What Is Cot Bedding?

Cot Construction

• The frame of a cot is generally steel, iron or some type of metal. The more “heavy duty” types such as those in camps, dormitories and government institutions will have a wire sleep surface and angled iron rails that could support up to 350 lbs. Lighter cots used for camping will have an aluminum frame and a strong fabric such as vinyl or polyester rather than the wire surface. A folding cot made of high quality materials and a reinforced frame should also support up to 350 lbs. A typical adult cot will range from 26 inches to 36 inches wide by 75 inches to 85 inches long.

Types of Cot Mattresses

• For those planning to use a cot for several days or in need of additional comfort, they would need a cot mattress. These mattresses generally consist of foam, hypoallergenic material or metal springs within foam. Foam is the cheaper and lightweight, while spring mattresses are generally more expensive and heavy but provide the most comfort.

Cot Bedding

• Cot bedding began with basics such as a cover and pillow and has grown to include quilts, fitted and flat sheets, pillow covers and mattress covers. While a pillow and blanket could be used for a regular bed or a cot, the newer customized bedding must be able to fit well over the cot mattress. The average cot mattress measures only 31-by-74-by-2 inches. The closest regular bed would be the twin or single at 39-by-75 inches long with a possible thickness from 5 inches to over 20 inches.

Baby Cot Bedding

• In England, a baby's crib is referred to as a cot. Cot bedding for infants includes accessories such as bumpers. A bumper is a fabric or foam piece attached to the inside of the cot preventing the infant from rolling onto the side bars, eliminates draughts and makes the cot more decorative. Another cot bedding accessory would be a cot teether or rail cover, which is a soft pad placed around the rail of the cot. Often, this rail is made of metal or wood and if an infant teethes on it, it could injure gums or new teeth. The cot teether protects the baby against this. For a baby, the cot mattress ought to be midway between firm and soft. Heavy blankets and more than one pillow should not be used.