I need a cot!

emkat_2

Hi,

I think changing the mattress is mainly for hygiene(sp) reasons and comfort - especially if it is a foam mattress. My son's mattress was changed due to the large dent he put in it :rolleyes:

I'd probably just check the mattress over and hot wash the protector.

Ebay is excellent for getting baby things, and also try your local toddler groups - most have For sale boards and you can get some real bargains. Although i am quite surprised how many new mums won't even consider 2nd hand

em

Karnam

i didnt buy many things second hand but i want more children so i think of it as an investment for future children.... i think a lot of 1st time mums think like that. I'm only 21 i expect to have more children, i guess its different if you're 40 and your one child is likely to be the only one...

Rachel021967

You could try https://www.freecycle.org and see if anybody in your local area has a cot or cotbed they no longer want and willing to give away for free. How old is your child?
https://www.freecycle.org is a website which is divided into local areas around the world. Here people either offer their unwanted goods or people ask for things they need. The idea is that it is to stop stuff going to landfill. We have got our stairgates, toddler toys and a wardrobe from freecycle. Its worth a try. Good Luck.

pickle

I've also been looking around for a cot as I'm expecting next year. The best I've found so far is from mothercare for £99.99 for the Hereford cot - BUT it lasts until 5 years of age as it converts into a toddler bed. (be careful which one as there are two and the cheaper one does not convert). Also the mattress you have to buy separately. IKEA sell cot mattresses if you need one. I saw one which was spring for £35 but the foam was cheaper but can't off-hand recall how much. The only thing is to check dimensions as you can't have a gap for safety reasons.

£Ronnie

kit wrote:

Didnt you have a problem with him falling out the bed??

We use a large blanket to stop DD falling out.....just roll it up lengthways, and place it under the bottom sheet, along the edge of the bed. Tuck sheet in tight to stop it moving about too much. It acts like a ridge that is just too high to accidently roll over in her sleep.

cozzie

I second the post about Ikea cots. My son had the Sniglar one until he was 2 and it's still in perfect condition. It cost us £28 and £12 for the foam mattress, which we replaced after a year for hygiene reasons. The prices have come down since then, so, even cheaper.

He's now in a full sized bed found in one of the forums here for £20 + £5 delivery and has a barrier type thingie bought on ebay as he fell out on the first night. I think most kids only do it once and then they have a kinda sixth sense as to how close they get to the edge in their sleep because whenever I check on him he is either at the other side of the bed against the wall or in the middle.

sooz

pickle wrote:

I've also been looking around for a cot as I'm expecting next year. The best I've found so far is from mothercare for £99.99 for the Hereford cot - BUT it lasts until 5 years of age as it converts into a toddler bed. (be careful which one as there are two and the cheaper one does not convert). Also the mattress you have to buy separately. IKEA sell cot mattresses if you need one. I saw one which was spring for £35 but the foam was cheaper but can't off-hand recall how much. The only thing is to check dimensions as you can't have a gap for safety reasons.

ikea's cots are non standard sizes, like their beds, so an ikea mattress would not fit a non ikea cot.

however, ikea's cots and mattresses are very good value, and do have 2 or is it 3 position bases, but none of them have drop sides. last year ikea was offering 20 per cent of all beds, and this included cots. anyone know if the offer is still on

Karnam

pickle wrote:

I've also been looking around for a cot as I'm expecting next year. The best I've found so far is from mothercare for £99.99 for the Hereford cot - BUT it lasts until 5 years of age as it converts into a toddler bed. (be careful which one as there are two and the cheaper one does not convert). Also the mattress you have to buy separately. IKEA sell cot mattresses if you need one. I saw one which was spring for £35 but the foam was cheaper but can't off-hand recall how much. The only thing is to check dimensions as you can't have a gap for safety reasons.

buy the whole lot (including bedding and mattress) from kiddiecare for £80

pickle

Karnam wrote:

buy the whole lot (including bedding and mattress) from kiddiecare for £80

Thanks for that tip about kiddicare. I noticed that the ikea cots didn't have adjustable heights which for me rules them out as I don't want to put my back out! I didn't realise the mattresses were non-standard. Off to look for the kiddicare ones now!

jellyhead

i just looked at the kiddicare one too. at 24 weeks and nearly 22 lbs i'm amazed that splodge is still in his moses basket. he's starting to pull himself up now so it won't be safe any more.

i was reading about the matresses. docs say there's a risk of cot death with a second hand mattress, but not if it's only been used by siblings. not sure why.