Your baby's first cot is a big deal. It's the item your baby is going to nestle down in for their first night at home. It's the crib they'll hopefully find so snug they'll nap a bit during the day so you can get some kip, too. It's the place where they can lay gurgling delightfully as visitors come bearing gifts...

However, it's also the one item your baby is going to grow out of wihtin weeks. So, even though those huge rocking wooden cribs look wonderful, are they really worth investing in?

Most wicker cribs will set you back around £30 or so, but we love the Mothercare Eco Crib. For £27.99, you get a sturdy cardboard cot, beautifully designed and bigger than most regular cots.

It doesn't matter that it's made of cardboard - apart from being a recycler's dream, it's as good as a light wood would be, it's fire retardent and it packs flat when you're travelling with your baby.

Its dimensions are H63cm, W56cm and L80cm and it suits babies from birth to three months. It also conforms to BS EN 1130 and requires a square-ended pram mattress (the Mothercare one is £11.99).

We think this is a great item. It's investing in your child's planet and it's an unfussy but stylish solution to an essential parenting product!

Check it out on the Mothercare website.