Baby cot bed with drop side

Types of Baby Cot Bed with Drop Side

There are several types of baby cot beds with drop sides. Each type has distinct features and benefits that cater to varied needs and preferences.

• Standard Drop Side Cot

  This is the most popular type of cot. It has one side that can move up and down using a mechanism. The side can be locked in a high position for safety. Parents can lower the side to make it easier to put a baby in and take the baby out of the cot. The drop side makes it convenient to pick up or put down babies, especially when the cot is placed close to a wall or tight space.

• Convertible Cot

  The convertible cot is a flexible option. It works as a cot, toddler bed, and sofa bed. In toddler bed mode, the side drops as usual. The convertible cot helps parents save money because they do not need to buy a new bed when the baby grows. It also means parents do not have to assemble a bed in the middle of the night when the baby is fussy and needs to be comforted.

• Drop Side Crib

  This crib is similar to the standard drop-side cot. It has a side that can easily slide down. The other side stays fixed. This gives parents easy access to the baby while keeping one side up for safety. This crib is suitable for parents who want a smaller and more affordable option. It is also convenient for small nurseries or rooms with limited space.

• Portable Cot

  Portable cots are lightweight and easy to move. Some have drop sides, while others have drop ends. Drop ends work like drop sides. They make it simple to put the baby in and take the baby out. Portable cots are great for traveling or using different rooms in the house. They are comfortable and safe sleeping places for babies when away from home.

• Travel Cot

  Travel cots are also for when people are not at home. Most travel cots have drop sides, making it easy to pick up or put down babies. Setting up and taking down travel cots is usually very simple. They provide a safe sleeping place for babies when people are on the road or staying somewhere new.

• Drop Side Cot with Teething Rail

  Some drop side cots have teething rails. The teething rail is padded. It protects babies' gums and teeth when they chew on the rail. Babies like to chew on the rail when they are teething. Teething rails help prevent babies from hurting themselves on the cot rails. They let babies gnaw away their discomfort safely.

Functions and features of baby cot bed with drop side

Baby cot beds with drop sides have a range of features that provide important functions for both the baby and the parents. These features include:

• Drop side

  The drop side is one of the most important features of a baby cot bed with a drop side. It allows one side of the crib to be lowered and raised easily. This makes it much easier for parents to put the baby in and take the baby out of the crib, especially when the crib is higher up. Parents don’t have to stretch over the side of the crib, which can be hard on their backs. The drop side also lets parents reach into the crib more easily to pick up the baby or to give the baby a pacifier or toy. It’s very handy for when the baby is crying and needs to be comforted.

• Adjustable mattress height

  Another common feature of baby cots with drop sides is that the mattress can be set at different heights. When the mattress is higher up, it’s easier for parents to lift a newborn baby out of the crib. As babies grow and start to sit and stand up on their own, the mattress can be lowered. Lowering the mattress helps prevent the baby from climbing or falling over the top edge of the crib. So adjusting the mattress height makes the crib safer as the baby gets older and more active.

• Teething rails

  Many baby cots with drop sides have teething rails. These are on the top edges of the side panels. Teething rails are covered in soft plastic so that babies don’t hurt their gums when they chew on the sides of the crib. Babies start to teeth around 6 months old, and they often gnaw on anything in reach. Teething rails protect the wood of the crib from getting chewed up, too. Most baby cots with drop sides have teething rails to protect both the baby and the crib.

• Convertible design

  Many baby cots with drop sides can be converted into toddler beds. When babies start climbing out of the crib, they are ready to transition to a big kid bed. Dropping the side down makes it easier for toddlers to get in and out themselves. The convertible design allows the same crib to be used as a toddler bed. Some convertible cribs can also be turned into a day bed or even a full-size bed later on. This helps parents save money by using the same bed for many years.

• Locking mechanism

  All drop-side cribs should have locking mechanisms. They lock the side in place so it can’t accidentally drop down. Parents should always check that the locks are working properly before leaving the baby in the crib. Sometimes the locks can get loose over time. The locking mechanism keeps the drop side secure while the baby is in the crib. It helps prevent any unintentional drops that could occur if the side wasn’t locked.

Scenarios of baby cot bed with drop side

• Adjustable Height:

  Parents can easily pick up or put down their babies in the crib, especially during the newborn stage when babies are frequently fed or changed. They don't have to bend over or reach up, which reduces strain on their backs.

• Convenient Drop Side:

  For parents with back problems or limited mobility, a crib with a drop side allows them to care for their baby without straining themselves. It accommodates their physical needs while ensuring the baby's safety and comfort.

• Easy Access:

  The drop side can be locked and unlocked with one hand, allowing parents to easily get their baby in and out of the crib. This is especially helpful when holding something in the other hand.

• One-Handed Operation:

  The drop side can be easily moved up and down with one hand. This is great for parents who often hold something in their other hand when they need to get the baby in or out of the crib.

• Convertible Design:

  Parents can convert the crib to a toddler bed when their child starts climbing out of the crib or is too big for the drop side. This conversion helps prolong the use of the crib and saves money since parents won't have to buy a new bed for their child.

• Space-Saving Solution:

  In small nurseries or bedrooms, a crib with a drop side is a space-saving solution. It allows parents to have a smaller footprint for the crib without sacrificing functionality or the baby's comfort.

• Travel-Friendly:

  Portable cribs with drop sides are convenient for parents who travel or move frequently. They can easily set up and take down the crib with the drop side, providing a familiar sleeping space for their baby while on the go.

• Co-Sleeping Arrangement:

  For parents who practice co-sleeping, a crib with a drop side is a safe way to have the baby sleep next to them. The drop side can be lowered and secured against the side of the parents' bed, giving the baby their own space while still being close by for nursing or comforting.

How to choose baby cot bed with drop side

• Quality of Material

  When choosing a cot for a baby, choose one that is made of quality material. Cots made of solid wood offer better durability than those made of particle board or MDF. Also, consider the finish used on the cot. A baby cot with a finish free from VOCs or harmful chemicals is safer for babies.

• Adjustable Mattress Height

  Choose a baby cot with adjustable mattress height. This type of cot allows raising the mattress to a higher position for easy access to newborns for the first few months. As babies grow and begin to pull themselves up, the mattress can be adjusted to the lowest position to prevent falling or climbing out.

• Drop Side Mechanism

  When considering the drop side mechanism, look for a cot with a smooth and easy-to-use drop side. A side that drops down easily with one hand is convenient for parents. Also, look for a cot with a secure locking system on the drop side. This ensures the side stays in place when the baby is in the cot.

• Safety Features

  Ensure the drop side cot has safety features. First, check the slats. Look for cots with slats that are no more than 2-3 inches apart. Slats that are too far apart pose the risk of head or limb getting stuck. Also, check the corners. Cots with rounded corners and smooth edges are safer and prevent cuts or scratches. Consider the distance between the top rail and the mattress. A distance of at least 20 inches is recommended. This distance ensures babies can't climb or fall out of the cot.

• Meets Safety Standards

  The baby cot should meet all the required safety standards. Check the local regulations and standards. This will ensure the cot is designed and tested to meet safety guidelines.

Baby Cot Bed with Drop Side Q & A

Q1: Are drop-side baby cot beds safe?

A1: Yes, they are safe. However, they must be properly locked in place. Sliding side rails should be securely anchored in position to prevent accidental dropping or rising. Parents should also ensure there are no gaps or spaces between the mattress and the cot's sides.

Q2: At what age should a baby transition from a cot to a bed?

A2: Generally, toddlers between 18 months and 3 years should transition from a cot to a bed. However, the right age for transitioning will depend on the child's development and the size of the cot. If the child starts climbing out of the cot, it's time to transition them.

Q3: What should parents look for when purchasing a drop-side cot?

A3: Parents should ensure the cot meets the required safety standards. The drop side should be easy to operate with one hand and should lock securely in place. The distance between the slats should also be adequate to prevent the baby's head from getting stuck.

Q4: What are the alternatives to a drop-side cot?

A4: Fixed-side cots are the most popular alternative to drop-side cots. They have non-moving sides, meaning parents will have to bend a little to pick or place the baby. Other alternatives include convertible cots that transform into a toddler bed and adjustable-height cots with multiple mattress height settings.