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What is a drop side?

Many cots come with a mechanism on one side that enables it to fold or slide down, hence the name “drop side cot

Why drop side?

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

Why has the US banned the drop side and the UK not?

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

Why Babymore drop sides stand out on safety

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.

How to assemble a drop side?

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:

  1. Ensure the “push” label is facing outward as the side rail needs to be installed the right way around.
  2. Metal pins attached on cot end/cot legs: check that these are inserted into the correct holes as indicated in the instructions.
  3. Do not over tighten the metal top pins as unwanted friction would impair the free movement of mechanism, making it difficult to operate the drop side.
  4. Do not attempt to close the gap between drop side rail and cot end as it allows the rail to slide up and down. By over tightening connection bolts, you will impair the function and damage the cot.
  5. If a stabiliser bar come with your cot, make sure it is installed behind or under the drop side rail.
  6. Make sure the floor has a level and even surface. A tilted cot means that the drop side will not slide up and down smoothly.

How to maintain a drop side?

  1. Read the instructions for safe use carefully.
  2. When a child uses the cot, always make sure the drop side is in the up position and locked in both ends.
  3. Always make sure the drop side locked in position, even if it’s not in use.
  4. Fittings should be checked regularly and tightened as necessary. Do not over tighten.
  5. Cot bumpers, mobiles and toys should not be attached onto the drop side.
  6. Do not use the cot bed if any part is broken, torn or missing. Contact us immediately.
  7. For storage, retain all fittings and instructions.
  8. Check any used cot carefully and make sure they still have the instructions.

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

https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/safer-sleep-advice/clear-cot

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.

  1. Remove all the bedding and mattress from the cot. If your cot bed come with a underneath drawer, it may not be necessary to remove it.
  2. Remove one of the cot side panel for better access to the base. If you have a drop side panel, remove it instead of fixed side panel, refer to instruction – convert cot to bed, for how to remove drop side. To remove drop side panel you may need to loosen up the bolts connect mattress base to cot ends.
  3. If you had a stabiliser bar installed and intend to reposition base to the lowest position, the stabiliser bar may block the position, remove the stabiliser bar.
  4. Loosen up the 4 bolts connect the remaining side panel to the cot ends. To create gap between side panel and cot end, that allow the mattress base be repositioned.
  5. From outside of cot ends, carefully remove the bolts/ barrel nuts hold the base in position.
  6. Reposition the base to preferred base position, reconnect the base to cot end with the bolts/barrel nuts.
  7. Attach the previously removed cot side panel. Drop side panel refer to your cot bed instruction or assembly video guide.
  8. Tight up all bolts, include those on cot side panel. Do not over tighten, as it may create irreversible damage.

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.

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