Nursery furniture buying guide

Our range of nursery furniture and bedding meets the highest standards of safety and comfort, so you can enjoy peace of mind while your baby enjoys a good night's sleep. Take a look at our range of nursery furniture here.

Early days

Moses baskets

For babies up to 3-4 months (6kg/13lbs).
The strong handles make the basket easy to move, so you can keep your baby near you, wherever you are.
Choose wicker or palm, with washable trimmings in plain fabrics.

Take a look at our Moses baskets here.

Cribs

For babies up to 3-4 months (6kg/13lbs).
A traditional swinging crib can help soothe your baby to sleep.
Choose natural or painted wood.
A crib is not suitable for a baby who's become active.

Take a look at our cribs here.

Cots

Cots are suitable for babies from birth.

Drop-side

Many styles have mechanisms that allow you to lower or raise the side with one hand, while cradling your baby with the other.

Adjustable-height mattress base

Cots come with either a fixed side or a drop side mechanism. Most cots come with 2 - 3 base positions. The highest position for newborns, and the lowest for babies who can stand up. Mattresses sold separately.

Castors

Two or four castors make your cot easier to move around. Two must be lockable, and should always be locked when not in use.

Teething rails

Clear non-toxic plastic protects your baby's gums once he's teething and has started to chew.

Cot beds

Cot beds are larger, with removable sides, so they can be converted into beds. A good value choice, since cot beds have a longer life-span.

Travel cots

Folding cots are perfect for holidays - some also double as a playpen. It's a good idea to get your baby used to sleeping in the cot for a few nights at home, before you travel. Many styles have removable, washable covers and fold away into a travel bag.

Choosing bedding

Mattresses

All our mattresses meet the highest possible standards of performance and safety.
None of our mattresses contain antimony, phosphorus or arsenic.
All foam is non-allergenic and fire resistant.
Choose a firm mattress and make sure it's always clean and dry.

Sheets and blankets

Our 100% cotton sheets and blankets are non-allergic and machine washable.
Sheets, flat or fitted, come in a range of colours to co-ordinate with your favourite designs.
Use layers of sheets and blankets for a pram, carry-cot, cot or bed.

Quilts and coverlets

Use with sheets and blankets to create layers, but use these with caution as they can lead to overheating.
Take a look at our quilts here.

Duvets

Use for babies over 12 months.
Take a look at our duvets here.

A good night’s sleep

When laying baby down to sleep it’s recommended that you use the Feet to Foot position. The Feet to Foot position means that baby’s feet should touch the foot of the cot, this will prevent them from sliding down beneath the sheets. It’s also important to remember that all bedding should be tucked in and covers should reach no higher than baby’s shoulders. Please see our diagrams illustrating a good and a bad sleeping position.

Do	Don't
Lie your baby on his back, unless your health professional advises otherwise.	Don't prop your baby up with pillows or cushions.
Make sure your baby is in the Feet to Foot position.	Don't use a duvet or pillow if your baby is under 12 months.
Check your baby isn't too hot or too cold by feeling his neck or body (not hands or feet). Use lightweight bedding in layers you can add or subtract to keep your baby at a comfortable temperature.	Don't smoke - babies should be kept in a smoke-free zone.
Position a room thermometer above the cot and check the temperature from time to time. A regular room temperature of 18°C (65°F) should be maintained.
Use quilts and coverlets with caution as their use may lead to overheating.
Do consult a doctor if your baby is unwell.

Room temperature guide at a glance

°C	°F
27	80
24	75	TOO HOT - Use a sheet only
21	70
18	65	JUST RIGHT - Use a sheet and two layers of blankets
15	60
13	55	TOO COLD - Use a sheet and four layers of blankets
10	55

Safety checklist

Moses baskets and cribs

Do	Don't
Check the basket regularly for signs of wear and tear, particularly the handles.	Don't use Moses baskets or cribs for babies old enough to pull themselves up.
Make sure that swinging cribs are locked when not in use or when your baby is left unattended.

Cots and mattresses

Do	Don't
Buy a cot that conforms to British or European safety standards.	Use a worn, dirty or damp mattress.
Check that the drop side is secure and can't be lowered by a child.	Stick decorative transfers and labels on the inside of the cot or anywhere else your baby can reach.
Choose a durable, non-toxic finish.	Choose a mattress with handles - they may trap your baby's hands or feet.
Choose a firm mattress and make sure it stays clean and dry.
Make sure the mattress is the right size - there should not, at any point, be a gap of more than 4cm between the mattress edge and the cot.

Bedding

Do	Don't
Check the room temperature regularly - your baby should not be too hot or too cold.	Use a duvet if your baby is under 12 months, as he may get too hot.
Use lightweight bedding in layers.	Use a pillow if your baby is under 12 months.

Furnishing the nursery

Storage is always important, particularly when you have a baby
as it’s surprising how many bits and pieces you’ll accumulate.

Which furniture pieces you choose will mainly depend on the size of your nursery. You might like the idea of co-ordinating all your furniture, or choosing two or three key pieces such as drawers, a wardrobe, and a changing unit.

Whichever furniture you choose for your nursery, don’t forget to measure up before you order to avoid disappointment and a room that doesn’t function properly.

A couple of things worth remembering:

You'll want your new piece of furniture to be in proportion to the rest of the room. A great way to check is to map out the space using newspaper, or mark out your floor with masking tape
Make sure you have enough space to walk around your furniture, open doors, drawers etc. Don't forget to allow space to open the drawers underneath a cot or junior bed.

Top tips from our Partners

“Invest wisely in your choice of mattress as it will ensure good support for your baby's spine. Mattresses can be expensive but a saving can be made on the right style of cot.

And cot top changers take the back ache out of nappy changing, as baby is at the convenient height for parents. If space is limited, undercot storage and cot top changers become two priority best buys.”

Carole, Nursery advisor, John Lewis Welwyn