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Crib and Play Yard Requirements

Purpose

To ensure the safety, health, and compliance of infants during nap and rest periods by adhering to state and federal crib and play yard safety regulations.

Scope

This SOP applies to all childcare staff responsible for the care and supervision of childrenĀ from birth up to one year of age.

Policy Statement

All infants under one year of age must nap in an approved crib or playpen/play yard that meets current federal safety standards. At no time may an infant nap in an unsafe or unapproved sleep environment.

Procedure

1. Approved Sleep Equipment

  • Infants up to one year of age must be placedĀ onlyĀ in:

    • A crib, or

    • A playpen/play yard with sides designed for infant sleep

  • Alternative sleep surfaces (e.g., bouncers, swings, cushions, mats) areĀ strictly prohibitedĀ for napping.

2. Crib Side Security

  • Crib sides must be:

    • Fully raised and

    • Securely lockedĀ at all timesĀ while an infant is in the crib

  • Staff must visually confirm side security before leaving the crib area.

3. Bar Spacing Requirements

  • The spacing between crib slats must:

    • Not exceed two and three-eighths (2ā…œ) inches

  • Cribs with broken, missing, loose, or widened slats must beĀ removed from use immediately.

4. Regulatory Compliance

  • All cribs and playpen/play yards must meet the requirements outlined in:

    • Title 16, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Parts 1219, 1220, and 1221 (2014)

  • These federal regulations are incorporated by reference in:

    • 65C22.001(7)(w), Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.)

  • Only manufacturer-approved, regulation-compliant equipment may be used.

5. Ongoing Inspection

  • Staff must inspect cribs and play yards:

    • Daily before use

    • Immediately upon noticing any damage or malfunction

  • Unsafe equipment must be:

    • Removed from the classroom

    • Reported to administration

    • Tagged as ā€œOut of Serviceā€ until repaired or replaced

Responsibilities

  • Teaching Staff:Ā Ensure daily compliance and proper use of cribs/play yards

  • Director/Designee:Ā Ensure all equipment meets regulatory standards and documentation is maintained

  • All Staff:Ā Report safety concerns immediately

Compliance

Failure to follow this SOP may result in:

  • Licensing violations

  • Increased risk to child safety

  • Disciplinary action per personnel policy