Why Daycare Cots Are More Than Just a Nap Spot
In any early childhood setting, naptime isn’t just a break—it’s a vital part of a child’s daily rhythm. Whether you're managing a preschool, childcare center, or early learning facility, having high-quality daycare cots is essential to creating a nurturing, safe, and restful environment.
Daycare cots do more than give toddlers a place to rest; they help maintain order, support healthy development, and ensure cleanliness and comfort for growing kids. The right nap cot reduces stress for children and caregivers alike, offering a reliable, hygienic, and long-lasting solution to one of the most important parts of the day.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about daycare cots—from types and materials to hygiene, safety, and storage—and why School Outlet is your go-to partner for furnishing your early learning spaces.
Benefits of High-Quality Daycare Cots
Promote Healthy Sleep Habits
Sleep is crucial for toddlers' cognitive, emotional, and physical development. Durable and comfortable daycare cots encourage restful naps, leading to better behavior, focus, and learning retention once children wake up.
Maintain a Clean, Organized Space
Unlike mats or floor cushions, daycare cots keep children elevated off the floor. This helps maintain hygiene and makes it easier for staff to clean beneath the cots. Stackable preschool cots also help with space efficiency, especially in multi-purpose rooms.
Improve Safety and Compliance
Modern daycare cots are built with rounded corners, breathable mesh fabrics, and sturdy frames that meet CPSIA and ASTM standards. Choosing the right daycare cot keeps your program in compliance and gives parents peace of mind.
Key Features to Look for in Daycare Cots
1. Sturdy Construction
When toddlers climb, bounce, or roll during rest time, a daycare cot needs to hold steady. Look for:
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Steel or aluminum tubular frames
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Heavy-duty plastic corners
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Reinforced mesh or fabric sleeping surfaces
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50–100 lb. weight capacity per cot
Frames should be resistant to rust and easy to clean with mild disinfectants. High-quality materials mean the cots will last through years of daily use.
2. Breathable, Comfortable Sleeping Surface
Children can overheat easily. Daycare cots with breathable mesh or woven fabric surfaces allow air circulation while providing gentle support. A firm surface prevents sagging, while rounded edges and a taut surface keep children safely centered on the cot.
3. Stackable Design
One of the most important daycare cot features is stackability. Teachers and staff need to be able to store cots quickly and easily after nap time.
Look for:
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Integrated stacking guides or legs
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Interlocking corners to prevent slippage
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Protective footings to avoid scuffing
Proper stackable cots can be stored vertically in just a few square feet of space.
4. Easy Maintenance and Cleaning
Children have accidents, and hygiene is critical. Choose nap cots with:
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Wipeable fabric or mesh sleeping surfaces
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Washable or replaceable covers
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Mold- and mildew-resistant frames
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No hidden seams or fabric folds that trap debris
You should be able to sanitize your daycare cots daily with EPA-approved cleaning agents to meet licensing and health requirements.
5. Safe and Certified
Always check for:
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ASTM F406 or F2613 compliance
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CPSIA certification (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act)
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Flame-retardant materials
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No exposed sharp edges or pinch points
School Outlet only stocks daycare cots that meet these stringent safety certifications, ensuring total peace of mind.
Popular Types of Daycare Cots
Standard Stackable Daycare Cots
These are the most commonly used in daycare and preschool settings. They typically measure 52" x 22" and feature elevated legs, a stretched mesh or vinyl surface, and easy stackability. Great for toddlers and preschoolers aged 2 to 5.
Toddler-Sized Rest Cots
Sized slightly smaller for young children aged 12–24 months, toddler rest cots are perfect for nursery rooms. They usually have a lower profile and shorter frame for safe, easy access.
Heavy-Duty Cots for High-Use Centers
For busy centers or full-day programs, invest in high-weight capacity daycare cots built for durability. These cots often feature thicker steel frames and double-stitched sleeping surfaces.
Compact or Folding Daycare Cots
Need to save even more space? Some cots offer foldable designs with collapsible frames. While less common, they’re useful in environments with limited storage.
Covered Cots with Replaceable Fabric
For centers that want added versatility, some cots feature removable fabric covers. These are ideal for use with sheet sets and provide extra cushioning.
How to Choose the Right Size
Here’s a general guideline for daycare cot sizes:
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Toddler Cots (40"–45" L): Best for children aged 12–24 months
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Standard Cots (50"–55" L): Ideal for ages 2 to 5 years
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Extra-Large Cots (55"+): Suitable for older preschoolers or programs that allow flexibility
Ensure your cots match your room size, storage availability, and number of students. You should also ensure every child has a designated cot labeled with their name to meet health code requirements.
Hygiene Best Practices for Daycare Cots
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Sanitize all cot surfaces daily
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Use machine-washable cot sheets or covers
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Assign one cot per child to avoid cross-contamination
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Air out and inspect cots weekly
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Use cot name tags to keep track of which cot belongs to each child
Many states also require a minimum number of inches between each cot and a cot-to-wall distance. Always refer to your local health and licensing requirements.
Tips for Efficient Cot Storage
Daycare centers often have limited space, so cot storage is critical.
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Use a cot dolly to transport stacked cots in bulk
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Vertical stacking saves space in janitorial closets or storage rooms
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Color-coded corner caps help identify classroom sets quickly
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Labeling systems make it easy to assign and retrieve individual cots
With smart planning, even a small facility can store dozens of cots efficiently.
Why School Outlet Is the Trusted Source for Daycare Cots
At School Outlet, we specialize in classroom furniture designed for real-world use by early childhood professionals. Our daycare cots are:
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Backed by warranty
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Certified safe and durable
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Bulk-priced with discounts for large orders
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Available in toddler and standard sizes
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Easy to clean, stack, and store
We carry trusted brands like Mahar and Angeles®, and our customer service team is here to help you choose the best option for your specific needs.
Need help outfitting an entire preschool or just replacing a few damaged cots? We’ve got you covered.
Call our team at (877) 398-6449, chat with us live on our website, or email us with your daycare cot needs.
Final Thoughts
Investing in high-quality daycare cots helps your childcare center provide safe, comfortable, and hygienic rest time for every child. From stackable toddler cots to breathable, easy-to-clean materials, every detail matters when it comes to health, safety, and functionality.
By choosing the right nap cots from School Outlet, you're ensuring that your students rest well, your staff stays organized, and your facility remains compliant with all safety and hygiene regulations.
