Daycare Cot Buyer's Guide

Offering your preschoolers a nap or quiet rest time can help stabilize emotions, reduce tantrums and give you a much-needed break. Kids are often more open to daytime snoozing when they have a comfortable place to relax. Vinyl mesh cots are the most hygienic and economical choice for childcare centers. They're easy to clean, stack for compact storage and come in two lengths to accommodate different age groups. Accessories like sheets and name tags help you create an even more cozy and welcoming nap zone. Here are a few product features to consider when purchasing cots for your facility:

Size

You'll notice that all daycare cots (regardless of the manufacturer) come in two sizes: Toddler and Standard. Toddler cots are generally 40" - 45" long. This length is suited for most kids in the 12- to 36-month age range. Standard cots are 52" - 55" long and support most kids ages 10 and under.

Cots are generally 21" - 23" wide. This gives children enough space to lie comfortably on their back or side while discouraging rolling and horseplay. The height is usually around 5", which is safe for youngsters and compact for storage and transport.

Be sure to check the weight limit before purchasing your cots. The amount of weight that a cot frame can support varies based on its style, size and manufacturer. Most cots support at least 70 pounds.

Construction & Materials

Napping cots are composed of three main parts: side rails, reinforced corners and the bed. Side rails give the cot its structure and are often made of aluminum or steel for strength. They're secured into molded plastic corners or endcaps to complete the frame. Corners are usually designed to stack or nest with other cots. There are two ways the bed or top of the cot can be secured to the rails: a sewn-in channel or a hook-and-loop system. Both styles allow the bed to be removed from the rails for cleaning or replacement.

Modern daycare cot beds are usually made of vinyl or vinyl-coated mesh. Vinyl is a soft and durable polymer that's moisture-resistant and economical. It's easy to wipe clean and withstands most sanitizing and cleaning agents. Vinyl cots are a smart choice for childcare settings where germs are abundant and potty-training accidents are common.

Storage

As detailed above, cots are made of lightweight materials that make transport easier. The majority of cots stack, allowing you to reclaim classroom space for other activities.

A cot carrier or dolly is a smart long-term investment for your preschool or childcare center. These platforms support up to 24 cots and roll smoothly on casters for hassle-free transport around your facility. Cot carriers allow you to set up and break down napping zones more efficiently, which is key to preventing tired toddler meltdowns.

Accessories

Cot bedding can provide additional comfort to preschoolers so they're more likely to fall asleep. Cot sheets feature elastic corner straps that wrap over the legs for a secure fit. These straps make sheet changes fast and easy and won't pop off the frame as the child moves around. Cot blankets should be a few inches longer than the cot to cover the child's legs and feet. Both bedding options are made of machine washable materials and come in Toddler and Standard sizes.

Cot name clips help the naptime process go more smoothly. Older kids can quickly identify their cot independently and even help with the cleaning process. Assigning children their own cot can also reduce germ spread. Cot name clips are reusable and can be repurposed as needed.

Convenient and affordable, daycare cots give preschoolers a comfortable place to nap. If you need any guidance with your cot purchase the Schools In team is here to help. We source cots from trusted manufacturers like Angeles and Wood Designs, and we're happy to suggest the best size or style for your students. Give us a call today at (877) 839-3330.