Many cots come with a mechanism on one side that enables it to fold or slide down, hence the name “drop side cot”
Most cot beds have side rails that are around 84-90cm high in the highest position, which makes them challenging for shorter people to reach over to lay a sleeping baby down. A cot bed with a drop side will reduce this height, making it easier to reach your baby.
Bending over is particularly common cause of back pain. With a fixed side cot, you have to bend over the side to lift your baby in and out. When your baby is old enough to sit up unaided, the base of cot will be set to the lowest position and you would then have to bend even further over to pick up much heavier child! Then consider the fact you’ll have to do this several times a day.
With drop side cots, the side slide down about 15cm, preventing you from bending your back further into the cot while lifting the child as well as stopping any awkward stretching to reach and lift your child.
We highly recommend these types of cot. If you have previously injured your back, even if it was some time ago, it is likely muscles and ligaments in your back may still be sensitive, so a drop side is the perfect solution.
For the causes of back pain, back injury and how to prevent it, check our NHS guidelines
www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Back-pain/Pages/Introduction.aspx
The US safety commission (CPSC) banned drop sides in 2011, with a new safety standard aiming for tougher testing on the stability and durability of cots. The incidents reported in the US were mostly caused by malfunctioning of cheap plastic mechanisms, in some cases parents ignored malfunction of the mechanism and continued the use of cot, result in the drop side rail partially detaching from the cot and creating a dangerous V shape gap between mattress and the drop side rail, where a young infant could get caught and trapped.
The US safety standards of cots were and still are very much different than British and European ones. Before the 2011 US ban, unlike British safety standards of cots, US standards did not require the mechanism of drop side be auto locked while the rail was in the top position, and did not require the drop side mechanism to unlock with only two consecutive actions before the side could be moved. The testing of the drop side mechanism was also not as detailed and rigorous as the British and European standards.
Therefore, the differences in UK drop side mechanism means that it would not be possible for incidents like those in the US to happen on a British cot bed.
Since the US ban of drop side, British and European safety standard of cot EN716 was revised in 2011 and 2013. Additional requirements were added to the standard along with more rigorous testing to drop side cot. i.e. the mechanism now must auto lock in both top or bottom positions, with two consecutive actions to unlock and lower/rise the rail.
British drop sides have been around for decades with a long history of safety records so parents continue support them for their obvious benefits.
Assembly correctly with the proper checks, it is safe sleeping space for your baby.
For further reference, check drop side cot topic on mumsnet.com; which.co.uk and goodtoknow.co.uk
Babymore’s unique ‘Lift and Nudge’ drop side mechanism is one of few that passed the rigorous test of the latest British safety standard. The mechanism is integrated into the side rail, with specially designed metal pins connected to the cot ends. Together, the mechanism not only auto lock in both up and down position, and it require two consecutive actions to unlock, eliminated possibility of the side rail to sudden drop or partial detach from the cot.
Our range of cot beds and their mechanisms are tested and approved for use by Intertek (UK Company -The largest tester of consumer goods in the world), against the latest British safety standards of Children’s cots for domestic use – BS EN 716-1/2:2008+A1:2013.
Each year, thousands of Babymore drop side cot beds are distributed to British parents. We are confident that you will find the drop side cot to offer your baby the very best in comfort and quality.
Read the instructions for safe use that come with your cot.
Make sure you follow the assembly instructions step by step.
To prevent assembly errors, we’ve produced an assembly video for most of our drop side cot beds available on Babymore website and YouTube.
If you could not find a video for your specific cot bed, check the video below. Although it’s a different cot bed, it has the same drop side mechanism across a range of our drop side cots.
1min 10 sec into the video, it shows the correct assembly of a drop side rail, and follows with how to operate the drop side.
Review the assembly if drop side does not operate smoothly.
Our tips:
The correct use and maintenance of your cot/bed will ensure it has a long and trouble-free life. It is your responsibility to use your cot/bed correctly.
British and European safety standard for cot BS EN 716 has very specific requirement over instructions for safe use, which come with your cot. The standard has a detailed requirement of how it is worded and presented. MAKE SURE YOU READ IT CAREFULLY. Click here to see the Cot bed safe use instruction.
All parents should be aware of the safety advice below, in addition to the “instruction of safe use”.
A clear cot is a safer cot
Unnecessary items in a baby’s cot can increase the risk of accidents. Luullabytrust therefore recommend babies sleep in cots that are kept as clear as possible and specifically advise
Working with NHS, Lullaby Trust provides expert advice on safer sleep for baby. We work hard to raise awareness of SIDS and aim to make sure all parents receive up to date and scientifically proven advice on how they can keep their baby as safe as possible.
Make sure to read the Lullaby Trust’s lifesaving safer sleep advice.
Safer Sleep Advice
Video: Watch ‘Safer sleep for babies’
Article: Read Article
Assembling a cot bed can be a daunting task, especially if you’re doing it for the first time. Despite clear assembly instructions, mistakes can happen, turning the process into a frustrating experience. Fortunately, we’ve gathered top tips from our years of experience to help you avoid common pitfalls and make cot assembly a breeze.
Babymore has incredible experience in providing high quality cots, cot beds and cribs. Our collection of cots will leave you stunned! Here, let us help you know what exactly you need to do for your cot assembly. Luckily, we’ve compiled these top tips from our years of experience to help you avoid the some common mistakes.
1) Get The Instructions
This might sound obvious, but many people skip this crucial step. The instructions contain vital information about keeping your baby safe while they sleep. If you don’t have the original instructions for your cot bed, make sure to find them, especially if you’re using a second-hand cot bed. Most manuals are available online and are indispensable for a safe and correct assembly. If you want to learn about how to choose the right cot bed, you might have a look at this detailed blog by Babymore.
2) Get Help When Required
Most cot beds are quite large, and assembling them is much easier with two people, even though some can be done single-handedly. Although most instruction manuals suggest assembling the cot bed while it’s standing up, we’ve found that assembling it on its side is often much easier.
A Fun Family Activity
Why not turn cot assembly into a fun family project? Involving your partner or an older child can make the process more enjoyable and less stressful. Plus, it’s a great way to spend quality time together and share in the excitement of preparing for the new arrival.
3) Trust Your Instincts!
If the cot bed looks wrong or is difficult to use, you’ve probably assembled it incorrectly. For example, if the base seems unusually high, you might have put it together upside down. If parts should fit together but don’t seem to, try turning the part or switching the direction it’s facing.
Learn as You Go
Treat the assembly process as a learning experience. Every time you encounter a problem and solve it, you’re gaining valuable skills and confidence. This can be especially useful for future furniture assembly projects.
4) Don’t Use Too Much Force
Never bang dowels in with a hammer, as they can go straight through the wood. The bolts and nuts are designed to hold the parts together securely, but over-tightening them can crack the wood and alter the shape of the cot bed, causing issues like a stiff drop side. Avoid using power tools that could over-tighten bolts.
Gentle Hands, Happy Cots
Think of cot assembly as a delicate task that requires patience and a gentle touch. Taking your time and being careful with each component will ensure that your cot bed remains sturdy and safe for your baby.
5) Cot Bed Adjustment Tips
When adjusting the height of the base, take one of the sides off, so you can see more of the fixings and get a better grip on the components. When adjusting the height of the base, it’s often useful to loosen the sides first and then retighten them afterwards. Otherwise, the base is clamped tightly in place and it’s difficult to get to all the fixings and manoeuvre the components loose. Apart from this, you might also want to have a look at what is the suitable age of a cot bed, hence, Babymore has a blog compiled just for you. Have a look at it and make your life easier.
Customising for Comfort
Adjusting the cot bed height is not just about assembly; it’s also about customising the cot for your baby’s comfort. As your baby grows, you’ll need to adjust the height to ensure they are safe and comfortable.
Watch Cot Assembly Videos
Not sure if you done it right? Check our Assembly Instructions page for assembly a video of the product, brand or similar product to see if that will help. Click here to visit our Assembly Instructions page.
The instructions may not be very clear on how to operate the drop side. Giving it a gentle nudge with your shin after you lift it up is usually the easiest way to operate the side smoothly.
Visual Learners, Rejoice!
If you’re a visual learner, assembly videos can be a game-changer. Seeing the process step-by-step can help you understand the instructions better and give you the confidence to complete the assembly with ease.
Final Checks and Finishing Touches
After assembling the cot, take a moment to do a final check. Make sure all screws are tightened properly, the cot is stable, and there are no leftover parts. Adding a few personal touches, like a soft mattress and cosy bedding, can transform the cot into a welcoming haven for your baby.
Transform your nursery with Babymore’s premium cots and cot beds, designed for both style and safety. Our products come with comprehensive assembly instructions and dedicated customer support to ensure a smooth setup process. Whether you prefer classic elegance or modern design, Babymore’s cots and cot beds offer the perfect solution for your baby’s sleeping needs. Shop now at Babymore and experience hassle-free assembly, making your baby’s comfort our priority. Happy assembling!
A 8 months pregnant mom to be, called us this morning, to let us know that she is so pleased with her Babymore Stella cot bed. She managed to assemble the cot bed on her own. Well done! You might want to explore our range of cot beds to get a better understanding of the products we offer.
She asked a question that I think many would benefit with the answer.
“What’s the procedure to change it to the lowest mattress position once it’s all put together? do I have to start from scratch again? ”
Answer:
There is no need to disassembly the whole cot and start again.
You may want to learn about the “five tips to assembling a cot bed”, please feel free to review this blog by Babymore.
Usually above shall take about 15-30 mins to complete. It is easier to complete with extra pair of hands. For more information, read our blog about the “suitable age of a cot bed” to gather a detailed insight into our offerings.
Hope it helps.