This is a review of the Hayworth cot bed which we recently purchased from the Mamas and Papas shop in preparation for baby number two's arrival. We already have a M&P cot bed for our daughter and liked it so I chose one in white this time so we could decorate the bedroom to match.

Description
The Hayworth is a cot bed which means you can keep using it for quite a while. The base has three positions and you start off with your baby in the highest setting (which is a lot better on your back when leaning over the cot!) and then lower it as the baby begins to move around more. Further stages include removing the sides to make it more of a bed and the head and foot have solid ends. My plan eventually is to leave one side on and create a 'day bed' look with cushions and duvets for the day and then it can be a seating area too.

Appeal
Our daughter has gnawed her cot a lot so I specifically wanted one that came with the teether rails this time. I don't know if they will make a difference and they are noticeable but it may mean the cot retains some resell value in the long run (which our first one won't have!). There is also an option to buy a package which includes an over bed changer shelf (it balances on the cot rails) and an under bed drawer but we decided we didn't need these so opted for the cheaper cot only package.

My thoughts
I first noticed this cot on ebay and loved it on sight. Luckily the shop still sold them as my more than generous bid on a new but slightly damaged cot did not win the auction which was a shame as it was a very local pick up! At first we will be using a moses basket so I was in no rush for the cot but as the nesting instinct kicked in, I wanted to get the room ready!

Construction
It took us under an hour to construct the cot from a flat pack status which isn't bad really. The pieces fitted together well and we were able to set it up in the highest position straight away. My husband could have done it on his own but I insisted on helping which probably meant it took longer but at least I could hold things in position for him whilst he got to work with the screwdriver.

Dressing the cot
Obviously, you do need to buy a mattress to go in the cot and it is always recommended that you buy a new mattress so you know it is hygienic. We chose one from the M&P shop that is also sold in Argos and it was reduced too so we felt we got a bargain. The first purchase for this was a waterproof mattress which will always be used to keep the mattress clean. The fun bit comes in dressing the bed then and we will probably use the bumpers and mobile we had for our daughter as they are a fairly neutral theme and will go with most colours. I have made a duvet cover on my sewing machine that is adorning the cot currently but I may purchase another one closer to the time.

Price
The cot was in the sale for £169 down from £259 (the package with the drawer and changer is currently priced at £279). We were happy to pay the £169 for the cot although I am well aware that you can get them a lot cheaper than this and there is nothing wrong with second hand.

Final word
I am pleased with the bed, it is easy to dress and looks nice in the room. It is a versatile bed that will last a few years hopefully although the slatted base would definitely not support the weight of an adult so no perching on the bed when it's story time! The store were efficient to order the bed and whilst it was out of stock, it was delivered (free) in under two weeks which was a bit of a surprise to us as we were expecting to wait a bit longer. There is a bit of storage space under the bed and this is handy without being accessible to the baby. Now the bed is in, I feel a bit more ready and am looking forward to using the room properly when the baby arrives and have got the nursing chair set up in one corner already!