Sleeping routines can become a complete disaster when our little one doesn’t want to sleep anywhere but in our arms. This situation becomes difficult to avoid, leaving mums exhausted most of the time.
Don’t feel guilty for wanting to sleep in your own bed, without the baby squirming around next to you or a fear of rolling over on the baby.
But we all know how hard the routine can be; getting the baby to sleep, rushing to clean bottles, throwing in some laundry, and cleaning off yourself before getting 30 minutes of sleep yourself. Next thing you know, the baby’s awake and ready to eat.
When mum’s get desperate for sleep, they will try anything. There are products on the market that are made to help babies sleep more sound in a safe nest-like pillow, to allow the mom to get more done and acquire better sleep.
One of these products is designed for babies ages 0-36 months, called the Sleepyhead Pod. It is a reinvention of the womb that allows the baby to sleep feeling more secure.
Many mums swear by this product, but what is so great about it? Let’s find out!
Are Sleepyhead Pods Safe for my Baby?
Sleepyhead, with its protective raised borders, promotes a healthy sleeping position while preventing the baby from rolling out of bed. Be honest; us mums constantly worry about our baby falling out of bed and hitting his head, wriggling down under the covers, or worse, us rolling over on top of them ourselves!
The elevated sides of the Sleepyhead prevent the any of these fears from happening. In fact, the products is said to be very comfortable to sleep next to by many customers.
The firm Sleepyhead “mattress” significantly lowers the risk of suffocation, unlike soft adult mattresses. Both the mattress pad and surrounding bumper allow air to flow through the Sleepyhead with ease. The breathability of the pod allows the temperature to stay cool, keeping the baby from sweating and becoming dehydrated. The material is hypoallergenic and washable for easy care.
What are benefits to using the Sleepyhead instead of a bassinet?
The Sleepyhead was designed to allow babies to safely rest, play, and lounge without the restrictions of buckles. This clever pod is lightweight and easily moved from one room to the other and simple to travel with. Sleepyhead Grand, designed for babies age 8-36 months, allows an easy transition from crib to big-kid bed. The sides of the Sleepyhead give the child a sense of security while in their bigger bed.
The shape and design allows for elevation of the baby’s head to avoid trapped air that causes gas. This is an ideal place for the baby to get tummy time which helps strengthen a child’s neck and develop some important motor skills. Many mums reported that their baby is happy lying in the sleeping pod when awake, with little fuss. Recent studies show Sleepyhead not only allows security for the babies sleeping and playing in it, but the mothers are able to complete more chores with less stress and fatigue. Isn’t this what we need after all?
Are Accessories Available?
Yes, you can personalize your Sleepyhead pod by choosing from one of the numerous different covers that are available in different colors and patterns. The black and white pineapple and the marble pattern are so chic and classy, while the bright geometric and floral patterns scream, “FUN”!
A Sleepyhead toy arch can be purchased that attaches right onto the sleeping pod. The toy arch can be accessorized with soft crinkling toys that dangle for your baby’s entertainment. Babies are drawn to the feel and the sound that these crinkling toys make.
Carrying cases for travel and storage are also available for purchase. Although the price of the Sleepyhead is quite high, the quality of product you are getting for the money is worth it. The Sleepyhead is adaptable to both boys and girls, with comfort ensuring that baby can have a good night’s sleep.
Are there better options than Sleepyhead?
When comparing the Sleepyhead pod with other options on the market, mums chimed in saying they prefer the Sleepyhead regardless of price. While some of the other options were highly recommended for daytime play, the Sleepyhead was the best option for overnight, providing a longer rest time for their child. Some mums reported first purchasing the cheaper versions, and then opting to buy the Sleepyhead when they became unsatisfied with their initial purchase. However some still found the cheaper version to be sufficient and did the job! If you’re interested in checking out the competition we’ve made an entire post about the best Sleepyhead alternatives.
Bathing a tiny, slippery, crying baby is one of the first challenges of parenthood. I don’t know of one new Mum or Dad who didn’t find the whole ‘first bath’ experience challenging.
One of the first questions you’ll ask yourself is what is the ideal temperature for your baby’s bath? The recommended temperature of the water is between 37 degrees Celsius and 38 degrees Celsius, which is just slightly higher than body temperature.
The best way to make sure your bath has the correct temperature and stay warm is to measure the temperature of the water with a good bath thermometer.
The best bath thermometer for your family.
No family should be without a bath thermometer to keep bath water at a safe and comfortable level. These are our favourites.
Handling bath time
When we first bathed my baby son he cried so much and so loudly that he set the toddler off and we were all soaked with tears, bathwater and bubbles by the end. Thankfully bath time soon became one of our favourite hours of the day.
It can be joyfully relaxing to gently wash a tiny baby in lavender scented bubbles, dry them in a soft fluffy towel ready for a snuggly feed and (hopefully!) a sound sleep. Older babies and toddlers just love splashing and the glorious, funny, bubbly mess is a brilliant way to end the day.
As with all aspects of parenting having an eye on safety in the bath is important.
Never leave a baby or toddler unattended in the bath.
Use gentle bath bubbles, wash and shampoo.
Don’t let them drink the bathwater, especially if it has bubble bath in it.
Make sure the baby bath temperature isn’t too hot or too cold.
Use a baby bath thermometer.
How do you maintain the bath temperature?
There’s no rule as to how long a baby or toddler can be in the bath. If a small baby is being soothed by the warm, fragrant water or a toddler is laughing at the soapy game they have invented it’s a shame to get them out. Keep the water warm and the fun can continue for as long as you wish.
Choose a bath thermometer with a clear ‘too cold’ temperature indicator.
Don’t add hot water into the bath with the baby still in it, even with a bath thermometer monitoring the temperature.
Keep the bathroom warm and free of drafts.
How deep should the bath water be?
Toddlers will want more water than babies so they can play with their toys and SPLASH! it out onto the bathroom floor.
New arrivals and babies up to six months only need 5-6 inches of water to wash them and keep them warm.
A baby lying back in the bath should have their shoulders covered.
Waist high water is high enough for older babies and toddlers to enjoy playing while staying safe.
A bath time checklist
Run the bath first – checking the temperature.
A bath thermometer is essential. Choose one with a clear display, hot and cold indicators and which floats.
Washing, holding and playing with a baby while they are in the bath can make you feel like you need five arms. Bath supports and seats are helpful, just make sure you never leave your baby unattended even with an older sibling.
Toys make bath time fun for older babies and toddlers. A rubber duck, water wheels and boats are all perfect for simple games.
Keep toys clean and free of mould and mildew.
Don’t buy toys with ‘fiddly bits’ that water can collect in.
Rinse toys after each bath.
Replace toys which water won’t escape from on a regular basis.
Choose gentle washing products made from natural ingredients especially if your baby has sensitive skin. Childs Farm, Burt’s Bees and Green People all have some lovely products. Lavender is the perfect scent for a calming bath.
Have a big, soft towel ready to envelop your little one in a big hug that will have them dry and warm quickly. Hooded towels are great as they keep your child’s head covered and that’s where they will lose heat the quickest.
Whether you live in a house or a flat, you will find that controlling your baby’s movement will become your top priority and you will soon be looking into purchasing baby safety gates.
Although there are many parenting philosophies that are against it, I believe that your child’s safety is not to be risk. After all, the reality of daily life for most of us means that there will be times when you can’t keep your eyes on your child every single second, like when you have to go make some dinner. This is where child gates come in handy.
The best baby safety gates
Best classic child gates
Extra wide child gate
Baby safety gate for stairs
Portable safety barrier
Safety guard for toddlers
Free standing children’s safety gates
If you’re looking for more standing baby gates to create a playpen, have a look at our article on the best baby playpens.
Everything you need to know about baby safety guards
Do you need a baby security gate?
A baby gate is a barrier that you can place on your door or top of the bottom of the staircase. There are some kids safety gates that create a sort of a crate in which your child can play safely.
As a general rule, the safety barrier is recommended for children under 24 months of age.
It allows you to keep your child away from dangerous places such as the staircase, balcony or terrace, kitchen, fireplace, garden, etc… They literally are a life saver when you can’t give your baby your full attention or when you need to rush to the toilet or to go prepare a meal.
Plus, if you have pets, you can be sure you are keeping them separated from your child for both their and child’s safety.
How to choose a baby fence? How tall does it need to be?
Choose a child barrier model that complies with current standards in force which are the BS EN1930 . Here are the main requirements:
The standard must be clearly visible on the barrier
The minimum height of a child barrier is 72 cm;
The bars should be spaced a maximum of 6.5 cm apart so that children do not pass their heads or feet.
Of course, all the gates we propose meet this standard of safety.
When to take down the safety gate?
Most safety barriers can only be used until your baby is 24 months.
If you use it for a child over 24 months, make sure to install a barrier that is suitable for an older child.
Remove the safety barrier once the child has reached the recommended age according to the manufacturer’s instructions or even before according to the growth and development of the child.
Additionally, you should remove any security barrier if the child try to climb on it.
How to install child gates on stairs
For this type of products, manufacturers usually provide good installation guides. I advise you to take your measurements and follow the instructions in the manual.
If you install the baby gate on a white wall or you fear that the fixings damage the walls over time, you can insert wall protection pads between the wall and the barrier, they are silicone discs that will absorb shocks and slips.
Quick checklist once you’ve installed your child gate:
Make sure there are no stinging elements or splinters (if it is a wooden fence) when passing your hand over the bars or the structure of the fence, to make sure your baby won’t hurt itself when they touch the bars.
Test the strength of the fixings, to be sure that your little one can not make the gate fall by leaning on it, trying to climb it or shaking it.
If you want your child not to throw his toys through the bars, you can always install a safety net.
How many safety gates do you need?
There is no specific number. It depends on how many places you want to keep out of reach. The most recurrent places to protect are the stairs, balcony or terrace, kitchen, fireplace and garden.
Which child gate did you choose?
From cheap baby gates to large baby gates, from pressure mounted baby gates to wooden baby gates – there is a lot of child safety gates to choose from and I hope you will find one from my list that meets your needs. What is your opinion on baby gates? Do you find baby gates to be really childproof? Let me know in the comments! And if you are interested in activities your baby can enjoy with while in a kids gate, please read the article on best play mats I prepared for you!
In the first few months of parenting your baby needs your constant attention. As a parent, you will feel safest when your baby is near you, or even better, on you. However as dedicated as you are you can not carry your baby in your arms all day long, you’d end up with cramps.
That’s where baby slings and baby wraps come in handy, as you can simply carry your baby on you wherever you decide to go and still have your hands free.
You need something easy to put on, secure and comfortable so you can wear it all day long.
Our top picks to carry your baby
The best baby carriers
The best baby wraps
The best baby slings
Why would you need or want a baby carrier?
Simply because it’s lovely to feel close to your baby while having your hands free to go about your daily tasks. However, there are other great reasons for investing in a baby carrier.
You can parent your other children much easier while carrying the tiniest member of the family along with you.
If you have a fractious new born who simply won’t be put down, then a sling will help you get on with household tasks.
Studies have shown that a baby who is carried for at least two hours in a day will cry 43% less throughout the rest of that day.
Trips on public transport are so much easier without a pram the size of a tank to deal with. A baby carrier is the perfect option for a bulk-free trip to the shops.
Carrying an older baby in a front-facing baby carrier is a fun way to go for a walk. They can see what’s going on from up high with mummy or daddy pointing out tractors, dogs, big trees and other exciting, new things.
What to consider when shopping for a baby carrier
The best baby carrier is a comfortable one. There’s nothing worse than finding the expensive, stylish papoose you just bought makes your back ache or chafes your arms.
Before you buy, TRY! I would recommend having an initial recce and then once baby has arrived take them with you to ensure the best fit and level of comfort for both you and your cherub.
Decide whether to buy one carrier for each stage of your baby’s development or one that will adjust to your child’s growth.
A wrap is a great idea for a small baby but not for a curious 10-month-old. Your choice will depend on your budget as a separate carrier for each age may be more practical and comfortable but might be expensive.
When guidelines are followed, baby carriers, slings and wraps can be used without worry. However, do keep safety in mind. Read the instructions for the product, visit The Lullaby Trust website and have a look through these guidelines; https://www.babycentre.co.uk/a1038508/how-to-keep-your-baby-safe-in-a-sling
Practise putting your carrier on. Getting the technique right can take a few goes. Cracking the puzzle of how to strap it to you is one thing, doing it with a baby in it or putting a baby in after can be nerve-wracking and stressful.
Carrier, wrap or sling – what’s the difference?
A Baby Carrier
Designed to securely strap to your front.
They are usually made from structured material with a soft inner and weatherproof outer liner.
Baby carriers will either be in one piece with carrier and straps attached (Chicco) or in two separate sections. (Baby Bjorn)
They will keep baby in an upright position with their head supported when needed and little legs either curled up underneath or dangling.
Can be used with baby facing towards you in the first months and then changed to be forward facing as they get older.
The straps are designed to be adjusted to fit men, women, indoor and outdoor clothing and for people of all shapes, sizes and heights. But you need to try them on before purchase.
A baby carrier can be bulky and heavy to wear, pack and store.
A Wrap
They are usually made of a soft breathable fabric that will regulate your baby’s temperature.
They are designed to be wrapped around your body and then your baby.
Baby is carried facing you with their legs tucked up or dangling. Head support can be adjusted easily by wrapping in a different way.
Adjustable, within reason, they can be wrapped to suit an individual’s shape and size.
Can be used from birth into the older baby stage.
Wraps are large, foldable pieces of fabric so are portable and lightweight to wear, pack and store.
A Sling
Made of soft, breathable fabric which will keep your baby both cool and warm where needed.
Worn over one shoulder so can be uncomfortable over a long period of time.
Usually used with baby in a cradled, reclined position like a hammock.
Mainly used for young babies but some can be adjusted to become a ‘hip seat’ for older babies and even toddlers.
Can be used as a discreet ‘cover-up’ when breastfeeding.
Slings sometimes have a structure to them (high sides so baby can’t roll out) so they aren’t quite as lightweight and portable as wraps.
Hope this article helped you find the perfect baby carrier for your little one. Talking about carrying your baby, you might be interested in reading more about travel gear:
You don’t need to hear about how much Sleepyheads pods are amazing. It’s everywhere. But with that comes a high price tag. Is it really worth it or can you find a Sleepyhead alternative for half the price?
We’re looking at other suitable baby sleeping pods and comparing them to the well known Sleepyhead pod. We review the feature, material, design and price…
Best cheaper Sleepyhead alternatives:
Cheaper Version of Sleepyhead under £80
While the Sleepyhead is a great product, it may be a bit pricey for new parents who are already having to spend hard earned cash on diapers, wipes, formula, etc. There are products that offer some of the same benefits as the Sleepyhead without emptying your wallet.
Purflo Nest vs. Sleepyhead
Babymoov Cocoon vs Sleepyhead
CleverMama vs Sleepyhead
Tiny star pod vs Sleepyhead
Sleepyhead alternative under £40
Babymoov Cosydream vs. Sleepyhead
The babymoov cosydream is another much cheaper version of the Sleepyhead.
Luchild Nest vs Sleepyhead
Poddle Pod vs. Sleepyhead
One cheaper version of the Sleepyhead is the Poddle pod. The breathable Poddle pod is a fraction of the price for a Sleepyhead and is also available online for purchase. The concept is similar though the shape is just slightly different. The contour, rather than an oval, is a rounded off square.
This shape allows for a little more room for play time on the Poddle pod than on the more expensive option. However this also means a little more room for rolling if the baby is a newborn or very tiny. Still, this version is equipped with elevated side bumpers to keep your baby from rolling out of it. The Poddle pod is designed for 0-36 month babies. Unfortunately it’s out of stock in the UK. We’ll update you as soon as it comes back in stock!
Should you go for a cheaper baby pod or stick with Sleepyhead?
If you’re reading this article it’s probably because like a lot of parents you like the idea of a baby pod but you find the price of the Sleepyhead a bit steep. And I agree with that.
The big question however is : is the Sleepyhead that much better than the other pods introduced above?
There is no cut answer however there are a few things we can go through to help you make the decision to invest in the expensive sleepyhead or to buy a more affordable baby pod.
Why is the Sleepyhead baby pod so expensive?
It’s not a secret the Sleepyhead is expensive, and not just a little bit. It is 6 times dearer than some of the options introduced above.
It’s a bit crazy when you think about it, a little pod made of cotton and foam is more expensive than an electric breast pump or a car seat. Surely the material and technology of the pod is not worth that much!
My personal opinion on that is that, while the pod itself is not that expensive to produce, when you buy a Sleepyhead, you don’t just buy any pod, you buy in the brand.
I bet you never heard any of the names of the alternatives like Babymov or Luchild… But you’ve heard of Sleepyhead. Everyone knows the brand.
It’s like the Mulberry of bags or the LandRover of cars. You could get something similar for much cheaper but it wouldn’t be the same unbranded.
Building such a strong brand and recognisable name takes a long time and requires a lot of money, hence the price.
Is the Sleepyhead still a good choice?
I can understand that at this point you’re thinking “I don’t want to over pay just because they have a big marketing strategy”. But it’s not all about marketing.
One of the most important things for a big brand such as Sleepyhead is their reputation. They will work really hard to keep it top notch. So you can count on them to control the quality of their products and offer excellent customer service.
Their pod is comfortable, very well designed with a feel of luxury and durable. For all these reasons the Sleepyhead is still a great choice.
Should you invest in a second hand Sleepyhead or a cheaper alternative
You can find a lot of cheaper Sleepyhead sold online on eBay or Facebook. Buying it second hand sounds like a great deal: lower price saving up to £100, same quality, you’d just need to thoroughly wash the cover or buy a new one.
However I would warn you that it may not be a great idea. The Lullaby Trust advises against using second-hand mattresses. Research has brought to light that there might be a link between higher rates of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and second hand mattresses. Depending on how it was used and stored some mattress may contain some mold, dust mites and bacteria, which presents a big risk for your baby. The risk is slim but still there so why risk it when there are other great alternatives that will fit your budget better?
The best pod at the end of the day is the pod that is in your budget. If you can afford the Sleepyhead, then go ahead it’s an excellent choice. But if your budget is tight then one of the alternatives above will do just fine.
Wrapping up
The decision you have to make is deciding which one fits your needs. There are several options to choose from ranging in color choices, accessories available, and the price that is in your range.
If you’re still not convinced by the alternatives then maybe the Sleepyhead pods are for you. Head over here to read our complete review of the Sleepyhead pods.
As ever, we’re here to take the graft out of finding the best baby cot to travel with and we’ve put together a list of the best compact cots out there. You’re welcome!
Best travel cots for toddlers
The recommendations above are amazing choices for toddlers. However if you’re looking to save some pennies and don’t need the bassinet function, here are our recommended travel cot that double as playpen for toddlers
Best travel bassinets and cribs
Looking for a bassinet to travel with? Here are a few options that makes travelling with a newborn much easier
Why do I need a travel cot?
You will be visiting family and friends, EVERYONE will want to meet the gorgeous new addition to your family. Sadly, not everyone will be able to travel to you…or maybe that’s a good thing?! Whichever, you will need a travel cot from birth if you have relatives to visit regularly.
Planning a holiday? Yes, I know that a trip away from home feels like an impossible task right now. So much stuff you’d need to take! A potentially disastrous change of routine! Ugh.
Well at some point in the years that your child will need a crib or portable cot to sleep in, you’re going to want to go away. A family wedding, Christmas at the in-laws or a weekend break to the seaside. The brave and adventurous amongst you might even go abroad, if you do, a lightweight travel cot for flying will be needed.
A portable cot can be used as a secure playpen for older babies who can crawl at what feels like 100 miles an hour. When my daughter was tiny, she could go from kicking her little legs happily in the air on the floor to wedged underneath the coffee table in seconds. Don’t judge, she was chasing the cat and I’d had the audacity to take my eyes off her to close a window.
Travel cot accessories you might need
A compact cot mattress is essential. Most baby travel cots will come with a mattress, but they aren’t often particularly comfy. A luxury travel cot might have a mattress with a softer feel, but many will have a polyester texture that ‘rustles’ as the child moves around. In my experience, that noise, right next to their tiny ears, wakes them up, not good!
A travel cot with changing table is a great idea, especially if it will be used often. Having somewhere to change your baby and/or store changing bits and pieces is so useful and it will save your back aching from leaning over.
A travelling cot that comes with a travel cot bassinet is the perfect choice for parents of newborn babies. Imagine leaning deep into a travel cot to lift your precious bundle, it would be awkward and not at all good for your back.
A bassinet travel cot will be slightly less portable (they tend not to ‘fold in’ with the rest of the travelling cot) but it will be worth it for the comfort and convenience for both you and baby.
Planning on using your travel cot bed as a playpen for an older baby or toddler? Maybe you simply need a safe space to put your baby down while you get some life admin done? Yep, us too! A travel cot mobile is a fun way to entertain your child.
Bedding. A soft fitted sheet in travel cot size is essential. Most travel cot beds will be too wide even for standard cot bed sheets.
Potential safety issues
A travel cot, when it is used within its guidelines is safe from birth to the age at which your child becomes able to climb out of the cot or reaches the weight limit of that model of cot.
A travel cot with adjustable height. Make sure you are following the guidelines and lower the level of the cot as your child grows, becomes able to sit, reaches the standing stage and (horror!) the climbing out and waking the parents at 5am stage.
A travel carry cot or portable baby cot should NOT be moved with the child in it.
Follow sleep safety guidelines. Choose bedding of the appropriate size and season.
Can it be used as a playpen too?
Travel cots make great playpens for older babies and young toddlers. They offer a safe, comfortable space which they can happily play in and you know that they can’t escape from.
Choose an extra-large travel cot for maximum longevity. The travel cot size you choose will ideally still be large enough for a 2-3-year old to play in.
A travel cot and playpen combined must be cleared of all toys before being used as a sleeping space.
Hope this article helped you find the perfect travel system for your little one. Talking about travelling, you might be interested in reading more about travel gear:
Proudly taking my two-day old baby out for a walk in her pram is one of my favourite memories. Most women, and men too, have practised for this lovely moment since they were toddlers playing with dolls and toy pushchairs.
On that momentous first outing, myself and my Mum took my daughter to the local fish and chip restaurant in a travel system that was as big and heavy as a tank. There was nowhere to park it without getting in the way. When I look at the glorious array of baby travel systems available to parents today, I’m very jealous!
So, what is a travel system?
It’s a 3-in-1 travel system, baby pram and pushchair with car seat combo! That’s a wordy description but as baby travel system reviews will reveal, it can be a complicated piece of kit.
There are three elements to consider:
A newborn carrycot (included or bought separately) on wheels or a pushchair that is suitable from birth.
A car seat option (included or bought separately)
A pushchair or buggy element that is suitable for older babies and toddlers.
The best travel system for babies will very much depend on your lifestyle, car and home. Here’s a list of the features and benefits that I would be searching for if I were expecting.
The Best Travel Systems
After reading travel system reviews and testing them out these are our choices for best travel system strollers in the UK.
A pram and car seat combo would be a fantastic choice if you regularly travel by car. Imagine the joy of easily placing a car seat with an undisturbed sleeping baby snuggled up inside onto a set of wheels and wandering happily into town for shopping or lunch.
Forward or parent facing?
The best pushchair travel systems come with a seat that can be converted into both forward facing and parent facing. Some only come with one option and the suitability of that depends on the individual parent and baby.
Carry cot or not
A newborn travel system usually comes with a carry cot available to purchase extra or as part of the package. The Kinderkraft Moov travel system is a which is available in the UK is a great example of a 3-in-1 that comes with all you would need.
Positives: the best travel system option for baby in the first weeks as it will be suitable from birth, some carry cots can be used as a day bed, cosy, great for winter, a traditional look.
Negatives: usually obsolete after four months, heavy, difficult to store in both house and car. A pushchair travel system with a seat that is suitable from birth is an alternative option.
Weight
In each of these scenarios, you will be eternally grateful for a lightweight travel system.
Going up kerbs
Carrying it up stairs
Lifting it into the car
Turning with one hand while holding toddler reins
Struggling after a C-section.
Storage
If you live in a mansion and have a car with a massive boot then lucky you! Storage of your pram with car seat and carrycot won’t be an issue.
For the rest of us, a compact travel system or a small travel system might make life a lot easier. Travel system pushchairs will eventually become the only piece of the bundle you use. Having that fold-down small pram will be useful on trains, buses, planes and in a car full of holiday suitcases.
Foldability
Baby travel systems reviews in the UK are full of parents who have been left frustrated and enraged by a pushchair that won’t fold up easily. TRY BEFORE YOU BUY and take your partner. When I worked in a well-known retailer what was an easy fold for one person was impossible for another, so don’t rely solely on the reviews of others. The best of what is the best travel system to fold is very subjective.
Versatility
The best newborn travel system will allow your tiny bundle to lie flat and cosy. It should ideally eventually convert into a great all-in-one pushchair for a boisterous toddler who wants to see the world. When deciding which baby travel system to buy, think about all the stages it will be used at.
Safety
Car seat
Comfort and compatibility with a base and/or your car are the main decisions to make. Ask an expert to check the car seat in your car, with and without a base and ask them for a comprehensive demonstration of how to fit the equipment yourself. In the UK John Lewis, Mothercare and Halfords all offer this service.
Car seat bases
Do you think you may want a car seat base? These are the types available;
ISOFIX
i-Size
ClickFit
Belted
Research this piece of equipment thoroughly and check your car’s suitability for each type.
Choose a travel system that works with Isofix base compatible car seats if that’s what you have decided on. Make sure your pram car seat combo and base work efficiently together.
Harnesses
Look for a sturdy, padded five-point harness on your all-in-one travel system’s pushchair and car seat. It should be easy to fasten without trapping your fingers or any part of your baby.
A good brake system
Make sure the brake is robust and easy to take off and on. Some travel systems come with a wrist strap on the handle too. If you have an unpredictable toddler (is there any other type?), a dog that pulls or if you live in a hilly location, the brake is an important feature.
Hope this article helped you find the perfect travel system for your little one. Talking about travelling, you might be interested in reading more about travel gear:
My Dad bought our highchair as a gift. It was the biggest, comfiest, fanciest creation in the shop, we thought he was bonkers for spending so much!
We were SO wrong, it is a fantastic piece of kit and has worn beautifully through both our children from tiny baby stage to now (my 14-year-old can still fit in the toddler chair!) The most similar one on the market now is the Chicco Polly highchair.
You can srawl through a hundred highchair reviews but in the end, the best baby highchair is the one that suits your family and your home. That’s why we’ve compiled you a complete guide on what’s important in a highchairs and what are according to us the best highchairs you can purchase in the UK.
BabyDan makes a similar design to the Tripp Trapp and is worth a look if you love this style of highchair.
The Graco Contempo is a similar design to this. It’s a comfortable, height adjustable Graco highchair which we also recommend.
If you like the design of the Mima Moon highchair you’ll love the Bloom Fresco highchair. Similar egg design chair, a bit pricier but it offers many more colour options.
High chair features to look out for
Design
It’s basic but a great highchair will be one that you enjoy looking at, even when it is covered in mashed carrot!
There are a huge amount of shapes, styles and pattern to choose from. A baby boy highchair might be a brightly coloured Winnie The Pooh highchair design. Disney fans who have a daughter would love a bright red Minnie Mouse highchair.
The Bloom Fresco highchair is simply stunning. This egg-shaped highchair is straight out of a 1960’s Sci-Fi movie and achingly cool and retro. The bloom highchair range is also one of the few that offers a black highchair, perfect for blending into a sleek, minimalist kitchen.
A wooden baby highchair in natural shades or a white highchair are classic style choices that would fit in with the décor of most homes.
Buying a padded highchair seat and matching highchair floor mat is a great idea to brighten up a neutral background colour and turn a Hauck beta wooden highchair into bright and happy elephant highchair design.
So, the Bloom Fresco is space age, BabyDan produce timeless wooden designs and the budget end of the market, Joie and Argos, offer Disney, animals and rainbow colours. What else could there be? Retro/Scandi!
The Oxo highchair range is gorgeous. The Oxo Tot Sprout highchair is available in warm taupe, creams and browns with wooden legs and a simple shape. A plain highchair splash mat or tablecloth underneath will complete the look.
Material
The material that your new highchair is made from is a key choice. Comfort, ease of cleaning and removability and the opportunity to buy a highchair replacement cover are all factors to consider.
A plastic highchair will be easy to clean but won’t be very comfortable for your baby to sit in.
A padded seat such as the one on the Joie owl highchair will be much softer but has creases and crevices for bits of food to go icky in if you don’t clean it properly.
Most modern highchair cushions will have an antibacterial treatment on them which helps but the Ingenuity highchair with SmartClean is a fabulous option if you’re a bit of a clean freak but want your baby to have a soft seat.
The Ingenuity has a smart foam pad which is comfy, wipes clean instantly and is even dishwasher safe. The 3-in-1 style of this chair also means that it can turn easily into a booster highchair seat.
Removable covers and straps will make your life a lot easier and the highchair much more hygienic. The Phil and Teds highchair is another design to investigate if cleanliness is your priority.
Size
A compact highchair is usually also a foldable highchair. These are both super useful features if you have limited space in your home or the highchair needs to be put away between each use.
A space saver highchair is also a good idea for keeping at grandparents’ homes. They will be much more eager to babysit once they have all the kit ready and waiting to be used.
Our childminder had a Fisher-Price foldaway highchair that had been in use for over 15 years. It was immaculate with no rips or damage and is probably still being used.
The Fisher-Price space saver highchair is a great example of how the brand is still determined to come up with practical solutions for parents. This chair is padded, supportive and has a removable tray. The genius is in its lack of legs and the space that saves. It simply sits strapped securely to a spare dining room chair.
Quality
Your budget is an important consideration and the prices of a baby high chair can range from the Aldi Mamia highchair at £19.99 to a mid-range Fisher-Price highchair at £80.00 and on to the Peg Perego highchair at £278.
I was a parent on a strict budget and understand that expensive purchases must be justified. However, when it comes to the nursery kit that needs to do a great job, day-in, day-out and last through more than one child, I believe it’s worth investing in quality and buying the best highchair you can afford.
Adaptability
Adaptability is a fantastic feature in a high chair. Useful things to look out for are:
A 360-degree highchair that turns to face in any direction you need it to.
A removable tray so that your little one can sit right up to the table with the rest of the family.
A 4-in-1 highchair will last forever. A design that transforms from a reclining baby seat to a booster highchair seat for a toddler will give you great value for money. The Stokke Tripp Trapp highchair which has an accessory which will cradle a new baby and will eventually become a chair they can sit on as an adult.
An adjustable height highchair will sit at any height of table and can also be used low down as a toddler play chair, with or without the tray.
Portability
A portable highchair that can be easily moved from room to room is usually lightweight and easy to fold and store.
Folding highchairs like the ‘Snacker’ from the Joie highchair range are worth a look if you need a robust, comfy seat that can be stashed in the car and driven to Grandma’s.
A small highchair such as the Red Kite highchair from their Feed Me range is one of the thinnest and lightest you can buy. It can easily be stored inside a tall cupboard or behind a door.
For the ultimate in portability buy a highchair that attaches to a table. The Chicco travel highchair is awesome! I’d have used it all the time when my children were little as it would have eased the stress of wondering if there were going to be any highchairs in the pub, café or restaurant and whether if there were if they would be too grim to use. Ugh!
Highchair Safety
If you suspect your highchair may have been damaged or broken stop using it.
Keep everyone’s fingers (and toes! It hurts, believe me!) away from the folding hinges and mechanisms on a height adjustable highchair and fastening buckles.
If you’re using a travel highchair or a clip-on table highchair then check the weight limits and read the instructions carefully.
Ensure highchair straps are securely attached and always fasten them when your child is in the chair.
Older babies will start to try and climb out of their chair and may fall. Never leave them unattended.
The Keter Smart Seat Highchair has three stages so it can be turned into a low highchair or toddler seat. If you choose a height adjustable model like the Keter highchair pay attention to the guidance on weight limits for each stage.
Useful and fun accessories
Here’s a shopping list of the accessories:
Highchair toys
ELC still sell the red and blue spinning toy my kids played within their highchair. It was meant to stick on with a suction cup, but it never quite worked, they still loved it. For older babies or toddlers, a 3- or 4-in-1 highchair tray is the BEST place to play with Play-Doh, glitter and paint ESPECIALLY when there is a huge waterproof mat underneath to protect the carpet.
A highchair cover
If you’re planning to leave your highchair out on display, a cover is a great idea to protect it from dust, unwelcome pests such as flies and wasps and your pets.
A highchair mat
Protect your floor from the mess of a weaning baby who thinks it is hilarious to through mashed banana on the floor. (Be warned, that stuff stains!)
A highchair insert
These are perfect for adding colour and comfort to a wooden highchair.
A high chair cushion
Turn plain plastic into a Hello Kitty highchair (or whichever other pattern you fancy!) and add extra cushioning and height to the seat unit.
Plastic plates and bowls
Oxo Tot does a great range of plates and bowls cleverly designed to stick to the surface of a highchair tray. Your little cherub will still throw food but at least it won’t be an entire plateful!
Final advice: weaning your baby
Your first thoughts of which highchair to buy will start when weaning starts being mentioned. Introducing your baby to the joys of delicious food is exciting and health visitors recommend you begin at around six months.
In the early stages of weaning, when it’s really fun and messy, you will appreciate the convenience of having an easy to clean highchair and a large waterproof mat for under it.
Try not to worry about the process. If broccoli gets violently rejected that’s ok, it doesn’t mean you have a fussy eater, just move calmly onto the next titbit. Remember that at six months, babies are still getting their essential nourishment from milk so baby won’t go hungry.
To help you prepare food for your toddler we’ve selected the best baby food blenders you can buy in the UK.
Your baby is starting to stand up and you want to help them make their first steps? It’s normal to want to encourage your child development, however it’s not always easy to know how. Should you use a walker? Is it safe? Does that really help your baby?
We’ve looked into it and we’re bringing you the good, the bad and the ugly from the baby walkers:
The best baby walkers to encourage your baby to walk
The best activity walkers for toddlers
The best walker for babies
Honorable mention for the cute wooden walkers
Avoid the sit-in walkers
Many studies and experts have questioned the safety of sit-in walkers. In fact, these toys have been banned in Canada for years and the EU recommendation is to not use a sit-in walker to avoid accidents
According to the study, the walker place the babies in potentially dangerous situation giving them more freedom of movement and speed than the babies can safely manage. Toddlers smash their fingers between the toy and walls, twist their ankles underneath themselves and most of them fall down the stairs…
Furthermore, according to a British study, babies that use sit-in walkers would make their first steps later than other babies. According to psycho-motor experts, these walkers might have a negative impact on the development of the baby’s hips and prevent the baby to learn to coordinate his legs and arms.
Can a push along baby walker help your baby to learn to walk?
While sit-in walkers are widely not recommended due to the large amount of accidents that are associated to them, it doesn’t mean you have to completely renounce to encourage your kid walking with toys.
A baby walking trolley is very effective to stimulate the mental and motor development of your baby. Your baby will do their first step holding on to it, giving them a feel of what they need to do to walk
Today there are countless models of walkers. Between all of the different functions and price points, it can be really difficult to narrow your choice down. So we’ve written a little guide for you
What to look for in a baby walker
There are several criteria to consider when buying this kind of baby walking aids.
The material: The first thing to consider is the materials used. There are plenty of plastic walkers but my favorite are the wooden ones. They are indeed more expensive but also more solid. It is an ecological material, resistant and which ensures a good life with the trolley. However, make sure that other products used for assembly and treatment are safe for your child’s health.
The colour: Regarding the shape and colour, it is better to choose a colorful model that will help awaken the curiosity of your baby.
The weight: The weight of the device is an important characteristic. To ensure good stability, prefer models that are not too light. On the other hand, it is also recommended to avoid too heavy walkers, that would be too difficult for your little one to handle properly. This parameter usually depends on the materials of manufacture, the wooden articles are heavier than the plastic ones.
The look & accessories: Accessories coming with the walker are also an important thing to consider when making your purchase decision. There are baby trolleys that look like a kitchen or pram to help the baby mimic what their parent does every day.
A great bonus if the model can store your baby’s toys in it. Furthermore the ability to adjust the height of this equipment is also very practical so you adapt it according to the size of your child.
To help you buy the stand up walker that will fit your little one’s needs, we’ve selected our favourite five baby walkers.
Hope this made your search for the right walker for your baby a little easier. If you found this article helpful, please be sure to check out some of our other baby equipment articles! We have compiled right here the best sensory toys for baby on the market today.
Your baby’s development relies on the various awakening activities they do. It’s all about stimulating his brain so that one is able to make connections and draw conclusions from an early age. It has been proven that most children who have had an activity gym as a baby have a more open mind. So, it is quite normal that so many parents and nurseries are interested in this accessory.
What should you be looking for in a play mat? One that is safe, practical, easy to transport and why not, evolutive to keep your baby entertained for months, or even years!
We have gathered the best baby gyms from each price point and for every ages to ensure you find the play equipment that works for you and your baby.
Best baby gym for newborns
To rest or to develop their senses, from the first few weeks of their life, your little one will appreciate a soft comfortable baby mat. A nice addition to the mat is a baby gym. Your baby will love reaching up for its hanging toys. Here are our to pick baby playmats.
Our favourite newborn play mats
Best budget baby gym
Best crawling mat for young babies
A great addition to this bigger mat, is a sit-me-up seat to encourage baby to sit up. Take a look at our best tips and favourite baby floor seats to help little ones sit up by themselves.
Best playmats for toddlers
If your little one is starting to crawl, a playmat is the perfect accessory to make sure they can play and explore safely. We’ve selected bigger play mats than the newborns ones so your baby have all the space they need to crawl around and have more toys around.
Best activity mat
Best large play mat
Best budget play mat
Special mention for elegant design
Extra suggestions for toddlers play mats
We’ve selected quite versatile mat for crawlers that can also be used for older toddlers. However we wanted to show you some more original additions that could make your baby play area even more entertaining.
Soft flooring
Farm mat
Accessories for adventurous babies
So which one is your favourite? Did you go for a stylish grey one or for a more colourful one?
Now that you know where your baby will be playing, you may be interested in checking out one of our other article, the best sensory toys for baby. It will help you figure out which toys are best for helping baby build their motor and language skills.
