk, particularly when a baby cannot yet roll back independently.
During this period, daycare staff are especially vigilant. Parents are informed straight away when their baby starts attempting to roll. Checks are carried out more frequently, and in some situations a temporary measure may be taken — such as tucking the baby in firmly with a tightly stretched sheet over the sleeping bag. Good communication between parents and childcare workers is essential during this phase, to spot signs early and take appropriate action together.
Sleeping outdoors
At some locations, babies sleep outside. Clear guidelines apply here too.
- Clothing and sleeping bag thickness are adjusted to suit the perceived temperature.
- Duvets are never used.
- The cot is not covered with sheets or cloths, so ventilation is always maintained.
- Babies do not sleep outside in extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain, storms, fog, or extreme heat or cold.
- Air quality is also taken into account.
In cold temperatures, a well-fitting hat without cords may be worn, provided it cannot slip over the baby's face. Babies sleeping outside are checked just as frequently as those sleeping indoors.
Comforters, dummies, and other common questions
When it comes to soft toys, the main concern is the risk of a baby ending up with their face pressed against a large, soft object. For babies under 1 year, large stuffed toys are therefore not permitted. A small comfort cloth is usually fine, as it cannot fully cover the face. From the age of 1, a small soft toy may go in the cot, provided the stuffed part is no larger than the child's head.
If a baby is used to a dummy when falling asleep, this will also be given at daycare. Suddenly changing sleep habits can cause unsettledness. Medication with sedating side effects is not prescribed for babies, as this can increase the risk of SIDS.
What if parents want something different?
Sometimes babies sleep differently at home than the daycare policy allows — for example, on their tummy or swaddled. As a rule, the daycare does not deviate from its policy, because the protocol is designed to keep risks as low as possible.
Only in exceptional circumstances can an exception be considered — for example, when there is a medical necessity. In such cases, expert advice is always sought, a professional assessment is made, and written parental consent is recorded. Swaddling is also subject to strict conditions and is always phased out in a timely manner. Responsibility for the child's safety remains with the childcare organisation.
What happens in an emergency?
While everything is geared towards preventing incidents, there is also a clear emergency procedure in place. Staff are trained to act immediately, contact emergency services, and notify parents without delay. Aftercare for parents and the staff involved is also part of the policy. Open communication and thorough documentation are essential throughout.
What has recently changed in the protocol?
Following initial real-world experience, the protocol was updated on several points at the start of 2026. These include:
- The requirement to keep a check log has been removed.
- The check interval for children aged 1 and over has been clarified.
- The distinction between soft toys for under-1s and 1+ has been made clearer.
- Guidance on wearing a hat in cold temperatures when sleeping outdoors has been added.
- The maximum outdoor sleep time of 3 hours has been removed.
- The requirements for a safe sleeping bag have been clarified.
These updates were made in response to feedback from practice, with the aim of creating rules that are both clear and workable.
What does this mean for you as a parent?
The most important thing to know is that safe sleeping is not a loose arrangement — it is a carefully developed, nationally supported policy. Your baby will be placed on their back, sleep in a safe sleeping bag, in an approved cot, and be checked on regularly. Communication also plays a major role. By sharing information about your baby's development and wellbeing, you work together with the daycare to create a safe sleeping environment.
Choosing a daycare that's right for you
Not every daycare communicates equally thoroughly about safe sleeping. During a visit, you can always ask about the sleep protocol and how it is applied in practice.
Via https://kiddie.nl you can compare childcare locations, view Municipal Health Service (GGD) inspection reports, and read reviews from other parents. This gives you a clear picture of both the policy and how it is put into practice.
With clear agreements and open communication, you can drop your baby off at daycare with complete peace of mind.
