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 6 years of age who attend daycare for 5 or more hours a day should be given the opportunity to rest or nap.

  • Babies should be allowed to sleep according to their individual needs (in consultation with parents).

  • Young children 3 years and older who are not enrolled in kindergarten should not be allowed to nap longer than 2 hours.

  • Children from kindergarten to school age children 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 developmental level.

  • 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 daycare 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 needed.

  • Before another child uses it, all cribs, beds or cots must 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 of a child.

  • Freshly laundered sheets and blankets should 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 close-fitting and washable.

  • Conveniently located, washable, plastic-lined, covered receptacles should 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 night’s rest to feel energized. Stackable cribs for preschools and nurseries are the perfect complement to encourage a good nap during the day.

Options:

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

Characteristic:

With a frame constructed of durable aluminum, there are no plastic corners to crack or break. Safety trip-prevention legs save approximately 16% floor space and do not extend beyond the sleeping area. Easily washable with a bleach and water solution, the cover is taut over the frame to prevent sagging.

Safety:

Plastic corners, found on most toddler cribs on the market today, are prone to chipping and cracking. Look for ones with a sturdy aluminum frame to prevent cracking and breaking. However, when stacked, most cots are designed so that sleeping surfaces do not touch, it is still important that all covers are cleaned with a disinfectant and that 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.

Nap time tips:

  • Labeling cribs with numbers and child names can help ensure that the same child uses the same crib every day.

  • Create a napping area that is separate from the play area to minimize disturbance for those who still need a nap.

  • When storing cots, make sure they are away from hallways and activity areas.

  • Create a calm environment for napping by dimming the lights and playing softer lullabies.