What features should a cot have?

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You can buy stands for Moses baskets, but they're quite light so probably not a good idea if you have a toddler or dog who could tip them over. Baskets are safe until your baby can roll over or weighs more than 7kg (15lb). After that, he needs something sturdier.

Cradles are ideal in the early weeks and months but, again, they can be knocked or pushed by bigger children or pets. Your baby may learn to rock himself as he grows, so lock the rocker once he's asleep.

What should I look for when buying a cot?

Depending on design, your baby may use his cot for up to three years. In that time, he'll acquire a range of skills, such as rolling, climbing and jumping! To ensure these vital skills can be developed in safety, his cot should have:

Lockable castors, if it has any.
A close-fitting mattress. No more than two finger widths between it and the cot side.
A drop-side mechanism that can be locked when fully raised.
No horizontal bars to climb.
A mattress adjustment level, if it has one, that leaves 50cm (20in) between the top of the mattress and top of the cot at its lowest level and 20cm (8in) at its highest.