Safe Sleep Week: Supporting Safe Sleep for Babies and Young Children

Safe Sleep Week (9–15 March) is an important time to raise awareness about safe sleep practices for babies and young children. At our early childhood education and care centres across Central Queensland, including Gracemere, Rockhampton (Frenchville), and Yeppoon, children’s safety and wellbeing are always our top priority.

Sleep is an essential part of a child’s growth and development. Creating safe and consistent sleep environments helps children feel secure, supports healthy brain development, and reduces the risk of sleep-related incidents.

Why Safe Sleep Matters

Safe sleep practices are designed to reduce the risk of Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI) and other sleep-related hazards. In early learning environments, safe sleep is a shared responsibility between educators and families, and consistent practices between home and care settings help children feel safe and settled.

We follow the evidence-based guidelines provided by Red Nose Australia, Australia’s leading authority on safe sleep and SUDI prevention.

Safe Sleep Practices in Our Early Childhood Centres

At our centres in Gracemere, Rockhampton (Frenchville), and Yeppoon, safe sleep is part of our everyday practice.

We ensure that:

• Babies are placed on their back to sleep

• Sleep occurs on a firm, flat mattress in an approved cot

• Cots are kept free from loose bedding, pillows, toys, and bumpers

• Children are dressed appropriately to avoid overheating

• Educators conduct regular sleep checks and close supervision

Our educators receive ongoing training in safe sleep procedures and follow strict policies aligned with the National Quality Framework and Education and Care Services National Regulations.

How Families Can Support Safe Sleep at Home

Families play an important role in reinforcing safe sleep practices. At home, we encourage families to:

• Always place babies on their back to sleep

• Use a cot that meets Australian safety standards

• Keep the sleep space free from soft bedding and loose items

• Maintain a comfortable room temperature

• Keep the sleep environment smoke-free

Consistency between home and early learning environments helps children feel secure and promotes healthy sleep routines.

Free Safe Sleep Week Webinar for Parents and Carers

To further support families during Safe Sleep Week, Red Nose Australia is hosting a FREE online Parent & Carer Forum.

This live session provides a supportive space for families to:

• Understand why safe sleep matters

• Talk through real-life sleep situations

• Ask questions in a safe and supportive environment

• Learn practical tips families can use straight away

We encourage families across Gracemere, Rockhampton (Frenchville), and Yeppoon to join this session and learn more about keeping babies and young children safe during sleep.

Our Commitment to Children’s Safety in Central Queensland

Child safety and wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do. Whether families are looking for childcare in Rockhampton, early learning in Gracemere, or quality childcare in Yeppoon, they can feel confident that safe sleep is a priority in our centres.

We are committed to working in partnership with families to create safe, nurturing, and supportive environments for every child.

If you would like to learn more about our safe sleep practices or enrol your child in one of our Central Queensland early childhood education centres, please contact us. Our friendly team is here to support your family.