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Soft furnishings, such as cot bumpers and pillows, appeal to our desire for our babies to be cosy. But they're not necessary for little ones and may be dangerous, as can large, soft toys. All can contribute to overheating or even suffocation, so keep the cot clear.

A good mattress is much more important. Look for the blue and white label that guarantees fire-safety standards. The mattress should have a wipe-clean surface and washable cover. Keeping it well-aired and clean may not seem a safety issue, but think of the bugs!

Apart from pee, there are dust mites. These are unavoidable, as they thrive in warm, moist conditions and feed off skin particles. Even children can lose half a pint of body moisture in a night and shed a pound of skin particles a year - much of it while sleeping - so there's no avoiding them. But they're really only an issue if your child is prone to respiratory problems such as asthma.

Bugs in the bed are, in part, why parents are often advised to buy a new mattress. But untold numbers of babies and children have slept on second-hand mattresses and thrived. As long as it's clean, don't fret if you can't afford new. Covers should be traditionally made up, with sheets and blankets. But don't use duvets, as they're dangerous for the same reason as cot soft furnishings.

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