7 Child Care Center Essentials like Cribs and Changing Tables

If you manage a child care center, you understand how certain pieces of equipment are necessary for running a safe, successful operation.

Children depend on educated caregivers and smart equipment investments to keep them secure and protected. Daycare equipment, like high chairs, strollers, and cribs, should streamline routines for your staff; while also providing safety and comfort to the children, toddlers, and infants you care for daily.

No matter the size of your child care center, these seven equipment choices are essential for success.

1. Child Care Cribs and Mattresses

As an integral part of your child care center’s infant area, commercial cribs should promote safety, comfort, and functionality.

When selecting the right cribs for your business, consider models that can easily be converted to an evacuation crib with a kit. These cribs feature improved safety features like sturdy caster wheels and easy grip handles, which allow for easier mobility in the event of an emergency.

To make busy days more efficient for your teachers, look for cribs with clear view end panels. Cribs with 360-degree visibility give caregivers an unobstructed view of sleeping or resting babies, which makes overseeing a room full of infants much easier.

Selecting a crib mattress is a weighty decision as well. Supportive crib mattresses can promote calm and relaxation while infants are away from the familiarity of home. Keep babies content and safe with mattresses free of unnecessary chemicals, like flame retardant additives. Mattresses, like Infapure, are made of virgin foam, providing a naturally safe cushion.

2. Daycare Storage Units

Convenient equipment that saves time for your employees improves their ability to care for your center’s children. Less conspicuous items, like storage units, can often make a big impact on the productivity of your daycare team.

Whether shelving and storage bins are used to store daycare necessities or children’s belongings, thoughtfully placed and well-organized storage units increase your center’s efficiency and functionality. Parents also like it when your storage systems have a cubby for each children’s spare diapers, change of clothes, snacks, and toys.

Of course, if any shelving or storage units are within reach of curious children, the proper safety precautions should be taken. Anchoring furniture to walls and installing locks on cabinet doors might be necessary depending on the equipment’s location and contents.

3. Children's Cots

Outside of your infant room, daycare cots are your facility’s go-to equipment for little nappers. As a daily workhorse for your toddler through preschool rooms, this equipment must be durable, sanitary and fast to set-up/put-away.

Although cots may not seem inherently dangerous, certain design features could pose a risk, especially after wear from daily use. Look for toddler and kids cot beds that use anti-fraying material, as well as designs that eliminate gaps or wells where tiny arms and legs could get caught.

Additionally, cots that are easily wiped clean after use or extended stays in storage will improve efficiency and cleanliness.

4. Toddler Step Stools

Little ones will need a step up to reach sinks, counters, and other areas throughout the day.

Standard stepping stools can do the job but may lack added safety features for small children still mastering their coordination skills.

A wide base and nonslip legs will help prevent a step stool from tipping. Some stools are equipped with higher, supportive frames that act as a handle to lessen the chance of a fall. Step stools with nonslip treads are especially useful in bathrooms.

5. Child Care Feeding Chairs

Mealtimes at your child care center can be controlled or chaotic. Having helpful equipment, like high-quality feeding chairs, and a good room layout will make all the difference.

Each unit should be equipped with a secure harness or belt and a base that will keep the chair from tilting or falling, even if tasked with containing a hungry baby who isn’t sitting still.

Feeding chairs, like Foundations’ Secure Sitter Premier, adjusts to 4 different heights and allows children, of all ages, to self-load with minimal assistance from your teachers. Ease of cleaning should play a big factor in feeding chair selection too. Look for smooth surfaces, minimal wells, and straps that won’t trap or absorb liquid.

6. Changing Tables and Diaper Pails

Infant and toddler rooms are going to need a clean, safe diaper changing table. Choose models with adjustable safety straps and built-in changing areas that are deep enough to keep children from rolling off while still being accessible by the caregiver.

Commercial changing tables often provide additional features beneficial for daycares like durable and easy-to-clean construction and built-in shelves or cubbies for storage. Look for models with coordinating wall-mounted diaper organizers that will provide your staff with easy access to diaper changing necessities.

Make your diaper changing space even more clean and efficient by including a diaper pail. It is important to choose a commercial-grade model like the Foundations’ diaper pails, since it will go through considerably more usage than a home model. Choose a sanitary and cost-effective diaper pail by looking for styles that are hands-free, odor blocking, and use any trash bag.

7. Multi-Child Daycare Strollers

Safeguarding your center’s children is a top priority – whether inside your facility or out for a stroll with four kids. The right multi-child stroller can make outdoor adventures enjoyable for both the passengers and the operator.

For safety, strollers should be equipped with a features like parking brakes and 5-point safety harnesses. Added features like independently reclining seats and expandable canopies will be appreciated by children, while caregivers will look for all terrain tires, large storage baskets, and easy maneuverability.

When outfitting your child care center with strollers, consider the equipment’s storage convenience before purchasing. Any daycare-friendly stroller will incorporate collapsible functionality for compact storage and portability.

Running a daycare facility takes a considerable amount of expertise, organization, and supplies, not to mention love. While each center will have different needs based on size or location, purchasing high quality equipment will set your team up for success and ensure a safe environment for children.

Contact Us or call 330-722-5033 to learn more about our full line of child care products.