You ask us...

Q We have recently been given a second-hand cot and would like to refresh it before our baby comes. Any advice?

First of all, try using an eco-friendly paint stripper, such as Eco Solutions home Strip paint & Varnish remover to get rid of layers of old paint or varnish. This product is water-based so won’t harm you or your baby. And, for a fresh lick of colour, we recommend paint from The Nursery paint Company, which is made from sustainably sourced soya beans. because the products meet the certified standard for toy paint, they are safe if your little one decides to chew the cot (though we can’t vouch for the flavour). They also come in a range of charmingly named colours, from seaside-blue grandad’s Shed and sugar-pink rosie Cheeks, to dove-grey hush. The government advises all parents to buy a new mattress for every baby.