20 CAR § 1026-1001 – Sleeping arrangement requirements

(a) All manufacturer guidelines shall be followed for furniture and equipment that is used by or around children.
(b) Any cribs or playpens that have been identified as unsafe or have been subject to recall as defined by the Consumer Product Safety Commission guidelines or law shall be removed or repaired as indicated.
(c)
1. (1) Each child under twelve (12) months of age shall have a separate well-constructed baby bed or playpen with a waterproof mattress or pad that shall be:
  1. (A) Clean;
  2. (B) Dry; and
  3. (C) In good condition.
2. (2) Sheets and covers are required and shall be kept clean and dry.
3. (3) Bassinets shall not be used.
4. (4) Please note that the Consumer Product Safety Commission does not recommend the use of playpens in licensed child care.
(d) Waterbeds shall not be used for sleeping children under the age of two (2) years.
(e) The following guidelines shall also be required for cribs:
1. (1) Cribs that have end panels with decorative cutout areas shall not be used;
2. (2) Mattresses shall fit snugly in the crib;
3. (3) The space between crib and mattress shall measure no more than one inch (1”);
4. (4) Corner posts shall be the same height as end panels;
5. (5) End panels shall extend below the mattress at the lowest position of the mattress; and
6. (6) Baby beds shall have slats no greater than two and three-eighths inches (2 3/8”) apart.
(f)
1. (1) Each child twelve (12) months of age or older shall have a cot, bed, pallet, or mat that shall be placed at least one foot (1’) apart.
2. (2) Sheets and covers are required.
3. (3) Bedding shall be of washable material and shall be kept clean.
4. (4) If mats or pallets are used on floors, floors shall be:
  1. (A) Clean;
  2. (B) Warm;
  3. (C) Dry; and
  4. (D) Draft-free.
5. (5) Any mat or pallet less than two inches (2”) thick shall be placed on carpet.
(g) Doors in rooms where children are sleeping shall remain open.
(h) Swaddling of infants is not recommended and shall require a note from the child’s physician if continued past the age of three (3) months.
(i) Bibs, necklaces, and garments with ties or hoods shall be removed from infants prior to rest and naptime to reduce the risk of entanglement and strangulation while sleeping.