When a child’s attendance at a nursery or child care center requires a nap, the center must provide a separate crib, bed or cot, as well as individual sheets and blankets.

• Children under the age of 6 who attend day care for 5 or more hours a day must have the opportunity to rest or nap.
• Babies should be allowed to sleep according to their individual needs (with parental consultation).
• Young children 3 years and older who are not enrolled in kindergarten should not be allowed to nap for more than 2 hours.
• Children in kindergarten through school age do not require a nap. However, padded chairs, floor pillows, soft rugs, or cots should be provided for lounging or lounging.
• The crib, bed or cot provided for each child must be appropriate for the child’s level of development.
• Babies must sleep in cribs.
• Small children can use stackable cots or full-size cribs.

A crib or bed must be provided for each toddler and preschooler who attends day care for 5 or more consecutive hours per day. A crib must be provided for each licensed infant space, regardless of the amount of time the child is there.

• Each cot, bed, or crib must be labeled with the child’s name.
• Cribs, beds, and cots must be kept clean and disinfected.
• Cribs, beds and cots should be wiped down as often as necessary.
• Before another child uses it, all cribs, beds or cots should be thoroughly cleaned and then disinfected with a germicidal solution.
• At no time should 2 children be allowed to share the same crib, bed or cot, unless it is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between each use by a child.
• Freshly laundered sheets and blankets must be provided and changed at least twice a week for infants and toddlers, at least once a week for preschoolers, or more often if wet or dirty.
• Bedding should be tight fitting and washable.
• Covered, plastic-lined, washable, and conveniently located receptacles must be provided for soiled sheets and blankets.
• When children nap, the room should be dimly lit but not completely dark.

It’s no secret to child care providers (or parents) that young children need a good rest to feel energized. Stackable cribs for preschools and daycares are the perfect addition to encourage a good nap during the day.

Options:

Kids tend to get cranky and, let’s face it, even irritable without a nap. It’s important for preschools and daycares to create a place for children to relax. Since most nurseries are short on space to work with, stackable costs make storage and nap time more manageable. Nursery cribs are specially designed with a lightweight aluminum frame for a durable construction that is comfortable for children. They can be stacked on top of each other for quick access, and when stacked, the sleeping surfaces don’t touch. This prevents the spread of disease.

Characteristics:

With a frame constructed of durable aluminum, there are no plastic corners to crack or break. Anti-trip safety legs save approximately 16% of floor space and do not extend beyond sleeping area. The cover, which can be easily washed with a bleach and water solution, is taut over the frame to prevent sagging.

Security:

Plastic corners, found in most children’s cribs on the market today, are prone to breaking and cracking. Look for ones with a strong aluminum frame to prevent cracking and breaking. However, when stacked, most cots are designed so that the sleeping surfaces do not touch, still it is important that all covers are cleaned with a disinfectant and sheets are machine washed after each use. Another way to prevent the spread of germs is to make sure your cots are assigned and not shared.

Tips for nap time:

• Labeling cribs with numbers and children’s names can help ensure that the same child uses the same crib every day.
• Create a nap area that is separate from the play area to minimize disturbance to those who still need a nap.
• When storing cots, make sure they are away from hallways and activity areas.
• Create a calm environment for a nap by dimming the lights and playing softer lullabies.