Frequently Asked Questions
Important: The CuddleCot and CuddleBlanket are not medical devices. Do not cover units. Keep vents clear of obstruction.
If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at info@cuddlecot.com
CuddleCot Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the CuddleCot can be used from day one to gently cool baby and slow down changes.
Unlike a traditional cold cot, the CuddleCot's flexible cooling pads can be wrapped in a blanket with baby, so that parents can hold them without worry of temperature fluctuations.
You can find instructions on how parents can hold their baby on our manuals page.
For further assistance contact info@cuddlecot.com or call our team.
UK: 08455 333561
US: 800 992 8977
Each case will be slightly different. On average, the CuddleCot is used for 3 to 5 days, but we believe any decision should always be made with the family and health professionals.
The CuddleCot can be used immediately after loss. Once baby is laid on the pad, it will begin to gently cool baby and reach optimum temperature for baby and parents. Ensure that baby is well insulated with blankets.
Read our helpful guide on how to swaddle baby with the cooling pad for more information.
Visit: cuddlecot.com/manuals
The CuddleCot provides continual gentle cooling as long as it is connected to mains power and has sufficient distilled water in the system.
The cooling pad works best when the baby is laid directly on it and covered with blankets, or when the baby is wrapped in blankets with the cooling pad inside the swaddle, allowing parents to hold them.
For detailed instructions on wrapping the baby with the cooling pad to maintain temperature consistency, please refer to our guides at cuddlecot.com/manuals
Traditional cooling alternatives often require healthcare professionals to monitor the baby closely and ask parents to return them to the cot to maintain proper cooling. This can interrupt precious bonding time and add stress for both families and staff.
The CuddleCot works differently. Its concealed, temperature-controlled pads deliver continuous cooling without the need for constant supervision or pad swaps. Parents can hold their baby, place them in any bassinet, or wrap them in a blanket, enjoying uninterrupted, natural interaction while HCPs provide compassionate care without intervention.
The CuddleCot is suited for infants under one year old or the size of the large cooling pad.
The CuddleCot is designed to operate at 8˚C/46˚F. The cooling process is gentle and controlled, using distilled water in temperature controlled and verifiable cooling pads to maintain this optimal temperature.
Cooling at unnecessarily low temperatures can increase the risk of rapid forming condensation buildup, and in some cases, ice formation or even freezing conditions, which may be distressing for families and inappropriate for close contact.
The CuddleCot avoids these risks by maintaining a steady, verifiable temperature (displayed clearly on the unit), in full alignment with the Texas Everly's law requirements. It delivers effective, gentle cooling to enable parents to spend precious moments together.
The CuddleCot operates at 8°C/46˚F to provide an appropriate balance between effective cooling and the comfort of the baby and family.
At around 4°C/39˚F, a baby can begin to feel stiff and cold, which can make holding and spending time with their baby more difficult for families. Through discussions and feedback from families, it became clear that this temperature was too cold for the experience they wanted during this precious time together.
The decision was therefore made to operate the CuddleCot at 8°C/46˚F. This temperature helps minimise condensation while still slowing the natural changes that occur after death, giving families more time with their baby in a safe and supportive environment.
The aim is not simply to cool the baby as much as possible, but to find the right balance between temperature control, preservation and the family's experience, allowing parents and loved ones to spend meaningful time together.
Yes, the CuddleCot comes with a small and large cooling pad for both pre-term and full-term babies, ensuring that your organisation can support every bereaved family.
For further assistance contact info@cuddlecot.com or call our team.
UK: 08455 333561
US: 800 992 8977
CuddleCot Unique Temperature Controls:
The thermoelectric technology used in the CuddleCot offers more precise temperature control compared to compressor-based units using refrigerant.
Thermoelectric technology can maintain consistent temperatures and is more energy-efficient across a range of applications compared to alternative cooling methods.
The CuddleCot is approximately 30dB loud when running. As quiet as normal breathing or rustling leaves.
The CuddleCot can be used with water purification tablets (e.g Milton Mini Sterilising tablets) to help maintain the longevity of the system instead of biocide.
We recommend Milton Mini Sterilising Tablets, which can be purchased from the CuddleCot.com shop or via Pro Forma invoice.
Remove the filler cap and fill with purified water, such as distilled or de-ionised water, until the reservoir is about two-thirds full.
Helping to slow the natural changes
We recommend continual cooling because it creates a calm, stable environment for the baby, helping to slow the natural changes that occur after death.
This allows families to keep their baby in their room and avoid distressing visits to the morgue.
When a baby is not continually cooled
When a baby is not continually cooled, temperature fluctuations can sometimes cause these natural changes to appear sooner.
By keeping the temperature steady, families are able to spend more unhurried time with their baby, hold them close, and create the memories that matter most.
How does continual cooling work?
With the CuddleCot, the temperature controlled pre- or full-term cooling pad can be placed under the baby in any cot or basket, or gently wrapped within their blankets.
When used this way, parents can hold and cradle their baby comfortably without worrying about temperature changes.
How does continual cooling help?
Consistent cooling supports families in having the time, space, and closeness they need.
Speak to our team at info@cuddlecot.com
The CuddleCot can be used with water sterilizing tablets (i.e Milton Mini Sterilizing tablets) to help maintain the longevity of the system instead of biocide.
We recommended that healthcare professionals drain the system before storage after use.
We recommend Milton Mini Sterilizing Tablets, which can be purchased from the CuddleCot.com shop or via Pro Forma invoice.
Optional Equipment (Important Note)
The CuddleCot package includes an optional stand and bassinet. These components are not required for the device to function. Some hospitals prefer to use existing in-house equipment with the CuddleCot rather than the supplied stand and bassinet. The device remains fully functional without these optional components.
No, a Safety Data Sheet is for substances, not mechanical devices, there are no batteries or refrigeration gases used in the CuddleCot unit.
The only thing that needs a SDS is the Milton Water Sterilizing tablets.
You can download it from here: flexmort.com/safety-data-sheets
The CuddleCot is not designed to reverse or stop the decomposition process once it has begun. It is intended to cool and slow down natural changes, but it cannot halt or reverse decomposition.
If you have any further questions, please reach out to info@cuddlecot.com
• While uncommon, fluid droplets can be caused by a build-up of condensation around the hose connection area when the CuddleCot is used in a high humidity situation.
• Check for damage to the cooling pad, hose and connectors.
We recommend contacting our Service department for advice.
If possible, ascertain the approximate location of the leak as this can help us tailor any advice. Attaching a photo to any correspondence could also be useful.
US: 800 992 8977
UK: 08455333561
Remove the filler cap and fill with purified water, such as distilled or de-ionised water, until the reservoir is about two-thirds full.
Learn more or book online: cuddlecot.com/service
Speak to our team:
UK: service@cuddlecot.com
US: usaservice@cuddlecot.com
Yes, please call us at +44 8455 333561 or email us at info@cuddlecot.com. Our business hours are Monday to Thursday from 8.00am to 5.00pm and Friday from 8.00am to 2.00pm. We are closed on UK bank holidays.
Each time the CuddleCot is filled, two drops of biocide should be added to ensure the water remains clean.
No, you do not have to use biocide although this will prolong the life of the CuddleCot. Baby bottle disinfecting solutions or tablets are an alternative such as Milton tablets. You must use purified water, such as distilled or de-ionised.
Each component of the CuddleCot is designed to be simply wiped down with any standard plastic safe sanitiser, such as Clinell Clorox Wipes, Sani-Cloth Disinfectant Wipes and CaviCide Wipes. Do not use bleach.
The hose is drained using the drain key and the cooling pad by depressing the male valves on the short hoses.
Yes, everything is designed to be reused after suitable cleaning.
For spares, please visit our online shop
To report a fault, please contact us at info@cuddlecot.com.
Spare and replacement parts normally take a week to be delivered as they are stored in the UK and USA.
There are over 2200 CuddleCots in use in the USA, over 1400 in the UK & Europe, 600 in Australia, and many more around the world.
The CuddleCot could be not maintaining the correct temperature for a number of reasons.
If your team is draining and refilling the water before each use, ensure the filler cap is left off for a period of time to allow any air to escape.
1. Not enough fluid
Plug in the CuddleCot unit and switch it on by pressing the on/off button. The cooling pad will start to fill and the water level will drop. Ensure there are no kinks in the hose or pad. Top up the unit with distilled water until the tank remains over half full (the cooling pad will now be full of water). Always keep the unit topped up around 1/2 during operation. An alarm will sound should the water level drop too low.
2. The cooling pad is warm or not cooling
Ensure there are no kinks and the unit is set at 8˚C/46˚F.
There may be trapped air in the cooling pad. To remove, leave unit running and loosen the filler cap and roll the pad (like rolling a napkin) towards the hose inlet/outlet to remove the air.
3. The unit turns off after 30/60 minutes
The CuddleCot system pre 2025 has a timer which may have been activated. To ensure the timer is off, press the Timer button until “0” is displayed. Continuous cooling is recommended. Or turn the unit off and on again.
NOTE:
Do not cover the CuddleCot cooling unit with blankets.
Keep the cooling unit level with the cooling pads where possible.
Follow our troubleshooting video here: https://youtu.be/QzB_1yGRkko
To speak to our servicing team email service@cuddlecot.com / USAservice@cuddlecot.com
Or call our team on 08455 333561 / +1 +800 992 8977
Yes, the CuddleCot is CAN/CSA CU 72151422 certified. If you require a copy, please contact us at info@flexmort.com.
How long the cooling pads and hose last mainly depends on how often they are used. However, we do recommend they are replaced every 12 months.
Yes, please download the manual from the Manuals page or contact us at info@cuddlecot.com.
• Turn the CuddleCot off
• Remove the hose
• Take off the filler cap
• Using the drain key provided, drain off the liquid
• As you drain, tip the CuddleCot through various angles until you get rid of all the liquid and the air causing any airlocks
New and Improved CuddleCot Filler Caps – Now Available for Free
Please order a new and improved filler cap: Order Here
We’re always looking for ways to make the CuddleCot even better for the families and care teams who rely on it every day.
Our new and improved filler caps are designed to enhance the performance and reliability of your CuddleCot, ensuring gentle, consistent cooling when it matters most.
If your current filler cap has been lost or damaged, or you’d simply like to upgrade to the latest version, we’re offering free replacements to all hospitals, hospices, and bereavement teams.
Please order a new and improved filler cap: Order Here
For further assistance contact info@cuddlecot.com or call our team.
UK: 08455 333561
US: 800 992 8977
Yes, as long as the unit is on a flat and sturdy surface and the hose is not kinked, it will continue to cool the pad.
The Shnuggle fabric lining and mattress cover can be laundered. Replacement items can also be purchased.
Plastic Components: Use any plastic-safe sanitiser wipes such as Clinell, Clorox, Sani-Cloth, or CaviCide wipes to clean all components. DO NOT use bleach.
Cloth Components:
- Mattress and bumper are machine washable (use a pillowcase)
- If using sanitizing detergent, you can use Lysol laundry detergent in a cooler wash
- If your facility uses external cleaning services, we recommend using alternative sheets or thin blankets instead of the cloth cover
No, the CuddleCot is completely flexible and it can be used however the family wish. The mattress or fabric lining does not have to be used, they can be replaced with a sheet or blanket.
As your facility uses an external cleaning company, we would advise not using the cloth cover for the basket in this instance.
You can simply use a sheet or thin blanket (sometimes donated). This can then be offered to the family to use in their memory box.
A sanitising laundry detergent can be used if needed eg Dettol (UK) and Lysol (US). These laundry detergents work in a cooler wash too.
Families can also hold baby using the pads and blanket unlike a refrigerated cold cot.
See our guide: https://cuddlecot.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/A5-CuddleCot-Wrap-Instructions-Web.pdf
It’s also worth noting that we offer free product training and free online bereavement care eLearning for healthcare professionals at cuddlecot.com/training
If you need any further support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to info@cuddlecot.com
The Shnuggle Moses basket can be wiped down with a gentle anti-bacterial cleaner.
The CuddleCot light could be flashing for a number of reasons.
- Not enough fluid
Plug in the CuddleCot unit and switch it on by pressing the on/off button. The cooling pad will start to fill and the water level will drop. Ensure there are no kinks in the hose or pad. Top up the unit with distilled water until the tank remains over half full (the cooling pad will now be full of water). Always keep the unit topped up around 1/2 during operation. An alarm will sound should the water level drop too low.
- The cooling pad is warm or not cooling
Ensure there are no kinks and the unit is set at 8˚C/46˚F.
There may be trapped air in the cooling pad. To remove, leave unit running and loosen the filler cap and roll the pad (like rolling a napkin) towards the hose inlet/outlet to remove the air.
- The unit turns off after 30/60 minutes
The system has a timer which may have been activated. To ensure the timer is off, press the Timer button until “0” is displayed. Continuous cooling is recommended. Or turn the unit off and on again.
NOTE:
Do not cover the CuddleCot cooling unit with blankets.
Keep the cooling unit level with the cooling pads where possible.
Follow our troubleshooting video here: https://youtu.be/QzB_1yGRkko
To speak to our servicing team email service@cuddlecot.com / USAservice@cuddlecot.com
Or call our team on 08455 333561 / +1 +800 992 8977 (Option 3)
The graph lights blink to show the CuddleCot is active, and will stop after approximately 30 seconds.
Yes, a generator or power pack that supplies clean power (stable current) suitable for electronic items is fine.
The US (120V) CuddleCot’s power supply maximum draw is 360 Watts.
For further information contact: info@cuddlecot.com
How long does it take the CuddleCot to reach temperature?
How long does the CuddleCot cool for?
How long can the CuddleCot be used for?
Do we need a full term and pre term device for cooling after babyloss?
Purchasing Spares
Do you have an online shop?
Yes!
Please note: Your local currency will be shown when item is selected/at checkout.
If your healthcare facility uses a VPN /firewall to hide your country of origin, please turn this off while using the shop.
Please note we DO NOT ACCEPT American Express or Discover cards
Can I request a Pro Forma Invoice?
What are the dispatch times?
Why do you sell spare parts?
We believe in the longevity and sustainability of our products. That’s why we provide spare parts, allowing organisations to maintain their investment in bereavement care while reducing unnecessary waste. With evolving regulations emphasising the right to repair, we support a sustainable approach that ensures our products remain functional and reliable for years to come.
Looking to place a CuddleCot or CuddleBlanket in memory of a loved one?
For links to charities who can help with fundraising and placing a CuddleCot or CuddleBlanket, visit our Charity Support Fundraising page here
Need product training? Want to improve your bereavement care?
Sign up for our FREE online product training and baby loss bereavement care eLearning modules here.
CuddleBlanket Frequently Asked Questions
Each case will be slightly different. On average, the CuddleBlanket can be used for 3 to 5 days but we believe any decision should always be made by the family and health professionals.
We advise waiting 2 – 3 hours before use to allow some natural cooling to take place.
Each component is designed to be simply wiped down with any standard plastic safe sanitiser, such as Clinell Clorox Wipes, Sani-Cloth Disinfectant Wipes, CaviCide Wipes. Please do not spray liquid directly onto the chiller unit itself.
This is difficult to answer due to the variety of body shapes and sizes, but an approximate maximum weight would be 20 stone or 127 kg. The cooling pad must be in contact with the majority of the torso to be fully effective.
The CuddleBlanket is designed to cool a deceased person, and slow down natural changes. Once decomposition has begun, the CuddleBlanket cannot reverse or stop that process, as it is not designed for that purpose. In such cases, the person should be placed in a body bag or cooled in a freezer if available.
The CuddleBlanket chiller unit contains few moving parts. The shortest lifespan of any mechanical component is approximately 20,000hrs, however, all parts are replaceable. All attachments are also readily available from us. A long machine life is assured.
The insulated blanket can be laundered if needed, but this should only be done as a last resort (not after every use).
Always use sheets around the cooling pad to prevent fluid from soaking into the blanket.
To speak to our team contact info@flexmort.com
Washing:
Machine wash at 86°F (30°C).
Use a gentle detergent.
Add an antibacterial laundry additive (e.g., Dettol Laundry Sanitiser in the UK or equivalent).
Drying:
Do NOT use a tumble dryer. Line dry only, and hang the blanket by its edge (do not fold over the line).
Due to the insulated layers, drying may take several days. Once as dry as possible, give it a shake and re-align the insulation before storage.
The CuddleBlanket system starts at $4,500 and includes a one-year warranty.
Included as standard is wheeled storage case, reusable standard cooling pad with a 6’ 6” connection hose, insulating blanket, water purification tablets, filling funnel and accessories storage bag.
Healthcare professionals are also provided with access to product and bereavement care training
Optional bariatric pad and insulated blanket, extended warranties and spares kits can be purchased at an additional cost.
To learn more about our CuddleBlanket packages, shipping costs to the United States, and tax, please email info@cuddlecot.com or call: +1 800 992 8977 and our team will be happy to help answer any questions.
For pricing enquires outside of the UK/EU please contact our team at: info@cuddlecot.com
The CuddleBlanket system starts at £3,900 (excl. VAT) and includes a one-year warranty.
Included as standard is wheeled storage case, reusable standard cooling pad with a 2 metre connection hose, insulating blanket, ColdFlow2 cooling fluid, filling funnel and accessories storage bag.
Healthcare professionals are also provided with access to product and bereavement care training
Optional bariatric pad and insulated blanket, extended warranties and spares kits can be purchased at an additional cost.
To learn more about our CuddleBlanket packages, delivery costs, and VAT exemption, please email info@cuddlecot.com or call: 08455 333561 and our team will be happy to help answer any questions.
For pricing enquires outside of the UK/EU please contact our team at: info@cuddlecot.com
Speak to our team:
UK: +44 (0)8455 333561
UK: service@cuddlecot.com
US: 800 992 8977
US: usaservice@cuddlecot.com
The CuddleBlanket 1.0 must only use Flexmort's Coldflow2 fluid. This is formulated specifically for the CuddleBlanket. The use of ANY other fluid or water will damage the system.
Post 2024:The CuddleBlanket 2.0 can use either the pre-made Flexmort ColdFlow2 fluid, or distilled water and a water purification tablet like Milton mini sterilising tablets.
When using ColdFlow2, the CuddleBlanket system does not need to be drained for up to 12 months
When using distilled water and a water purification tablet, the CuddleBlanket system does not need to be drained for up to 6 months.
To speak to a member of our team about the CuddleBlanket visit our contact page.
The CuddleBlanket 1.0 must only use Flexmort's Coldflow2 fluid. This is formulated specifically for the CuddleBlanket. The use of ANY other fluid or water will damage the system.
Post 2024:The CuddleBlanket 2.0 can use either the pre-made Flexmort ColdFlow2 fluid, or distilled water and a water purification tablet like Milton mini sterilising tablets.
When using ColdFlow2, the CuddleBlanket system does not need to be drained for up to 12 months
When using distilled water and a water purification tablet, the CuddleBlanket system does not need to be drained for up to 6 months.
To speak to a member of our team about the CuddleBlanket visit our contact page.
Remove the filler cap and fill with ColdFlow2 (purchased from Flexmort) until the reservoir window is between half and two thirds full. This should be done while the unit is switched on and running with a cooling pad connected.
No, the CuddleBlanket system is supplied ready to use and includes a 2 litre bottle of Coldflow2 fluid for top ups. Only very periodic top ups of a small amount are required. All other components are reusable.
The CuddleBlanket is 22cm (8.6") wide, 36cm (14") deep and 30cm (12") high, and weighs 11kg (24lbs).
Yes, please call us at +44 8455 333561 or email us at info@cuddlecot.com. Our business hours are Monday to Thursday from 8.00am to 5.00pm and Friday from 8.00am to 2.00pm. We are closed on UK bank holidays.
The cooling pad is 100cm by 70cm (39" x 27").
The CuddleBlanket is approximately 50dB loud when running. As quiet as moderate rainfall or small fan.
Yes, the CuddleBlanket unit has an audible and visual alert if it's low on fluid or if the fluid isn't flowing.
Yes, everything is designed to be reused after suitable cleaning.
Yes, please download the manual from the Manuals page or contact us at info@cuddlecot.com.
Please contact us at info@cuddlecot.com.
Spare and replacement parts normally take a week to be delivered as they are stored in the UK.
Compliance: UL (United Laboratories, Inc, USA). UL61010‐1:2012 (3rd edition) This device complies with safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use. This includes hospital environments.
The CuddleBlanket uses thermoelectric technology (Peltier) rather than standard refrigeration and it will run indefinitely at 5°C in an ambient of 25°C.
It uses no harmful gases and emits nothing but warm air.
The rated Manufacturer’s Time To Failure of the fluid pump is >10,000 hours, giving an approximate total run time of 416 days. This is a replaceable component. However, there are many units still in use that are 10+ years old.
In reality, the limiting factor for duration of use is the condition of the deceased which is variable depending on ambient conditions (such as relative humidity), how often the deceased is viewed (insulating cover removed), as well as the condition of the deceased when they were first placed on the CuddleBlanket.
Several days of continuous use is typical but effective usage of 3 – 4 weeks has also being reported.
For more information contact:
- Email: info@cuddlecot.com
- US phone: +1 (0)800 992 8977
- UK phone: +44 (0)8455 333561
Please check out the troubleshooting guides on the Manuals page.
