Folding Cot

Baby’s folding iron cot, about 1916. Museum No. Misc.48-1983 (click image for larger version)

This baby's portable folding cot, on castors, was made in about 1916. It was used by a family who were posted in Dagshai, India. The baby's father was in the 5th Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry. Sadly, Patricia, the baby who the cot belonged to, died five days after birth due to spina bifida. The cradle and all her clothes were packed away, never to be used again.  Her brother discovered them in a packing crate at the family home in England nearly seventy years later, after their parents had died.

This kind of cot was very popular in the late Victorian and the Edwardian eras, from the 1880s to about 1920, and it was decorated with hangings and trimmings, such as satin ribbons and bows. This cot also features scallop shell mouldings on the iron joints.

Metal beds became popular in the second half of the 19th century. They were thought to be more hygienic because germs would not inhabit them. They were often preferred in countries with a moist climate: dampness would not damage them as much as it did wooden beds. The high hook over the head of the bed was used to hang two protective curtains.  In a country such as India, there would also be a net to keep out insects and animals such as mosquitoes and snakes, whose bites could cause illness and death.