I am a bit tight on money at the moment since FOB left and I have been kindly given a cot by a lady at work. I just don't know if its OK or not.
It doesn't look like I would have liked - but thats not really that important. Its dark wood.... approx 10 years old. It doesn't seem to have a very adjustable base. Its always low. They kindly bought it over for me at weekend and I thought I would go and get a mattress for it, but have found that its non standard size, so getting a standard mattress is going to be difficult. I would have to get a made to measure one. But I am reluctant to do this, because ( and I think I am being stupid - just need your feedback on it) because A. Not sure if cot is up to current safety standards and B. Base not adjustable - Have a bad back you see. C. Not my choice of colour or style. But beggars can't be choosers.
I just keep thinking that if I have to pay for a made to measure mattress and then in some months time ( after birthday and Christmas, I can get my own choice of cheap cot) then I have to fork out for another mattress as this won't fit anything!

What do I do?? Also I absolutely don't want to offend my friend. Maybe I am being very silly and I should just think - well it does the job!

Help!!!

It's not an easy one, but chances are that you would have to spend a lot more money on a custom made mattress, which would make the whole thing a lot more expensive. Use that as an excuse and politely give it back. It's what I would do!

Sounds like more hassle than its worth in my opinion. There are lots of very cheap standard second hand cots on ebay.

Also, maybe if you're thinking you can afford a cot in a few months time, maybe you can make do with a moses basket till then?

Do you know anyone that is 'handy' - or are you up for a bit of DIY before bubs is here?
You could always paint it - choose a non-toxic gloss.. and also drill holes so it can be adjustable.
As for the non-standand size.. have you had a good research through the internet?

If all this adds up to a little bit too much in time and energy... and you are really worried that it isn't safe. I think you should tell your friends straight that it cot isn't going to be suitable, but thank them very much.
Then, try and flog it on e-bay.. get some money for it; you can put it towards getting something more practical.

There are some good cheep cots in Ikea - that are really cheap and adjustable. Although, with all Ikea beds, they also don't have standard size mattresses (here's a thought have you looked at the ikea size cot mattresses? - would they fit?)

It's a mind field isn't it, when other people give you things for the baby - I have been given some truly lovely second-hand stuff, and I have to admit, some of it is pretty awful!!! I have just been honest about the stuff that I don't want. Saying tactfully, that it's not needed.. or had broken (when trying to move it, put it together) I have also asked them if they would like it back - and if they have said no - then I have either; put it in the bin or given it to charity.
xxx

moses basket or crib would be the sound option for now if you will be able to get a cot eventually anyway - dont worry about hurtung peoples feelings either coz lo is the most important thing obvs if you can get away with letting the person think you used their cot then all the better lol

i found this while loking earlier, not the best but very good value budget crib
http://www.kiddicare.com/webapp/wcs/...__85481_10001_

i bought the toys r us crib which is down to £50 at the moment,very sturdy (i had one with my first 2 asnd got a ful 6 months out of it with both) only thing is matress not come with it so another £13 for basic matress

Hey, difficult one but it's lovely that you have been given a cot as it is pretty daunting choosing the 'right' one. I think you'd be surprised by what you can get and for how little too. We decided to not spend a fortune on a cot, in fact the cot we've bought was cheaper than the crib we're getting. We got ours from Ikea for £39!! http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/00115751 It's not a cotbed but it is adjustable and it's really really sturdy. (we also got the changing unit and wardrobe for £29 and £25! and they're fab) I know another lady on here who also got the same cot (and changing unit) as us and is really pleased with it too, so it proves you really don't have to spend a fortune. What you will find you have to spend a lot on is a matress (ours was £89 in Mothercare) and especially if you have to buy a custom-made one, so effectively you could end up spending a whole lot more than you actually need to. It is of course extremely generous of these people to offer you this cot but if you truly don't feel it's 'right' for you I'd graciously decline. Sorry for rambling but hope this helps. xx

~Bump Buddies with Jox and Becyboo_x~ ~Mamas little man due 24/1/10~

I'M VIABLE!!!!

If you don't want to use it, or it's going to cost more to get a custom mattress than a new cot and mattress, could you just "invent" another friend/family member who just happens to have got you a brand new cot, with a mattress?

Hopefully this way your friend won't be offended. As others have said, Ikea do have some cheap cots/mattresses, might be worth a look before you make a final decision....

what about this:
http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/00115751
you could always paint it and varnish it as well.

i would say you should get a new one, the fact that the one she gave you is always low isnt good because you will be bending down constantly and when you are a tired new mum it probs wont be ideal, plus you really need a new mattress and like others have said its more trouble than its worth
xxx

sorry just realised somneone already posted the same thing as me!x

I'd personally get a diff cot, whether it be 2nd hand free or new. Why not try ebay hun or freecycle if you have one x