Assemble a flatpack cot safely

Assemble a flatpack cot safely, checking every fixing, bar gap and mattress fit before your baby sleeps in it.

FC-01Clear the space and check the partsLay a dust sheet or old blanket on a flat area near the nursery to protect the floor and the panels. Unpack everything and check it against the parts list in the instructions. Sort screws, bolts, dowels and caps into small trays so nothing gets lost or mixed up.

1 each · Dust sheet or old blanket

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

3 each · Small trays or bowls for hardware

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

FC-02Sort and identify the hardwareGroup bolts, cam locks and dowels by size and compare them to the hardware diagram — similar-looking bolts are often different lengths, so keep them apart. Use the supplied Allen key, or a cordless screwdriver on a low torque setting, to avoid stripping the soft threads cut into the wood.

1 each · Cordless screwdriver (optional, low-torque setting)

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

FC-03Build the two end panelsFix the corner posts to each end panel with the cam locks or bolts shown in the diagram. Do every fixing up only halfway first, check the dowels have all seated properly, then go round and fully tighten — this keeps the panel square instead of racking sideways.

1 each · Tape measure

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

FC-04Check the end panels are squareMeasure both diagonals of each end panel corner to corner. They should match within about 5mm. If one side is out, loosen the nearest fixing, nudge the frame square, and retighten before moving on.

FC-05Join the side rails to the end panelsFit the long side rails between the two end panels using the specific bolts shown for this joint — cots normally use a bolt through a threaded insert here, not a self-tapping screw. It helps to have someone hold the frame steady while you fit bolts on both sides, tightening evenly so the frame doesn't twist out of shape.

FC-06Set the mattress base to the newborn heightSlot the base support brackets into the highest set of notches or holes — this is the newborn setting. Most cots have two or three heights; the base is lowered later as your baby grows and starts to pull up to standing. Note which notch you've used so you can find it again.

FC-07Fit the base slats or boardLay the slats or solid base board across the support ledges, spacing slats evenly and without forcing them. Check the base sits flat and doesn't rock when pressed.

FC-08Check bar spacing and any drop-side mechanismIf the cot has a drop-side rail, check it locks firmly in both the up and down positions and can't move unless you release the catch on purpose. Measure the gap between the bars with a tape measure — it should be no more than 65mm and no less than 45mm, so a baby's head or limbs can't get trapped. This matters most on second-hand or older cots you're reassembling, where you can't assume the standard was met.

RULES

KNOW THE RULES

Cots sold new in the UK must meet BS EN 716, which sets a maximum bar gap of 65mm and safe drop-side design. Check a second-hand cot against this yourself before use, since it may pre-date the standard.

FC-09Tighten every fixing and rock-test the frameGo round every bolt, screw and cam lock with the correct tool and tighten it fully — loose fixings are the main cause of cots collapsing. Rock the whole frame firmly from each side and end; it shouldn't flex, creak loudly or move at any joint.

FC-10Fit the mattress and check the gapUse the mattress size stated by the cot manufacturer, not a generic size. Push the mattress into each corner and check the gap around the edge — more than about 30mm on any side is a trapping hazard and means the mattress is too small for this cot.

1 each · Cot mattress (correct size for this model)

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

FC-11Position the cot safely in the roomStand the cot away from windows, and at least 300mm clear of blind or curtain cords and any trailing cables. Keep it clear of radiators and out of direct sun.

FC-12Tidy up and do a final checkBag up all packaging, plastic wrapping and spare small parts and take them out of the room straight away — they're a suffocation and choking risk. Come back after a day or two of use and retighten every fixing once, since flatpack joints often bed in and loosen slightly after first use.

1 each · Bin bags for packaging

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

Some links may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Save this as a project

Back to all guides