In an early childhood and education service, why must sleep mats be positioned away from the walls? Is this so children don't roll and get stuck or is there another reason?

Hi there,

Thank you for your extremely important work in childcare services and for you wonderful question.

Mattresses must be positioned away from walls as young children can become trapped between the mattress and wall. This can also happen if mattresses are placed too close to furniture. Keep the area around the mattress clear of soft toys, bean bags, plastic bags or similar objects that a young child can roll onto or pull onto themselves. Soft objects could mould around a young child’s face, resulting in suffocation.

Best wishes,
Jane