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Original poster

Cot question

14 replies

AprilAl · 13/01/2012 17:50

We're currently looking at cots for our first DC. I've found one I like, but on closer inspection was surprised to discover that it does not have drop sides. I'd always assumed drop sides were pretty much a given, but looking again I found several more in the same catalogue which also don't have drop sides.

So given there must be some call for cots without them I thought I'd ask MNers opinions: do you consider drop sides to be an essential feature? Do you have them but never use them? Do you prefer a cot with fixed sides?

Any advice appreciated.

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HettyKett · 13/01/2012 17:53

I would have loved a cot with a drop side but they don't seem to exist where I am (non UK). So, ended up with one with fixed sides. I'm a shortarse and it was fine, even when I was hugely pregnant (18 month gap).

IWantMyHatBack · 13/01/2012 17:53

We only used the drop side thing when we were changing the sheets - never when we were putting DS down. My Mum insisted that drop-side was absolutely essential and that we would be stupid to get a fixed side one. Wish I'd ignored her and gone for a cotbed now, would have saved up some money.

I would say to get one that has 3 different positions for the mattress though - right at the top for newborn, middle for once they are moving about and low down for when they're sitting or pulling themselves up.

Gapants · 13/01/2012 17:54

Drop sides essential, it would be agony on my back otherwise lifting the baby in and out, they get big and HEAVY so quickly and they will be in the cot for a while.

IWantMyHatBack · 13/01/2012 17:54

If you do go for one, check that you can drop it one handed and that it's not noisy. NO point getting one if it makes a massive clunking noise when you click it back into place, waking up the baby you've just spent 40 minutes rocking :)

SparkySparrow · 13/01/2012 18:00

We had a cot with drop side's and barely used them, In fact, I completely forgot our cot had them until ds had been in there a few month's. I used it a few time's but found it easier and less hassle not to bother.
I do agree with IWantMyHatBack though , get a cot with 3 different height position's for the mattress. I found this the most useful!

Nevercan · 13/01/2012 20:06

The ability to raise the mattress height and have drop sides saved my back! Trying to lower the baby in and out is back breaking especially if you have to do it repeatedly

HettyKett · 13/01/2012 20:09

Oh yes, you must get one where the mattress can be at different heights. Essential.

BertieBotts · 13/01/2012 20:13

There were safety concerns about them last year, I believe. So perhaps they aren't being sold as much any more.

IMO, don't bother with a drop side, but get one which will attach to your bed (or one you can convert e.g. this one) - that way you can easily settle them when they are tiny but they have their own safe space, and as they get older if you want to make it into a proper cot you can do.

KnittingNovice · 13/01/2012 20:15

We don't have drop sides, but do have different mattress positions, although only remembered that reading this thread and dd went straight in to the cot at the lowest position.

LittleDonkin · 13/01/2012 20:30

My cot doesnt have drop sides but as others have said it has 3 heights for the mattress and we have used all 3!!!!!

Flyingoutofcontrol · 13/01/2012 20:33

Cot bed with fixed sides here, but three different heights for the nattress.

Basically on the highest height when DS first went in, dropped as he got more mobile and taller, and now on the lowest height.

I'm 5ft and have no difficulty getting him in and out, but then he tends to stand to go in and out so it makes it easier.

Mattress changing is simple, I hoick it up through the bars, change it, and then lob it back into the cot.

Given that DS is now taking up two-thirds of the cot bed and he's only 15 months, I'm very glad we took this option.

IWantMyHatBack · 14/01/2012 19:12

Yep, definitely goes to the lowest height once they can stand and then you don't have to kill your back lifting them out.

Original poster

AprilAl · 14/01/2012 21:42

Thanks for all the advice, especially about making sure if we do have a drop side it can be operated one-handed and silently IWantMyHatBack. I wouldn't have thought to check that, but I can imagine it's very important!

So, variable mattress height is the key feature to look for. Gotcha

Thanks again :)

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griphook · 16/01/2012 22:00

we have a great cot, till it comes to drop doen sides. It's the loudest thing in the world, really can't be used. But am preg with number 2 and the mattress is a the bottom and it is now difficult to get ds in the cot cos of the bump, so drop down sides would be helpful. Steer clear of mamas and papas

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