Why “Back to Sleep” Matters at Brookshire Learning Center
Bringing home a new baby is full of tender moments and lots of sleepless nights. Between feedings, fussiness, and finding the right bedtime routine, new parents often wonder: How do I help my baby sleep safely? How can I get them to sleep at all!? At Brookshire Learning Center, we take safe sleep seriously. Our teachers follow nationally recognized guidelines and state licensing regulations to ensure every baby rests securely and comfortably. By working together, families and caregivers can help infants build healthy sleep habits while reducing the risk of sleep-related accidents.
What “Back to Sleep” Means
The phrase “Back to Sleep” comes from a nationwide campaign started by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Research shows that placing babies on their backs to sleep for every nap, every night can dramatically decreases that risk. Here’s what the AAP recommends for all infants under 12 months:
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep, not on their side or stomach.
- Use a firm, flat sleep surface like a crib or bassinet with a fitted sheet.
- Keep the sleep area free from blankets, pillows, bumpers, or stuffed animals.
- Share a room, not a bed. The AAP recommends that infants sleep in the same room as parents for at least the first six months but always in their own crib or bassinet.
- Avoid overheating. Dress your baby in light sleepwear and keep the room at a comfortable temperature.
These practices save lives and we’re proud to follow them every day at Brookshire Learning Center.
How Brookshire Learning Center Ensures Safe Infant Sleep
Safety is at the heart of our infant care program. Our teachers are trained in safe sleep practices and follow all state child care licensing regulations and AAP guidelines. We communicate openly with parents about each baby’s sleep routines and always follow written instructions provided by families in alignment with our state licensing rules. At Brookshire Learning Center:
- Every baby is placed on their back to sleep, every time.
- Infants sleep in their own assigned crib, with a firm mattress and fitted sheet only.
- No blankets, toys, or bumpers are allowed in cribs.
- Teachers check sleeping babies visually every 15 minutes (or more often if needed).
- Once babies show signs of rolling over, teachers continue to place them on their backs—but allow them to find their own comfortable position during sleep.
- Pacifiers are allowed if families provide them, as they may reduce SIDS risk and soothe babies naturally.
Helping Fussy Babies Fall Asleep Safely
Some babies love sleep from day one. Others? Not so much. If your little one fights naps or bedtime, don’t worry, there are gentle, effective ways to help. At Brookshire Learning Center, our teachers use these same techniques like gentle rocking, soothing voices, and calm environments to help babies settle into nap time naturally.
Try these soothing strategies:
- Create a calming routine: Rock, hum, or read a short story before naps. Consistency helps babies recognize when it’s time to rest.
- Use white noise: A soft hum or shushing sound can mimic the womb’s comforting rhythm.
- Swaddle safely: For babies under 2 months who can’t yet roll over, a snug (not tight) swaddle can calm their startle reflex. Once rolling starts, it’s time to stop swaddling.
- Watch for sleepy cues: Eye rubbing, yawning, and looking away mean it’s time for rest. Catching these early cues can prevent overtiredness and make sleep easier.
Understanding Sleep Windows and Regressions
Even the best sleepers can suddenly start waking more at night or skipping naps. That’s where understanding sleep windows and regressions helps. Sleep windows are the times when your baby’s body is ready for rest—usually 60–90 minutes of awake time for newborns, 2–3 hours by 6 months. Missing that window can lead to overtiredness and fussiness. Sleep regressions happen when babies hit big developmental milestones (like rolling, crawling, or teething). These are normal, temporary disruptions that often last 1–2 weeks. Our teachers track each baby’s sleep patterns and adjust routines as needed. Some babies nap longer; others need shorter, more frequent rests. At Brookshire Learning Center, every infant’s needs are respected—we never use a one-size-fits-all schedule.
Brookshire Learning Center: A Safe Place to Rest and Grow
We know how much trust it takes to hand your baby to someone else for the day. That’s why Brookshire Learning Center is dedicated to providing peace of mind for families and the highest standard of care for infants. When your baby naps in our care, they’re resting in a safe, regulated environment, surrounded by caregivers who genuinely love what they do. You can feel confident knowing we’re following the most up-to-date safety guidelines and treating your little one with the same care and attention you do at home.
If you’re looking for a nurturing, safety-first environment for your baby, Brookshire Learning Center would love to meet your family. Our infant teachers are experts in creating calm, comforting routines that help babies grow strong and sleep soundly.
👉 Schedule a tour today or visit Brookshire Learning Center’s website to see how we combine loving care, professional training, and evidence-based practices to give every baby the best possible start.