Can an infant's caregiver leave the infant unsupervised?

• A. A sleeping infant is supervised if the caregiver is within eyesight or hearing range or can intervene, or if using a video or audio monitor and is close enough to intervene.
• B. A sleeping infant may be left unsupervised if the caregiver can intervene within 30 minutes by phone.
• C. An awake infant is supervised only if the caregiver is physically touching the infant.
• D. A sleeping infant must always be in a locked room.

Answer: (A)

Supervision means you are in a position to notice and respond to the infant’s needs quickly. For a sleeping infant, you don’t have to be touching the baby at all times, but you must be within sight or hearing range or able to intervene immediately if needed. Using a video or audio monitor is acceptable as long as you are close enough to intervene promptly. This ensures safety by allowing rapid response even while the infant is sleeping. The other statements soften the supervision standard in ways that aren’t allowed: waiting up to 30 minutes by phone doesn’t provide immediate intervention; requiring physical contact for an awake infant is unnecessarily restrictive; and mandating a locked room for a sleeping infant adds an extra, unsupported requirement.