The Facts About the Caring Cradle®: The Refrigerated Cold Cot Gold Standard
Water-Based Cooling Units vs. The Best Refrigerated Cold Cot Available: The Caring Cradle®
Cooling Units for Preserving an Infant - Product Comparison
The Caring Cradle® team wanted to take the time to speak on the features of our units compared to the inferior water-based cooling alternatives on the market.
As the gold standard of “refrigerated cold cots,” Caring Cradle is the safest, most versatile, and easiest-to-use bereavement cradle available in the U.S. Parents and hospital staff are in agreement! Despite recent false claims from an overseas competitor, our cradles are the most dignified solution for grieving families posing absolutely no risk of freezing, no condensation damage, and provide continual cooling while holding an infant.
Which one of these products would best fit the needs of your hospital, clinic, fundraiser, grant or non-profit? Let’s take a deep dive into each feature these cooling cots have and how they relate to cooling and preserving an infant after they have passed.
| Feature | Water-Based Cooling Units: Overseas Competitor |
Cutting-Edge Refrigerated Cold Cot: Caring Cradle® |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling for All Infant Sizes / Gestational Suitability | Single system using pads for preterm and full-term infants, regardless of scale or appropriateness. | ✔ Two purpose-built sizes: Original for all infant sizes and Mini designed specifically for losses under 4 lbs. |
| Cost Effective / Affordability | Initial purchase may appear affordable, but requires pad replacement every 6 months, annual out-of-state servicing, staff labor, and system downtime. | ✔ No replacement parts or scheduled maintenance. Designed to last 5–7+ years with 24/7/365 support. |
| Non-Freezing Systems | ⚠ Cannot reach 40°F required by some state regulations after 24 hours (e.g., Texas Admin Code 181.4). | ✔ Preset, locked temperatures that can be adjusted to meet state or hospital requirements, including 40°F or lower. |
| Temperature Verification / Cooling Consistency | Digital temperature display visible on the unit. | ✔ Real-time temperature display secured inside a locked cabinet to prevent unauthorized adjustment. |
| Discreet / Non-Invasive | Multiple components requiring assembly; compatibility depends on existing bassinets and available parts. | ✔ One-piece steel design with medical-grade materials and lavender bassinet to discreetly signal loss. |
| Flexible Use | ⚠ Tubes must remain attached and close to the water unit while holding the baby. | ✔ Gel mattress allows holding without tubes or attachments and maintains cooling when wrapped in blankets. |
| Compatibility | Pads can be used in various bassinets or in arms, but rely on external equipment. | ✔ Purpose-built system with integrated bassinet and cart designed for stability and safety. |
| True Continual Cooling | ⚠ Cooling depends on continuous connection to water unit and tubing. | ✔ Gel mats stabilize temperature during holding and can be rotated for uninterrupted cooling with minimal staff involvement. |
| No Ice Build-Up / Condensation | Designed to avoid condensation and icing. | ✔ Factory-preset temperatures prevent condensation and freezing unless intentionally changed. |
| Portability / Setup | Lightweight and compact for storage. | ✔ Original rolls on locking wheels for safe transport; Mini is easily carried and stored without disassembly. |
| Emotional Support for Parents | ⚠ Tubing remains attached during holding, limiting movement and comfort. | ✔ Allows families to hold and pass the baby freely without attachments, reducing stress and risk of leakage. |
The Caring Cradle is the Gold Standard in “refrigerated cold cots” for infant demise.
Our cradles are preferred by both families and hospital staff. Hospitals are asking for Caring Cradles over the water-based cooling cots, as they are easier to work with. They require minimal supervision, no alarms, attachments, or hoses. They are easier to sanitize and have no set up.
Most importantly, since there is no water added to the system, there is no risk of mold as there is in traditional water-based systems. Simply plug in the device and they are ready to use in 30 minutes. Nurses express that they have an easier time at shift change with the Caring Cradle, as they do not have to explain the extensive set up and monitoring of the water-based cooling systems to the incoming nurses. Caring Cradle is US made, woman owned, has no replacement parts and 24/7/365 customer service.
Parents are discussing how the Caring Cradle has helped them through a time of unexplainable grief through theirtestimonies. The team at Caring Cradle is thankful that we are able to help these families experience the extended time they need when it matters most, as well as, working closely with hospital staff and nurses to make this difficult process a bit less extensive when helping families through their loss.
If you have any additional questions or would like further explanation about any of these features, please feel free to contact us by clicking the button below.
