Rule 5180:2-7-10 | Care of a foster child under age two.
(A) What type of crib must be provided for a foster child under two years of age or under thirty-five inches in height?
A full-sized crib must be provided that meets the following requirements:
(1) Crib slats no more than two and three-eighths inches apart.
(2) No decorative cutouts on crib end panels that could entrap a child's head.
(3) Compliance with U.S. consumer product safety commission specifications.
(4) A firm mattress at least one and one-half inches thick, covered with waterproof, non-dangerous material, and fits the crib so there is no more than one inch gap between mattress and sides of the crib.
(B) When can a bassinet or cradle be used for a foster child?
A bassinet or cradle may be used only for infants weighing less than fifteen pounds.
(C) What developmental support must be provided to a foster child under two years of age?
The child must be provided with:
(1) Regular opportunities for individual attention and physical contact with a caring adult.
(2) Consistent and regular opportunities for safe and comfortable participation in age-appropriate developmental activities such as sitting, crawling, walking, and playing.
(D) What kind of play items should a foster child under two years have?
The child must be supplied with safe play items appropriate to their age and developmental ability.
(E) How should a foster child under two years be fed?
Feeding must follow instructions from the child's physician or recommending agency as outlined in the individual child care agreement, including:
(1) Ensuring the child is fed while placed in a high chair, infant seat, or held.
(2) Never feeding a child in a crib or bassinet.
(3) Never propping a bottle for feeding.
(F) Under what conditions can a foster child under two years use a toddler bed or standard bed for sleeping?
This can occur only if:
(1) The foster caregiver, custodial agency, and recommending agency agree the child poses a continual safety risk by climbing out of the crib. This agreement must be documented in writing, be signed by a custodial agency representative, and kept in the foster caregiver's record.
(2) The child must not use the upper bunk of a bunk bed.
(G) Is co-sleeping or bed-sharing allowed with infants placed in the foster home?
No one in the home is allowed to co-sleep or bed-share with infants placed in the home.
Last updated October 25, 2026 at 12:00 AM
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