How to Fold a Cot

Whether it's a travel cot for your child to sleep in, a traditional army cot, or an inflatable camping cot, when it's time to break down the cot and pack it in the car, many a cuss word has been said by the people trying to fold up the darn thing. Here are some tips to help make this sometimes-frustrating process a little easier.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. It helps if you look at how your cot is folded before you take it out and set it up. But we all can't be this lucky.
2. For a kid's travel cot, remove the bottom rectangle cushion. Pull up on the exact middle floor of the cot until the four legs on the ground buckle inwards slightly. Release the longer side rails by squeezing the release in the middle of those rails. The long side rails will bend like an elbow, pulling the rest of the cot together into one long, skinny perfect rectangle. Wrap the bottom cushion around the outside and Velcro shut using tabs provided on cushion. Place in carrying bag.
3. For an army cot, remove aluminum legs and supports if they are removable. Fold and set aside. Fold canvas cot once lengthwise. Place aluminum pieces in canvas, rolling them up in canvas from one end to the other. Tie with strings provided.
4. For an inflatable cot, press all the air out. Roll, pressing all the air out again. Lay the cot out flat, folding it once lengthwise. Fold again lengthwise, so you have a long, skinny rectangle. Roll tightly from one long end to the other. Place in carrying bag.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have a cot that's different from the ones listed above, check the tag on the cot and look up the cot brand name online. They should have a customer service representative to help you with your specific brand of cot.