Comfortex Ltd , Cot Mattresses
Cot Mattresses from The Mattress Factory
The things maternity classes don’t teach you about being a new parent
Becoming a parent for the first time is a busy time. As part of the preparations, you will receive lots of advice from family members, friends, health visitors, doctors and even pre-natal classes aimed at equipping you with everything you need to know about becoming a parent. It takes approximately 30 seconds following the birth of your newborn to realise that there are some things that you can’t be offered advice about and that you can only learn through experience.
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 cot mattress from The 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.
Some tips on using the second hand goods as a new parent
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 The Mattress Factory are ideal as they create bespoke cot 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
Some things every new parent should think to do
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 cot 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 night time 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. By The Mattress Factory
Some things to watch out for as your baby grows
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 Mattress Factory offer superb quality cot mattresses for babies of all ages.
Some things to look out for if you receive a second hand cot.
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 cot 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 Mattress Factory offer the highest quality cot 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/
Baby Comforters
Often, and we did this, the baby comforter can sleep with Mom so that the comforter picks up the smells baby is used to. Our little one, reaches out for his when we put him in the cot straight away and is sitting up with it in the morning giving it a cuddle so its one of the more important things we have bought (along with a great sprung mattress of course!)
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.
