Video monitors and cots

[apples and bananas]

Hi everyone!

I have always had playpen age kids here and now they seem to be growing out of the playpens! I have a 3 year old coming into care in September and have a 2 year old that will be ready for a cot by then. So, I'm currently using the bedrooms upstairs with a play pen in each room, everyone sleeps seperately. I will be making the daycare room into a second nap room for the big kids. I have blackout curtains and a curtain that cuts off this room from the rest of the house (it's fairly open concept) I just need some cots! So I'm looking for help in 2 areas as I haven't used the playroom as a nap room before and I haven't had multiple kids sleeping in the same room before.

1. Cots! Any brands that work well? I'm thinking a cot rather then a mat as I would think the child would relate a cot more to a bed being slightly risen off the floor, I'm hoping for some more success this way as far as keeping them laying down and in bed.

2. Video!! I want to see them without them seeing me. I will be in the next room for the most part, so I'll be able to hear them, but I want to watch and make sure I know what I 'm hearing. LOL

Any suggestions on products or tips that you've used would be great!

Thanks!

[bright sparks]

Thanks for asking this a&b. I'm interested in cameras. I have found that the video monitors dont cover a large enough area and generally arent very clear either. I'd love to hear what suggestions people have.

[Play and Learn]

For cots, what I've bought for my 3 kiddos are these: Regalo My Cot Travel Bed. The kids seem to like them enough! http://www.walmart.com/ip/Regalo-My-Cot-Travel-Bed/4433186

I buy these in the US (and they're $26). I believe that Toys R Us now carries them (or will be), but are about $40. http://www.toysrus.ca/product/index.jsp?productId= 12241926&prodFindSrc=search&foreSeeBrowseSamplin g=15&foreSeeBrowseLoyalty =1&foreSeeEnabled=true

I just ask parents to provide me with a crib mattress protector in case of any accidents, as well as any bedding.

Otherwise you can go to a daycare store and buy the cots that centers use. Ie: http://www.avronforkids.com/products/5577/COT++BLUE++STANDARD+ 52%27%27+Lx22%27%27+ Wx5%27%27+H Just make sure that if you go this route, to make sure you're getting the standard size, and NOT the toddler size.

[apples and bananas]

Thanks play and learn. These are the cots I've been looking on line at. I'm heading to the states this summer and may just pick them up while I'm there.

[country girl]

With respect to the cots, does anyone know off hand what the weight limit is and how long they are...couldn't find dimensions on the website. Thanks!

[Play and Learn]

Country Girl - are you asking in regards to the Regalo Cots? I have had my 7 year old nephew on it, and he was fine - he's a little tall for it, but sleeps in a ball. I would say he's about 45 pounds?

For the daycare cots that centers use - we would have 6 year olds on the standard cots. Anyone older had a floor mat to rest on if they needed quiet time.

[Play and Learn]

One thing I love about the Regalo cots is that they fold up for storage (smaller than a pack n' play).

[playfelt]

How stable are the regalo cots in terms of tipping if a child gets too close or sits on the edge of them similar to what a camp cot does. Have hubby convinced my crib mattresses can go and I can replace them just have to decide with what. I had been leaning towards the mats with the idea I could probably find uses for them down the road when not doing daycare anymore but still open to options.

[Play and Learn]

How stable are the regalo cots in terms of tipping if a child gets too close or sits on the edge of them similar to what a camp cot does.
I don't have any issues with them at all! There's '6 legs' on them. I have a 2 yr old and two 3 year olds on them. They're made very similar to those lawn chairs that fold up (I can't sit in them because of my back, because they sink too low).