1. There are new working conditions in place and it is your baby that decides them.

Those long nights of unbroken sleep, morning lie-ins will be long gone when the new regime kicks in. From now on you are operating on baby time, which means 1am food calls, 3am nappy changes, 5am annoying cries for no reason, 6am wants to wake you up with a gurgle simply because they can.

2. Baby likes messing up their cot a great deal.

Whether it’s regurgitating milk, leaky nappies, dribbling mouths due to teething, snotty noses or worse, baby takes wonderful delight in messing up the beautiful cot and particularly the mattress. Buy a mattress from the Cot Mattress Factory and you not only get a great price, but a 12 month guarantee!

3. Your clothes are equally useful as tissues

A new £80 cashmere jumper? Perfect for a snotty nose or milk filled burp to be belched over the shoulder! Baby has no compunction about using your clothes as their own personal tissues, or their own clothes for that matter. Or the dog, or the sofa, carpet or any siblings.

4. Food has many uses and can be stored in unconventional places

As your child progresses onto solid food, they are innately aware of its many uses. This can be decorative, as in giving your kitchen walls a new look, or smearing it liberally over their face. Alternatively, it can be stored in a variety of places; the slot on a videocassette recorder, for example, is a perfect place to store unwanted toast.

5. Toys are ok, but not-toys are better.

You may have spent hundreds of pounds on the latest educational, child-friendly toys, but while your child may enjoy them briefly, they will find not-toys more exciting. Whether it is eating your laptop, chewing the dogs ear, spending hours playing with the wrapping paper at Christmas rather than the presents, Children have an innate understanding of what they should not play with, and disregard it completely.

6. The mouth is for exploration

Whether it is new food, their shoelaces, mud from the garden, next doors cat or a siblings finger, if a baby wants to explore the world, they do so orally.

7. Just because the nappy is off, doesn’t mean they’ve finished...

When baby needs to go, they go and their current state of dress, or lack of it, plays no bearing on this decision. It doesn’t matter if mum or dad is in the firing line, when baby has to go, they go and you have to deal with the consequences.

8. Your baby will appear perfect to everybody else, but only you know the truth...

Your precious bundle of joy will appear to be the perfect child to your friends and family and they will fiercely resist all your attempts to persuade them that the angelic bundle you are holding, has the potential to be more annoying than Timmy Mallett.

9. Kiss goodbye to your social life

A night down the pub or two? Forget it! Baby comes first. Even if you are fortunate enough to have wonderful babysitters, as soon as you head out for some ‘baby-free time’, your thoughts will turn to your baby and if they are ok. Then you’ll text to check...then you’ll call, then you’ll leave the pub at 9.30pm to get back as its getting late...

10. They turn your world upside down and they don’t care

Babies have a knack for turning your life upside down initially. What was normality, seems a long-forgotten dream. Yet the real miracle of birth is that despite this monumental upheaval, the struggles and tiredness, you would not have it any other way because despite all of this; your baby is perfect.

Times are hard for many people at the minute and this is particularly the case for new parents. A new baby brings with it the need for many new items in the home, some expensive, and parents are being left with some difficult decisions to make. In this article, we look at ten simple tips on how to equip your home for your new baby, by using the second hand market to good measure and recycling many items, by looking at what items to use and not to use, second hand.

1. Baby clothes & shoes

Many parents of newborn children find they are offered a vast amount of clothes from friends and family, but is it ok to accept them? Of course! Many babies grow so quickly and have so many clothes that many outfits are only worn once or twice, if at all. Provided they have been washed and stored carefully, this can be a brilliant way to build up a fantastic wardrobe for your newborn for the first year of their life, at no cost whatsoever. Another good tip is to use auction sites like Ebay to pick up second hand clothing, often designer labels, at a fraction of the high street price. You may not want to use any clothes that are obviously damaged or stained, but the rest will be fine for your baby to wear, although for extra peace of mind, you can opt to wash them in your machine beforehand. 

2. Cot and Mattress

Provided that the cot is in good condition, is sturdy and rigid and all the moving parts work well without problems, then a second hand cot is absolutely fine for a baby. The mattress however is a different matter. The UK government suggests that all new babies not only have a new cot mattress, but that it is regularly updated as they grow. Companies like Cot Mattress Factory are ideal as they create bespoke mattresses for babies to any size, delivered quickly at the cheapest prices in the UK.

3. Buggies and strollers

Provided the stroller you have acquired has the British kite mark, then a second hand buggy or stroller should be fine for your child to use. It is a good idea to ask for a demonstration on how to fold up and erect the stroller from the original user as there can be a knack to doing this. Also check the seating and straps that hold in your baby for wear and tear, spillages and whatnot and you can give these a clean if necessary. If you are in any doubt as to the safety of the stroller however, then do not use it.

4. Car seats

Similar to the advice for a stroller, most baby car seats are fine to use, provided that they have the British kite mark for quality. Again, it is vital you check the condition of the support, straps and cushions that hold your baby safely in and make any adjustments or improvements as necessary.

5. Baby toys, books and games

Most baby toys, books and games are absolutely fine to use second hand, provided that they have not been damaged, or are dirty. Give each toy a thorough check to ensure it is safe and undamaged (and if necessary, a good clean) before giving it to your baby to play with. Also, always ensure the toy you are giving is suitable for the age of the child, remember young children can choke and swallow small parts of a toy, so this needs to be considered carefully.

Being a new parent is a thrilling, yet occasionally worrying time. The realisation that your precious bundle of joy is now entirely reliant upon you can add increasing pressure to an already hectic lifestyle. Outlined below are ten practical tips that any new parent of a six-month-old child should take time to review.

1. You can never take enough pictures or video

Documenting this important time in your lives is the perfect way to keep your memories fresh and the best way to do that is by taking photographs or video regularly. They can provide hours of amusement for you and your children in later years.

2. Never be afraid to ask for help

At times, being a new parent can seem daunting and overwhelming. Don’t panic, there is help available. Speak to your health visitor, family and friends to see how they coped. Never be afraid to ask for help if you think you or your baby needs it.

3. Try to keep to your baby budget

There are just so many cute baby clothes and toys around these days that it is so easy to spend a fortune. Remember, your baby may grow very quickly and as such, if you have made a budget for your baby, then try to stick to it. It will pay off in the long-term!

4. Check the state of your baby’s cot mattress and replace if necessary

Your child’s cot mattress will take a lot of wear and tear during its first twelve months and as a result, can show signs of wear and tear quickly. Check the condition of the mattress and if it looks in a poor state then do not panic, you can order a new cot mattress very cheaply and some companies even offer a 12 month guarantee for their mattresses!

5. Find a worthy destination for outgrown clothes

Your baby will grow very, very quickly and soon you will have a cupboard filled with clothes that are now too small. Rather than have them cluttering up your home, find a good home for them. Either a family member or friend who is expecting, or a charity shop, are good to donate to. Alternatively, you can even sell items online.

6. Interact with your baby and give them new experiences daily

Babies learn through mimicking and interacting with people and the environment, so get yourself and your baby into new situations. Enrol your child at the library and read them a book, take them swimming or head to the park. Not only are these hugely enjoyable family trips but they are fantastic for both you and your baby.

7. Establish your nighttime routine

A lack of sleep is one of the major problems facing new parents and one of the best ways to help alleviate that is to ensure your baby gets into a routine so that they are primed to sleep better for longer. It may take a while to establish, but when your baby recognises the signs it is time to sleep, eventually they will do so!

8. Devise a toy rota

Your baby experiences so much through play, but many parents overload their child with hundreds of toys for them to play with. Instead of that, just select a few toys from those your child has available and swap them around frequently. This will help keep your child’s mind alert and inquisitive as well as keeping the toys in better condition for longer.

9. Any concerns, contact your health centre immediately

You know your child better than anybody else, so if you have any concerns then do not hesitate to contact a health professional immediately for advice or a consultation. If you have a concern for your baby’s well being then don’t ever view that as trivial. Seek advice.

10. Take a little time for you!

Yes, you may be a new parent, but you are also a human being too and it is important you have a little ‘me’ time when you can. Giving yourself an hour or two away from being mum or dad, doing something you enjoy can be as rewarding for your baby as it is for you.

As most parents will understand, babies grow at a rapid pace. It is just a few short months from your newborn child being entirely dependent upon you, until they are far more independent and looking to take their first steps into the big, wide world. This rapid rate of growth is most evident in the first few years of life and as a parent, it is important to watch out for the following ten items as your baby grows.

1. Physical Development

As your baby grows you should notice a clear physical development. Your baby should be able to do more for themselves and your health visitor will be able to advise you on what to look for. If you have any concerns, then do not hesitate to contact them for advice.

2. Mental Development

As well as developing physically, your child will be undergoing rapid mental development at this time. They will become aware of faces, learn to smile and start to develop their own personality and foibles. Again, your health advisor is a great resource to discuss any aspect of your child’s mental development with.

3. Clothes

It is easy to underestimate how quickly a child grows in their first few years. Check closely to see that their clothes, particularly items like shoes or sleep suits still fit. A baby that is squeezed into a pair of shoes or a tight sleep suit, will not be a happy one.

4. Solid Food

It is amazing how quickly your child will move on from milk onto different foods. Try to ensure the food you give your child is good quality. Making your own baby food from fresh vegetables and produce is best, but shop bought items can be equally as good. Solid nutrition will help your baby feel full and allow their bodies and minds to develop.

5. Routines

Sleep is important for a young child as it is restorative for them, and for you! As soon as you can, establish a routine for your child, both in terms of going to bed and also getting up in the morning. Once a healthy sleep routine is established, tiredness is much less of an issue.

6.Crawling

The development of your baby from one who simply lies on a mat, to one that tries to turn over, to one that can turn over and then into one that crawls, is staggeringly quick. Encourage your child to learn these key skills safely when they are ready to do so.

7. Safety

At the time your child becomes more mobile, safety around the home now becomes a bigger issue. Ensure fires are guarded, breakable ornaments and other dangerous items out of reach. Once your child is mobile, they will have the freedom to explore and you need to make the environment safe for them to do so.

8. Cleanliness

As well as the environment being safe, it should also be clean. If your child plays in certain rooms a lot, try to keep the areas they use as clean as possible to avoid them picking up any nasty bugs or infections.

9. Walking

Not long after the child learns to crawl, they start to try and clamber onto their two feet. Those first few steps for a child are an exciting time, but once again it is up to the parent that the child learns these skills in a clean, safe and healthy environment, with as much encouragement as possible!

10. Sleeping

Your child will grow so quickly during their first two years and as such, their sleeping arrangements need to adjust to meet these changes. Whether it is from Moses basket to cot, or cot to first baby bed, you need to have a cot mattress that is the right fit, comfortable and durable. The government recommends every new baby has a new mattress and companies like the Cot Mattress Factory offer superb quality mattresses for babies of all ages.

With family budgets under increasing pressure in these times of austerity, more and more people are finding they are having to rely upon hand-me-downs from relatives, or second-hand goods in order to make ends meet. In this article, we look at ten simple tips that will allow prospective parents turn a second-hand cot into a vibrant, clean and safe place for your baby to sleep!

1. Check that the cot is safe

Obviously the first thing to check is that the cot is safe. Ensure that there are no slats missing and there are no exposed screw heads, splintered wood etc that could potentially injure an infant.

2. Check the structure of the cot is sound

Another thing to check is the structure of the cot. The cot should be rigid and not wobble and any moveable parts should do so easily and safely.

3. Make any small repairs necessary

Even if your cot has a few small problems, many can be easily fixed by a little elbow grease. If you have the skills to make the repairs, then do so, if not ask someone who can for their help to make sure the cot is safe for your baby.

4. Thoroughly clean the woodwork

Once the cot is sound structurally, give the entire cot a complete clean. Don’t use strong detergent. A pack of baby wipes is often more than adequate to clean the cot thoroughly.

5. If your nursery has a theme, decorate the cot accordingly

If you have chosen a theme for your nursery, then decorate your cot accordingly. Buy some cheap stickers to decorate the cot and give it a real lift, making it fit in beautifully with your chosen look.

6. Buy a new cot mattress to replace the old one

While cleaning and decorating the frame of a cot is easy, it is not so easy to clean a mattress. Therefore, while the cot may be second-hand, your baby’s mattress should not be. A brand new cot mattress is important for the safety, comfort and health of your baby and the government recommends that each new baby should have a new mattress. Companies like the Cot Mattress Factory offer the highest quality mattresses at the cheapest prices in the UK!

7. Add a cot tidy for practicality

Babies come with a lot of paraphernalia and it is very easy for a cot to become filled with hundreds of toys, soft books, blankets, mobiles and more. A cot tidy is a great purchase as it gives all these additional items a place to be safely stored, keeping your cot a simple, comfortable space for your baby.

8. Add your themed bedding/toys

Now the cot is ready, it is time to add the finishing touches. Add a few well selected items to the cot, such as themed bedding and toys for baby and your second hand cot will now look like it is brand, spanking new!

9. Think carefully about where you want to place the cot in your nursery

Now the cot is ready for baby, you need to find the perfect place for it. Find a location that is not too hot, or too cold. Try to keep it away from radiators and windows and have the cot in a position which makes life easy for you when you come into the room to check on your baby.

10. When baby arrives, periodically check the condition of the cot

When your bundle of joy arrives and the cot is put to use, it is a sensible idea to check the cot periodically to ensure that it is still in sound condition. Second-hand cots will have more wear and tear, especially on moveable parts, so it is important to check these are still in good working order regularly to ensure the cot remains safe/

A comforter is typically soft and cuddliness will provide the comfort a baby needs. Think of a comforter as a best friend for them, or even just a sleeping buddy. And if you’re using a comforter, it should mean that your baby will be less likely to want to use other comforters such as a dummy.

Although it’s recommended that you use a comforter primarily during bed time, they can also be used at times when your baby is in a different environment and needs the extra comfort as reassurance. When in a new place like a hospital, for example, having something that usually provides comfort for the baby will help a lot in soothing them and keeping them calm in a new and perhaps scary place.

It’s recommended that a bag to take to the hospital when giving birth should be ready once you reach eight months of pregnancy, as you could go into labour at any time during your last month of pregnancy.

But what should you take with you? It can be a bit of a daunting task for a first-time mother.

So we have prepared a handy checklist we hope will help.

For You

A Nightgown

Toiletries (shampoo, lip-balm, moisturiser, deodorant, etc)

Comfortable, loose pyjamas

Slippers

Socks

Pillow (this may make you feel more comfortable when in labour)

Stretch mark cream

Face towels

Hand-held mirror

Mobile phone & charger

Going home outfit

Personal items that will help you relax (personal mp3 player, reading book, magazines, etc)

For Your Baby

Vests

Bodysuits

Newborn nappies

Sleep suits

Blanket

Coat/jacket

Socks

Mittens

Clothes to go home

Documents

ID cards

Hospital documents

Birth plan (if you have one)

Other

Camera and batteries

Video camera with an empty cassette/CD (depending on what type of camcorder you have)

Money for vending machines

Money for parking

Snacks

When your baby is first born, you will want him/her by your side all the time, and a Moses basket is ideal for this. So check out our mattresses for Moses baskets by clicking here.

Ever had the problem of getting a baby to sleep well? At Cot Mattress Factory, we know it can be tough to get that sleeping routine sorted early. But we have been looking into what the experts say are the best methods. Here’s some tips and advice they give:-

Dr. Richard Ferber, the director for the The Center for Pediatric Sleep Disorders developed the Ferber method, which is also known as the “Cry It Out” (CIO) method, or the “Ferbirization” method[a].

He suggests that you should gradually prepare your baby for sleep by putting them into bed and leaving the room, then returning at regular intervals to comfort him/her (not pick them up) until the baby is asleep. Each time you return, it would be after a slightly longer time, until the baby is asleep. This could be carried on for a number of nights until your baby learns to sleep on his/her own, and is in a regular routine.

For example, the first night could be after 3 minutes, then 5 minutes, then 8. Then the next night could be 10 minutes, the third night 20, and so on.

Danah Obleman, an Infant & Child Sleep Specialist, devised “The Sleep Sense Program”, about which you can find more information on her website www.sleepsense.net

She suggests that a baby with a healthy sleeping pattern has a healthier lifestyle overall. Her customized sleeping guides (which can be sent to you after contacting them) offer a step-by-step on how to get your baby settled into a regular pattern. The plan also allows you to measure how the routine is progressing over time.  

Some recommend that if you teach the baby the difference between night and day, it will help them to settle much easier. For example, talk and play with them during the day, and at night be more quite and calm[b]. By doing this, your baby will gradually learn when she/he should sleep. And it will be much easier if they do not switch suddenly from play to sleep.

It is also recommended that a bath before bedtime helps to relax your baby. The Johnson’s Baby “3 Easy Steps” Guide[c] suggests that following a bath you should give your baby a massage, and then quietly settle your baby to sleep.  The website also features a helpful video guide.

It is also suggested that a comfortable mattress means your baby gets a better night’s sleep. So be sure to check out our great quality baby mattresses at unbeatably low prices!

That’s why we have created a list of the top ten accessories to have in a nursery. They are items we think your baby will love, and we hope they will provide the comfort and luxury your baby deserves!

Rugs

Floors can be quite bare and boring, especially if much of it is shown. So putting a rug there will make it colourful more homely. When the baby gets older, they can use it to play on.

Wall stickers

You can purchase as many as you want of these, and they are usually sold as packs of 20 or more.  They usually have a theme to them also, and are removable, so if you are moving house, you can easily take them with you.

Throws/blankets

Come winter, it can get quite cold. Having extra blankets for cold weather are essential, especially when it concerns a young baby.

Cot tidy

A nursery can have lots of different things in it, and can get clustered as the baby gets older and needs a rocker chair or big a bigger cot! So we advise you to use a small tidy to keep all those little nick-nacks in one place. It would also make things much easier for you to keep the nursery clean!

Cushioned headrests

Making sure your baby is comfortable is a parent’s big concern. Try placing headrests and cot bumpers around the inside of the cot, and it will provide that bit of extra softness for your baby to be snug and sound while in dream-land!

Themed furniture/bedding

It may be a good idea to invest in products that have certain characters in-printed on them. They look much for fun, and would be perfect for when your baby gets older and becomes interested in TV! 

Wall mobiles

A classic baby-soother, the music-playing wall mobiles are perfect for calming down your little one so that they are ready for bed.

Audio/visual monitors

It’s impossible to be in two places at once, and when your baby is asleep in another room, you need to check up that that the baby is still sleeping safe and sound. These monitors are perfect for keeping your mind at rest, and you are informed immediately when your baby begins to stir! Latest technology has now allowed for monitors to have a video display as well.

Thermometers

The temperature needs to be kept at a constant warm for a baby, so using a thermometer is a handy gadget to make sure the room stays that way!

Nappy stackers

Babies can use up an alarming amount of nappies! They can take up so much room as well. So this handy sack can be used to keep them all in one handy place, without all the fuss of plastic wrappers!

Sprung 4 Summer: Discounts & Competitions

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Competition

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Click here to visit our Facebook and enter the competition.

A duvet is likely to help your baby get used to the idea of a junior or adult bed before they need to make the move. This can be helpful as this transition can create sleeping problems for all involved. Duvets also make the bed easier to clean as there’s no need to remove multiple sheets.

However, you can also argue that a duvet or quilt really isn’t needed. If you have plenty of sheets for the colder nights and spare ones for the wash, then you should be fine until your baby is ready to move out of the cot and into a junior or adult bed. Remember that if you buy a sprung cot bed mattress it will last until your baby is 5-6 years old.

There are several extra safety guidelines if you’re using a sleeping bag for your baby. The Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (FSID) recommends baby sleeping bags that do not have a hood and that fit around correctly the neck. This ensures that your baby won’t slip down the bag while asleep. They also advise never to use a sleeping bag with a quilt, duvet or thick blanket as this will make your baby far too hot.

Some quick tips would be to choose a sleeping bag that’s suitable for the current season. A low tog one for summer (from 0.5 to 1) and no more than a 2.5 tog for the colder months. Anything higher than this is likely to make your baby much too hot, even in winter. If your baby is ever feeling too hot or sweaty you must remove some of the bedding. However, hands or feet may feel cold which is quite normal.

Bedding can include anything from what goes on the mattress, what goes in and around the cot and what your baby will wear while asleep.

It is usually recommended that you start off with cotton sheets and cotton cellular blankets. These are easy to layer and keep your baby at the right temperature. As the sheets are in layers, it is easy to remove one or add one if the baby becomes too hot or too cold. If you’re trying to cut costs as much as possible, you can even cut small hem sheets for your cot from an adult sized bed sheet.

To start with you will need four or five sheets and two or three blankets. If your baby is starting in a crib, moses basket or pram/carrycot bed, you will also probably need specially sized fitted sheets and blankets. Fitted sheets are very handy as they are less likely to come untucked as your baby moves and wiggles and they are also quick and easy to remove and put on for washing and changing.

If your baby starts off in a carrycot or Moses basket, you can also buy special "pram size" sheets and blankets. Generally speaking, you will need about four sheets and two or three blankets to start with. Sheets are usually made of either traditional woven cotton, brushed flannelette which feels warm to the touch, stretch cotton terry or cotton jersey. Stretch fitted sheets are very useful as they are less likely to come untucked while your baby sleeps and are quick and easy to put on and take off.

These types of covers can also be washed in a washing machine at a maximum of 60 degrees using a non-biological detergent. We recommend setting the washing machine on a slow spin. The cover should be left to dry fully – pulled to shape when damp and always dry completely before using.

If you want to wash out minor dirty patches, you may spot clean with warm water and non-biological detergent.

Rushed off your feet while washing bedding? We have extra covers available for all our baby mattresses in both our classic and quilted material. Just use the dropdown menus on our website or ask if you phone up.

Always remember that you must turn your mattress regularly to prevent uneven wear. Keep the mattress as clean as possible at all times to ensure your baby is sleeping is the safest, cleanest place possible.

1. Try it out before you buy: If you’re buying a cot from a store, ask to see the cot being assembled, and then try carrying the cot through the store for a few minutes. Does it fulfil your requirements? Was it is easy to assemble? Does it look good? Is it comfortable?
2. On the Internet: If you’re buying from an online shop, email or call the sale assistants. Ask them what they think of the product, if they have used it and if so did they think it was easy to assemble and OK to carry.
3. Check the wheels: Check to see if the cot has wheels, which travel cots often do have. This will make moving the cot from room to room a lot easier and safer. Make sure they are also lockable.
4. Make a note of the measurements: Some cots may be too large or too small for your needs. Pay attention to the dimensions to make sure it will fit in the room or to make sure its not too small for your baby.
5. Travel cots can double up as a playpen: If you would like this to be the case, the baby would prefer four mesh sides rather than two, so keep that in mind.
6. Extra features: many travel cots have extra features. Make sure you know all the details before buying and try to get the best buy for your money.
7. Cleaning: Make sure the travel cot can be cleaned easily – can you remove the mattress and sheets? Can it be wiped down easily?
8. Check the type of travel cot mattress you need: If the travelc to is an unusual shape or has rare dimensions, make sure you can find a custom made mattress for it.

A cot bed is similar to a cot but can usually be converted into a junior bed or can be used as a junior bed up until the baby is five to six years old. This is a great investment if you can make it when your baby first arrives as it saves on potentially three generations of furniture. Make sure to pick a nice neutral style if you plan on redecorating the room in those first six years. A plain dark or light wood would be fine for any coloured room or nursery.

You would have to have a relatively large bedroom to fit a cot bed in too; however this again would be the ideal solution for midnight feeding.

If your new born starts sleeping in a cot from the time they are born, they will need to be positioned in the highest base position which will need to be lowered as the baby grows.

Ensure the cot or cot bed you choose has drop side, lockable end castors, teething rails and an adjustable mattress height base. This will ensure that you can customise the positioning and height of the furniture as your child grows, extending the life of the furniture and saving you money.

Remember always to position your baby in the ‘feet to foot’ position, on their back, with any bedding or sheets tucked in at the sides. Make sure the covers are no higher than their shoulders. Try to maintain a room temperature of 18c at all times. For the highest safety conditions, buy a good quality cot bed mattress.

A moses basket, sometimes referred to as a bassinette, is specifically designed for babies from new-born to about four months. They are small in size and so are perfect to provide a type of enclosed bed or “cocoon” which the baby will find comforting.

These types of baby furniture are often used on airlines for adults travelling with very young babies. They are ideal for moving around as they are lightweight and small. On an aircraft, they can be attached to a bulkhead for safety or sat on a parents’ lap during the flight.

The level of comfort your baby experiences while in a moses basket is mostly dependent on the type of moses basket mattress. Research has shown that a firm baby mattress provides the best type of posture and highest level of comfort for the baby. You can also buy covers, sheets and bedding specifically for moses baskets.

Moses baskets allow babies to be transported from place to place safely, ensuring they are always close to their mother or father. At home they can be rested on a moses basket stand or surface to make it easier for the parents to access the baby. There are also wheeled frames available to convert a moses basket into a pram.

Once a baby is able to move more on their own, such as kicking their legs, moving their arms a lot and rolling around, it is unsafe to keep using a moses basket as they are able to roll themselves out of it. This is when they would be moved to a crib, cot or cot bed.

The main thing to look out for is the type of material the mattress is made from. Basic foam cot mattresses are relatively inexpensive, so make sure you do not pay too much. The smaller mattresses, unless specifically stated, also tend to be quite thin, often only one or two inches deep. If you need a thicker mattress, make sure you know the depth before you buy. Thin mattresses will wear out quicker and are generally less comfortable for your baby to sleep on long term; however they are fine for irregular use.

Once you have narrowed down the mattresses you want to buy, you can directly compare the material, size, quality and price of each. You can also use customer reviews as a great way to compare mattresses. One of the best ways of finding product opinions is parent and baby forums on the Internet. If you do a quick search, you’ll easily be able to find parents and previous customers discussing specific products or even a conversation that will sum up your research nicely – maybe you’ll find a group discussing the best mattress you can buy for your money.

Another great way of finding reviews is to find the product you’re considering on an online store. Online stores often have customer reviews or comments on each product and often even a star rating. You can use this to back up your research and make a further informed decision.

There are a few checks you can do if you’re out shopping for a baby mattress. If you’re in a store, you can test how firm the mattresses are by squeezing them in a central point. If the mattress re-shapes itself back to its original shape in good time (a few seconds) then it is likely to be of good quality and will not sag. Mattresses of lower quality tend to sag in the middle where the baby will lay more often. If you can find a mattress that re-shapes itself quite quickly, it will last your baby longer.

Also remember to ask any staff that are available if their mattresses comply with British standards. The most important ones to look out for are BS 1877 part 10 for safety and performance and BS 7177 for use of any antimony, phosphorous or arsenic based fibre retardant treatments.

Decide on the type of material you want for your baby. There are many to choose from and your choice will depend on your budget, but to make the most of your money we recommend buying a sprung foam cot mattress. This will last your baby until they are ready for a cot bed or junior bed, will not sag as the springs re-enforce the shape and will provide added comfort and posture support for your little one.

Finally, ensure you are buying the correct size by checking with your cot manufacturer or by measuring the furniture yourself. Always make sure there is no more than a 4cm gap each side.

1. You have most likely already decided on the furniture you want to buy, you might have already ordered it or already have it to hand. If you are still deciding or have ordered it but it hasn’t arrived yet, you will need to rely on the manufacturers recommended dimensions for the required mattress. They will usually note this on their website, and the store you bought the furniture from should also be able to tell you the dimensions needed.
2. If you already have the furniture to hand, or you have been given an older piece of baby furniture, you must measure it yourself. It is important you measure the base of the furniture, which is where the baby mattress will sit. Measure the interior length and width of the base. We recommend taking 1-2cm off the base size of the mattress has enough room for bedding and sheets.
3. You then also need to decide on the depth of the mattress. Most manufacturers have a standard size, however requesting a thicker mattress should prolong the life of the mattress, as thicker mattresses last slightly longer.
4. Once you have the correct measurements, you need to decide on the type of mattress you want. The types of mattresses available can be summed up by basic foam, deluxe foam and foam sprung. Basic form is your standard foam mattress, which are usually the cheapest. They are fine for temporary purposes as they do not last as long as more expensive options. The deluxe foam is the basic foam mattress with a softer or quilted cover. This provides added comfort for your baby. Finally, the sprung foam is the foam mattress with springs inside. These are perfect for cot beds and last a lot longer than regular foam – if they are taken care of, they can last up to 5 years.

Once you have decided on the size and type of mattress you require, you need to find where you can buy your baby mattress. The store where you bought your furniture may give you a good deal on the correct size and type of mattress for your furniture, or you could try searching online. By buying your mattress online, you are often ordering direct from the manufacturer and will therefore find some great bargains.

It is important to understand that a baby can drown in as little as 2 inches of water, so they must not be left unattended at any time, whether they are in the bath or a baby pool. There are plenty of products available that can help you introduce your baby to the water. These can help make swimming with your baby safer and more fun. Here are some tips for your baby's first swim or bath...

1. Keep the baby in an upright position while in the water. This lets the baby experience the movement of the water whilst staying safe and keeping their head above the surface.

2. Many children are scared of bath time because they are worried about soap and shampoo getting in their eyes. There are now products available that will cover your baby's eyes whilst in the bath, letting you wash their hair and head worry free.

3. Buy some bath toys to help make your baby feel at ease with the water. They will associate bath time with fun and toys, and will feel more relaxed and ready for bed after a fun bath. (And make sure they sleep well with one of our baby mattresses!)

4. A baby towel and bath robe are great gifts for parents and are essential at bath time or if you go for a swim. Keep your baby warm and clean and make them comfortable at all times.

Swimming is often one of the earliest memories someone will have as it is such a great experience for a young baby. They are able to have a complete physical workout that they wouldn't experience outside of the water.

1. Invest in a good quality mattress to ensure that it lasts as long as your baby needs it - it needs to be of high density to ensure that it will keep its shape.

2. Sleep is important - especially for new parents. Your baby will sleep better if they are comfortable and feel safe. A good quality mattress will provide this.

3. The mattress should be able to tick all the boxes: comfort, safety and hygiene are a must.

4. Buy a new mattress for a new baby - re-use the furniture (cot or crib) as you like, however for safety and hygienic reasons we recommend buying a new mattress. Second hand mattresses may be permanently compressed by the previous owner's body weight and therefore can't provide a comfortable yet firm surface for your baby.

5. Make sure you measure the cot or crib correctly before you buy your mattress. You must leave a small gap in order to fit bedding and sheets, however the gap must be below 4cm. Babies' little arms and legs can be caught in the gaps which is an easily avoided danger. We make all our mattresses to measure, so even if you have an unusual cot or crib we can make the perfect size mattress for you.

6. It is important to keep the mattress clean for your baby's health, safety and comfort. Buy a mattress with a removable cover that can be washed at a minimum temperature of 60c. This ensures the surface is kept clean at all times. It is wise to invest in an extra cover or two so that you can be washing one while the other is in use!

7. Regularly turn the mattress from end to end to ensure that is gets equal wear on either side. The will prolong the life of your mattress.

8. To maintain your baby's posture, choose a mattress that is firm but comfortable. This will support your baby as they grow whilst they are sleeping during a key time of spinal growth and development.

There are many types of foam and so the science behind choosing the best type for a baby mattress is quite complex. Each different type has different advantages and disadvantages which must be assessed. There are three main areas to look out for: density, hardness and strength. For baby mattresses, for a high quality mattress the foam must be of high density so that it will not be forced out of shape.

Some years ago there were issues within the nursery industry which suggested that their were certain chemicals in baby mattresses which contributed to cot death. Whilst these issues have been cleared up within the industry, the Cot Mattress Factory have never used any such chemicals in the manufacturing of their mattresses.

All our different mattress types: classic, quilted and sprung - use the same high quality foam. This ensures that the mattresses have a high level of ventilation for your baby, which is particularly important when they are sleeping as they can become too hot if not ventilated properly.

Keeping your baby's safety in mind, all our mattresses are also suited to the 'feet to foot' sleeping position, which is recommended by the FSID.

The Cot Mattress Factory are continually looking to improve their mattresses where possible with new materials - our factory use the latest material to keep our manufacturing techniques up to date.

Our latest edition to our cot mattress range is the 'Deluxe Sprung Cot Mattress' which offers not one, but TWO covers for extra ventilation and comfort.

Please contact us if you have any questions about our mattresses.