The most essential nursery furniture pieces include a crib with a crib mattress, changing table, a dresser, a glider or rocking chair, and soft nursery lighting.

The NHS advises when you're buying a cot that it should be sturdy, that any bars should be smooth and the distance between each one should not be less than 25mm and not more than 60mm so your baby's head can't get stuck. The mattress should fit snugly inside the bed frame.

In the UK, the standard cot mattress size is 60cm x 120cm. This is a great size for newborns and young babies, as it gives them room to grow for their first year whilst being as compact as possible.