Beds
Space is usually at a premium in most nurseries, so look out for stackable beds which can be pulled in and out of use very quickly. Asco's stackable rest beds are made from 'softex' fabric which is stain resistant and means that the beds can be used without sheets. The beds are aqua coloured and have softly angled, moulded corners and measure 130 x 54 x 12cm, priced 49.50 each. If you prefer to use sheets you can also buy tailor-made fitted ones for 5.50 each.
* Telephone 0113 2707070
Galt also stocks stackable beds - these have breathable mesh covers and rounded plastic corners. The beds measure 132 x 54 x 11.4cm and are priced Pounds 29.95. A special offer is also available on the purchase of ten beds for Pounds 249.50, which equals a saving of 50.
* Telephone 08702 424477
When is a bed not a bed? When it's a Snuggle-Up Sleep bed. From Philip &Tacey, this consists of a machine-washable poly/cotton cover with a waterproof foam mattress insert and pillow. The whole thing folds small for storage and the cover includes a name tag holder for the sake of hygiene or preference. The measurements are 60 x 120 cm, and the 'beds' are priced 149 for a pack of five.
* Telephone 01264 332171
If you simply cannot find room for any rest beds it is well worth considering rest mats as an alternative. Community Playthings stocks rest mats which are designed to help you keep one side clean at all times. The mats are green on one side and blue on the other so you can remember which side goes to the floor and they fold in four sections to keep the clean side pristine during storage. The mats are made from vinyl-laminated nylon that is mildew resistant and flame retardant and the fold lines are heat sealed to prevent moisture from seeping inside. The mats measure 64 x 132 x 3cm and are priced 22. Elasticated poly/cotton fitted sheets are available to fit the beds, priced 12. A storage unit to accommodate ten of the mats measures 5ft x 32in and is priced 325.
* Telephone 0800 387 457
Step by Step also stocks Snooze mats with welded seams, measuring 120 x 60 x 2.5cm, priced 19.95 each. A set of six is available with vinyl holdall for 119.70.
* Telephone 08451 252550
If you're searching for a fast alternative to a cot for a very young baby, or need a 'bed' to take on summer outings from the nursery, this latest addition to PHP's range should do the trick. The Pop-Up Bassinet measures just 30cm in diameter when folded, weighs less than a kilo and has a sturdy canvas carry-handle. The 'bed' measures 90 x 50 x 28cm when assembled and is priced 24.99.
* Telephone 0870 6070545
Cushions
If you want to encourage children to flop down for a rest as and when they require one you should make sure you have a few floor cushions strategically placed around the nursery. Obviously, your 'cushion rest'
policy is more likely to work if you choose your spots carefully - the book corner and quiet area are good places, whereas cushions placed near a 'walk through', where children are always moving back and forth, is less likely to attract those in need of a snooze. Asco stocks a good selection of floor cushions that all have durable, machine-washable covers and waterproof nylon liners, filled with fire resistant polystyrene beads. These cushions are also designed for easy cover removal, but have hidden zips to prevent children from tampering with them. Oval shaped floor cushions measure 138 x 85 x 15cm, are filled with 127 litres of polybeads and come in five designs - Ladybird and Bee (above right); Humpty Dumpty; Teddy Bear; and Penguin, priced 87.50 each. A giant rectangular cushion with a domino design measures 128 x 85 x 15cm and also contains 127 litres of beads, priced 65. A 28 litre pack of 'top-up' beans is 6.
* Telephone as before
Perhaps, when the weather is warm enough, you also have a calm, shady spot outside where young children would enjoy flopping down if you provide the right equipment. Step by Step stocks a wide range of cushions (see left) as well as waterproof PVC sag bags that are designed for outdoor and indoor use. The bags are tightly packed to provide adequate support for a proper rest and come in two shapes and sizes - round, measuring 90cm in diameter and priced Pounds 29.95, and oval, measuring 120cm in diameter and priced 39.95.
* Telephone as before
Sleeping bags
Ordinary sleeping bags must only be used for children over the age of three because of the risk posed by them slipping down inside the cover and overheating, but baby sleeping bags are very useful in helping to maintain a constant temperature and provide a 'secure' environment for a nap. A low tog rating of one is suitable for summer use and a higher rating of 2.5 would be suitable for winter or chilly days. Bebab has velour and cotton sleeping bags, with a polyester filling and cotton lining, to fit from 70 to 110cm, priced 25.99.
* Telephone 01582 503503
The White Company stocks baby sleeping bags with a 2.5 tog rating in white pique and pink or blue gingham and with a one tog rating in white pique only. The bags fit 6-12 months; 12-24 months and 24-36 months, priced from Pounds 35.
* Telephone 0870 160 1610
