With so many models now available, finding the right pushchair, buggy or stroller can feel like a bit of a daunting – not to mention expensive – task.

Do you want one that is forward- or world-facing, or both? Do you need something sturdy or light? Compact or compatible with a travel system? There are so many decisions to make but they usually come down to two things: your lifestyle and your budget. While some pushchairs cost the same as a second-hand car, there are great affordable options too and, in this guide, we’ve included a range of strollers to suit all budgets and lifestyles, whether you live in a flat in the city or a farm in the country. 

Making an informed choice on the pushchair you buy will make those first couple of years much easier, so we’ve included buggies with a range of features, including reversible seats, off-road wheels, adjustable handles and even LED lights. Read on to decide what features you'd consider essentials or just extras, and to find the best pushchair for you and your baby.

You can also find out how we test and review products to learn more about how we selected the best strollers to feature in this guide.

Best pushchairs 2024: the quick list

No time to read the full reviews? Choose from our summary of the best prams: 

Best pushchairs 2024 - tried and tested by parents 

Best pushchair overall

Tested by: Katie Archer and her son Rory, aged seven months.

Our baby gear expert says: With a reversible seat unit and a compact, lightweight frame, this pushchair converts easily to a travel system with the addition of the carrycot or one of the compatible car seats. It has a leatherette height-adjustable handlebar – handy for parents of different heights – plus all-wheel suspension and front swivel wheel locks for a smooth ride on all types of terrain. 

Parent tester, Katie, says: "We both loved the Nuna Triv, which offers the best of a traditional travel system and a compact city stroller," says our tester Katie. "You can tell it's a premium pushchair from the quality of the materials and the design details but it doesn't just look good – it's also incredibly easy to use. It really delivers on its promise of being compact and easy to fold one-handed. It's light to lift and feels much sturdier than other compact strollers. It's marketed as a city stroller, but it feels much more capable of taking on bumpy parks or countryside walks than other products in this category. It has great suspension and tough wheels, so it tackled potholes and uneven curbs with ease. Rory loved being able to face me and seemed very comfortable in the padded merino wool insert."

Our tester's favourite features are the sturdy, extendable sun canopy and the huge shopping basket. She also rates the rain cover, calling it the best she's seen because of a cleverly-designed pocket which folds over the pushchair frame to protect it from splashes. 

GoodtoKnow verdict: Although pricey, we feel the Nuna Triv is worth the investment for such a robustly-designed travel system that ticks every box in what we look for in a buggy, and is one which can carry you through many years of use.

Read more: Nuna Triv pushchair review

Best premium

Tested by: Emily-Ann Elliott, mum to two-year-old Betty and two-month-old Ted.

Our baby gear expert says: This stylish travel system is available to buy as a complete bundle consisting of the pushchair frame with seat unit (which can be parent-facing or front-facing) and carrycot, as well as a changing bag and cosy foot muff. It also comes with rain covers, car seat adaptors (so you can easily attach a car seat to the chassis) and elevator adaptors, which allow you to position the parent-facing seat closer to you. It folds compactly compared to other travel systems, which is handy for fitting it neatly in your car boot or storing it at home when it's not in use.

Parent tester, Emily-Ann, says: "It's very stylish and everything feels really well made and easy to use – it's sturdy to push, without being too heavy, and the suspension makes it easy to manoeuvre on rough ground," says our tester Emily-Ann.

Our tester's standout features are the integrated ride-on board – brilliant if you have two little ones because a tired toddler can hop aboard – and the fact that the carrycot can be used for overnight sleeping. "That saved us having to take an extra cot with us when travelling away overnight," she says. "I also love the big shopping basket, and the fact that the changing bag can be carried as a backpack."

GoodtoKnow verdict: This is an ideal travel system for busy parents who want a high-quality pushchair that's built to last and which can adapt as your family grows – it's a great choice for a first baby if you're hoping to have another baby in the not-too-distant future. 

Read more: iCandy Lime Lifestyle pushchair

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Best budget

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Tested by: Charlotte, mum to two-year-old Betty and two-month-old Ted.

Our baby gear expert says: This versatile 4-in-1 pushchair can be used in multiple modes. The lie-flat pushchair seat can be used rear-facing or parent-facing, and you can attach the Joie ramble™ XL carrycot or a compatible infant carrier car seat – both sold separately. We like the height-adjustable handlebar, built-in carry strap, and the fact that it's freestanding when folded – handy for storing it in the hallway.

Parent tester, Charlotte, says: "The simple one-handed fold system is useful for parents who have their hands full, although it's a little on the heavy side to lift into the car. The large rubber tyres and all-wheel suspension with front swivel wheels make this pushchair really easy to steer and a smooth ride, even on rough terrain. The seat padding and straps are comfortable for little ones, and my toddler enjoyed holding onto the bumper bar."

Charlotte particularly likes the spacious shopping basket and the fact that it can be accessed from the front or the back. "No more discovering that whatever you need from beneath the buggy is stuck at the front, and unloading everything to reach it," she says. The basket also has a zip-up pocket and water bottle holder inside – nice extra touches. We like the expandable hood with ventilation windows, too – perfect for warm weather.

Verdict: This is a really versatile and smart-looking pushchair. We think it's a great price given all the useful extra design features, such as the one-handed folding system, large storage basket and expandable hood.

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Best urban running buggy

Tested by: Oli Oakley and her baby daughter.

Our baby gear expert says: If you're an active, sporty parent who sees no reason to stop running just because you've had a baby, this is one of the best pushchairs you could buy. Our tester was excited to try it out - she'd heard lots of hype about it - and found it more than lived up to her expectations. Designed for urban environments, it's an impressively versatile 4-in-1 multisport running pushchair. You can choose whether to push the stroller in front of you while running or attach it to your waist and pull it behind you. It's also suitable for cycling or cross-country skiing.

Parent tester, Oli, says: "It's lightweight and the wheels are a great size, plus the seat is very comfortable for the child," she says. "It runs very smoothly and it's easy to put together. It also folds down smaller than any of the other buggies I've used, so it would fit easily in the boot of a car."

Verdict: Overall, this is a brilliantly designed pushchair for sporty parents. "I love the Cybex Zeno - it's very comfortable for my baby and she seems happy in it," adds Oli. "I think it will only get better to use as she gets older. I love the way it looks and have had lots of compliments about my stylish buggy. My favourite function by far is the pushing element as I find I have more control and it feels more comfortable, but it's great to have options in terms of how you use it."

Read more: Cybex Zeno pushchair review

Best lightweight pushchair

Tested by: Lynsey Hope and her daughter Ivy, aged 18 months

Our baby gear expert says: The Airo is the lightest pushchair yet from Mamas and Papas. It's sleek and streamlined, light enough to carry backpack-style, and suitable from birth. 

Parent tester, Lynsey, says: "Both my husband and I really loved this pushchair. It's incredibly light - the lightest pushchair I've ever used - and it folds up very easily. We've always used an iCandy which is great for off-road walks. But it takes up a lot of space so we keep it stored in the car boot. The Airo takes up so little space that we're able to keep it in the hall without it getting in anyone's way. That saves lots of time as we're not fetching in and out of the car for the school run every day."

Verdict: If you're looking for a travel-friendly pushchair that's plush enough for a newborn, able to weave through narrow shop aisles or dodging crowds on busy pavements, the Mamas and Papas Airo is the perfect pushchair for city life. And if you're thinking of trading in a heavy travel system for a lighter, nippier buggy for a growing toddler, this pushchair ticks all the boxes. 

Read more: Mamas & Papas Airo Pushchair review

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Best for city-living

Tested by: Emily-Ann Elliott, mum to Betty, two, and Ted, two months.

Our baby gear expert says: Easy to fold, carry and manoeuvre, this travel-friendly pushchair fits into the overhead storage compartment on an aeroplane and has an integrated carry strap with a leather shoulder pad. It comes with a quilted seat liner, footmuff, cup holder, rain cover, buggy organiser, and a protective storage bag. You can recline the seat easily with one hand – useful when your baby nods off in the buggy– and you can attach a compatible infant carrier car seat to the frame to create a travel system.

Parent tester, Emily-Ann, says: "This is truly lightweight compared to other pushchairs, so it's perfect for travel use or for parents who use public transport. The storage bag has straps so you can wear it like a backpack – useful if your hands are full when travelling. Once assembled, it's easy to fold and unfold. It's best suited to smooth ground but it's really easy to manoeuvre and feels stable when pushing. The black and rose gold colour combination is very stylish – for such an affordable option, this looks really good."

Verdict: Overall, this is an excellent buggy at a really affordable price. Emily-Ann commented on the extra accessories and thoughtful design details, such as the hood viewing window for keeping an eye on your baby; the adjustable leg rest for comfy naps; and the handy storage pouch for your valuables. "My toddler loved holding on to the bumper bar across the front and although the shopping basket could be bigger, I think that's a fair price to pay for something so compact," she adds. 

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Best for longevity

Tested by: Katie Archer and her son Rory, aged seven months.

Our baby gear expert says: With a lie-flat seat recline, airflow backrest and a newborn head hugger, this is a good choice if you're looking for a sturdy but light stroller that's suitable for use from birth. You can attach a Silver Cross infant carrier car seat to create a travel system.

Parent tester, Katie, says: "This stroller was a hit with Rory – he found this extremely comfortable, had some long naps in it and was obviously very happy sitting in it, thanks to the supportive backrest and plush, padded newborn insert."

Our tester found the pushchair a little unwieldy going over curbs, up steps, and when pushing it uphill. "It also felt wide for narrow streets and doorways, and difficult to fold for public transport and storage – you definitely can't fold it with one hand, so you need another adult around to hold the baby while you fold it," she says.

GoodtoKnow verdict: This pushchair is very well made – robust and sturdy, and clearly designed to withstand years of everyday use. It's also smooth to push, offering surprisingly good suspension over bumpy ground for something reasonably light. The extendable sun canopy hood is effective at blocking out the sun and offering an extra layer of cosiness for naps. The leather bumper bar is articulated to fold with the stroller, which our tester thinks is a nice touch.

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Best for easy storage

Tested by: Lisa Harris and her baby Juno, aged five months.

Our baby gear expert says: This is a super-stylish pushchair designed in collaboration with singer Paloma Faith. It's really lightweight and folds easily, plus it's free-standing for easy storage. We like the handy extra features for busy parents – a secure pocket in the hood and basket, a large rain cover and a cup holder. The bold, striking print makes it a hit with kids and a talking point with parents.

Parent tester, Lisa, says: "I felt like I'd slipped into a designer outfit when pushing this stylish pram out and about! Friends loved the bold tiger print and cool, rose gold finish. It's easy to steer with one hand, and the swivel front wheels navigated narrow shop aisles and busy streets easily. The secure and well-hidden back pocket in the hood is really convenient for a mobile phone, wallet, face mask and other essentials."

"This is a cool, city-slicker style pushchair that's simple to fold and unfold with one hand. The rear foot brake and front wheel controls are easy to operate with one foot. The safety straps release all at once, which makes it quick to get my baby out, although it's a little more fiddly to strap her in.  The large rain cover is very secure, even in high winds on the beach, and the cover carries the same bold print as the pushchair so it still felt smart even in a downpour. It kept things in the bottom basket dry too! The seat reclines almost horizontal, which is great for baby naps in the middle of the day, and the inside of the pram is dark, so she slept really well too."

Verdict: This pushchair is so stylish, our tester opted to take her sleeping baby out to a restaurant one evening. "There's also a large viewing window in the hood to quietly check on your sleeping (or not!) baby," Lisa says. What's not to love?

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Best for one-hand fold

Tested by: Lisa Harris, mum to five-month-old Juno.

Our baby gear expert says: The Cybex Melio Carbon Stroller is a super-light stroller with a reversible seat that's designed for city living. It's a doddle to fold and extremely compact when folded – ideal for travel use or taking on public transport. We love the excellent suspension and nippy swivel wheels. The frame is compatible with the Cybex Melio cot and the Cybex Cocoon S car seat, to create a complete travel system.

Parent tester, Lisa, says: "This stroller would be great for a holiday as it's so compact and light, plus it has a removable seat liner and an open mesh back for keeping cool in the heat. The sun canopy is huge – it goes all the way down to my daughter's feet – which is useful for daytime naps and keeping the sun out of my daughter's eyes. The full recline position is also practically flat like a first class airline seat. The rain cover gives good protection and has velcro tabs to keep the rear dry against splash-back from the pavement. The rain cover peekaboo hatch makes it easy to pull the visor down for sleep whilst it's raining – or to feed snacks through!"

Verdict: Lisa felt the basket was a good size but open to the elements and there are no pockets to stash your phone, wallet or baby essentials. "The light, sleek carbon frame and precision swivel steering make this feel like manoeuvering a high-end speed bike rather than pushing a pram," she says. "The one-handed collapse is very convenient, although it doesn't have a catch to hold the wheels together once it's folded down, which made it slightly unwieldy to carry. It did stand up on its wheels whilst folded though, which makes it easy to store."

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Best for all terrain

Tested by: Lisa Harris, mum to Juno, five months.

Our baby gear expert says: Ideal for travel use but robust enough to use every day, this lightweight buggy is compatible with selected infant car seats to create a highly affordable travel system. The lockable front swivel wheels also make it easy to manoeuvre on different types of terrain.

Parent tester, Lisa, says: "This is excellent value for a pushchair that ticks all the boxes for functionality without fuss. It was a bit fiddly to assemble and you need two hands to fold it by pushing two buttons on the side, but it opens up with one hand, and in one swift movement, once you release the side clip. 

When collapsed, it's compact and stays together so it's easy to put away in the boot of the car or under the stairs. The visor gives great coverage in the sun and rain and has a firm front section and a handy peekaboo flap to check on your sleeping baby. 

GoodtoKnow verdict: Lisa felt that the handlebar had a good grip and she found this buggy easy to manoeuvre, thanks to the front swivel wheels. The back brake can be operated from either side, which she mentioned her boyfriend found useful as he's left-handed. "The reclining seat was easy to operate, even with a baby in, which isn't always the case," she added. But our tester loved the "capacious" basket, which she found easy to access. "The basket has a protective bottom which stopped our fruit and veg getting wet in the rain too," she says. 

Best for ergonomic design

Tested by: Katie Archer, mum to Rory, seven months.

Our baby gear expert says: This ergonomically designed stroller is seriously lightweight and compact enough to count as airline carry-on luggage. It's easy to fold with one hand. A newborn kit, footmuff, and carry bag are available to buy separately. It's ideal for smaller homes or those with limited storage space, as well as for fitting in small car boots.

Parent tester, Katie, says: "Rory and I both loved this stroller. I had been looking for something lightweight and compact to handle crowded streets in London and this fits the bill perfectly. It has a sleek, pared-back design which I love – no fussy design features – and it can easily fit through the narrowest of spaces. This is by far the easiest stroller I've used in terms of folding – it couldn't be simpler to fold one-handed and takes up minimal space on public transport. Even when I was out with both children, it didn't feel cumbersome to fold whilst keeping track of them. The five-point harness is very quick and simple to fasten, so there's no time wasted. It pushes really smoothly and Rory looked very comfortable in it."

The Metro's main selling point is its ergonomic design – as you might expect from a company known for its supportive baby carriers. Our tester feels the back support is truly impressive and every bit as good as the Ergobaby carrier. "Rory found it very comfortable and nodded off to sleep nearly every time we used it, and the height of the handlebar makes it easy on the adult's back – something that had previously put me off very compact strollers as they seemed a bit too low and looked like they might put stress on your back," she says. 

GoodtoKnow verdict: This was smooth and easy to push, but our tester says it jolted a bit over curbs and uneven ground so recommends it as a city stroller rather than one for countryside walks. The shopping basket is more spacious than she expected and was easily accessible from both the front and back. "This is great value for money as it can be used at home and on holiday right up until Rory outgrows needing a pushchair," our tester added. 

Best for luxury design

Tested by: Aileen Farrell and her two-year-old daughter, Isla.

Our baby gear expert says: This stylish pushchair comes with both a luxurious carrycot for use from birth and an upright pushchair seat, which reclines easily for naps on the go. The pushchair is designed so that you can use it as a highchair at the right height for a table when dining out. We like the integrated LED lights for night-time visibility and the fact that it comes with a lifetime warranty.

Parent tester, Aileen, says: "There are so many lovely features on this pushchair. I particularly love the one-handed seat recline with multiple positions – it's so easy to tilt my toddler back when she falls asleep. The seat unit is large and comfortable and so easy to switch from rearward to forward-facing, and the bassinet is really luxurious for a newborn, with a comfortable mattress. The wheel locks are very easy to use. You don't have to bend down and push a button, you just tap it with your foot. The harness is particularly handy for getting my child out – you just press a button and all the straps detach – no more fiddling with getting arms out of the straps. I also really appreciated the ease of making the straps longer or shorter. Some buggy seat straps are so fiddly and annoying but these are super easy to adjust."

GoodtoKnow verdict: Aileen particularly liked the LED lighting and found it useful on evening walks. "I felt confident that drivers could see me when I was walking on dark seaside roads," she says. Folding the buggy was a little challenging, and lifting this into a car boot definitely requires some muscle.

Best for parent-facing

Tested by: Becky Magill, mum to two-year-old Isaac.

Our baby gear expert says: This is a modern, stylish pushchair with a really sleek finish. It folds compactly with one hand and handles well, whilst only taking up a small portion of boot space. The handle is simple to adjust and luxuriously padded.

Parent tester, Becky, says: "This is really easy to push – it glides along and handles really well. Isaac looked really comfy and wasn't in a rush to get out of this pushchair, although I felt like I was a long way from him. It folds really nicely, once you get the hang of the multi-step folding process, and sits flat in the car boot taking up very little room, considering the size of the pushchair when it's in use. It's a very stylish-looking pushchair – I especially like how large the hood is, and the magnetic peekaboo flaps so I can see what Isaac is up to. The brake is so easy to put on and very stable. The standout feature for me is the rain cover; it pops over very easily, attaches around the frame with poppers on elastic, and stays put in heavy wind and rain – but then has a middle zip, so you can get baby out without getting the pushchair seat wet – excellent!"

GoodtoKnow verdict: Becky found the shopping basket a good size – no fear of losing anything out of the sides. She likes the fact that the seat reclines to fully flat but is well protected by the hood, so it's good for a cosy sleep. "I love that it is both parent and world-facing," she says. "This would work brilliantly on public transport, and would store well in the hallway of a small apartment."

Best off-road pushchair

Tested by: Goodto parent tester Lizzy Langan and her daughter, Niamh, who was eight months old at the time. 

Our baby gear expert says: This is a sleek and stylish pushchair that will appeal to parents who don't necessarily want to invest in a sports buggy exclusively designed for running but do want the option of switching back and forth between a buggy for daily use and one that can handle some regular running on off-road surfaces. 

Designed in partnership with mum and marathon runner Robin Arzón, the Baby Jogger Summit x Robin Arzón is a three-wheeled pushchair with all-wheel suspension so it ensures a smooth ride for your baby and an easy push for you, on all types of terrain. 

Parent tester, Lizzy, says: While testing this pushchair, Lizzy felt it was a "well thought out" design and noted that it feels like a "high-end" piece of baby kit. Lizzy told GoodtoKnow she would recommend it to anyone who enjoys running and wants a stylish and functional buggy that is comfortable for parent and child for both day-to-day use and for regular gentle running.

During testing, the Baby Jogger Summit x Robin Arzón delivered "a comfortable and efficient run" for our parent reviewer. It kept her baby so comfortable and cushioned from the bumpy ground that she actually napped happily throughout Lizzy's run.

GoodtoKnow verdict: The Baby Jogger Summit x Robin Arzón is well worth buying if you want a stylish pushchair that you can use every day but that will support you in living an active lifestyle with regular off-road walks and runs. If you like the idea of squeezing in some daily exercise while your baby watches the world go by - or even naps - then this could well be the best pushchair for you.

Read more: Baby Jogger Summit x Robin Arzó review

How to choose the best pushchair for your baby

Working out which buggy, pushchair, or stroller you should buy is complicated. There are a lot of different factors to consider, from how much the pushchair weighs – especially important if you’re going to be lugging it in and out of your car boot or taking it on public transport – to whether the wheels will cope with the kind of terrain you’ll be tackling daily. These are the important factors to consider before you decide which is the best pushchair for you.

• Wheels - The first thing to consider is where you’ll be using it. You should choose a buggy with wheels specifically designed for that purpose. The best pushchair for nipping over shiny shop floors and navigating urban pavements is one with a compact frame and small wheels that swivel to help with maneuverability when tackling curbs and narrow or crowded spaces. But if you spend more time in the park than in the city and your weekends involve lots of time outdoors, you’ll need a sturdier frame with all-weather fabrics and - crucially - all-terrain wheels that can handle uneven ground.
• Storage - Think, about where you’ll keep the pushchair when it’s not in use. If you drive, choose a buggy that fits neatly in your car boot without taking up all the space. If you’ll be storing the buggy in your hallway, choose a compact model that you won't struggle to squeeze past. And to reduce the chances of the pushchair springing open and whacking you on the shins every time you open the front door, choose one that’s freestanding when folded.
• Value for money - If you haven't got hundreds of pounds to spend on a pushchair, don't fret - there are many super affordable models out there that have lots of similar functionality to the premium brands but for a fraction of the price. And if you do decide that a luxe model is the best pushchair for you, factor in things like whether it can convert to a double if your family grows in the future, so that you can be sure you're getting value for money. 
• Manoeuvrability - Pay close attention to our reviewer's comments on things like how easy it is to steer and control the pushchair you're thinking of buying. This is one of those crucial details that can make or break how you feel about getting out and about with your little one - and you won't normally know what it's like to use until you start using it. Need something easy to push uphill? Or want a pushchair that you can fold easily if you'll be doing so while keeping an eye on older siblings? See what the reviewers say about the details that are most important to you. 
• Weight  - These days you can buy a pushchair that weighs as little as 6kg which is a godsend if you have back problems or spend lots of time lifting the stroller in and out of the car boot. But if you don't need an ultra-lightweight pushchair, go for something a bit sturdier as it's likely to be a little more robust. 
• Practicality - Don't forget to consider the size of the shopping basket. There's nothing more frustrating than discovering that the pushchair basket is inaccessible when the pushchair seat is reclined. And if you're likely to pop to the shops for nappies and milk with your little one in tow, make sure the basket is big enough for your usual purchases.
• Extra features - Some pushchairs have extra design elements and these little details can really make you fall in love with your stroller. If you're wildly different from your partner in height, choose a pushchair with an adjustable handlebar. And think about whether you'd like the flexibility to change which direction the pushchair seat faces. If you can't see yourself faffing about with that, don't waste money on that extra functionality. 
• Design - It's ok to factor in how you feel about pushing the pushchair you use! In fact, if you love the design then you're more likely to take travelling with your child or toddler in you stride.  
• The bus and cobblestones tests - The ultimate test - consider our testers' comments on things like whether the pushchair stays put when you're on a bendy bus going round a corner, and if the suspension means cobblestones don't set your child's cheeks a-jiggling. 

What's the difference between a pram and a pushchair?

In a nutshell, a pram is for babies to lie flat in from birth, while a pushchair is a buggy with an upright seat suitable for older babies and toddlers to sit in. However, there's lots of overlap between prams and pushchairs these days – some buggies have carrycot attachments that you can use from birth and then remove after six months and replace with a seat unit, for example. Similarly, many pushchairs have adjustable seats that can be reclined fully flat to make them more like a pram and suitable for newborn babies and those under six months.

Pram is an old-fashioned word that's usually used to describe a pushchair that has a carrycot or bassinet suitable from birth that allows the baby to lie completely flat. Prams like this are specifically designed for newborn babies up to the age of around six months because it's vital that babies under six months old lie completely flat in a pram or pushchair (instead of sitting upright in a pushchair seat) in order to ensure unrestricted airflow and the healthy development of the spine and lungs.

A buggy, pushchair, or stroller (these are all different names for the same thing) differs from a pram because it has an upright seat unit rather than a carrycot or bassinet. A pushchair is typically suitable for use from six months onwards, once babies no longer need to lie flat, although some also can be used from birth if the seat reclines far enough. 

Lots of pushchairs are highly adjustable so that you can configure them to suit your exact requirements. A travel system is a good choice if you're looking for this kind of flexibility. That's a pushchair frame (called the chassis) with a removable pushchair seat so that you pop it off the frame and attach a baby car seat instead if when you wish. This makes it easy to move between the car and the pushchair without having to remove your baby from the car seat. Many travel systems are also designed to take a carrycot attachment, too.

Babies shouldn't sit in car seats for more than two hours at a time, and car seats shouldn't be used for sleeping. Don't worry if your baby nods off in the car – just make sure she doesn't sit in it for too long.

If you’re buying a pushchair for use from birth, choose a pram with a carrycot. Or, if you're short on storage space and don't want to store a bulky carrycot once your baby outgrows it, go for a pushchair with a fully-reclinable seat unit suitable for newborns. Some strollers aren't suitable from birth but can be adapted by purchasing a newborn accessory kit.

Which is the best pushchair, buggy, or stroller for toddlers?

We think the Nuna Triv is the best pushchair you can buy because it comes with a luxurious carrycot that's suitable from birth and a seat unit that you can replace it with after six months, so you're covered from birth well into toddlerhood.

But the answer depends on lots of factors, from your budget to your lifestyle. If you live in a small apartment in the city and rely on public transport, the best buggy, pushchair, or stroller for toddlers won't be the same as for someone who drives everywhere and lives in the country. A city-dwelling parent will need a lightweight pushchair that folds quickly and compactly and has small wheels to glide easily over shiny shop floors and urban streets. Someone who lives more rurally will need a pushchair that's light enough to lift in and out of the car and which won't take up all the space in the boot. A pushchair with robust, puncture-proof wheels and good suspension is a must to ensure a smooth ride over bumpy terrain.

The most important thing to take into account when buying a pushchair for a toddler is how much it weighs. Toddlers aren't light and they only get heavier, so choose a pushchair that feels robust enough to carry a growing child but won't be so heavy, once you add your occupant, that it's unwieldy to push.

We think the best buggy, pushchair, or stroller for toddlers is also the Nuna Triv. It's suitable for youngsters weighing up to 22kg and has a large shopping basket to stash a coat and some snacks. It's also easy to fold with one hand while you keep track of an adventuring toddler.

How we tested these pushchairs

Our product review testing process is fair, consistent and robust. 

Our Consumer Editor Heidi Scrimgeour came up with a shortlist of the best pushchairs based on her product knowledge and industry research. She looked at the latest buggy offering from the market-leading brands - and as a parenting journalist for 15 years and mother of three, what she doesn't know about baby products isn't worth knowing. She also selected products from a broad range of price points so there's something here to suit every budget. 

Next, we called on our pool of reliable parent testers and assigned each of them a pushchair to review with their baby. They tested the product rigorously for at least ten days in a variety of weather conditions and on different types of terrain. 

After this, they gave each product a rating out of five for overall performance. We also asked for comprehensive feedback on key factors including design appeal, manouevrability, functionality (how easy is it to assemble and to fold/unfold), portability (how compact it is when folded) and value for money.

 If you’re looking at other ways of transporting your baby, check out our best baby carriers guide, or our feature on the best travel strollers, if you’re planning a trip away anytime soon. If you’re thinking of buying a pram as well as a pushchair, be sure to browse our best prams guide with advice on the latest models and honest feedback about how they fare in the real world.

The best toys for six-year-olds have to do a lot. Most importantly, they have to be fun and engaging - but, it’s great if they encourage interaction with family and friends as well to help build those developing social skills.

From slime to Barbie dolls and mix and make toys there are plenty of fun options at this age. Child development expert and GoodtoKnow expert panellist Dr Amanda Gummer says: "At aged six, children are at a crucial stage of development and their curiosity and imaginations are really growing. When choosing toys or gifts for six-year-olds, opt for ones that will help foster creativity, problem-solving skills, and encourage social interaction whether as a bonding experience when you’re playing with your little one, or with their siblings or friends."

This list of the best toys for six year olds is based on a range of factors, including feedback from parents and kids, our own product testers, customer reviews and ratings as well as the top toys for 2024, as chosen by industry experts. We’ve also considered a range of price points to suit any budget or occasion.

Best toys for six year old boys and girls

1. Barbie

Barbie has seen a resurgence of late, thanks to the recent blockbuster movie, and her popularity is still riding high. Dolls make great toys for six year olds - they provide an opportunity for pretend play and problem-solving, while also building on their emotional intelligence. In a Boston University article about Barbie's popularity, clinical instructor of child life and family-centered care Ann Herzog says that Barbie 'can foster a child’s development by encouraging language and communication and by offering opportunities for pretend play and problem-solving.' She adds: 'Play with dolls, in particular, allows for emotional expression, developing empathy, and practicing problem-solving skills.'

2. Audio players

No-screen toys, like the popular audio players Yoto or Tonie, can make a great gift for this age group. These players help to encourage independent play and learning, can help with language development and are easy (and safe) enough for a six year old to operate by themselves with ease. Not sure which player is right for you? Read our Toniebox review to see how it faired in our tests. We've also put the Yoto player through its paces, and you'll be able to read that review very soon.

If you know a six year old who already has a Toniebox or Yoto player, then a new Tonie audio character or Yoto card makes a great gift (but it's always worth checking which they already have in their collection to avoid doubling up).

3. Dinosaurs

To a six-year-old, dinosaurs are seemingly other-wordly, awesome and fantastical creatures, made all the more exciting by the fact they actually used to exist! They are also prolific in a child's world - they can be seen on TV, on clothing, in books and even in food form - which only adds to their appeal.

Studies even show that intense interest in dinosaurs can have a significant benefit on a child's development, including increased knowledge and heightened attention.

4. Toy Pets

By six-years-old, kids could already be pestering their parents for a pet, but a real-life version may not be the right solution for the family at this point. But a toy pet could be a perfect way to teach some key skills that come along with pet-ownership, without the additional responsibility.

5. Mix and Make Toys

Mix and make toys tend to offer various types of play in one package - there is usually a element of experimentation or mixing of ingredients, followed by or combined with a particular process or action, before a mystery reveal of another toy inside.

Not only do toys like this spark imagination and creativity, they can help introduce the notion of delayed gratification too.

6. LEGO

You absolutely can't go wrong buying LEGO as a gift for a six-year-old. But do make sure it's age appropriate first - a LEGO set with too few or too many pieces is sure to leave them disappointed.

There are lots of reasons why LEGO is good for development, including the positive impact it has on problem-solving skills, focus and self confidence. GoodtoKnow's child development expert Dr Gummer adds: "I really like building or construction sets like LEGO that encourage spatial reasoning and fine motor skills."

7. Educational games

Kids are like sponges when it comes to absorbing information, so incorporating learning into play can be a great way to build on their cognitive development. Plus games like this are perfect for playing with friends and family, which can help children learn how to be a gracious winner or a good loser.

8. Sylvanian Families

Another toy to encourage role-play and storytelling, while also sparking creativity, is anything from the world of Sylvanian Families, which was introduced in the UK in 1987. More than just adorable animal characters, the toys on offer include playsets, accessories and more.

9. Hot Wheels

Hot Wheels toy cars date back to the later 1960s, and still hold strong appeal today, thanks to their low price point, engaging appearance, and the nostalgia they can instill in parents and grandparents alike.

10. Squishmallows

Squishmallows were the biggest selling toy of 2023 - super squidgeable and uber soft. No wonder six-year-olds love them! They come in a range of sizes and iterations (like the Fuzz-a-Mallow variant) and can cost anywhere from £5 to £50, so you can easily find one to fit any budget.

They are infinitely collectible too - and there are loads of adorable characters to choose from.

11. Board games

A good board game will help encourage interaction with friends and family members, along with encouraging a healthy dose of friendly competition. Dr Gummer, who is also the founder of The Good Play Guide, says: "I love a family board game night, or taking the time in a busy weekend to digitally detox with a puzzle or trivia game and there are loads of age appropriate options for cooperative play and strategic thinking."

12. Slime

Slime can be a bit hit and miss (often a hit with children and a big miss with their parents), but if you know a six-year-old who likes getting their hands dirty, then will love a slime-based gift. This kind of sensory play can help calm an anxious child too - it draws focus to one or more of the five senses and encourages mindfulness to promote relaxation.

However, slime should definitely be avoided if the child you know hates getting stuff stuck to their fingers - they really won't enjoy it. They might prefer the Squishmallow instead - soft and tactile without the gloopy hands.

13. Polly Pocket

Polly Pocket has had a bit of a redesign in recent years, so is more substantial than it used to be, a fact that will be music to the ears of parents who were worried about choking hazards.

With lots of sets to collect, featuring cute, bright character cases as well as the eponymous Polly and friends, these toys make great gifts for six-year-olds, without breaking the bank.

14. Jigsaws

According to parenting expert Amanda Jenner: "Jigsaw puzzles are great as they tend to have a longer attention span at six and love a challenge and this is really good for their cognitive skills and helps them to play independently."

They'll hone their problem-solving skills as they try and fit the pieces together, and feel great sense of achievement when they manage to complete it. If you know their favourite book or TV show, then you can always look for the jigsaw puzzle tie-in to win all the brownie points you can.

15. Heroes of the Goo Jit Su

Like Stretch Armstrong, but infinitely cooler, toys from the Heroes of the Goo Jit Su range can be stretched, pulled, twisted and squished before returning to their original shape.

These can make great fidget toys and be useful to encourage mindfulness and keep anxiety at bay.

Do six year olds still play with toys?

Six-year-olds definitely still play with toys - they love pretend play but are also ready for some more challenging games. They love playing with friends or family, but by the age of six, many kids have mastered independent play and are ready for a little more freedom.

GoodtoKnow's child development expert Dr Amanda Gummer adds: "Play is essential for the holistic development of six-year-olds. It’s crucial to promoting cognitive growth by encouraging problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making skills. Allowing children to engage in imaginative play and explore different scenarios, enhances their creativity and emotional intelligence. I’m a big fan of interactive play experiences which at six, will help children develop essential social skills such as cooperation, communication, and even resilience, laying a solid foundation for positive relationships and interactions with others as they get older."

If you've seen or heard that the six-year-old in your life doesn't play with toys anymore, it could be that they have too much choice. Like us, kids can get overwhelmed and overstimulated and this can happen if they're surrounded by too much choice and left wondering where to start.

How to choose the right toy for a six-year-old

Understanding the developmental needs of a child of six is crucial to choosing the right toy for them. Dr Gummer adds: "When choosing gifts for six-year-olds, I always recommend thinking about a child’s interests, and developmental needs. Art supplies such as paints, markers, and craft kits provide opportunities for creative expression and imagination. Outdoor toys like bikes, scooters, or sports equipment can promote physical activity and coordination, and construction toys can help with spatial awareness and reasoning.

"By making smart gift choices that align with children's interests and developmental milestones, a child can benefit from enriched play experiences that support their growth and learning journey."

How many toys should a six year old have?

The number of toys is up to you (and your little one, of course) and there is no exact number as to how many kids should have. But according to one study, when little learners had fewer toys in their environment it allowed them to play more creatively, focus and play with each toy longer.

The study tasked toddlers to engage with four toys, followed by 16 toys. The results showed that with fewer toys, participants had longer durations of toy play and played with toys in a greater variety of ways, therefore putting their creativity skills to the test, supporting their development and promoting healthy play.

Ultimately, kids don't need piles of toys to be happy, they just need a handful of the right toys for their interest, imagination and creativity to flourish.

What is the 20 toy rule?

As its name suggests, the 20 toy rule involves asking your child to select the 20 toys they want to play with over the next week or two weeks and carefully stash away all others.

Along with helping keep your living room or playroom clutter-free and tidy, the 20 toy rule gives your little one a chance to really play and engage with their toys and do so in a more focused way. This should hopefully benefit their creativity levels and kick start their imagination at the same time.

How we chose the best toys for six year olds

For this guide to the best toys for six-year-olds, we drew up a short list of suitable items based on our product knowledge and extensive research, making sure everything we picked was suitable for this age range. We spoke to parents of six year olds (and got feedback from the kids themselves) to see what toys they liked the best and why. Where possible, we also called products in and put them in the hands of six-year-old testers to try them out.

We also spoke to child development experts, including GoodtoKnow panellist Dr Amanda Gummer, to find out exactly what types of toys are suitable for six-year olds and the benefits that they, and play in general, can offer to children of this age.

Read more: How we test

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Just like how interactive baby toys can motivate your little one to crawl, the best baby walkers can encourage them to take their first steps. So, to help you find the most suitable option for your little walker, we've scoured the shelves and put the top-rated options to the test.

If your baby has gone from crawling to cruising, it might be time to invest in a push toy to help them put their best foot forward. Nowadays, many of the best baby walkers do more than just encourage movement. They're filled with musical features, rotating seats and contain brightly coloured blocks so little feet can stay entertained while on the go.

Every baby is different and reaches key child development stages at different times. For example, some babies might be ready to find their own two feet at around 9 months old. While others won't consider placing one foot in front of the other until they're around one. Either way, baby walkers can give them a confidence boost and help support their balance as they find their feet.

Our guide features a number of options suitable from 6m to 5 years — and they've all been tried and tested by parents. To help you find the most suitable option for you and your baby, it's worth noting push toys come in a multitude of designs. For example:

• Seated walkers hold a baby in an upright position so they can use their feet to scoot around the room.
• A-frame walkers are push-along toys that babies hold onto for support as they practice taking steps.
• Ride-on toys are a mixture of both designs; toddlers can push them or sit on them to move themselves around, building strength and balance.

The best baby walker for your baby will depend on price and how confident they are with walking. Just note, the NHS recommends using a baby walker for no more than 20 minutes at a time.

The quick list

If you want quick advice to help you pinpoint the best baby walker to buy, here's a quick summary of our findings and test results:

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The best baby walkers 2024 - tried and tested by babies

Best baby walker overall

Tested by: Charlie and her baby, Seb, aged 10 months. 

Our baby gear expert says: 'A brilliant feature of the Haus Projekt Walker is how incredibly light and easy to push it is. The clever piece of kit has been designed to encourage little ones to take their first steps and, based on our tester's experience, it really works.'

Our tester, Charlie, says: 'Until we had this walker to review, Seb wasn't really showing any interest in pulling himself up, but within a couple of days, he realised that he could hold on to the top bar of the walker, and from that moment he was off.' 

This is a seriously stylish baby walker, which design-conscious parents will appreciate, but it's also super functional. There is a vast array of activities for little ones to explore, including cogs, flaps, beads, and musical instruments. 'There's a little xylophone (although Seb mostly enjoys chewing on the stick to play it with), cogs to turn, a little door that opens and closes, a spinning bear/leaf, a small corrugated block, some abacus beads, a spinning mirror, three holes for shapes to go through, and a wooden hexagon that you can move along a track', says Charlie. 'They've all been designed to encourage babies' cognitive development, and it's great that you can leave your little one in front of it and they'll be captivated for ages - super handy if you want to have a sneaky coffee while you watch them play!'.

Verdict: While this walker isn't the cheapest option in our guide, Charlie thinks the  Haus Projekt is still a savvy purchase and we wholeheartedly agree. 'With all the activities and the option of using it as a walker, this would suit a wide age range of babies so would be a good investment as they certainly won't be bored of it after five minutes,' she adds.

Read more: Haus Projekt Baby Walker review

Best value baby walker

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Tested by: Katy Islip, mum to Thea, nine months.

Our baby gear expert says: 'This baby walker has a detachable two-mode panel with lights and sounds including a movable bird character, rotating gears, piano keys, and a toy smartphone, while the frame also houses a simple roller rattle. It’s easy to assemble and its compact size makes it easy to store at bedtime - bonus!'

Our tester, Katy, says: 'Thea was immediately interested in this walker when it arrived, getting very excited as I went through the simple process of putting it together.' She gave her baby the play panel to explore on the floor at first, which was an instant hit.

'Thea got straight into pushing the piano keys and opening and closing the central door,' Katy adds. 'There are loads of engaging toys in the play panel, which doubles up on the fun by offering a music mode and a learning mode. This effectively gives every feature a dual purpose, so there’s no danger of Thea getting bored with it - or of me getting fed up listening to the same old noises and tunes.'

Our tester also commented on the wide range of music and songs that this walker plays, with more natural voices than baby toys typically feature. 'The two-volume levels help keep the chaos to a dull roar when needed, too,' she adds.

Verdict: Babies seem to universally love this walker toy – I had one for my first child who is now nineteen years old! It offers brilliant value for money and our tester found it gave her daughter hours of fun play, as well as physical support which helped build her confidence as she moved towards more independent walking.

Read more: Vtech First Steps baby walker review

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Best longevity

Tested by: Katy Islip, mum to Thea, nine months.

Our baby gear expert says: A sweet little walker and activity toy with adjustable height settings. The musical effects and sounds are mainly cute and didn't annoy our tester, and the additional toys added to the fun. Although Katy thinks it's a shame the ball tunnel only comes with one ball, and the door unfortunately comes off very easily. 'That has become a bit of a game for Thea,' she explains.

Our tester, Katy says: 'This little car quickly became a firm favourite in our house – it was simple to put together and, with batteries included, it was immediately good to go.' They started using the sit-and-play mode while Thea explored the various features, particularly enjoying the car's cute rolling eyes and the amusing light and sound effects triggered when each one moved. 'As she's just started cruising, we soon moved the handle up to the stand-and-play setting, giving her a better grip as she used it to pull herself up and lean on,' Katy adds.

Verdict: Overall, this is a sturdy little toy with lots to discover and hold a baby's attention. 'I might not have considered buying this over a 'traditional' walker but I've been impressed by its stability and charm,' our tester explains. 'The shape sorter pieces are very firmly wedged in position so she's not able to remove them yet but - hilariously - she has tried 'latching' onto their protruding tops, which made us laugh.'

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Most versatile baby walker

Tested by: Tess Watkins, mum to ten-month-old Isla. 

Our baby gear expert says: 'The Babymoov 5-in-1 Progressive Baby Walker has two core functions – it’s a seated baby walker for babies weighing up to 12kg, and then a push toy for use up to 24 months. I love how versatile the design is and the fact that it's not redundant once the child no longer needs a seated walker.'

Our tester, Tess, says: 'I absolutely loved this walker – it’s very simple to assemble and took around 20 minutes to build – I'm not usually very confident building anything on my own, but even I found it super easy.'

The seat is height adjustable and has three different settings, while the learning tray features a music box with three tunes and toys. Our tester found her daughter got the hang of this walker straight away and was soon cruising all over the living room. 'I really love the freedom this walker toy gives her; it encourages her development and lets her move around and get used to being on her feet in a safe way,' she adds.

Verdict: The 360° rotating seat is a brilliant feature. 'Isla gets so excited spinning around to discover the different toys,' says our tester, Tess. 'The walker is exceptionally good quality and extremely stable, and the seat cover is easy to remove and wash. And, with three different height settings, I think we’ll get a great deal of use out of this walker, making it superb value for money too.'

Read more: Babymoov 5-in-1 Progessive Walker review

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Best ride-on baby walker

Tested by: Pippa Elmes, mum to Lara Elmes, 18 months.

Our baby gear expert says: This is a strong little wooden walker and ride-on toy made of solid wood with cute additional features including a shape sorter, space to hide things in underneath, and spinning picture blocks.

Our tester, Pippa, says: 'This is by far the most robust walker I’ve seen and it's great for a little one starting to toddle – I’d have been much more confident using this rather than the walker we had when my daughter was little, as this seems less likely to roll away, leaving her flat on her face.'

The shape sorter was an immediate hit – being low on the side makes for a different shape sorting angle than most top-down sorter toys, which adds to the challenge, according to Pippa. 'The two different heights for pushing/holding when riding is a great design idea too,' she says.

Verdict: This is a great walker and a great idea to transition to a ride-on. 'My little one always wants to ride things ‘backward’ and this works as a ride-on in either direction,' concludes Pippa. 'However, its weightiness made it harder for her to heft it around corners.' 

'It took 20-25 mins to build as it needs proper screwing together but it does make for a really solid toy as a result. It feels as though it will last us a really long time and could be passed on to younger friends or family members.'

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Best walker for boosting confidence

Tested by: Tess Watkins, mum to Isla, aged ten months.

Our baby gear expert says: 'The Little Tikes Fantastic Firsts 3-in-1 Activity Walker has an engaging activity centre that's designed to help develop curious minds and it's the perfect walker for encouraging little ones to take their first steps as it projects colourful lights onto the floor, motivating them to keep moving. It also folds down flat for floor-time fun and easy storage.'

Our tester, Tess, says: 'This is the best walker we've tried – it's so simple to put together as it all snaps into place, taking us about ten minutes to assemble in total, and it’s super easy to use – we loved it.' 

Tess particularly loves the light projector; she says it truly works to encourage first steps but also adds excitement and fun for babies. 'The activity centre is amazing; my daughter was still discovering new features days after it arrived, from piano keys which illuminate different colours to a spinning drum that features the alphabet,' adds Tess.

Verdict: Another huge plus is that this works as a standing toy and can be stored away easily if you're short on space. 'It’s also much sturdier than other walkers – in particular, the speed-restrictive wheels stopped it from getting away from Isla too much,' adds Tess. 'Most importantly, this walker toy kept Isla entertained for ages while encouraging her development. She gets so excited to see the lights illuminate and the music play when she takes a few steps. This walker has truly helped to build up her confidence when it comes to standing and it’s been amazing to watch her mobility develop.'

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Most robust baby walker

Tested by: Becky Barclay, mum to Charlie,14 months

Our baby gear expert says: Play value is maximised on every inch, with interactive moving parts to entertain and educate your little one. There's a shape sorter on the front, numbered tiles to spin around, colours to find, and even a chalkboard. We think it's guaranteed to provide hours of fun for babies and toddlers.

Our tester, Becky, says: 'Even Charlie's older brothers, aged seven and five, thought this walker looked exciting – I had to stop them from diving straight into the box when it arrived!' She found screwing it together a little fiddly, with minimal instructions and some concentration required to get the pieces the right way round and lined up. 'I was glad I'd chosen nap time to put it together or there might have been tears, but it's definitely worth the effort to assemble – it's sturdy and heavy enough not to tip, and you can tell it will withstand years of play,' Becky adds. 

Verdict: I've even pulled the walker alongside us during nappy changes – which have become rather wriggly recently – so Charlie can spin the numbered tiles as a distraction. He'll also push it the length of the room, and its rubber-covered wheels suit hard floors, making it both safe and quiet. It's too heavy for Charlie to turn on his own, but the play value of this toy is not only as a walker – it's an entire entertainment station.'

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Best baby walker for motor skills

Tested by: Grace Holliday and her 11-month-old daughter.

Our baby gear expert says: Colourful, attractive and classic in its design, the Rainbow Cloud Walker is a well-made wooden walker. It's not as hi-tech as other walkers, but it will help develop babies' fine motor skills as well as their walking. Finding a visually appealing toy that's also engaging for babies and young children isn't always easy but the Rainbow Cloud Walker nails it.

Our tester, Grace, says: 'My 11-month-old daughter beamed the first time she saw it. She was still finding her confidence in walking, so she sat down and got to work, lifting out every single block, one by one.' 

Grace particularly liked the narrow sizing of the walker. 'Those with less space or narrower hallways and doorways at home needn’t worry about trapped fingers or scuffed paintwork,' she explains. The walker holds 45 multi-coloured blocks of varying shapes and sizes. 'It's fantastic for her motor skills, the variety of colours means it keeps her engaged, and the different shapes are great for her development too,' Grace added. 'She enjoys knocking them together, offering them to me, and of course, putting them in her mouth, which I can let her do, thanks to the non-toxic paint. I built a few towers for her, which she gleefully knocked down. I know in time she'll love building towers - and I'll do my best not to get my revenge!'.

Verdict: A quality, wooden product comes at a price but this is well worth the money if your budget allows. 'It's dual use, as both a walker and a toy, thanks to the building blocks,' she said. 'Overall, I would definitely recommend this walker; as long as you aren't after something that is going to stay utterly pristine, it should tick all, if not most, of your boxes.'

Read our Rainbow Cloud Walker review

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Best musical baby walker

Tesed by: Becky Barclay, mum to Charlie, 14 months.

Our baby gear expert says: This walker demonstrates what Fisher-Price does really well: bright, fun, good-quality plastic toys which last. It's designed to grow with your baby from sitting up through to first steps, and it doubles as an entertainment centre as well as a walker.

Our tester, Becky, says: 'As soon as the box was open, Charlie was attracted by the bright colours of this walker and crawled over to investigate – thankfully assembly took just a few minutes, with easy-to-follow instructions and large parts to click together.' 

You’ll need a screwdriver to take off the battery cover, and two AA batteries which aren't included, so don’t forget those. The zebra’s friendly smile, flashing buttons and catchy tunes immediately won over our tester's son, who was keen to explore the different activities designed to support fine motor skills.

'His favourite is the page, which he can flip over to play a counting song on one side and an alphabet song on the other,' says Becky. 'He also likes pushing the walker around, and while its wide-set wheels make it nice and sturdy, it’s light enough for him to turn corners.'

Verdict: While Charlie’s a fan, Becky says she can’t pretend the zebra’s giggle and chatter don’t grate on her a little. Happily, there’s an easy-to-find off switch. 'Good news if you want a break from the tunes or don’t enjoy being urged, in a sing-song voice, to ‘go for a walk’ when you accidentally nudge it with your foot after bedtime,' adds Becky. 'The walker is good quality and not at all flimsy. It feels like it would survive plenty of rough play, and provide a lot of entertainment for the price.'

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How to choose the best baby walker for you

Before you choose which baby walker to buy, consider these factors:

Your baby's age - Most baby walkers are designed for babies aged six months or older. However, all babies develop at different rates so a good indicator that your little one is ready for a walker toy is when they start using the furniture to pull themselves up to a standing position. Some walkers double as activity tables or sit-and-play units so if you choose one of these types of walker toys, you can expect your baby to enjoy playing with it even if they're not yet ready to use it practicing their steps.

Wooden or plastic - Many plastic baby walker toys have battery-operated features such as games, lights, and sound effects for your baby to explore. Babies love to interact with these elements - but you might get tired of hearing the same sounds endlessly on repeat! 

Wooden walkers don't have these 'noisy' electronic elements but usually have play elements, such as stacking blocks or shape sorters, built into the design. Most baby walkers are brightly coloured to capture a baby's interest but wooden walkers in neutral, muted tones are popular with design-conscious parents.

How much room you've got: Some walkers have a very wide wheelbase which means you need a generous amount of floor space to maoeuvre them around. Your baby may get frustrated if they can't pick up much speed before crashing into a wall or piece of furniture. So if you're short on space, choose one of the walkers that we've highlighted as being practical for that scenario, such as the Rainbow Cloud Walker.

Are baby walkers good for babies?

Before they're ready to walk, babies need lots of tummy time to help strengthen the muscles they'll eventually use for rolling over, crawling, and walking. Once your baby starts pulling up to standing and holding on to the furniture to cruise around the room, a baby walker can be a useful tool to help develop those skills. The best baby walkers help build your baby's confidence, ready to take those important first steps.

Some types of baby walker toys are associated with a risk of injury, however. In particular, your baby shouldn't spend long periods in the type of seated baby walker that encourages standing on their tiptoes. You should never leave your baby unattended in a baby walker and experts recommend not using a baby walker for more than 15 or 20 minutes at a time.

What age is best for a baby walker?

This depends on which type of baby walker you choose. Many baby walker toys are suitable for use from six months, but check the age recommendations for the walker you're thinking of buying, to make sure it's safe and appropriate for your baby's age and your child's stage of development.

Having a baby walker among the toys in your baby's playroom or nursery means your little one is likely to gravitate towards it when the time comes for taking those memorable first steps.

How we tested these baby walkers

Our product review testing process is fair, consistent and robust. 

Our Consumer Editor Heidi Scrimgeour came up with a shortlist of the best baby walkers based on her product knowledge and industry research. She looked at the latest offering from the market-leading brands - and as a parenting journalist for 15 years and mother of three, what she doesn't know about baby products isn't worth knowing. She also selected products from a broad range of price points so there's a baby walker toy on this list to suit every budget. 

Next, we called on our pool of parent testers and assigned each of them a baby walker to review with their baby. They tested the product rigorously for at least a month. 

After this, they gave each product a rating out of five for overall performance. We also asked for comprehensive feedback on key factors including design appeal, functionality (how easy is it to assemble and use), portability (how easy is it to carry around the house and how compact when stored), and value for money.

If all that walking is getting a bit tiring, why not check out our round-up of the best pushchairs and best baby carriers. If you’re after other baby kit for your home, we’ve also got a guide to the best high chairs and the best baby food makers to make weaning that little bit more easier.

Comfy, easy to put together and packed full of style, the best cot beds keep your baby snug, safe and (hopefully) sleeping easily. 

Any new parent will know, there are hundreds of baby must-haves to consider. From the best newborn prams and the best sleepsuits to the best baby monitors and the best Moses baskets. And choosing between the best bed for your little one joins this list. 

First up: you might be wondering what’s the difference between the best bedside cribs and the best cot beds. Well, the former can only be used up until your baby can sit up or raise themselves up onto their hands and knees. Whereas, a cot bed lasts longer than a traditional cot which needs to be replaced with a bed once your child is around two or three years old. That’s because, as its name suggests, a cot bed converts to a first toddler bed once your baby is ready to leave the bars behind.

In today’s market, there is a never-ending amount of cot beds to choose from. Some come with clever under-the-bed storage where you can stash bedding or nighttime essentials, like nappies. While others come with an adjustable base to prevent your baby from climbing out. Then comes the overall style of the sleep solution. 

Using our more than 20 years' of knowledge in the industry, we've compiled a list of the best cot beds you can buy in 2024. So keep scrolling to find out our pick of the best tried and tested cot beds, all suitable from birth. 

The quick list

In a hurry to find the best cot bed? Here's a quick overview or you can scroll further down the page for more in-depth tried-and-tested reviews.

Best cot bed 2024 — tried and tested by parents 

Best cot bed overall

Tested by: Donna and her seven-month-old Daisy.

Our baby gear expert says: Suitable from birth to four years old, the Little Wren Cot Bed from the Great Little Trading Company is built from solid pine with a white painted finish. It has three mattress height settings, so you can lower the base as your baby gets older. This makes it easy to reach your newborn but also guards against an adventurous toddler from climbing out. The cot has fixed side panels and converts to a first bed, with a toddler rail included. The recommended mattress is sold separately (£125).

This is a timeless, stylish, and robust cot bed. It will look beautiful in any nursery, according to our tester Donna, who is mum to seven-month-old Daisy.

Our tester, Donna, says: "There is a real sense of class about it. It oozes quality and you can tell it will last many years." Donna found the instructions easy to follow when it came to assembling the cot bed. "I put it together on my own during one of Daisy’s shorter naps," she says. "After putting the base too low to start with, I had practice changing the height. It was really straightforward to adjust."

To convert the cot into a toddler bed, you simply remove one of the cot’s side panels and attach the toddler rail supplied. Under-cot storage drawers and a range of matching furniture are available to buy separately if you like the coordinated look.

Verdict: “The stand-out feature of this cot is how robust it is,” says Donna. “It's sturdy but light enough to move around when I'm changing Daisy’s cot sheets. And it really is beautiful to look at.” What more could your little sleeper need?

Read more: Great Little Trading Company Little Wren Cotbed review

Best premium cot bed

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Tested by: Gemma who is mum to Boden, 13 months.

Our baby gear expert says: This is a sturdy and stylish cot bed with three adjustable heights so that you can adjust it as your baby grows. Eventually, you can remove the bars altogether to create a bench-style bed. Our tester Gemma built the cot bed in an hour and found the instructions easy to follow. "The Willox Adjustable Cot Bed is available in two colours – off-white or green – and we opted for green as it looked very unique," she explains.

Our tester, Gemma, says: "I was curious to see the colour in real-life as colours can look different online but I wasn't disappointed. It's a beautiful shade of green. Previously, I had only ever considered a traditional white cot bed but this has totally changed my mind. And even though it's described as vintage, it's a stunning, stylish piece that would look great in a modern nursery."

At bedtime, the cot bed easily stood up to the ‘trampoline test’ inflicted on it by our little tester. "Like many other little ones, Boden loves to hold onto the frame and bounce up and down," says Gemma. "He also uses the bars to pull himself up to a standing position, so the frame takes a lot of his weight. From an online description or photo, you can't always judge how robust baby furniture will be, but the Willox seems very sturdy and well made."

Verdict: Overall, Gemma was wowed by this cot. "Boden seemed very happy and content in it – he drifted off easily and slept well," she says. "The cot is a beautiful, unique addition to our nursery. The only problem is that now we're tempted to buy all the matching furniture!"

Read more: La Redoute Willox Adjustable Cot Bed review

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Best for longevity

Tested by: Kate and her son, Blake, aged six months.

Our baby gear expert says: The SnüzKot Skandi Cot Bed is an elegant cot bed available in 16 different designs and an array of different colours. Longevity is its standout feature, as it can be used from birth up to age four, or until your child is 10 years old if you buy the extension kit (sold separately). The cot has three mattress settings, so you can adjust the height as your little one grows.

Our tester, Kate, says: "It took a while to assemble, but it was worth the effort. It took two of us about 90 minutes to put together but now it's assembled, it goes really well in our nursery and looks amazing. 

"We're really happy with it. My baby seems to like sleeping in it. I feel she's really safe as it's so sturdy. The recommended mattress (£150) is an expensive additional expense but it is very good quality." Although this is a fairly expensive cot bed, our tester thinks it compares well with other similar designs. "It's significantly less expensive than many other similar Scandi-inspired cots, but the fact that it can be used up to age four (or even ten) makes it a true investment piece," she says.

Verdict: The finish on the wood wasn't flawless, according to Kate, but that's likely due to the fact that it's made from natural beech wood with no MDF or veneer.

 The assembled cot looks "really beautiful" and Kate feels it looks more expensive than it is. "This is the ideal cot bed for anyone who loves stylishly designed products - if you can cope with it being a little fiddly to assemble," she says.

 "And if you're looking for a contemporary cot bed that's the perfect balance of aesthetics and long-lasting functionality, this is it."

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Best quality

Tested by: Michelle and her son Finn 

Our baby gear expert says: Classic in its design, kitted out with a smart panelled look and painted in a timeless matt cream, we named the Nostalgia Cot bed as the best pick for build quality. And it's all thanks to the quality of the solid, sturdy wood materials used. 

Like many of the other cot beds in this guide, this nursery addition can be used from newborn to toddlerhood — but this cot will take sleepers right up until the age of four. To do so, you'll just have to adjust the height levels for your baby's safety and comfort and then, when they're ready, adapt into a cot bed for your toddler. 

Our tester, Michelle, says: "I would recommend the cot bed to friends who have boisterous toddlers this is a safe and sturdy cot that is immovable by toddlers who might grab the sides and try to rock it."

Another plus point was the assembly process. "It came with a bespoke Allen key which was really handy for the trickier-to-reach corner screws," Michelle explains. With clear instructions and a simple build, the cot was built in just twelve minutes. "I like that the slats for the mattress are fixed, that gives it a quality feel and it wasn't fiddly to line them up or secure them in place," she adds. 

However, our tester found one fault with this product and that's the extensive packaging. "The cot arrived in two tall and heavy cardboard boxes which had everything we needed to build the item," Michelle told us. 

Verdict: "The cot bed is sturdy and feels solid which is comforting to know that there is no way my toddler could tip it or rock it," Michelle says. "We were impressed by the overall finish." It comes with a £650 RRP, so it's an expensive addition to any nursery. But this is a price our tester thought was 'good value for money' when you factor in the years that it will be in use for. "Knowing it could take your baby from newborn to four years old makes it an investment piece of nursery furniture that can evolve with your family needs," she says. "Overall it is so smart and elegant to look at and I was excited for my son to get cosy and comfortable in his new bed," Michelle adds. 

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Best Budget

Tested by: Emma and her one-year-old son Charlie.

Our baby gear expert says: This simple but stylish solid pine cot bed is suitable from birth to three years. It comes with a mattress included and has an in-built storage drawer. In terms of value for money, this is one of the best cot beds you could buy.

Our tester wasn't expecting this to be a premium product. However, she was pleasantly surprised when she put it to the test with her one-year-old son, Charlie. 

Our tester, Emma, says: "The quality was beyond what I expected for the price," she says. "It's a lovely, simple design that looks great in my son's room."

The cot bed was easy to assemble, although the instructions are a little complicated. However, adjusting the base height and converting the cot to a toddler bed is very straightforward.

But the large storage drawer and adjustable base are what make this one of the best cot beds if you're on a budget. "A storage drawer is a feature I'd expect on a premium cot bed, not a budget model – it's so useful and helps make a busy toddler's mess a bit more manageable," she says. "I felt confident loading it with blankets, toys and all sorts of things I want hide neatly out of sight. I really like that there's an extra base panel for when the mattress position is higher, too. This keeps the contents of the drawer covered, so the sleek, minimal design isn't spoiled."

Emma found the cot rattled when her toddler shook the sides. The finish is also a little less luxurious than other cots – something we'd expect, given that this cot bed costs less than £150. "The screws that hold the bed together are visible on the edges of the wood, which detracts a little from the overall minimal, stylish look," she says. "The edge of the toddler bed guard also seems a little sharp on the corners."

Verdict: That said, if you're buying a cot bed on a budget and want more than the basics in terms of style and design without spending more, this is definitely one of the best cot beds for you.

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Best for assembly

Tested by: Annie and her 12-week-old Leo.

Our baby gear expert says: Mamas & Papas Franklin Cot Bed is available in white or grey. It has an under-bed storage drawer to help stash away bedding and a handy hanging rail for storing muslins or blankets. It's suitable from birth to four years, and the adjustable base has two height positions. Teething rails are included.

Our tester, Annie, says: "My first impressions were that it looked very stylish and the drawer would come in very handy. The whole process from delivery to assembly couldn't have been easier. This is a beautiful, stylish cot bed that will save you money and a lot of hassle in the long run."

Happily, putting the cot together was a doddle. "We've put together many many flat packs in the past, but none of those compares to how easy this was to assemble," Annie says. "The instructions were so easy to read and every element was labelled alphabetically, making it foolproof - even for those who've never put together flat-pack furniture!"

Our tester's favourite feature is the storage drawer. "This may seem like a minor detail, but when you have limited storage space in your home, a drawer beneath the cot is a major help. I keep bed sheets, blankets, swaddles and towels in it."

Verdict: Overall, Annie feels this is a classy and well-made cot bed. "At first glance, this seems a bit pricey, especially if you're on a budget," she says. "But you can see the quality and craftsmanship the moment you look at it. It's a real statement piece. I haven't stopped talking about it or taking photos of it. I am genuinely so happy with this cot bed and would recommend it to anyone."

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Best budget buy

Tested by: Gabrielle and her daughter Milla, aged two.

Our baby gear expert says: The Midi Cot Bed from Mokee impressed us with its longevity – it's suitable from birth up to age five. Highly affordable, it comes in four colours with lots of matching accessories available to buy separately. That's handy if you're kitting out a nursery and want to coordinate your look to match your cot. It's made from high-quality beechwood with a removable panel to transform the cot into a toddler bed. It also has an impressive range of mattress base positions (seven in total), depending on the age and size of your baby.

Our tester, Gabrielle, says:  "The open, slatted design makes it easy to check on your sleeping child, and the mattress seems very good quality and comfortable. We tested this as a toddler bed by removing the panel, and our daughter took to it really well. I think she likes the feeling of being in a cot whilst having the accessibility of a bed. She's now had six nights' undisturbed sleep, which is a miracle!"

There are times when a budget buy can be a false economy. There's little point in buying a cheaper model if you'll only end up replacing it because it doesn't stand the test of time. But that's not an issue with this cot bed. Whether you're kitting out the nursery on a budget or just don't want to spend over the odds on the cot, this is the ideal cot bed solution for saving money.

Verdict: When it comes to value for money, Gabrielle was particularly impressed with this cot bed. "It combines affordability with style and safety, which is obviously so important with baby products. It's excellent value for money but it looks great in our baby's room," she told us. 

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Best cot with wheels

Tested by: Jill who is mum to Grace, aged six months.

Our baby gear expert says: The Oasis Oval Cot by Boori is a distinctive, curved cot bed made from sustainable solid wood. It has two base heights; a high setting for babies and a lower level for pre-toddlers. It converts easily from a cot to a stylish toddler bed or sofa. Unlike any of the other cot beds we tested, this has lockable castors. This means it's easy to move between rooms. Alternatively, you can position it close to your bed at night instead of using a Moses basket or bedside crib.

Our tester, Jill, says she found the cot "exceedingly easy" to put together. "That's a real bonus for a time-stretched parent," she says. The oval design was a particular hit. "When Grace rolls around in the cot, she doesn't get stuck in a corner as she might in a rectangular cot," she says.

"The shape also means the cot bed can take centre stage in a child's bedroom, rather than being shoved up against a wall. It's also smaller than many cots, so it's good for a smaller nursery. Also, the fact that it's suitable from birth is a huge selling point. Since it's so compact, it doesn't feel too overbearing next to the bed. This means you could realistically use it instead of a bedside crib."

Another advantage of the size and shape of this cot is the fact that it fits through standard door frames. This means it's super easy to move into a nursery or toddler bedroom when the time comes for your little one to sleep in their own room.

And when your child becomes a toddler, one end can be removed and you can add a foot bar so the child can climb in and out. Later on, you'll also have the option of removing the side to turn the bed into a child's sofa. "I am a little nervous that entry via the foot of the bed may be slightly bizarre for a toddler," says Jill. "Also, it may be tricky when she needs to get out of bed quickly. However, it's great that you don't have to worry about little ones falling out of bed, or buy a separate bed guard."

Verdict: Thanks to its compact design, this Oasis Oval Cot by Boori is a great fit for those short on space and love the look of something a bit different. It will also suit little sleepers who tend to move around in their sleep, as the oval design means they won't get 'stuck'. 

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Best for small rooms

Tested by: Catherine and her son Robin, aged 19 months.

Our baby gear expert says: This 'mini' model is smaller than standard cot beds, so it's ideal for smaller bedrooms. It's also a good choice if you're looking for a neutral cot bed that will look good alongside existing nursery decor or furniture.

The Coleby Mini Cotbed is designed for use up to around four years of age. It has three mattress positions, meaning you can lower the base to prevent your little one from climbing out. When it's time to move on from a cot, it's easy to convert to a toddler bed. For extra storage, an under drawer is sold separately. A cot top changer is also available in the same range.

Our tester, Catherine liked the compact design and neutral colour. In addition, she found it easy to assemble. 

Our tester, Catherine, says: "It's a sleek and stylish cot bed that would look good in any nursery. It's also narrow enough to fit through a standard doorway without needing to be taken apart and reassembled. That means it's handy if you plan to move it into another bedroom in future.

"However, one of the screw holes hadn't been drilled all the way through and the paint finish was a little patchy in places, but I had this assembled by myself in less than 50 minutes."

If you're looking for a cot bed that's robust enough to suit an energetic toddler, this is one of the best cot beds you could go for. "It feels very solid and well built, with very little 'give' in the structure," says Catherine. "My 'wriggle bum toddler puts it through its paces by thrashing about at night and trying to wobble the sides when he wakes up. So far, it has coped with everything he's thrown at it."

Verdict: Overall, this is a good choice if you have a small nursery or bedroom. It's impressively sturdy and built to last, yet super affordable.

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10. Best sleigh bed design

Tested by: Vicky and her six-month-old baby, Alicia.

Our baby gear expert says: The Snowdon is a sleigh bed in style, but it doesn't have the bulky, chunky feel that you usually get from this type of cot bed. Instead, it has a slim, streamlined aesthetic but it doesn't skimp on space-saving storage which is neatly tucked away under the bed with a wheel-out storage drawer. 

This cot bed is also easy to assemble and it has a bed base that's adjustable through three different settings as your child grows.

Our tester, Vicky, says: "The Snowdon is a sleigh bed that doesn't take up the entire room. And it's great that it adapts to become a toddler bed, so we'll get years of use out of it. 

"My son has just turned three and is still in the bed part of his old cot, so a cot bed is a good investment for several years. I also really like the look of the Snowdon Classic when it's set up as a toddler bed."

The under-bed storage drawer also makes it a good option if you're battling with a smaller space. "Babies need so much stuff that you end up having to pack things under their cot," our tester says. "Having the drawer means you can put it away neatly and roll it back out for access, rather than scrabbling around under the cot to find things stored there."

While the Ickle Bubba Snowdon Cotbed is on the pricier side, its value comes in the years of use you'll get from it. "It's not cheap," says Vicky. "But it has a simple, stylish design, and the storage drawer is genuinely useful, particularly if you need a cot bed for a small nursery."

Verdict: The higher price point wouldn't put Vicky off from recommending it to friends: "It's stylish but not too bulky, and overall it looks and feels of good quality. It will last for years so it's good value." 

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11. Best Scandi style

Tested by: Charlie and her 13 month old, Seb.

Our baby gear expert says: Stokke is a premium brand for children's products such as high chairs and nursery equipment and the Stokke Sleepi Cot Bed is another great example of this quality-led Scandi business. 

Made from 100% beech wood and coming with a smooth oval finish, this is a premium product. Stokke produces the 'Mini' cot, which is suitable from birth. The Sleepi is the next size up, and is suitable for children up to five years old. Our tester particularly liked the look of this cot bed and also the way it can 'grow' with the child - as the side can be removed to turn it into a toddler bed.

Our tester, Charlie, says: "Once put together, the design was very stylish — the natural colourway looked great in Seb's room, and I think it would work well with most nursery palettes. The quality of the mattress felt really good - it was firm, and even withstood a few bouncing sessions from Seb!".

"The quality of the wood was also really good - again, with a toddler who has a tendency to chew on things, it retained its freshness while we were reviewing it and didn't come away with too many scratches and dents."

Verdict: This is perfect for someone who is happy to spend a little bit more on a premium product that's stylish and a long-term investment. "I have - friends who are expecting I've suggested getting the Mini and then expanding it to the Sleepi so that they have a product that'll last their little one for years and they're not spending out on multiple cots like many of us do," Charlie says. "It's more expensive than some other cots but lasts a long time and is really good quality."

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12. Best for storage

Tested by: Grace and her 11 month old daughter. 

Our baby gear expert says: It's important to note that this cot bed is very large in size. So if you have a small nursery, this might not be the best cot bed for you. Size aside,  this roomy cot bed has an impressive (and traditional) sleigh design. We love the fact that it comes with plenty of great extras like a gigantic storage drawer, a teething rail and three adjustable heights. This means it grows with your child up to the age of four.

Our tester, Grace, says: "We knew the Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cot Bed was going to be generously sized by looking at the measurements online before its arrival, but we were still surprised to see it arrived in three separate, and very large, boxes."

Despite its bulky size, Grace found the cot bed easy to assemble. "All the pieces were well packaged, with no damage or dents. It took us about ten minutes to unpack everything, and take all the empty boxes outside," she said. 

"It only took 20-30 minutes to put together, as each side piece and base can be reassembled. There were no slats to put into place ourselves. Everything we needed, aside from a screwdriver, was in the box, including an Allen key. The drawer was also easy to put together."

Grace liked the subtle teething rail - essential when little ones start gnawing on everything in sight. "On this top bar comes a plastic rail, which was already attached, and is especially made to be safe for baby or child to chew on while they're teething. This means that their teeth are protected, and the wood of the cot is protected too!" 

Verdict: It's worth noting that, while you get everything you need with this large cot, you don't need it all at the same time and there will be parts that you'll have to store away.  

Therefore, due to its relatively large size, it would be better for someone who has a larger nursery and plenty of space. Grace thought that the Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed would also suit 'someone who is looking for a long-lasting cotbed that doesn't scrimp on appearance or bonus features.'

• Read more: Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cot Bed Review 

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5 things to consider before buying a cot bed

1. A cot bed saves you money
The benefit of a cot bed is obvious; it converts from a cot to a bed. This means you won't need to buy a toddler bed when your baby outgrows the cot and is ready to start sleeping in a big bed. In other words, you'll save money. And who doesn't like doing that?!

2. A cot bed helps your child cope with change
But the other advantage of a cot bed is that it can help your little one to make the transition from sleeping in a cot to moving into a bed. It's a big change for a little one, and the familiarity of going to sleep in the same piece of furniture can help to smooth this important transition.

3. Check the cot bed dimensions before you buy
Before you decide which is the best cot bed, remember that your baby should sleep in the same room as you for the first six months of life. That means it's important to check the dimensions of the cot bed to ensure it will fit in your bedroom if you plan to use if from birth. Some cot beds are bulkier than others so if you're short on space in your room, choose one of the more compact models. Alternatively, you could use a Moses basket beside your bed for the first six months and then move your baby into a cot bed in the nursery.

4. Don't forget to think about the visuals
It's easy to get caught up in the spec or the safety features when you're shopping for the best cot bed but don't forget to consider the design and style of your baby's room. Since a cot bed will be in use for longer than a standard cot, choose one that will suit the look and feel of your little one's first bedroom.

5. Location, location, location
Also, think about where you plan to position your baby's cot or toddler's cot bed. A cot or cot bed should be kept well away from radiators to reduce the risk of your baby overheating. Never place a cot near windows or looped window blind cords either if you have them, as these are a safety risk.

How to choose the best cot bed

There are three factors to take into consideration when deciding which is the best cot bed for you:

• Price - Work out your budget, taking into account that you won't need to fork out for a toddler bed at a later date if you choose a cot bed.
• Size - Measure the space where you'll be using the cot. The safest place for your baby to sleep during the first six months is in a bed of their own in same room as you, but after six months your baby can sleep in a cot in a room of their own. Don't forget to check it fits both rooms!
• Functionality - Decide which features are essentials and which you can live without. A storage drawer is handy for keeping spare bedding, nappies and sleepsuits, especially if you're short on storage space, but think carefully about this is an important design feature that you're willing to pay more for. 

Cot bed safety

• Cot bars: These should be vertical, with a distance of no more than 6.5cm between the bars. This is to ensure your baby's limbs don't get stuck between the bars.
• Depth and space: The distance between the top of the mattress and the top of the cot sides should be at least 50cm, to help prevent your baby from climbing out of the cot.
• Circulation: Some experts recommend cots with four sides that have bars (instead of just two and two enclosed sides) to allow air to circulate freely around your baby.

Not only does the cotbed need to comply with a variety of rules and regulations; the mattress does too.

• New is best: Buying a new mattress is strongly recommended. It must be clean, dry, free from cracks and tears with no sagging.
• Firm: Choose a firm mattress rather than a soft one, and make sure it's no thinner than 8cm.
• Size matters: There are two sizes of cot mattresses – standard and continental. Check which one will fit the cotbed you choose.
• Hygiene: It’s a good idea to choose a mattress with a removable, machine-washable cover. We hate to mention it, but nappies sometimes leak! A mattress protector is also a good idea for the same reason.

Our review process

Our Deputy Editor Heidi Scrimgeour came up with a shortlist of cot beds based on her product knowledge and industry research. She looked at the latest offering from the market-leading brands - and as a mum of three and a parenting journalist for 15 years, what she doesn't know about baby products isn't worth knowing. 

Next, she selected the final product line-up from a broad range of price points to ensure there's a best cot bed recommendation here to suit all budgets. Then, we called on our pool of reliable parent testers and assigned them each a cot bed to review with their baby. They tested the product rigorously for at least two weeks but often much longer.

After this, our parent testers gave each product a rating out of five for overall performance. We also asked for comprehensive feedback on key factors including design appeal, functionality, sturdiness, value for money, and how easy each cot bed was to assemble and convert to a toddler bed. We used all of this feedback to create this best cot bed buying guide and the accompanying in-depth product reviews.

Read more about how we test to see why you can rely on our guidance. 

Once you've settled on the best cot bed, take a look at our guide to choosing the best cot mattress. If you're not convinced a cot bed is right for you, read about the best Moses baskets and the best bedside cribs instead. And to prep for some seriously sound sleeping, check out the best baby monitors and the best baby sleeping bags.

Using the best sunscreen for your face every day, rain or shine is an essential aspect of skincare.

All experts agree that using the best sun creams is a non-negotiable way of keeping your skin safe. According to Harley Street consultant dermatologist Dr Ophelia Veraitch, “Our faces are exposed to UV light and visible light on a daily basis. UVA causes skin ageing and hyperpigmentation. UVB causes damage that increases the risk of developing skin cancer. The skin is exposed to these factors on a daily basis, no matter what the season or whether you’re inside or outside - rays can penetrate through clouds and windows.”

Not only is it important to use sunscreen to prevent skin cancer symptoms, studies show that sun damage accounts for 80% of signs of ageing. Thankfully, sun creams have come a long way - the best sunscreen for your face is now as light and comfortable as your best moisturisers, while doing some essential shielding. We narrowed down our favourite picks and spoke to several dermatologists to get their expert take on each buy. 

What to consider when looking for the best sunscreen for your face

• Star rating: Our in-house star-rating system is based on peer reviews. They’ve tried and tested the sunscreens and awarded stars based on factors such as product quality, ease of use, customer feedback, awards and value for money. Products that have received a 5 star status are rare and considered exceptional, going above and beyond our reviewer’s expectations.
• The type of sunscreen and the level of protection it offered: With sunscreen being such an important product, we wanted to make sure that every buy on this list offered high levels of protection. We considered both chemical and physical formulas (with an explainer on both below), and opted for a minimum of factor 30 protection. Dr. Veraitch doesn't advise going below 30, she explains "I recommend an SPF50 daily, as it provides the most effective protection. However, for those prone to skin congestion and acne I am more flexible in my advice and advise that lower SPF can be advisable, down to SPF30."
• The wearability of the formula: There's no use buying the best sunscreen for your face if you're not going to actually use it. For the formula to really work it has to be one that you really want to wear - we only picked options that felt really comfortable to wear, that didn't feel greasy or sticky, and sat nicely under makeup. 
• Cruelty-free: More and more beauty brands have realised that testing on animals is not a humane or sustainable practice. We’re keen to select products from brands that follow this ethos.

The best sunscreens for your face, picked by our beauty team and dermatologists

As we've already touched upon, mineral sunscreens have previously had a bad reputation for being thick, difficult to rub in and leaving a white cast. Luckily Dr Dennis is debunking all those myths for us, having created a mineral sunscreen that’s easily absorbed and suitable for all skin tones. 

We were concerned that a high factor, mineral sunscreen would result in breakouts, but there were no spots to be found, even on typically oily areas across the T-zone. The texture is light and comfortable, and as an added benefit, it's packed with antioxidants like bearberry, sea buckthorn, lingonberry, and ferulic acid. And these work behind the scenes to banish the pesky free radicals which can speed up the ageing process.

Dermatologist verdict: "It's a physical sunscreen suitable for all skin types but especially dry skin," Dr Anton Alexandroff, a Doctify-reviewed dermatologist explains. "It's also non-comedogenic which means it's safe for acne-prone skin too. Plus it is made by an experienced dermatologist and is very hydrating."

SPF and oily skin don’t tend to play nicely together. And if you’re anything like me, you’re more likely to bring home a face full of tiny white heads from your holiday than a glowing tan. Enter Heliocare. The oil-free formula glides onto skin before becoming quickly dry to the touch. Once on, we found it sits nicely under make-up, and doesn’t contribute to the dreaded 3pm shine. It didn't block our pores either, leaving skin clear and fresh. The colour is ever-so-slightly tinted, which makes it a great all-rounder for all skin tones.

Dermatologist verdict: "I’m a huge fan of Heliocare 360 as the range genuinely offers something for everyone and their preference e.g. spray, cream, gel etc," says consultant dermatologist Dr Emma Wedgeworth. "It features Fernblock, a unique ingredient which harnesses natural plant power to defend skin cells from damage caused by the sun and protecting our skin cell DNA, alongside a Bioshield system that protects skin against visible light - like our own melanin, but much more powerful."

For high-quality facial sun cream, La Roche Posay's SPF 50+ Anthelios Ultra Comfort Cream is one of the best out there. Although it comes with a higher price tag, it's worth investing in if you really struggle with dry skin due to it's added hydrating powers. The ingredients create a lightweight cream which provides a spectrum of defence against harmful UVA, UVB and infrared radiation, while also moisturising the skin and helping to create a healthy complexion.

Dermatologist verdict: This is a great sunscreen that provides protection against infrared, UVA, UVB radiation which helps protect against skin cancers as well as photoaging," Dr Suchitra Chinthapalli tells us, consultant dermatologist at The Harley Street Dermatology Clinic. "It's hydrating and applies easily. It's particularly useful if you have dry skin."

We love Piz Buin's facial sun cream as it was designed alongside dermatologists, with sensitive skin in mind. This means that it's really effective in preventing prickly sensations and blotchiness caused by UV rays on the skin. It offers sun protection along with the brand's unique anti-irritant shield, helping our skin to become more resistant to the sun in the long term. Plus it's both water and sweat resistant, making it a good contender for hotter days. We loved using this on a particularly sweltering summer day, skin felt comfortable and soothed.

Dermatologist verdict: "This is designed for sunsensitive skin, and also sensitive and itchy skin making it a good pick overall," says dermatologist Dr Anton Alexandroff. "Water and sweat resistant, it contains powerful antioxidants to protect against UVB and UVA damage."

5. Ultrasun UV Face & Scalp Mist SPF50

Be honest, do you really take your sun cream all the way to your hairline, or does the prospect of greasy hair cause you to stop halfway up your forehead? If that sounds like you, you’re not alone. In fact, according to Ultrasun MD Abi Cleeve, this is one of the sites where skin cancer is becoming most prevalent. To help you ensure you’re getting the best possible protection, without compromising on your roots, this lightweight spray has been designed as an extra step. Abi adds that it's a mix of between mineral and chemical sunscreen to reap the most rewards: "At Ultrasun we look for an optimal balance between the two, so we look at smaller particles of titanium and zinc that will physically stop the sun’s rays, combined with chemical absorbers in a quantity and a level that the skin can cope with."

We've been keeping one in our bag, and one on our desks, for fuss-free top-ups whenever and wherever necessary. It’s completely transparent, so won’t leave you with tell-tale white dots on your skin.

Dermatologist verdict: "This contains InfraGuard which combines organic sunflower shoots and powerful antioxidants from the tara tree," Dr Anton tells us. "This means it protects from both infrared and visible blue light. It's a quick drying transparent spray which can be worn over or under cosmetics." 

Released in 2021, this is Eucerin’s first medical SPF, and boy does it pack a punch. Instead of simply protecting skin against UVA and UVB damage, it has been specifically formulated to prevent non-melanoma skin cancers including actinic keratosis too. Actinic Keratosis appears on the skin as dry, scaly spots and is often clay-like in colour. It can become malignant if left untreated. Remember to check your skin regularly for any changes, and visit your GP if you’re concerned. As for the formula, we found it to be impressively lightweight for an SPF 100. The yellowish colour absorbs quickly with no white cast.

Dermatologist Verdict: "The highly effective combination of high UVA/UVB protection and broad-spectrum filters offers our consumers maximum sun protection," explains Dr. Gitta Neufang, Chief Innovation and Medical Officer at Beiersdorf. "As intensive protection is important in particular for skin, which is already damaged, we also tested its skin tolerance on patients with skin which is sensitive to the sun and with actinic keratosis."

If you’re on a budget, Garnier Ambre Solaire Anti-Dryness Super UV is a real bargain. It’s suitable for all skin types but really earns its keep when used on skin that’s sensitive, dry, or easily irked. There’s no added fragrance and it won’t sting if some does end up near your eyes.  As for the texture, we found it was slippery, but not greasy, so you don’t need a huge amount to get a decent layer of coverage. The addition of glycerin helps skin to hold onto moisture, even in warm, drying conditions.

Dermatologist verdict: "It's an affordable synthetic sun cream that's great for dry skin as it hydrates skin and makes skin smooth," dermatologist Dr Anton Alexandroff summarises.

Nivea's specialist face sun cream is another great option. It's specially formulated to create a long-lasting, mattifying effect, meaning that you can wear it under makeup and avoid the classic greasy shine that many sun creams create. It's lightweight and immediately absorbs excess oils from the surface of your skin, meaning that it's one of the best sunscreens for your face if prone to acne. Our blemish-prone tester loved the texture of this, and the grease-free finish.

Dermatologist verdict: "I tend to use ‘Nivea for Kids’ but will be giving this a try," says Dr Adam Friedmann, a consultant dermatologist at Stratum Clinics. "My criteria for use is that it is a high SPF, so 30 or above, it has a high UVA star rating, it goes on easy with no ghosting/whiteness, it lasts well in water and doesn’t sting the eyes too much. This ticks all those boxes"

We love a product that does just as it says on the bottle, and this SPF really does deliver a silk-like consistency. It’s lovely and light and feels cool on the skin, which is a welcome treat on warm days. The finish is quite luminous, which might not suit all tastes, but definitely gave our lackluster skin a pick-me-up. Use the built-in pipette to easily dispense a few drops onto the back of your hand before liberally massaging in. It pays to use extra on your hands too, as these can be one of the first places to show signs of ageing.

Dermatologist verdict: Dr Anton Alexandroff likes the fact that this "contains plant stem cells and antioxidants" which boost skin health and growth. He adds: "This has BlueScreen Digital De-Stress technology to protect against high energy visible blue light plus infrared light as well as UVB and UVA." Aka the more pollutant protection the better.

We have tried a lot of sunscreens over the years, but none deliver quite like Murad. The Invisiblur Perfecting Shield is a real favourite of the Goodto team, mainly as it doesn’t feel at all like sunscreen. It has a luxurious, velvety texture and creates such a smooth canvas that it doubles as a primer as well. We like wearing it on no-make-up days too to take the edge off of large pores and other imperfections. If that’s not enough to sway you, the skincare benefits might. Mushroom peptides and cucumber extracts work behind the scenes to restore firmness and moisture.

Dermatologist verdict: Though "expensive" Dr Anton recommends this for "all skin but especially combination because it primes skin and minimises pores and fine lines. It's ideal before make up."

Can’t face the idea of adding another step to your beauty regime? This two-in-one make-up setting spray and SPF might just be the best facial sunscreen for you. It’s pricey, but we think it's a treat to use, flexing an expensive-feeling mist action that evenly dispenses product across your face and neck. It looks good too, with light-diffusing silicones leaving skin looking like it’s been graced by a soft-focus filter. It is quite mattifying, which works well for oily and combination skin, but may give too flat a finish if your complexion is naturally dry.

Dermatologist verdict: "It's a mineral sunscreen and this makes it a good fit for those with sensitive skin. I also like that it is water resistant for up to 80 minutes," says dermatologist Dr. Anton.

The brand that brought us their game-changing, spot-reducing stickers are at it again, this time formulating a gentle sunscreen especially for those with sensitive or breakout-prone complexions. Going one step further than being simply non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t block your pores) it also contains tea tree oil, a natural anti-inflammatory with anti-bacterial properties. The formula contains a mix of both mineral and chemical filters, creating a physical barrier to UV whilst absorbing additional and turning it into heat instead. Word of warning - it appears shockingly white when it comes out of the pipette, but quickly dials down to a transparent finish as you rub it in. It’s lightweight, and doesn’t make your face feel hot or caked in product. The finish is smooth and silky with a subtle glow. The ideal base for make-up.

Dermatologist verdict: Dr Anton Alexandroff likes this mineral-chemical hybrid for it's added spot fighting powers. "It helps to treat spots, hydrates skin, lightens dark spots and protects against new dark spots." Win win.

Hyaluronic acid is a hero hydrator that can hold up to 1000 times its own weight in water. It occurs naturally in the skin, but stocks deplete as we age, so doubling down with skincare will only make your complexion feel plumper. This SPF is full of the good stuff, and for that reason left our skin feeling fresh and glowy. A little goes a long way, so apply slowly, you can always add more. Because of the added skincare benefits, there’s no need to layer over a moisturiser or serum unless you think your skin needs it.

Dermatologist verdict: "I recommend any of the sunscreens listed by La Roche Posay," says Dr Abha Gulati, a consultant dermatologist at Stratum Clinics. "They are effective and are developed to suit patients with and without skin sensitivities or problems. For example, the range includes products for acne-prone skin, atopic dermatitis, pigmentation and some contain anti-aging compounds."

We love it when products can multitask by having a couple of benefits in one, and this is the best sunscreen for your face that certainly delivers across multiple fields. The secret is the addition of hardworking Vitamin C, which will help brighten any pigmentation or dullness, and also protect skin from damage caused by pollution. As for the formula itself, it's an incredibly lightweight texture that sinks in quickly and leaves no white cast. 

Dermatologist verdict: Harley Street consultant dermatologist Dr Ophelia Veraitch, rates this formula. "This contains hyaluronic acid and glycerin which are great for maintaining the skin barrier," she says. "It also contains vitamin C which is an excellent antioxidant, and particularly good to prevent and treat hyperpigmentation. I like that it has a very thin formulation, so it's not so congesting for breakout or acne prone skin."

You don't have to spend a lot of money to get the best sunscreen for your face, and this buy proves it. The beauty team are big fans of this light, comfortable formula that feels more like a moisturiser than a sunscreen. It also has the benefit of being fragrance-free and waterproof, meaning it's suitable for sensitive skin and will last through hot summer days. 

Dermatologist verdict: Dr. Veraitch's verdict is, "It is water resistant so good for summer holidays. For water-resistant SPF I advise applying it in the hotel room before going outside to the pool, as this allows time for the SPF to dry onto the skin. I like that this formulation is fragrance-free too. I will however note that it contains octocrylene which isn't reef safe, so I wouldn't advise wearing it when in the sea."

How we tested the best sunscreen for your face

For the purpose of finding the best sunscreen for your face, we did a lot of testing. We wanted to try options at all price points, so tried products from budget brands all the way through to the high-end, luxury picks. We tested each buy for a minimum of two days to give them a really rigorous testing, and to fully test out how they each felt on skin. 

We've looked at the ingredient list, checked the prices and SPF levels, then considered our thoughts on the application and how well it absorbs. This is in addition to considering other skin factors too, like products being non-comedogenic (won't block pores), anti-aging, and moisture-adding. 

For our final test step, we consulted the experts - a team of trusted dermatologists - who looked at all the science and signed off on the products' pros and cons. The list you see is a rigorously compiled list that takes all of these into account, ranked in star order.

How to choose the best sunscreen for your face

The best sunscreen for your face is dependent on your skin tones, as people with different colourings have differing needs and requirements. “The Fitzpatrick scale classifies skin colour and its ability to tan into six skin types ranging from type 1 skin (fair skinned, blonde/red headed) to type 6 skin (black African/Caribbean skin),” says Dr Adam Fridmann, Consultant Dermatologist at The Harley Street Dermatology Clinic.

“Those at the lower end with paler skin will only ever burn, or tan minimally, however, those people with darker skin at the mid or higher end of the scale have a natural ability to produce melanin to protect the skin and tan easily. SPF 15 is fine for those with olive or darker skin types and SPF 30 for most white, Caucasian skin. Very fair pale skin could benefit from increasing the SPF to 50."

Unfortunately, not all sunscreen manufacturers have cottoned on to the importance of suitable shades for all skin tones. For that reason, if you’re at the higher end of the Fitzpatrick scale, you may find that some sunscreens for face leave you with a white cast. Formulas that are lightweight, or describe themselves as “invisible” or “suitable for all skin tones” are the best options here.

We spoke to the following skincare experts:

Choosing a new scent for your dad or partner is no easy task, but our guide to the best aftershaves for dads is here to help. If he needs a new fragrance, we've got just the thing. Noses at the ready!

Selecting one of the best aftershaves for dads is a highly subjective endeavour, much like choosing the best perfume or the top long-lasting perfume. What works for one person may not suit another, and a scent that smells wonderful on one person might not be as appealing on someone else. That’s why we’ve curated a diverse collection of fragrances to ensure you find something both you and he will love. From woody and citrusy aromas to earthy notes and fresh fragrances, there's something in this guide as unique as the loved one you're shopping for.

Our selection includes tried-and-true favourites from renowned brands like Hugo Boss and Jean Paul Gaultier, as well as new and affordable options like Marks & Spencer's Smoked Oud Eau De Toilette, available for just £10 if you act quickly!

Looking for more Father's Day inspiration? Check out our recommendations for the best Father's Day gifts that dads will adore. 

Best aftershaves for dads 2024

Looking for more guidance on the perfect gifts for your dad or partner? We've curated the best best Father's Day gift ideas for 2024 that dads will truly love, along with a special selection of the best gifts for new dads.

The best babywearing coats are multi-tasking wardrobe buys designed to keep you, your bump and your baby cosy, no matter the weather.

Babywearing coats come in a variety of lengths, colours, fabrics and styles, and solve the sartorial dilemma of how to keep warm while babywearing in the colder months, and on wet, windy days.

The best babywearing coats will also help keep your baby comfortable, toasty and dry when you’re babywearing. (As anyone who’s ever gotten drenched when out and about with their baby in a carrier will tell you, this is a very good thing.)

Babywearing coats are designed to be adaptable and adjustable. Plus, they come in timeless, classic silhouettes that won’t go out of style, so these wardrobe buys translate into “everyday outerwear” long after the pregnancy and babywearing stages have come and gone.

Babywearing allows parents to go hands-free when out and about, and researchers suggest babywearing may have myriad additional benefits – both physical and emotional – for parents and their little ones.

Babywearing coats and jackets accommodate a body’s changes through pregnancy. Many feature adjustable details like drawstring ties and empire waists to fit comfortably over a growing bump. Thanks to a detachable kangaroo panel which provides warmth and waterproofing for your baby, babywearing coats then shift easily from maternity staple to postpartum essential.

Some babywearing coats will accommodate front as well as back-wearing – suitable for older babies – and they’re roomy enough to fit over slings and wraps, as well as carriers.

As your child grows out of the babywearing stage, the coat becomes everyday outerwear, keeping you cosy as you chase your toddler around the playground. Pretty nifty, huh?

Best babywearing coats 2024: quick list

Babywearing coats may be versatile when it comes to seeing you through the maternity days, newborn months, and well beyond. But with prices typically ranging from £150-£250, they’re still an investment piece, available from brands including Seraphine and Wombat & Co. Consider your personal style and weather needs when choosing the right babywearing coat for you.

Babywearing coats can be winter-warmers in padded down, parka and puffer styles, or shorter teddy jackets, fleeces and hoodies designed to fit over baby carriers. For spring and autumn, or to keep you and little one dry on wet days, lightweight shells and babywearing trench coats are also available. Something to keep in mind: babywearing coats DON’T include baby carriers, which will need to be purchased separately. (Check out our top picks of best baby carriers 2024 for inspo.)

Here’s what our reviewer, Goodto editor in chief, Anna Bailey, and her 18-month-old daughter, Freddie, thought about the comfort, ease and practicality of the best babywearing coats of 2024 …

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The best babywearing coats we recommend in 2024

The best babywearing coat overall

Our baby gear expert says: Wombat & Co is a dedicated babywearing coat specialist brand, with six babywearing coat styles to choose from, including a version designed for babywearing dads.

The Kowari wins points for versatility, since it effectively gives the wearer two jackets in one, which allows for multiple styling options. (And yes, each coat comes with its own detachable baby carrier extension panel.)

Anna says: “This coat is amazing – and incredibly well designed. It’s like a group of mums wrote out a dream wishlist for a maternity and babywearing coat and this is the result – Wombat have thought of everything. All of the coats on this list have their benefits, but this one pretty much covers them all. There’s very little to compromise on.”

The 3-in-1 wind-resistant and water-repellent design can be used for maternity, baby-wearing, and afterwards, allowing new parents to wear their baby at the front, or a toddler on the back.

Featuring a padded outer layer and a detachable thinner one inside, the coats can be worn separately or buttoned together, depending on the season and temperature. (There’s a detachable hood, too.)

The lightweight coat features a high-quality lining, zipped-up inside pocket and toggles, so you can loosen or cinch the sides to accommodate a growing/shrinking bump and growing baby.

The outer padded coat is “like a body warmer with long arms,” Anna notes. It offers a cosy, snug fit, closures around the wrist to help keep out drafts and zipped pockets.

“I’ve been wearing this in spring, and the weather has been so unpredictable. It’s really come in handy a few times when I’ve been caught in the rain. I’ve actually ended up wearing the inner one on the outside – it feels like there are so many combinations. I’ve never heard of a more versatile coat before,” Anna says.

Verdict: Though the price point may be this coat’s biggest downside, if you’re looking for style, comfort, quality and longevity, this coat ticks all the boxes and makes a brilliant investment piece for anyone expecting their first baby. (Or the parent having number two or three, who wishes they’d had something this useful the first time around.)

It’s a high-quality piece that will last for years, and the best part is, you don’t even need to be pregnant or babywearing to enjoy its benefits.

As Anna points out: “Without the extra panels you’d never know it was a maternity coat. I’m really impressed.”

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The best luxury babywearing coat

Our baby gear expert says: Seraphine is a go-to brand for high-quality maternity wear that makes a person feel chic (yes, even at nine months’ pregnant) and like a proper, “grown-up mum.” The retailer has several fashion-forward babywearing coat designs to suit a range of tastes, which work across the seasons.

Anna says: "This feather and down padded coat is just 'like wearing a big hug'. Puffy but not too long or overwhelming, and fitted quite closely to the body." In particular, Anna was impressed by the well-hidden, fitted side panels and zippers, which allow you to widen the coat and make room for your growing child.

“This was perfect for carrying Freddie; she was a late walker and I’ve carried her in this on holiday along the beach at 18 months old, and we had plenty of room," she added.

Seraphine is always good at adding luxe touches that make all the difference.

See: two, generous, fleece-lined side pockets to keep mum’s hands warm. The fleece-lined kangaroo pouch for baby (“Freddie definitely seemed to sink a bit cosier into this coat than the others. Having the slightly shorter length made it easier to work around her and zip up the coat at the bottom,” Anna explains). The high neck and modest (removable) hood. An additional button over the front zip for added wind-resistance.

Verdict: At £209, this is another spenny option, but one you’d never know was a maternity coat. Thanks to its timeless mid-thigh length puffer style and dark colour, it won’t go out of fashion or look too worn out, even after seasons of wear. This coat can easily transition from maternity to carrying jacket to “normal” puffer jacket for years to come. Bonus: for first orders, Seraphine offers a 10% discount via their website.

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The best budget babywearing coat

Our baby gear expert says: Weighing only 500g, Wombat & Co’s Numbat Go is an ultra-light babywearing coat that comes in a range of muted, bright and neutral colours (from pale pink and mint green to bright yellow, navy and black).

The fabric is breathable – great for keeping babywearing parents from feeling overheated – and it’s a particularly useful piece of kit in those pesky transitional weather months when you’re always adding or shedding layers.

Do avoid serious showers in this one – the outer fabric is “water-repellent” as opposed to completely “waterproof.”

Anna says: “This coat is genius. The perfect option if you’re looking for something lightweight, that you can fold away and carry for unexpected showers or a drop in temperature. I’ve kept mine in the base of our buggy, it takes up very little room – and I’ve felt very smug about having it there in times of need.”

A great option for travel, this clever piece of kit will see the wearer through pregnancy, babywearing, beyond… and bonus, it has a detachable strap so it can be folded into a shoulder bag. We’re seriously impressed.

Other highlights include zips at the front and back for carrying on either side – though Anna points out that getting Freddie onto her back was a two-person job. The lack of padding in this babywearing coat made soothing the baby, while babywearing, a breeze.

Verdict: “I’ve loved carrying Freddie while wearing this, and found it a bit easier to comfort her – as the material is so light, it’s been easier to pat her back and stroke her without so much padding between us,” says Anna.

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The best babywearing coat for length

Our baby gear expert says: High street favourites like River Island and H&M also have babywearing styles available, like this snazzy hooded puffer from River Island which gives off designer vibes with its luxe details like a cinched waist belt, velvety high-neck collar, gold-tone hardware and detachable fur trim on the generously-sized hood.

Anna says: “I’ve seen a lot of people wearing this style of coat, but I’ve never really thought it was my kind of look – but, oh my goodness, it’s so unbelievably cosy! Once I tried it on, I didn’t want to take it off. It feels like wearing a sleeping bag, it’s so warm and comfortable.”

Anna praised the coat’s length (even for taller women; she’s 5’9”), high neck, deep pockets with invisible zips and elasticated cuffs – no chance drafts were getting through those. She was able to carry Freddie with ease, and found the style cosy and chic enough to work beautifully as an everyday coat (without the kangaroo panel).

As for its downsides? “With the middle action attached, it does feel quite an overwhelming size – a bit like a tent (although you could say that about a lot of maternity clothes!),” Anna points out. If anyone from the RI design team happens to be reading this, Anna would love to see a version of this style in a matte instead of a shiny finish…

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The best babywearing coat for all year long

Our baby gear expert says: This cotton parka falls squarely in the middle of the Venn diagram of babywearing coats, managing to be both warm and lightweight, so it’s a good choice for warmer as well as colder months.

The neutral khaki hue works with denim or workwear, and the details – faux-leather quilting on the sleeves and pockets, a detachable fur trim – look luxe.

Anna says: “I was very happy to see the extra zips on the front pockets, as I thought these might provide more secure places to store keys – but unfortunately, they’re just for show,” Anna explains.

(Same goes for the buttons on the sleeves.) The zip pulls are also plastic, so don’t feel very secure – and, since the zip on the kangaroo panels curves, it tends to stick, which isn’t ideal when you need to make a speedy exit with a crying baby.

Verdict: “Unfortunately, I don’t think this offers the same level of quality and luxury as other babywearing coats that are on this list at the same price point, or lower,” Anna concludes.

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The best babywearing coat for spring

Our baby gear expert says: Designed to fit women's sizes XS to XL, this cosy jacket features a plush teddy exterior and a soft fleece lining, making it the perfect layer for those days when there's a nip in the air, whether you’re pregnant, carrying your baby, or just out and about. We love that it comes with a neck warmer - and you can buy an extra baby neck warmer too!

Anna says: "This coat also feels very stylish and I love the fabric. It has a teddy material on the outside and soft, fleece lining, making it incredibly cosy. I’m conscious this makes it sound like a winter coat, but I’ve found it perfect for spring mornings and those cold summer nights. It’s a great balance between keeping you warm yet being much more lightweight than a full-on coat - it’s much easier to throw on or carry around when you don’t need it. Another plus is that it’s machine washable. Baby-wearing can be a messy business, so this has been very useful."

On the downside, the fabric isn’t breathable - so Anna recommends thinking carefully about what you wear underneath - lightweight layers are a good idea to avoid overheating. "Also, the cord around the coat is quite long and ended up trailing on the floor a few times while I was adjusting Freddie or was preoccupied with her," Anna adds. "Once I got used to it, I managed to avoid it happening again - but that's something to bear in mind if you’re walking in the mud or through puddles."

Verdict: “The wrap-around design makes it really flexible and easy to adjust, so I was really happy with the fit around my body. I also love how you can pull it in tighter - making it cosier around Freddie on colder and windier days," Anna says.

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What is the best babywearing coat for winter?

In the colder months, babywearing coats with padding, hoods and even additional/removable inner layers can all be useful when it comes to wrapping up warmly.

These babywearing coats often feature extra comfort details, too – fleece-lined pockets and kangaroo panels, for example – as well as cuffed wrists and inner pocket zips to keep you cosy, no matter the weather.

Is it worth getting a babywearing coat?

The perennial question when it comes to investing in maternity and baby gear is “Do I need this… and will it make my life easier if I get it?”

When it comes to babywearing coats, we believe they offer more than initially meets the eye – and more than their names suggest.

Typically, these styles will work throughout nine months of pregnancy, then adapt to the baby-carrying stage. Some designs, like those from Wombat & Co, also allow you to carry your toddler on your back, so that stage lasts even longer. When you’re done babywearing, these coats can be worn as everyday outerwear for as long as you enjoy them.

How to dress when babywearing?

Even on colder days, layering up when babywearing can prove tricky because you’re carrying an infant on you – as Anna says, it can feel like “having a hot water bottle strapped to me at times.”

Babywearing coats help avoid this discomfort and simplify you babywearing wardrobe. Since they’re multitasking pieces, you don’t need to worry about additional winter layers and accessories – most have everything you’ll need right in the coat. Play it by ear depending on the day: detach the hood if it’s not raining or snowing, only wear an inner or outer layer on warmer days, don’t layer up too much underneath a padded parka, etc.

Can a baby wear a coat in a carrier?

While your baby can wear some kind of outerwear — a coat, jacket, or snowsuit, for example — in a baby carrier, keeping them in indoor clothes can minimise the risk of body temperature dysregulation.

This is where babywearing coats come in: kangaroo panels pretty much double as outerwear for your little one.

Depending on which babywearing coat you choose, this can look like a snug winter warmer or a rainproof shell.

The best mood-boosting perfumes come to the rescue when we're in need of a pick-me-up during busy or stressful moments.

If you're a fan of some of the best perfumes of all time, then you'll appreciate the power that scent has on our mind, body and soul. Your sense of smell is closely linked to the part of the brain responsible for emotion and memory, so it's no wonder that fragrance notes can be used as a tool to influence our feelings, as certain scents are renowned for their ability to change our mindsets, moods and totally transport us. "Some of our favourite memories are summer holidays, so scents which nod to these joyful times can bring a dose of positivity," Emilie Bouge, perfumery expert for Miller Harris explains.

We've rounded up 12 of the best mood-boosting perfumes, which also double up as some of the best long-lasting perfumes and the best perfume dupes on the market. All of these mood-altering scents promise to uplift, calm, energise and relax your senses - perfect for busy parents looking for a temporary escape from hectic family life.

12 best mood-boosting perfumes

Citrus scents to feel uplifted and positive

"Citrus scents such as lemon and orange are often associated with feelings of positivity and freshness, so can be a great way to bring some energy and zest to your day when incorporated into your morning routine," explains perfumery expert Emilie Bouge.

Earthy notes will energise you

"When it comes to looking for fragrances that will energize, look for earthy scents that work to stimulate the mind," suggests Bouge. "Peppermint and Rosemary can work well, helping to bring a boost and keep you feeling alert. Ginger is another energising scent that has a warming, spicy aroma and can help to improve circulation and boost energy levels."

Florals make you feel grounded and calm

Florals are a popular choice in fragrance for many reasons. The beautiful scents of jasmine, rose, honeysuckle and lily are all favourite floral scents often found in perfumes and they each create a sense of calm, as well as being such a versatile and wearable option.

Herbal notes help to relax busy minds

Just like lighting your favourite relaxing candle to wind down after a long day, you can use your perfume as a tool to calm your senses or destress the mind, body and soul. Herbal notes work especially well at this, says Bouge. "For winding down, lavender is a common choice with relaxing and anxiety-reducing properties. Sandalwood with its warm, comforting woody aroma is another option, often used in aromatherapy to reduce stress," she reveals.

How we tested the best mood-boosting perfumes

Each one of these mood-boosting perfumes has been tested by a member of the GoodtoKnow beauty team. All the fragrances in the round-up contain ingredients which are known to help boost your mood or help relax, uplift, energise and calm your senses. We wanted to make sure we had a good balance of brands, budgets and scent options to ensure there's something for everyone in this roundup.

How fragrances affect your mood

"We can use fragrances to help influence our moods, and specific scents are renowned for their mood-boosting properties. All kinds of feelings can be boosted by your brain attaching scent to memory," Bouge explains.

She continues, "There is a complex link between fragrance and our past, and it is because our brains can’t accurately describe smells. To compensate, we have adapted by storing our scent bank within our memories. Our brains are instantly triggered into finding associated memories to help us identify what we are smelling. And this is why there is so much emotion in the fragrance industry. You can catch a sniff of something, often by chance and instantly the mind is transported to a place, a person, a time."

The best journals for parents can help navigate the ups and downs of family life - from recording special memories to working through difficult emotions when things get tough.

Finding time for yourself as a parent isn't easy, and even the simplest self-care ideas can seem impossible when you've got night feeds, the school run or cooking for a family of four to think about. But self-care is essential for mums and dads - spending a little time looking after yourself can be a great tool for managing stress, avoiding burnout and helping you stay on your parenting A-game.

Journaling is one way parents can build a little me-time into their day, and it doesn't have to take more than five minutes. Dr Charlotte Armitage, psychologist, psychotherapist and founder of No Phones at Home, which encourages families to put their phones away and focus on connecting instead, explains, "Writing our thoughts out on paper can help us to organise them and can also be incredibly cathartic... It involves reflecting on our feelings, working out how to structure these thoughts and behaviours into cohesive sentences, and then using our complex neural connections to enable us to write these down. All of this helps us to make sense of our thoughts and feelings and journaling is an effective way of processing our emotions in a healthy manner."

And besides this, when you're a parent there are so many moments you'll want to document - first words, first steps and first days of school - and if you write them all down, one day you can look back on them too. Plus, when your children get a little older, you can introduce them to the best gratitude journals for kids, and practice mindfulness together.

9 best gratitude journals, positivity planner and 5-minute diaries for parents

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If you've got a little worrier on your hands, or a teen who clams up when you want to talk about feelings, then you might be asking questions about their mental wellbeing. These gratitude journals and activity books could help.

Children's mental health can be a source of worry for many parents, but working out how to start a conversation about mental health is not easy. Some children may simply be too young to understand how to explain their emotions, while older kids may become withdrawn when the topic is broached. With recent NHS data showing that one in five children and young people in England aged eight to 25 had a probable mental disorder, many parents are looking for mindfulness activities for kids and other ways to help their children manage their feelings - and journaling is one hobby that could help.

Dr Charlotte Armitage, psychologist, psychotherapist and founder of No Phones at Home, which encourages families to put their phones away and focus on connecting, explains the benefits of using these activity books. "Journaling can help children to organise their thoughts and can be incredibly cathartic, because writing can help facilitate the processing of their emotions in a healthy manner. It involves reflecting on thoughts and feelings, working out how to structure these thoughts and behaviours, and then using our complex neural connections to enable us to write them down."

With this in mind, we've rounded up 12 of the best gratitude journals, positivity planners and other mindfulness activity books for kids and teens, to help them learn to process their emotions and cope with anxieties.

12 best gratitude journals, positivity planners and worry books for children and teens

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Know a new Dad? Then you're probably looking for the best gifts for new dads. If that's the case, stick right here. We've compiled a tried and tested guide to the top presents worth gifting to those in the throes of parenthood. 

When you get the best gifts for new dads right, you have the power to make life as a new parent so much easier. Of course, new dads don't have quite the same mind and body upheaval as new mums do. There's matrescence to navigate, the best breast pumps to get to grips with and then there's the mental load that comes with pregnancy and birth to consider. 

But any new dad will face monumental changes too. That said, that's where a handful of gifts come swooping in to save the day and make their lives a little easier while supporting their partner and looking after their new little one. 

A new baby is an exciting time for the whole family. Generally speaking it's custom for new mums and babies to get showered with lots of cute and practical gifts. But how about the dads? From practical presents that will help boost his confidence, special keepsakes and great gifts he wishes he found sooner — keep scrolling to discover the best gifts for new dads. 

The best gifts for new dads

How we reviewed the best gifts for new dads

• Reviews: We try to review all products we deem 'best' but where we've been unable to test ourselves, we dig deep into comments to check what consistently scored highly from verified shoppers who rate them for value and quality.
• Price: We have included gift ideas to suit all budgets. It's worth noting, though, that some suggestions might be pricier than expected, but that's because we know that some people buy and gift from large groups. 
• Variety: Life as a new dad can throw curve balls and needs that dads never even knew they had might crop up. We've got you covered in the useful gifts to give.

Once you've bought the new dad in your life the best gift he could ask for take a look through our best gifts for a new mum round up. And then maybe prep yourself for the 1st birthday party, and take a look through some of our best personalised children's books or maybe you're stuck with what to write in the 'new baby' card? We've got all the best inspirational quotes for kids that could work perfectly.

If you’ve got a major family expense coming up like the purchase of a new car, a kitchen reno or possibly a long awaited overseas family trip, you might be considering a personal loan as a way to finance it.

When shopping around for a personal loan, there isn’t going to be a single best loan for every situation, but there are some key features that all great personal loans have in common such as a low interest rate, minimal fees and the flexibility to make extra repayments.

Many lenders of personal loans in Australia have tiered interest rates depending on the credit profile of the borrower/s. This is great news if you’re an established borrower with an excellent credit score as it means you’ll likely qualify for the lowest interest rates on offer. 

If you’re still building up your credit history, you’ll usually have to pay a higher interest rate, which is why it’s a good idea to get a loan which allows for free extra repayments and no early repayment penalties so that if you find you family budget has a bit of extra capacity, you can pay off the loan as quick as possible.

With most personal loans you’ll get to choose the loan term ( usually 1-5 years) and the repayment frequency (weekly, fortnightly or monthly) that best suits your family’s budget and timeframe. It’s a good idea not to be too ambitious with the timeframe and also not too lax. Find a balance so that you can comfortably meet your repayments but if you do have extra cash available you can put towards the loan so that you can lower the overall interest paid.

Compare personal loan deals this month

Here’s a look at some of the top personal loan deals available this month:

Frequently Asked Questions

* Comparison rate disclaimer:
The Comparison Rate combines the lender's interest rate, fees and charges into a single rate to show the true cost of a personal loan. The comparison rates displayed are calculated based on a loan of AU$30,000 for a term of 5 years on a secured basis for secured loans and an unsecured basis for unsecured loans. This comparison rate applies only to the example or examples given. Different amounts and terms will result in different comparison rates. Costs such as redraw fees or early repayment fees, and cost savings such as fee waivers, are not included in the comparison rate but may influence the cost of the loan.

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Provision of services by GoodTo and its Related Body Corporate, Mozo Pty Ltd (Australian Credit Licence and Australian Financial Services Licence Number 328141) is general in nature only and does not consider your personal objectives, financial situation or particular needs and is not recommending any particular product to you. You should make your own decision after reading the relevant PDS or offer documentation and Target Market Determination on the provider's website. We may be paid by product issuers and distributors for clicks on, or applications for, products. For more information please see Mozo's Financial Services Guide, General advice disclaimer and Terms of use which are available at mozo.com.au.

From Ninja to Tower, from Salter to Russell Hobbs, here are the best Cyber Monday dual air fryer deals - bag yourself and your family a real bargain this weekend.

Whether you want to update your current air fryer, or you'd like to jump on the efficient cooking air fryer bandwagon with one of our best air fryers for families, Cyber Monday is the perfect time to buy a new machine, especially when you can save yourself some serious pounds in the process. 

Retailers including Amazon, Very, Ninja Kitchen, Currys, and John Lewis, have a range of deals readily available including £80.99 off Ninja Foodi MAX Dual Zone Air Fryer AF400UK 9.5L at Ninja Kitchen and £80 off Tower 10.4L Vortx Dual Basket Air Fryer with Smart Finish Technology at Very

For more Cyber Monday dual air fryer deals, have a look at our highlights below...

Where to find Cyber Monday dual air fryer deals

• Amazon: Save on Cosori, Tower, Ninja and more
• John Lewis: Get £100 off on a range of air fryer brands including Tefal and Ninja
• Very: Save ££'s on a range of dual air fryers including Ninja and Tower
• Ninja Kitchen: Ninja Foodi Max is on sale now for Cyber Monday
• Currys: Popular dual air fryer models on sale including Logik, and Ninja
• Robert Dyas: Get up to £180 off Salter, Daewo, Tower dual air fryers and more
• AO.com: Popular branded air fryers are on sale this Cyber Monday

Best Cyber Monday dual air fryer deals

How did we choose the best Cyber Monday dual air fryer deals

Why are the deals above the best, we hear you ask? Well, when it comes to searching for the best deals - yes, it’s about saving as much money as you can, however, it's also about buying something that's worth buying. A high-quality product. 

Now, we here at Goodto try our very hardest to review each and every product we recommend firsthand, however, sometimes that just isn’t feasible. So it’s our job to dig deep into comments and reviews to check what has consistently scored highly from verified shoppers. 

We also choose brands that we have tried and tested in the past; for example, the Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 air fryer with ClearCook review our Family Editor, Stephanie Lowe thought that the Instant Vortex air fryer brand was a great value-for-money machine, which is why we’ve searched for Instant Vortex deals during the Cyber Monday sale. We’ve also reviewed other brands such as Tower, Ninja, and Salter. All of which we have recommended similar models above. 

Will air fryers be cheaper on Cyber Monday?

Looking back at the last few years, we can safely say that air fryers will be cheaper on Cyber Monday. November and early December are great times to purchase an air fryer as they tend to be lower than price across a range of different retailers.

Air fryers have been a popular choice among kitchen appliance shoppers come Cyber Monday, and we’re predicting this year, they’ll be just as popular meaning a large amount of retailers will be adjusting their prices to suit. 

To make sure you truly get the best deal on Cyber Monday we’d recommend you shop around, especially if you have a certain brand in mind. That particular brand like Ninja or Instant Pot might be cheaper on their direct website, or on another site like Amazon or Currys for example.

Is a dual air fryer worth it?

Yes, a dual air fryer is a great addition to a busy, family household. It's the perfect kitchen appliance for those looking for a healthier way to cook (without the added oil for example) and a more efficient way to cook food too as air fryers are much quicker to use than conventional ovens, and the majority don’t need to be preheated either. 

A dual air fryer is particularly a good choice come dinner time as you can cook two things in one go and often the machines themselves have larger capacities. The double drawer allows you to cook two things at once; be it at the same temperature for the same duration, or at a completely different temperature, for a varied length of time. For example, you could cook your meat in one drawer, and your veg in the other. Dual air fryer models have the option to ‘Sync’ or ‘Match’ modes which allows you to either duplicate the cooking settings from one drawer to another or sync the drawers to make sure cooking ends at the same time.

On average a dual air fryer costs around £200, however, dual models tend to be much bigger in capacity and size than your standard basket air fryer, they often have more functions and features, and can, due to the double drawer option, cook double the amount of food too, which is where the hefty price tag comes in. 

Is a dual air fryer good for large families?

Yes, they are a great choice. Dual air fryers are perfect for large families. Not only are they bigger in capacity than your average basket air fryer, but they also have the option of cooking two things in one go which means the meat can be cooked alongside the potatoes - and all within less time than the conventional oven.

A dual air fryer is a great option for those who cook for different dietary requirements as the meat option could be cooked in one drawer and the vegetarian option could be cooked in the other so there is no cross-contamination of food. 

Most dual models also tend to include dishwasher-safe accessories and removable parts like the basket for example that can be simply popped in the dishwasher with the usual dinner plates and ready for the next day.

Top tips for buying a dual air fryer on Cyber Monday

The main thing you should do before committing to any new kitchen appliance is research it. Research the top brands, research the different types of machines you can get, and find out as much information about it like reading reviews for example before purchasing. This will ensure that you're super happy with your long-term purchase and it'll be worth the money in the long run.

In terms of buying an air fryer, particularly during the Cyber Monday sales, it's about finding the model to suit your family's needs - and at a bargain price too. Once you've settled on a specific model or design, you will then need to shop around to find the best deal. 

Features and functions

Basket air fryers are much more basic than air fryer ovens - do you want an air fryer that can grill too? A dual air fryer with two drawers? Do you want one that is easy to clean or one that has a pre-set timer? Deciding on the type of machine that you want to commit to is a great idea, it will make hunting on Cyber Monday much easier as you'll have all the knowledge and information you need before adding that particular air fryer to your shopping basket.

Capacity and size

One of the main things to keep in mind when purchasing an air fryer is its size - and not just the size of the machine itself but the capacity. How many people do you need to cook for? Will it feed all of you or will you have to use it twice to get the most out of it? Whatever your decision, make sure you find out more about the capacity of the model before purchasing as well as the overall size of the air fryer to see if it can fit on your countertop or in the cupboard easily. 

Recommendations and reviews

Read as many reviews and talk to friends and family who may already have an air fryer. Getting a first-hand recommendation of a specific brand or type of air fryer is a great place to start and that's where our air fryer reviews and tried and tested buyers guides come in handy - as we’ve actually held, and pressed, cooked in, and unboxed each item to really understand its value and why it's worth buying or not.

Once you've decided on the family air fryer for you, why not pair it with one of the best air fryer cookbooks, as well as try one of our favourite air fryer recipes in your latest purchase too.

And for more on Cyber Monday this year our Money Editor, Sarah, explains everything you need to know about Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday: Which one has better discounts?And for those Christmas shopping, we’ve rounded up the best Cyber Monday toys on sale as well as where to buy cheap LEGO - and why not follow our Live LEGO deals blog for all the latest deals?

The most wonderful time of the year is just around the corner. And the best perfume advent calendars are just the thing to help get you in the festive spirit.

Let's face it: what greater gift could you give yourself (or lovingly hand over to another) than the heavenly scents of a perfume advent calendar? Maybe you're in the market for a new long-lasting perfume, or perhaps you're looking for one of the best perfume dupes to test out. No matter what scent you're seeking, this guide to the best perfume advent calendars contains everything from classic scents and new releases to designer buys, which promise to impress the whole family this festive season.

Offering some of the best perfumes of all time, this selection is of festive delights is bursting with everything from luxury and decadent scents to light-weight everyday perfumes. There are full-sized options and travel testers included too. So no matter what your scent preference is, there's a gorgeous perfume waiting for you behind a countdown door this Christmas.

And better yet, despite their name, a handful of the best perfume advent calendars contain more than just your favourite scent. Of course, they're packed with the newest and greatest eau de perfumes. But many of these advent calendars give you the best of both worlds, with candles, diffusers and beauty additions hiding behind each door. With prices starting from £25 up to £375, there are options for all.

Best perfume advent calendars 2024

How we tested the best perfume advent calendars

We handpicked each of these perfume advent calendars in order to include a wide range of fragrance options, while catering for all budgets. We've included affordable and luxury products in the round-up, while taking value for money into consideration when investigating how much the advent calendars are worth.

All of these perfume advent calendars include a range of products in both full and travel sizes, so you can choose from a comprehensive mix of brands, sizes and products, depending on your fragrance preferences.

Every product in this round-up is one that we would personally recommend and be happy to receive this Christmas, buy for ourselves, or gift to a loved one.

Looking for more advent calendars for 2024? We've rated and reviewed the best food and drink advent calendars, the best toy advent calendars and, of course, the best chocolate advent calendars too.

The best personalised toy boxes are the ones that have cute additions to your little human’s name - like pom-poms or animals. 

Forget gifts for new mums and gifts for new dads, parents have enough in life they know is there. But ,kids? Kids like to have their names on things. They don’t own much in life - apart from all their best toys - so when it is easy to tell that something is theirs, and theirs alone, they love it. While many personalised toy boxes are gifted, if you involve your child in the personalising it fosters creativity and allows children to express their individuality, plus they feel they have an important part in the family - that their voice and their opinion are valued, which, for a kid, is everything.

Investing in a personalised toy box or any toy storage  - is not only something they can keep forever - hello future bedding storage - it can also help keep clutter under control-ish, as you can introduce toy rotation (keep reading to find out more on this). 

Below we share the top six personalised toy boxes parents recommend and chat with play expert Susie Robbins on what toy rotation is, why it's a good thing to do, and how to do it. 

Best personalised toyboxes

What is toy rotation?

Toy rotation is putting toys, that your child has lost interest in, away into storage. Then when your child shows signs they're losing interest in the toys that are out, you put them into storage and bring the stored ones out; rotating them. 

It's a simple solution, one that many parents swear by, Susie Robbins, mum and founder of Resolve to Play agrees that rotating toys is great but it can be a job in itself; "[toy rotation] does take some time and a lot of organisation, especially when you're first setting the system up - stick with it though, it's well worth the effort."

Mum-of-one, Steph tells us it's harder than she thought; "There are so many jobs in parenting I didn't even know existed until I had a kid. Like this, toy rotation. It was such a mammoth task when I decided to do it, but it was worth it. The difference in how my child plays is huge. He knows where things go now as there is a clear and dedicated space for it."

Dad-of-two Lee agrees, "Sometimes I leave it a bit too long between toy rotations and I see a difference in my kids' behaviour. In short, it drops off a cliff. Their frustration plays out in whining and asking me to play with them constantly. Once I've sorted and rotated their toys, their focus is back."

We get why parents might leave toy rotation so long. But, rotating toys doesn't have to be complicated - you know your child and you know your limits. If your toy rotation is literally picking any 20 toys and putting them in storage go for it. 

Benefits of toy rotation?

1. Reduced overwhelm
2. Organisation
3. Make tidy-up time easier
4. Less clutter
5. Children can see what they have
6. Increases focus 
7. Helps with independent play
8. Encourages creativity

Mum-of-three, Carla tells us; "I read somewhere 'if you feel overwhelmed by the amount of toys your kids has, they feel that way too', and that really hit home for me."

According to a survey done by Whirli, children receive approximately 30 toys every year. This is probably why most children today have too many toys and feel overwhelmed by choice - this overwhelm can play out in frustration such as throwing toys. Toy rotation can help a child by providing a calm clutter-free environment. So, instead of having all the toys in the house visible at once, you divide them into smaller, more manageable groups and switch them around on a regular basis. 

Susie tells us; "The benefits to kids are huge, but the two biggest are

1. Every time you bring in a new rotation, it's like Christmas for the kids - they will rediscover toys they had lost or forgotten about. 

2. The quality of a child's play is much higher when there are fewer toys available. This is because they have more physical space to play, and they can find the things that they want to play with much more easily. This means that their flow is not interrupted as often as it might be if they were constantly searching for pieces or parts that may have been lost in the clutter."

How to do toy rotation

If you're not sure what to pack away Susie recommends a few ways, ".... Either take half [the toys] at random, this will increase your child's creativity in their play. Or alternatively you can think of your child's preferred play style - are they into building? In which case make sure you leave out some building blocks, magnetic tiles or train track - whatever it is that they use the most, then leave a selection of other toys that could be incorporated into a scene that they have built."

Susie says that this technique is especially good if your child struggles to think of ways to play for themselves. "The third way is more educationally focussed. If your child is learning about a particular topic at school, say mini beasts, gather all the books and toys and accessories that are even tenuously linked to minibeasts, then also leave out a random selection of toys too."

In addition Susie suggests trying her five easy steps; 

1. Organise your toys into categories: puzzles and games, figures, LEGO, Duplo or building blocks, animals, vehicles etc.
2. Choose half of the categories to stay out - these may be toys that naturally lend themselves together if you want to create a theme for your play, stick your child's current interests or they may be randomly chosen, either is fine!
3. Box up the remaining toys, one category per box - clear boxes are best here so that you can see what's inside at a glance.
4. Store these boxes away, somewhere out of sight. Use any extra space that you've created to display some toys or books so that your children can see what's available to them.
5. After a period of time has passed (one week, two weeks or one month for example) you'll notice that your children are no longer getting as much from the toy selection. Now is the time for you to switch the toys around, either leaving some in situ or swapping them all out at once. It'll be like Christmas day all over again when the toys are swapped and 'new' toys are provided!
   

Susie also shares what you'll need before you get started; "Time. Book out a couple of hours for the initial organisation and preferably when the kids aren't around to pull out their 'absolute favouritest toy'. Then make sure you choose boxes you'll use, whether that's deep wide toy boxes like above, or clear lidded storage bins. Then finally you need to find some space to keep them."

Mum-of-two Sam tells us where she stores hers; "I cleared some shelf space in the garage - no one needs that many tins of old paint - and now the toy boxes sit in there until they're rotated back in."

On the flip side, if categories don't work for you, don't do it. Your toy cycling needs to be simple and sustainable. If you find yourself overthinking toy rotation, remind yourself that this is designed to make your life easier. Keep things simple with tried and tested toys that keep your kid entertained without much input.

Toy categories

If breaking the toys down into categories helps you, the categories could look like; 

• LEGO
• Stacking toys
• Soft toys
• Train sets
• Pretend play
• Musical

What if my child asks for the toys I've removed?

Susie tells us; "To be completely honest, they probably won't. Part of the joy of toy rotation is that it allows your children to see the toys that they do have available to them more clearly and so will rediscover old loves and be excited about playing with them. 

"However, I don't recommend putting away any firm favourite toys that would cause any emotional distress if they were unavailable - you don't want your child to get stuck in the upset of not having access to a special item, and not be able to fully enjoy what is available. 

"If your child does ask for a toy that is not the firm fave I would reply with 'oh you really enjoy playing with that, don't you? Shall I make sure I bring it out for you the next time we rotate toys? Is there anything else in particular I should bring out next time?' This allows them to feel like you're in collaboration and that their opinions are valuable, whilst holding the boundary of toy rotation."

What are the benefits to parents of toy rotation?

Susie explaines, "Once you've started toy rotation you won't go back! Having less clutter in the house is a real relief to many parents and cuts their workload down a lot."

She adds; "We don't always register it but how often have you had to step over a toy whilst carrying a hot drink, or perhaps picked up the same teddy off the floor multiple times a day? There is nothing wrong with this as it shows that children are playing in an age appropriate way, however each time we do this it becomes a stressor, when you have less toys available you will encounter these stressors less often."

Babies are an expensive business - whether it's you giving birth to them or not - from buying the baby shower gifts and best gifts for new mums to the best toys for 6 months olds, it's all spend spend spend. And or for more personalised buys take a look at our carefully curated best personalised baby gifts.

It's a tricky decision, but choosing the best convertible car seat for your child is one of the most important decisions any parent or guardian can make. To help make the task much easier, we've tested out all the top seats on the market — here's our tried and tested guide. 

Looking for a convertible car seat? This type of car seat essentially 'grows' with your child, converting from rear-facing baby seats to forward-facing suits, suitable for toddlers and older children. 

If you've got a newborn on your hands, or toddler, it's important to note that car seats are grouped into strict categories according to the various stages of a child's development. To choose the best car seat for your child, you'll need to look at the options in the relevant category according to their age, weight, or height. So, for example, you might pick a rear-facing car seat for a newborn baby, followed by a forward-facing toddler car seat, and, finally, a high-backed booster seat for an older child. 

But that's where convertible car seats come in. They fit into more than one car seat group so instead of forking out for multiple seats over the years, you can buy one seat and adjust it as your child grows, saving money in the long run — which is always a win. 

Just note: some convertible car seats can be used from birth right up until your child is 12 years old, while others cater for shorter periods of time, such as from birth to four years. 

In this guide, we have reviewed six of the best convertible car seats including some that can be used until your child turns 12 and some that rotate 360º to make onboarding and offboarding easier than before. Plus, we've included a selection of the best convertible car seats with options for all budgets, from just under £150 to almost £500. So there's something for everyone. 

The quick list

In a hurry to find out which is the best convertible car seat to buy? Here's a brief overview of the car seats we reviewed for this buying guide, along with quick links so you can jump straight to all the details about any particular seat.

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The best convertible car seats we recommend in 2023

The best convertible car seat overall

Well-priced and long-lasting, the Ickle Bubba Radial Group 0+/1/2 360 Spin Isofix Car Seat from affordable baby brand Ickle Bubba is designed to last from birth to seven years. Its main selling point is that it allows babies to sit in the safest rear-facing seat position until they weigh 13kg, which is around 15 months.

It's easy to install in a vehicle with ISOFIX anchor points (which most modern cars have as standard) and has visual indicators to ensure it's safely fitted in your vehicle before you set off. 

This convertible car seat comes with an integrated base (included in the price) that rotates 360 degrees so that you can pop your baby in and out of the seat with greater ease compared to seats that are fixed in position. 

Our parent reviewer, Katy Islip put it to the test with her daughter Beatrice, who was 17 weeks old at the time. Katy loves how easy this car seat is to use and install, as well as the fact that it's such good value for money. She told us she’d highly recommend it to other parents based on its 'overall ease of use and product longevity'. 

Katy also liked the fact that the longevity the car seat offers is more environmentally friendly than buying new car seats every couple of years. 'The Radial car seat is smart looking, simple to use, and - based on how well my baby has travelled and slept in it -  it's also comfortable for her as well as safe,' she told us.

'With the cost of parenthood ever-rising, the fact the seat should see my baby through to mid-childhood is great, and also makes me feel like we're contributing less to the piles of single-use baby items that inevitably stack up.'

• Read our full Ickle Bubba Radial Group 0+/1/2 360 Spin Isofix Car Seat review

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The best premium convertible car seat

If you’re looking for a high-quality, easy-to-use, and attractive car seat that will last your baby from birth to 12 years old, a fantastic option is the Motion All Size 360 from trusted British nursery brand Silver Cross. As well as its longevity, the car seat has plenty of selling points from its safety credentials to its luxurious anti-bacterial bamboo fabric. Impressively, it’s the first R129-approved 360 rotating all-stages car seat on the market. 

A 360-degree swivel makes installing kids in the seat easy, while an extended rearward-facing mode and a side protection system add an extra element of safety. There are also eight headrests and three recline positions to keep kids extra comfy in their seats as they grow, with easy-to-remove inserts and a stowaway harness helping you adapt the seat for your child’s age. 

Our parent reviewer, Grace Holliday, put the seat to the test alongside her nine-month-old daughter and was impressed by its ease of use, 360-degree spin, and the high-quality materials used. She also loved how comfortable her daughter found it compared to other car seats. 

'The Motion All Size 360 is a 360-spin convertible car seat suitable from birth right up to 12 years, with bamboo fabric and ventilation for all-year use,' she explained. 

'In several weeks of daily use, my daughter never complained when putting her in or out of the seat, or when tightening the straps. She also never had a tantrum, even on longer journeys, and fell asleep twice, which was almost unthinkable in her very first car seat. As such I would highly recommend the Silver Cross 360, particularly as it has the potential to last up to 12 years old.'

• Read our full Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 car seat review

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The best budget car seat

A fantastic budget option for parents who only want to buy one seat to last their child 12 years, the SlimFit Combination Car Seat from trusted baby brand Graco is easy to adapt as your child grows.

Packed with safety features such as TrueShield side impact protection technology, a steel reinforced frame, and energy-absorbing EPS foam, it can be used in rearward-facing mode, forward-facing mode, and as a high-backed booster as your child grows. It keeps little ones comfy too, thanks to padded inserts, a four-position seat recline, a 10-position headrest, and a removable cup holder.

Tannice Hemming, on our parent testing panel, put the seat through its paces with her kids Rousseau, four, and Ares, 21 months, and was pleasantly surprised by just how many features the car seat offered, and how easy it was to use, especially considering its bargain price tag.

'The SlimFit Combination Car Seat is an attractive and comfortable, versatile, convertible car seat that can be used from birth to 12 years,' she told us. 'This is a versatile budget option - you could buy this and never have to buy another seat again, which makes it an absolute bargain.'

Our tester told us she'd recommend this seat to someone who needs a convertible seat for any reason (multiple children to care for, perhaps), who wants the ability to use the seat in a variety of different vehicles, and who also wants comfort and good design, without a huge outlay.

'The combination of it being versatile, having such an amazing longevity, and the design being so comfortable and nice-looking makes this a brilliant convertible car seat to choose.'

• Read our full Graco Slimfit All-in-One Convertible car seat review

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The best car seat for newborns

Driving with babies or toddlers can be nerve-wracking, so if you want to invest in a car seat and brand that’s gone above and beyond when it comes to safety features, go for the iZi Turn B i-Size from BeSafe. The rotating car seat, which caters for the first four years of life, is packed with safety features to put your mind at ease.

Just a few of its safety features include a Baby Shell to offer a high level of protection from birth, built-in side impact protection in the seat shell, and a soft headrest with the brand’s Dynamic Force Absorber, which functions like a trampoline to give advanced protection in a side impact. 

There’s also Baby-Secure Swivel technology, which ensures babies will always travel rear-facing to avoid accidentally turning them forward-facing too early. Plus, the fact it rotates is gentle on parents’ already aching backs. Little ones will be supremely comfy too, thanks to a list of impressive features such as four recline options, a 10-step adjustable headrest, and a ventilation system.

We asked Katie Dancey-Downs, one of our parent testers, to try out the iZi Turn B i-Size with Auden, aged two and a half. Katie loved the seat’s safety features, stylish appearance, and ease of use.

'This car seat feels incredibly safe and secure, and the rotation system makes life a lot easier,' she told us. 'It's got a high price point, but the quality feels very high. Safety is arguably the most important aspect of a car seat, and it's rightly the main focus of this product. But BeSafe hasn't forgotten about style or comfort.'

• Read our full BeSafe iZi Turn B i-Size car seat review