TIA
Laurence
135 days to go!
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Hi,
>As I am about to become a Dad, one project I have in mind is to build a cot.
>I have found a source for a nice looking cot, but it is from the US. Does
>anyone know of a UK supplier of the drop-side mechanism used on cots?
>
>TIA
Are you sure you actually need drop sides - I've never seen anybody
use them.
Do make sure however that you can adjust the depth of the cot.
>
>
>135 days to go!
Enjoy it while you can :- )
James (Father of three)
You mean a screw eye and a steel rod?
Please make sure you read all the latest safety standards on cot design, as
they have varied considerably over the years. Spacing of the bars is very
important and the use of bumpers is no longer recommended, as they can
suffocate the baby when its small, and act as a step up when its a bit
bigger.
Information you receive at ante-natal classes will tell you about bar spacing.
I built my own cot on top of the box that goes over where the stairs cut into
the small bedroom. The drop side was effected by putting the side in two
runners and using a wooden peg affair through the cot side into the runner.
--
Rajeev Gupte
Programme Manager
GEC-Marconi Avionics
Try Isaac Lord, High Wycombe, Bucks. Detailed address in FAQ Pt 6
--
Charles (Joe) Stahelin,
Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, UK.
LOL! Breathing during birth, bathing afterwards, but not building before.
The midwives and health visitors here are so dippy that they wouldn't
know where to start looking for a british standard. [They're not even
very good at the normal jobs they're supposed to do, IMHO. My advice is
go to a doctor if you've got any worries. The midwives and health
visitors are alright for the weekly weigh-ins, but that's about it.]
If you're worried about bar spacing, copy a cot in a shop.
As to a drop mechanism, I can't help you. My wife wanted a one-handed
one, which I was happy to get, but you only ever use it when you've left
the baby in there or are about to get it out, when you've got two free
hands anyway.
--
Ally | Please do not duplicate usenet follow-ups by email.
| Check my address for Anti-Spam measures.
Got IL to send me their catalogue - nice stuff, but no cot mechanism. Any
other ideas?
TIA
Laurence
The device you are after consists of 2 long rods about 5 or 6mm in dia
and about twice the vertical height of the movable cot side; plus 4
anchor points to hold the rods vertically and immovably at the ends of
the cot. 2 (x2=4) screwed eyes at the ends of the cot side to run up
and down the rods. 2 sliding bolts to fix the cot side in place when
it is in the raised position. It should not be too difficult to DIY -
but a bit too difficult to draw out here.
I think the best material for the bits would be stainless steel if it is
not too pricey.
Perhaps a web search on cot manufacturers might turn up a manufacturer
who would supply one. Failing that an enquiry in a locally owned (not
somewhere like Mothercare ) supplier of cots may elicit the name of a
local manufacturer.
Its times like this one begins to appreciate why good purchasing officers
are worth their money.
--
Paul Mc Cann
Could be, or is it plastic covering to prevent rust which could be a
problem.
--
Paul Mc Cann
When we bought a cot a few months ago, the ones in the shops
mostly seemed awkward to operate, and only dropped a few
inches anyway - hardly seemed worth the bother. We ended
up buying one with rigid sides, and haven't missed not
having a drop side. Might be different if you made your
own though, as you could presumably make it drop a bit
further. Also, if either of you are short (I'm 5'7"), or
if the sides of your cot come up higher than ours, you
might have more difficulty leaning over the side.
--
Sue Fitt
Edinburgh
Take 'noads' out of the address to email me.
One thing that occurred to me as a "good idea". At the moment, we've got
one end of our cot propped up, as the little one has a cold, and this
helps their breathing. You might want to consider extending legs at one
end (or contracting legs at the other) so you don't have to shove two
hefty paperbacks under each leg.
I think that would be a bit "over-engineered". A rolled up blanket or a
pillow under the mattress would suffice.
PJA
>Mmm, now that sounds familiar. SWMBO has aired the same views on '2nd-hand'
>items for our baby. I'm sure your 18 year old cot is probably better than
a
>lot of those on offer today. I wish my Mum still had my pram... ah yes, I
>remember now, it made a fantastic go-cart some years after I had initiallly
>used it! I'm still working on the mechanism problem. The writer of the
plans
>is sending me the details of the kit that they provide for $80. I think
this
>includes mechanisms for 2 drop-sides and a sprung mattress base!
Otherwise,
>I'm sure my Dad could manufacture something. Joe, if you're reading this,
>Isaac Lord don't do these fittings, and couldn't suggest who might
>unfortunately - thank for the lead anyway.
When I made the cots for my kids I considered making the side in two parts
about 10 inches by 36 inches, adjust to suit the size of the cot, hinge
along
the long sides and use sprung cupboard catches to fasten when in the up
position.
If I haven't made it clear let me know and I'll try again.
Alan
HTH
James
In article <B+zf5TAC...@stahelin.demon.co.uk>,
"Charles (Joe) Stahelin" <j...@stahelin.demon.co.uk> wrote:
-----------== Posted via Deja News, The Discussion Network ==----------
A group of burly cops from your regional crime squad will break down your
front door at 4 a.m., dash up the baby's bedroom, and with chain saw, sash
cramps and bostik ensure that the cot bars are at the statutory spacing.
>Practical Wood Working Vol 34 No 3, Feb-Mar 99, contains an article on
>the making of a drop-sided cot which can be converted into a child's
>bed. In particular it quotes critical sizes regarding spaces between
>bars etc which it states are legally enforceable.
>--
> Charles (Joe) Stahelin,
> Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, UK.
Saw this myself at the weekend! Just happened to be at the WH Smiths
library having a browse when I came across it. Rang the supplier of
the drop-side mechanism (Baby Basics), but got someone who didn't know
anything about it! They gave me the name of a contact to ring today.
I'll keep you posted.
Thanks Joe
Laurence
Well it appears that this is the usual magazine article cock-up! The
writer of the article managed to get the shop to order the drop-side
mechanism from Mamas and Papas, who will not supply direct. It is for
a 'Jessica' cot, and most Mamas and Papas stockists should be able to
order them. The shop (Baby Basics) have had to field a lot of calls
on this one. I thought it was odd for a baby shop to be selling
fittings! Another option I have found is by searching the Association
of Suppliers to the Furniture Industry web site at
<http://www.asfi.org/> . This turned up 3 suppliers and could be a
useful site to locate all sorts of odd fittings that you don't see in
the sheds.
Laurence