Guide to buying secondhand cots, cribs, cotbeds and travel cots Purchasing a pre-loved cot, crib, cotbed or travel cot? Here's the safety checks and vital advice you need to know... A cot is one of the most essential – and exciting – purchases you’ll make for your baby. But it can also be expensive. Thankfully, most cots are built to last, so this is one area where you can make serious savings by buying secondhand or accepting a pre-loved cot from friends or family. There are just a few key points to bear in mind when making a secondhand purchase, to ensure your baby slumbers safely.It’s best to view an item in person before committing to buy, so bear this in mind if you’re shopping online. Does it come with secondhand mattress? If a mattress is included, you should toss it out. No matter how new the seller says it is, or how clean it appears, you’ll need to buy a new mattress for the cot. This is in keeping with research from the Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (FSID) that suggests the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS or ‘cot death’) is greater with a used mattress.
So remember to factor the cost of a new mattress into your purchase. We’ve got info on why you shouldn’t buy secondhand mattresses.It’s vital your new mattress fits the cot well, leaving no gaps around the edges, so take measurements and make sure the right sized mattress is available, especially if it looks like an unusual shaped or sized cot. Head to our step-by-step buyer’s guide for help on finding the right new mattress. How do you check that it’s safe? Look for the British Standards Institution (BSI) number BSEN716:2008 marked somewhere on the cot. If there’s no BSI number (not all cots carry them), check that the cot bars are secure and not more than 45mm to 65mm apart and the distance between the top of the mattress and the cot rail (when the mattress is in its highest position, if it’s adjustable) does not exceed 50cm.Ask how old the cot is, and if it’s been repainted. Until the mid-1960s, lead was used in some paint, which is toxic. If you’re not sure when the cot was painted, it’s best to say no – or strip the cot fully and repaint it yourself.
To find out how to remove lead paint safely, Directgov has info.Look at the general condition of the cot. Ask yourself these questions: Are there any sharp edges or pieces that stick out that your baby could catch themselves on? Is the paint flaking or the wood splintering anywhere? Run your hands over the frame – does it feel smooth and well made? Are the bars secure? Give it a wobble – does it seem sturdy and all the joints sound? Are there cut-outs or ledges in the sides that an adventurous child could use to step on and climb out? If there are any transfers or stickers on the insides of the cot, you'll need to remove them, as they may pose a choking hazard if peeled off.Although teething rails can be replaced it can be tricky to find the right size, so check the existing one is intact and in good condition. What’s all the fuss about drop-sided cot safety? If the cot has drop sides, take extra care to check the catches are secure and can’t work themselves loose so the sides detach.
This style of cot looks set to be outlawed in the USA due to safety concerns. Although no such problems have been reported in the UK, it’s still vital to check the drop-side mechanism is sound. What about recalled products? Occasionally, manufacturers recall items that were found to be faulty. It’s worth checking if the cot appears on the Product Recall list on the Trading Standards website. You can also check Recalled Products and UKRecallNotice. What should you know when buying a secondhand travel cot? If buying a secondhand travel cot, check it assembles and folds down properly and is structurally sound. The seller should be able to give you the original instruction booklet, or check if the instructions can be downloaded from the internet. Look for BSI number BSEN716:1 2008. Although you’ll use the mattress much less than your usual cot, it’s still worth purchasing a new travel cot mattress. More cot buying advice If you're after more help on what to look for when buying a bed for your baby, head to our step-by-step buyer's guides on cots and cotbeds as well as travel cots.
We also look at whether a cot or cotbed would work best for you and your baby, and whether you need a Moses basket or crib.What size do you need? Standard mattress dimensions in the U.S. are: twin, 39 inches by 75 inches; double or full, 54 inches by 75 inches; inches by 80 inches; standard king, 76 inches by 80 inches; king, 72 inches by 84 inches. Some high-end mattresses don't come in sizes smaller than a queen, so make sure the mattress you try in the store is available in the size you want. How tall do you want your bed? Mattresses seem to be getting thicker and taller all the time -- a really thick pillow top can be so tall that you'll need extra-deep fitted sheets for them to fit on the bed. beds can take your high-profile mattress down a notch, to make it easier to crawl in and out of bed, while box springs, or foundations, can raise it up if you prefer a lofty look. How do you sleep? People who normally sleep on their sides may prefer
a softer mattress than back or stomach sleepers. However, a mattress of medium firmness is usually comfortable for everyone. Do you overheat at night? Foam mattresses retain more body heat than innersprings and air mattresses. A latex foam mattress may provide better ventilation than memory foam. Will you share the mattress? If your partner is a restless sleeper, you may prefer a foam mattress or an innerspring with pocketed coils, since these are generally better at isolating motion. On the other hand, the bounciness of an innerspring may make it more suitable for sex than a foam mattress that conforms to the body. If you strongly prefer a firm mattress while your partner prefers a soft one or vice versa, your best option may be a dual-chambered air mattress, which can be adjusted to a different level of firmness on each side. need a box spring? All beds need some kind of support, whether it's a platform, closely spaced slats or a box spring.
Box springs have undergone quite a few changes in the past decade or so, and often do not even have springs in them any longer, since mattresses have become more springy andWhile traditional box springs still exist, they are largely being replaced with "foundations," which and are sturdy boxes made from wood orRegardless of which type of mattress you choose, you will need to support it via a box spring or foundation, by the use of a platform bed, or with a piece of plywood or very closely spaced slats on your bed frame. Mattresses can also be placed directly on the floor, although most people don't find that very comfortable for getting in and out of bed. also make box springs and foundations in "low-profile" styles so that the mattress is supported, but you don't have to climb too high to get in bed. When surfing the larger manufacturer's website to learn about their mattresses, just ignore whatever price they have posted there -- that's probably not even close to what you'll actually pay.
retail price" on mattresses tend to be exceptionally high, as models are often priced to be sold at discounts of 50 percent or more. And don't ever be afraid to haggle when you're in the mattress store. If they know you're serious about making a purchase, salespeople may find a way to sweeten the deal rather than watch you walk out the door. Even if you can't knock down the price, a little bit of negotiation could land you a free foundation or a good deal on a frameBefore shopping, browse through the different lines to see which features they have, and print out details about the models you're interested in. This gives you a good starting point when you get to the store. the bottom of the price scale and work up. tremendously in price, and all but the very cheapest are likely to be sturdy. the mattress for at least 15 minutes. When trying out mattresses in the store, spend time on your back and both sides as well as your stomach, if
that's one of your normal sleeping positions. If you sleep with a partner, tryIf you have difficulty rolling over, the bed isOn the other hand, if you can easily slide your hand under the small of your back while lying on your back -- or if you feel pressure on your hips and shoulders -- it's probably too firm. see a cross-section of the mattress. Look at details like the coil size and density of an innerspring mattress, and the foam density and size of ventilation holes on a foam mattress. innerspring mattress, consider a new box spring. sources say an old box spring can be kept if it's in good condition, but others say a new one will promote comfort and prolong the life of the mattress. using an old foundation might void the mattress's warranty. memory foam mattress, be sure you have proper support too. most memory foam mattress manufacturers do not recommend a box spring, you will still need some sort of platform and frame to set it on, unless you're planning
to place it directly on the floor.Many retailers - both online and brick-and-mortar -- will give you a trial period of two weeks to three months on a new mattress. Each store has different rules, and there may be a fee for returns or exchanges. Make sure to get the details in writing, or be sure it's clearly spelled out on the website if you use an online-only store disposal of your old mattress. Some stores offer free disposal; others will charge a fee. In some areas, mattresses and box springs can be left curbside for free pickup by local sanitation services, but check first regarding any special regulations -- such as specific scheduling/days or sealing in protective wraps to prevent the spread of bedbugs.Make sure the sales contract specifies that the store can't deliver a substitute brand or style if the one you want is out of stock. When your mattress arrives, inspect it to make sure it's the right one and that it's undamaged.