Aussie Childcare Network Forum

Im stuck with this question, and I think I have a little part of the answer, but I know Im missing heaps out. The Question is:
Leanne is preparing the room for morning sleep time for some of the babies. What does Leanne need to consider in preparing the room, the cots and the bedding? In your response you should consider ventilation, lighting, temperature and relevant health, hygiene and safety requirements.

And what Ive got so far is:
- Each child must have their own bedding which is stored separately and cleaned at least once a week and when soiled.
- Sheets and blankets and bedding must be tucked in/fitted and not loose
- Cot sides must be pulled up when the child is in the cot
- The room needs to be well ventilated and at a comfortable temp to keep the child from over heating and helping to prevent SIDS.
- Lights should be dimmed and soft music played to promote relaxation
- There should be no smoking anywhere the childrens areas.
- There should be no bumpers, doonas, or quilts on the edge of the cot
- The cot should meet Australian Standards
- The mattress should be firm and fitted (the right size for the cot)
- There should be no more than a 25mm gap between the mattress and the cot sides and the ends
- The waterproof mattress protector should be strong and tight fitted
-Remove any pillows, doonas, quilts, lambskins etc. from cot
- The cot, mattress, linen etc. should be cleaned daily with hot soapy water or natural detergent, while approved disinfectant solution should be used to destroy bacteria, virus and fungi
- An adequate flow of fresh air minimizes the spread of germs
- Airconditioning units must be clean and regularly maintained.

As you can see my answer needs a lot of help... so please help
Thanks

thanks, ill see if i can find anything

I cannot find any regulations on cot distance except that they must be placed sufficient distance apart that you can get children out comfortably and quickly (in case of emergencies)

At least a metre between cots and mattresses

Hi Steffelz,

I had a look through the policies and procedures manual and it did have some information in their about Cots & Bedding:

Selection for Use of Cots, Beds and Bedding:

• The scheme/carers use cots that comply with the Australian Standard for cots for household use (AS/NZS2172).
• Cots and beds are placed well away from exposed blind and curtain cords.
• Do not place a cot near windows, heaters or power points. This will reduce the risk of injuries from falls, burns and electrocutions.
• Check cot regularly for signs of wear.
• Do not allow small objects that could cause the child to choke to be placed in the cot or anywhere within reach of the child.
• Make sure bases on adjustable base cots are moved to their lowest setting as soon as the child is able to sit unaided.
• Do not place soft, fluffy products such as pillows or sheepskins under infants while they sleep.
• Do not use V shaped pillows for children under 2 years of age. It is safer not to use a pillow at all for children under 2 years of age.
• Never use electric blankets or hot water bottles for babies or young children.
• Carers must have an adequate number of cots and sleep mats for all children who sleep while at the premises.
• Mattresses and other bedding must be clean and comfortable.
• Bed clothing must be appropriate to the climate.
• All bed clothing must be kept clean and in good repair.
• There is individual bed linen and blankets for each child.
• Linen is stored separately not touching other children’s linen.
• Mattresses are stored separately not in contact with other children’s mattresses.
• Bed linen used by one child is washed before it is used by another child.
• Bed linen is washed weekly or if soiled.
• Children do not share the same bed at the same time.

It also mentioned about how to prevent SIDS:

To reduce the risk of SIDS:

• Put baby on the back to sleep, from birth.
• Sleep baby with their face uncovered.
• Position baby so their feet are at the bottom of the cot. Tuck in bedclothes securely so bedding is not loose.
• Cigarette smoke is bad for babies – do not let anyone smoke near your baby, not in the house, the car or anywhere else your baby spends time.

Safe Mattress

• Is the mattress the right size for the cot, and is it firm and clean.
• Remove plastic packaging from the mattress.
• Always make sure the waterproof mattress protector is strong and a tight fit.

Safe Bedding

• Remove pillows, quilts, doonas and lambskins from the cot. These things may cover your baby’s face and make breathing difficult.

A Safe Place to Sleep

• The following are things to look out for and avoid where toddlers sleep – both during the night and for any daytime naps.
• Soft sleeping places where a toddlers or baby’s face may get covered.
• Dangling cords or string.
• Heaters and electrical appliances.
• Prams, strollers and bouncers where restraints are not done up

Cheers ,
L.A

Thank you so much, you all are life savers. Im studying distance education, and its such a mission to get hold of my college to ask them simple questions like these, as they are always busy and unavailable. I hope my contribution can help other people as much as you all are helping me

Hi steffelz,

I have looked on the SIDS and KIDS website and this is what they are saying about the gap between the bars on the cot:

Make sure there is no more than a 25mm (1inch) gap between the mattress and the cot sides and ends

I hope this is helpful for your assessment

From Emma

emma arnol wrote:Hi steffelz,

I have looked on the SIDS and KIDS website and this is what they are saying about the gap between the bars on the cot:

Make sure there is no more than a 25mm (1inch) gap between the mattress and the cot sides and ends

I hope this is helpful for your assessment

From Emma

Thanks for the info Emma!

,
Lorina