Our vision for safe sleeping. 

It is common for young children to sleep while they are with us at childcare. As such, it is important this is done in a safe and healthy manner. As an organisation, we follow the relevant laws and regulations. We also follows the guidelines from various bodies such as VeiligheidNL (Safety NL) and the NCJ (Nederlands Centrum Jeugdgezondheid, Dutch Centre for Youth Health).  
 
We believe it is important that as a parent/carer, you are aware of the guidelines before your child receives childcare from us. Please read the guidelines below. If these are different from the situation at home, we recommend preparing your child for the new situation. This will make the transition a lot easier.   

Sleeping on stomach or side. 
We put the children to sleep on their back. They will only be placed on their stomach if parents can show a written statement from a medical specialist. This should state that the child must sleep on their stomach/side for medical reasons. Advice from a health visitor or baby clinic (consultatiebureau) will not be accepted.  
 
Swaddling. 
Swaddling means wrapping a child from shoulders to feet. There are two ways to swaddle a child: using a swaddle blanket (traditional) or a swaddle wrap or swaddle bag. A swaddle wrap or swaddle bag is a sleeping bag that prevents arm movements such as those from Puckababy, Woombie, or Ergococoon, for instance. At Skar, we do not use this method of swaddling. 
 
We only use the traditional swaddling method if we receive a written statement from a medical specialist. Advice from a health visitor or baby clinic (consultatiebureau) will not be accepted.  
 
Sleeping bags.
Children up to 2 years old sleep in a sleeping bag here. This sleeping bag should be provided by you, the parent, for your child. Information on sleeping bags and their safety requirements can be found here: De babyslaapzak: ideaal beddengoed | VeiligheidNL.
 
If you are using a swaddling wrap or swaddle bag such as a Puckababy, Woombie, or Ergococoon, please read the chapter on swaddling.   
 
Restraining: or using restraints on children. 
Natural movement is important, that is why we do not restrain children. Restraints will only be used if we receive a written statement from a medical specialist. This should state that the child must be restrained for medical reasons. Again, advice from a health visitor or baby clinic (consultatiebureau) will not be accepted.  
 
Cuddly toys and pacifiers. 
Children up to 2 years of age sleep without cuddly toys in bed. We do this to prevent a chocking hazard. A pacifier with a cord or cloth is allowed, although it is important this is no larger than approx. 10 cm and does not have any loose parts. 
 
Jewellery and medical devices. 
Jewellery, pins, beads, and hair ties increase the risk of chocking in bed. That is why these are not worn in bed here. If your child has earrings, wears jewellery for religious reasons, or has a medical device such as a hearing aid, please let us know when your child starts childcare with us. Our pedagogic professionals will work with you to find a good solution.   
 
Sling or ergonomic carrier. 
At some branches, your child can also be carried in a sling. Please contact your branch to discuss the options. 
 
Outdoor sleeping. 
At some branches, your child can also sleep outside. Please contact your branch to discuss the options.  
 
For more information on healthy and safe sleeping, go to VeiligheidNL.