EYFS safer sleep requirements

Short answer: since 1 September 2026 the safer sleep rules are written into the EYFS itself, at paragraph 3.86 of both frameworks. For children under 2: on their back, in their own sleep space, babies 12 months and under in a cot only, nothing extra in the cot, heads uncovered, a room at 16 to 20°C, an adult in the room for babies under six months, and frequent checks.

Updated 31 October 2026, checked against both EYFS frameworks in force from 1 September 2026. For England. A guide, not legal advice: the framework is the final word.

The nine rules for children under 2

On their back, in their own sleep space. On a firm, flat surface such as a cot, bed or mattress on the floor.
Babies aged 12 months and under: a cot only. The framework counts cots, carrycots, moses baskets and travel cots as cots.
Nothing but a mattress and light bedding. A firm, flat, waterproof mattress and lightweight bedding tucked in below the shoulders, or a well-fitted baby sleep bag (check the manufacturer’s advice).
Feet-to-foot. Where blankets are used, the child goes at the bottom of the cot with blankets tucked in.
No extras in the cot. No toys, pillows, extra blankets, bumpers, wedges or straps.
Not too hot or cold. The recommended room temperature for babies is 16 to 20°C.
Heads uncovered. Children’s heads must not be covered.
Under six months: an adult in the room. Babies under six months must always have an adult in the same room for every sleep.
Checked often, always seen and heard. All sleeping children must be checked frequently and stay within sight and hearing of staff.

The framework opens with “babies and children must be placed down to sleep safely”, which applies to every age. Practitioners must also read the NHS advice on sudden infant death syndrome, and the framework points to The Lullaby Trust for more.

Your checklist

Every baby 12 months and under sleeps in a cot, carrycot, moses basket or travel cot
Cots have nothing in them but the mattress and tucked-in bedding or a sleep bag
A thermometer in each sleep room, and a plan for hot days
A rota so a baby under six months is never asleep without an adult in the room
A written record of sleep checks, with how often you check
Your sleep policy rewritten to match 3.86, dated, and referring to the September 2026 framework

What to tell parents, and your website

“A day with us”. Say how naps work: cots for babies, where older children sleep, who checks on them and how often. The EYFS says you must share your daily routine.
Your sleep policy. Put the dated PDF on your policies page.
Parents’ wishes. Explain kindly that some home habits, such as a pillow, a cot bumper or sleeping in a car seat, can’t happen at the setting, and why.
No photos of sleeping children online, even with consent. Show an empty sleep room instead.

Questions

What are the EYFS safer sleep requirements?

Paragraph 3.86 of both EYFS frameworks from September 2026 says children under 2 must be put down on their back in their own sleep space, babies 12 months and under only in a cot, with no extra items in the cot, heads uncovered, a room at 16 to 20°C, an adult in the room for babies under six months, and all sleeping children checked frequently and kept within sight and hearing.

Do the safer sleep rules apply to childminders?

Yes. The childminder framework has the same paragraph, 3.86, word for word.

Can a baby sleep in a pushchair or car seat at nursery?

For babies 12 months and under, the framework says a cot only, and it defines cots as cots, carrycots, moses baskets and travel cots. Pushchairs and car seats aren’t on that list.

Can a 2-year-old nap on a mat?

For children over 12 months and under 2, a mattress on the floor or a bed is allowed, as long as it’s a firm, flat surface in their own separate sleep space. The other rules, such as checks and keeping heads uncovered, still apply.

Do I need a written sleep policy?

The framework sets the sleep rules but doesn’t name a separate sleep policy. Most settings write one anyway, because the EYFS says you must share your policies and procedures with parents, and parents ask how naps work.

When did the safer sleep rules change?

The safer sleep requirements were written into the main body of both frameworks that came into force on 1 September 2026, so settings no longer refer out to separate guidance.

Sources

EYFS framework for group and school-based providers, dated 13 July 2026, paragraph 3.86
EYFS framework for childminders, dated 13 July 2026, paragraph 3.86
EYFS statutory framework, DfE, GOV.UK

More guides: all our guides for nurseries, childminders and schools.

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