Hi, I work in a childcare centre and there is confusion regarding children on stretcher beds with bottles. Is this allowed while being supervised closely or must they be held/sitting up?

The issue of baby having a bottle to go to sleep is not part of the Red Nose Safe Sleep guidelines, however, there is consistent information & recommendations to suggest that this may not be best practice.

Many Child Health & Safety Organizations do not recommend babies having a bottle when being placed for sleep.
There may also be concerns about baby vomiting when settling or asleep after having a bottle.

Raising Children’s Network does have some information.
https://raisingchildren.net.au/newborns/breastfeeding-bottle-feeding/bottle-feeding/giving-the-bottle

Bottle-feeding and breastfeeding
Settling babies to sleep with bottles of milk can lead to early childhood tooth decay, particularly if it happens often. The problem is that the milk contains natural sugars, which can build up around baby’s teeth at night. The germs on the teeth can turn the sugars into acids, which eat away at the enamel of the baby teeth.

It’s recommended that you don’t settle your baby in bed with a bottle of milk. If your baby needs extra fluids, give her a quick drink of cooled boiled water before you put her into bed. Bottles in bed are also a choking risk.

In general, if you’re bottle-feeding, take the bottle away when your baby is finished. Likewise, if you’re breastfeeding, take baby off the breast when he’s had enough. Simple measures like these can help prevent early childhood tooth decay.
https://raisingchildren.net.au/babies/health-daily-care/dental-care/tooth-decay

Dangers of bottle-feeding in bed
If your baby gets used to falling asleep with a bottle in bed, she might depend on it to get to sleep. This can make it more difficult for your child to fall asleep or settle herself independently.

Bottle-feeding in bed also has several risks for your baby.

Choking risks
Babies who fall asleep while bottle-feeding can draw liquid into their lungs. They might then choke on it or inhale it. This is like what happens when you have something ‘go down the wrong way’.
It’s more dangerous for your baby than it is for you, because your baby isn’t as good at waking up if something interferes with breathing.
Although it’s more likely that your baby will cough and be uncomfortable, you might want to avoid the risk altogether.
Tooth decay risk
If your baby falls asleep with a bottle of infant formula, formula might slowly drip into your baby’s mouth, soaking your baby’s teeth and putting him at risk of tooth decay.
Risk of ear infections
If your baby drinks while lying flat, milk can flow into her ear cavity, which can cause ear infections.
https://raisingchildren.net.au/newborns/breastfeeding-bottle-feeding/bottle-feeding/giving-the-bottle#dangers-of-bottle-feeding-in-bed-nav-title

If you decide to continue with this practice, supervision & risk assessment is important to consider.