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.

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.

Joolz, one of the fastest-growing premium stroller brands in the world known for its oh-so-stylish yet functional designs, is launching its latest masterpiece - the Joolz Hub² today - and I got my hands on one of the very first models, hot off the production line.

Joolz developed this new urban pushchair - which launches officially on 1st October - with the input of 5,000 parents and designed it specifically for modern, city-living families who need a compact yet versatile buggy.

It’s been a while since I was in the market for either a newborn pram or a lightweight travel stroller, but I’ve just had the pleasure of getting an early look at the brand-new Joolz Hub², and if you’re an urban parent, I think you'll fall head-over-heels for this one. Having got my hands on one of the very first review models of the Joolz Hub², I can honestly say it's one of the best pushchairs I've laid eyes on in ages, for a few key reasons.

Firstly, at just 9kg, it's incredibly lightweight and therefore easy to manoeuvre which, as any parent knows, is high on the list of must-have features in the perfect pram or pushchair. Secondly, the lie-flat seat is suitable from birth so you're good to go with this from day one, plus the ventilated cot can actually be used for overnight sleeping, so you won't even need to pack a travel cot with you when you're visiting the grandparents or enjoying a family getaway.

I'm usually a bit sceptical when a brand tells me they've designed the perfect pushchair but in this case, I think it's a fair claim. The Joolz Hub² is a solid choice for any parent looking for comfort and convenience in a pram from the newborn stage through to toddlerhood. It ticks all the boxes for parents looking for comfort and convenience in one stylish package.

The Hub² had me at hello - or at least the moment I unboxed it, in mere seconds by the way - thanks to its compact and stylish design. At just 52cm wide, it’s a dream for navigating narrow shop aisles, weaving through crowds, and nipping in and out of tight spaces. I can already see how it will make popping in and out of cafés and shops so much more manageable – it's been parked in my tiny office for almost a week now and navigating my way around it has been no hassle. It glides wherever you want it to with just the lightest one-handed touch on the handlebar, without you having to make any serious effort. It also feels incredibly light when you’re pushing it, which is a huge plus when you’re daunted by the thought of leaving the house with a new baby and all the stuff that has to come with you. The pram is one thing that won't weight you down.

Here are 5 reasons why I love the new Joolz Hub² pushchair

You really can control it with one hand

What really sets the Hub² apart is its amazing one-handed manoeuvrability. I took it for a quick spin and was blown away by how nimble it was. Whether you’re squeezing through narrow aisles or navigating crowded streets, this stroller handles like a dream. You can steer it with one hand, which leaves the other free for important things like holding your coffee or chatting on the phone. And thanks to the 4-wheel suspension, the ride is super smooth – even over bumpy pavements. It’s not just you who’ll appreciate that; your little one will have a much gentler ride, too.

It's as comfy as can be

Joolz hasn’t held back when it comes to keeping your baby comfy. From birth, you’ve got the option of a spacious, ventilated cot that’s safe for overnight sleeping. It’s lined with fabric that feels lovely and soft, and the mattress is breathable, so you relax knowing your newborn is as snug as can be. And, as your baby grows, you can switch to the reclinable padded seat, which is not only incredibly supportive but can also be used in both parent-facing and world-facing positions. I love how easily you can swap between the two if – great if your little one suddenly wants to gaze up at you or take in more of the world around them. The seat also lies flat, so it’s perfect for naps on the go, and with the adjustable leg rest, it grows with your child up to 4 years or 22kg.

It's made for unpredictable weather

The extendable canopy on the Joolz Hub² is water-repellent and offers UPF 50+ protection, making it ideal for shielding your baby from the elements - essential when the weather can be so unpredictable. There’s even closable ventilation to help keep your baby cool on warmer days, and with the canopy fully extended, your little one is nestled in a cocoon-like space that feels wonderfully protective - perfect for autumn days and winter weather.

It's effortless to fold

One of my favourite features is how easy it is to fold. You can collapse the Joolz Hub² with a simple one-handed move - you really can, I've tested that thoroughly - and it stands upright on its own, which is super handy if you'll be storing it in a tiny hallway when it's not in use. It’s fairly easy to carry, too, thanks to an integrated shoulder strap, which could be helpful when you’re out and about on public transport or dashing up a flight of stairs.

The parent-friendly design

Joolz obviously considered the needs of parents as much as babies when they designed the Hub² because the adjustable handlebar is a standout feature, with four different height positions for the perfect fit, and it's sooo easy to adjust. The 20L basket is a decent size too – there’s room for a change bag plus a small bag of grocery shopping so you don't need to worry about lugging extra bags around with you.

And finally...

If you’re constantly nipping between nursery, playdates and trips to the shops, the Joolz Hub² is likely to be right up your street. From its light and compact design to the fact it's so easy to steer with one hand - and even easier to fold - everything about this makes it a dream to use in a busy, urban setting.

After getting my hands on it, I can honestly say the Joolz Hub² delivers on all fronts. So if you’re a city slicker looking for a stylish pushchair that's suitable from birth and which makes travelling with a little one that little bit less stressful, get your order in for a Joolz Hub² quick-smart.

Related features:

• Joolz Aer stroller review
• The Babyzen YoYo stroller is loved by celebs
• Molly Mae Hague opts for the iCandy Peach 7 pram - and we approve

Video of the week:

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.

Baby walkers are popular among parents for encouraging little ones to start walking, but some concerns have been raised about their safety. Here's what parents need to know.

If you're looking for the best baby walker, your little one has probably mastered sitting and crawling and seems eager to start walking. However, baby walkers receive mixed reviews due to safety concerns and their impact on child development. So, are baby walkers safe?

Are baby walkers safe?

Unlike push toys which can support a child learning to walk, traditional baby walkers have a seat for babies to sit in, a tray with toys in front, and four wheels allowing them to move around by pushing off the ground with their legs. This enables babies to move before they can walk unaided.

However, some experts advise against using sit-in baby walkers, and they are even banned in Canada due to safety concerns. A significant issue is that excessive use can lead to improper leg development. The design of the walker encourages babies to stand in an unnatural position, often on their tiptoes, which can delay walking. Additionally, babies sitting in walkers do not learn to support their weight or master balance.

Despite being marketed as a way to encourage early walking and movement, sit-in baby walkers can delay important developmental milestones. They can force a baby’s muscles and joints to bear weight they may not be ready for, potentially hindering proper growth and development.

What about injuries?

Another reason people debate the safety of baby walkers is the injuries they can cause. Sit-in walkers raise a baby's height, giving them access to potentially dangerous areas such as kitchen stoves with hot food, cupboards with poisonous materials, or pools they could fall into. If a baby gets into difficulty, a walker can trap them in place and prevent escape. Accidents involving sit-in baby walkers include infants falling down stairs while in the walker. Babies can also pick up too much speed, increasing the likelihood of injury from moving too fast.

Jennie Lannette Bedswort, a social worker and therapist, tells us: “As a provider supporting healthy child development, I recognise parents often feel immense societal pressure to help children meet mobility milestones as quickly as possible. This fuels interest in devices offering a potential head start. However, emotional desires for achievement should not outweigh considerations for safety and evidence-based growth. Rushing progress can paradoxically delay it in the long run while introducing unnecessary hazards.”

Jennie adds that some parents may choose to still opt for a baby walker, as there have been design developments which make them more safe. “Manufacturers claim new safety standards like wider bases, friction strips to slow movement, and restricting access to wheels have led to substantial decreases in injuries over the past decades," she adds

“Every child journeys at a unique pace. While supervision mitigates certain risks of aids like walkers, potential still exists for trauma. Perhaps we should learn to embrace the phrase ‘they will walk when they are ready.’ Patience pays off with children, just as the sprouting plant grows strongest when given space to bloom without pulling. 

“In conclusion, there are, of course, arguments on both sides. Ultimately, it comes down to parental discretion to weigh the pros and cons and make an informed decision about what they feel is safest for their baby. Supervised use of a baby walker in safe environments may also help to mitigate some risks.”

What can you use instead of a baby walker?

Consider using a push walking toy - we recommend the Haus Projekt Baby Walker which is the top-rated product in our baby walkers buying guide - or an activity centre with a stationary or rotating seat rather than wheels. Above all, always supervise your child as they play. 

If you have done your research and choose to use a baby walker, always prioritise safety. Kirsty Carroll, a parenting expert at Kiddies Kingdom, advises that “baby walkers should be used carefully to avoid delaying development”. She recommends making sure your baby’s feet are flat on the floor rather than being on their tiptoes when using one.

However, for your baby to develop at the right pace, no special equipment is needed. Simply giving them time on the floor to practice rolling, sitting, crawling, balancing, and pulling themselves up to stand is sufficient to set them on the path to independent walking.

Now that you've established whether baby walkers are safe, have a look at our guide to the early stages of child development.

If you're weighing up the pram versus pushchair debate and wondering which one is best for your baby, things can get confusing fast but help is at hand.

You're expecting a baby and you want the best newborn pram for your new bundle of joy - that should be a simple decision, right? Er, wrong... with so many different types of prams and pushchairs to choose from, you're bound to have all sorts of questions, from what is a travel system to whether you need a travel stroller. Working out what you need - and which is the best value for money - can be a bit of a headache. 

But you can step away from the painkillers because we're here to help. In this article, we'll outline the differences between prams and pushchairs, compare their features, and uncover the pros and cons of each mode of transport. We've also asked parenting experts for their tips on how to decide whether a pram or pushchair is right for you.

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

The terms pram and pushchair are often used interchangeably, along with stroller and buggy. There's no industry-standard distinction between all these terms and lots of products technically fit into more than one category.

"If you want to know the difference between a pram and a pushchair, it might help to think of the difference between a rucksack and a handbag," says Heidi Scrimgeour, Shopping Editor at GoodtoKnow. "They both broadly do the same thing - make it easier for you to transport your stuff - and while some handbags are technically rucksacks if you can wear them on your shoulders, not all rucksacks would be considered handbags. Roughly the same thing, with some key differences, and designed for slightly different purposes."

The most important thing to note is that a pram allows a baby to lie fully flat, which is essential for babies under six months old. This is because their lungs are still developing, and lying flat optimises oxygen saturation. Lying flat also supports the healthy development of the baby's spine and hips. 

Pushchairs, also known as strollers and buggies, have upright seats designed for babies over the age of six months when they can support their head and neck and can sit up rather than needing to recline. Pushchair seats are usually highly adjustable and many can be reclined to allow the child to nap in comfort in the pushchair.

Here's where prams and pushchairs overlap - some pushchairs have seats that can recline fully flat, making them suitable for babies under six months even though there's no lie-flat bassinet. This type of pushchair is a good buy if you're short on storage space as you won't need to find room to store a detachable bassinet once your baby outgrows it. 

Types of prams and pushchairs explained

Prams

A pram has either a detachable bassinet that the baby can lie flat in or a pushchair seat that can recline fully flat and is approved for use from birth. A pram is a good choice if you want your baby to be able to stretch out in a comfy bassinet when you're on the go, but factor in that your baby is likely to outgrow it by the time they're six months old and you'll need space to store it. If you're not keen on this, choose a pushchair without a bassinet that has a reclinable seat and is suitable for use from birth.

Pushchairs

Broadly speaking, pushchairs are generally more lightweight than prams and thus are easier to fold, lift and carry, should you need to. To help keep their weight down, a pushchair tends to have a smaller shopping basket underneath the frame than a pram. Pushchairs are sometimes also a little less substantial and sturdy than prams because they’re designed for older children who don't need as much cushioning or suspension as newborn babies do.

Three-wheelers

Three-wheeler pushchairs are designed with two rear wheels and one front wheel. They are hard-wearing and good for rough, outdoor terrain as they are easy to manoeuvre. This manoeuvrability also makes them a popular choice with running or fitness enthusiast parents, as they are easy to push at higher speeds. 

Double pushchairs

As its name suggests, a double pushchair holds two seats. These can either be side by side or in tandem. These are a popular choice with parents of twins or children who are close together in age and who both require a pushchair. 

Travel systems

Primarily designed for parents who drive frequently, a travel system is a one-stop shop when it comes to your baby’s transportation needs. It consists of a pram frame with three interchangeable seating options; a detachable lie-flat bassinet, a pushchair seat, and an infant car seat.  

"With a travel system you essentially get a pram and pushchair in one as you can use the bassinet for your newborn and then, after six months, switch to using the pushchair seat once your baby can support their head and no longer needs to lie flat," explains Heidi Scrimgeour. 

"The big advantage of a travel system is that you can move your baby between the car and the pram more easily during the first year - you simply lift your baby out of the vehicle while they're in the car seat and clip it straight onto your pushchair frame, then do the reverse when you're ready to get back in the car. There's no stressful wrestling of your baby out of a car seat and into a pram or pushchair and then back into the car seat when you're out and about. Do note, however, that car seats that attach to a pram or pushchair frame can usually only be used until your baby is a year old. At that point you'll need the next stage car seat in your vehicle and your travel system will continue to be of use as a pushchair without the bassinet or car seat."

Pros and cons of prams and pushchairs

Prams and pushchairs serve the same purpose - transporting your child in comfort - but each mode of transport has its pros and cons, as we explain below:

• Prams are a great choice for newborns... and act as a ‘cot on wheels’, allowing babies to lie flat and sleep in a swaddle or sleeping bag when you're on the move. 
• Prams offer extra protection from the elements - the pram hood and the cushioned side of the bassinet ensure babies are safe and snug at all times. 
• The main disadvantage of a pram... is that it tends to be bulky and may take up a significant proportion of your car boot. The bassinet, while great at providing a cocoon for your baby, may make a pram difficult to fold down and store compactly.
• Prams tend to have a heavy chassis - this can make them tricky to manoeuvre and heavy to lift. 
• The advantage of a pushchair... is that it's designed to be light and compact. Pushchairs fold down compactly and with the minimum of fuss, should you need to fit one on a bus or train, or even into an overhead locker on a plane. 
• Some pushchairs are approved for newborn use while others have a minimum age restriction of six months, usually because the seat doesn't recline flat enough for a very young baby. 
• You can often choose whether your child faces you or the direction of travel if you opt for a pram, whereas lots of pushchairs have fixed seats that can't be adjusted to face the person pushing it.
• Both prams and pushchairs tend to be suitable from birth up to age three or four when a child no longer needs to be pushed. 

Which is best for a newborn, a pram or pushchair?

A pram is the best option for a newborn as it allows a baby to lie flat. This is essential for optimal breathing as it supports the healthy development of the lungs, which continue to develop after birth. Before the age of six months, babies don’t have the core strength to support their necks so sitting in an upright position could decrease a baby's oxygen saturation level. 

Some pushchairs also have lie-flat seats which are safe for newborns when fully reclined. If you're considering one, make sure you're happy with the level of protection this offers your little one, compared with a bassinet, before you invest.

At what age should babies move from a pram to a pushchair?

The general guidance is that a baby shouldn’t sit in an upright pushchair seat until they are around six months old. That said, Rosey Davidson, founder and CEO of Just Chill Baby Sleep, says: “It can vary from baby to baby. They need enough core strength to sit upright and hold their head up so you need to be mindful of your own baby's development.”

Georgia agrees: “There is no definitive age but once the baby is sitting unaided at around six months, you'll need to move them from a bassinet into a more upright seat unit so that they can be safely strapped in.”

Which do I need: a pram or a pushchair?

If your baby is under six months old, choose a pram with a bassinet for lying flat. Alternatively, pick a pushchair that's approved for use from birth (some pushchairs specify 6m+) and make sure the seat can recline fully flat.

If your baby is over six months old, you won't need a lie-flat bassinet. Pick a pushchair with an upright seat but consider choosing one with an adjustable seatback so that you can recline your baby if they fall asleep in the pushchair, 

Looking for more shopping advice? Have a read of our guide to going running with a pram or take a look at our edit of the best pushchairs.

Babies need to lie flat in a pram, pushchair, or stroller - here's why, and what it means when you're shopping for baby equipment.

Choosing the best pram for a newborn can be a confusing business, especially if you’re a first-time parent. There are so many brands to choose from and all the different configurations and setups can leave your head spinning. 

It can be especially difficult to work out whether you should opt for a travel system with a detachable bassinet so your baby can lie fully flat from birth to six months, or choose a pushchair with a seat that can recline flat for newborns but then be adjusted to suit a toddler. Once you've solved this conundrum and settled on the perfect set of wheels for your most precious cargo, you need to wrap your head around when your baby stops needing to lie flat and can safely sit in an upright pushchair seat instead. 

To help ensure you’re as informed as possible, we asked the experts why babies need to lie flat in a pram during the first six months. Here's what they told us...

Why do babies need to lie flat in a pram?

Lying flat in a pram or pushchair is important for babies under six months because it's the optimal position to support the healthy development of a baby's head, hips, and spine. A baby's lungs continue to develop after birth, and a lie-flat position also ensures optimal breathing, whereas a more upright or seated position can decrease a baby's oxygen saturation level. 

“Newborns and small babies can't hold their head upright. This means their heads can fall forward which puts pressure on their windpipe and chest and can impact oxygen supply. This can be dangerous,” says Rosey Davidson, a parenting expert, baby sleep consultant and mum of three. “Laying flat is much better for small babies. It is better for their breathing, but it also means their spine and hips can move freely as they should.”

“Lie-flat pram seats and bassinets are essential for the development of a baby's head and neck muscles, spine and lungs," agrees Georgia Reynolds, mum of two and founder of Aurora Birth Club, which provides antenatal education. "Lying flat gives the most room in their tiny torsos for this to happen."

Prams, which are also sometimes referred to as pushchairs, buggies or strollers, are only suitable for babies under six months old if they have adjustable seats so your baby can lie completely flat, according to NHS guidance. The same advice recommends waiting until your baby can sit by themselves before using a pushchair with an upright seat.

How do you secure a baby in a lie-flat position in a pram?

Most bassinet prams don’t have harnesses but have high sides to prevent a baby from falling out. However, if your pram has a seat that reclines completely and is suitable for newborns, it should have a five-point safety harness that fits over the shoulders, between the legs, and around the waist to secure your baby safely. This can be adjusted to fit as your baby gets bigger.

When you're pushing a pram with a baby who is lying flat, make sure you apply the brake whenever you stop moving and, if there is a tether strap, hook this around your wrist to prevent the pram from rolling away from you.

"Experts agree that the best pram, pushchair, or stroller for a baby under six months old is one that makes it possible for your baby to lie completely flat," says Heidi Scrimgeour, deputy editor of GoodtoKnow. "This is a really important detail that shouldn't be overlooked so if you’re in doubt about whether a pram is suitable for a newborn, check the manufacturer’s guidance for age restrictions. And factor in that a significant advantage of choosing a pram with a lie flat carrycot is that your baby can safely nap in it too, since they're positioned in the optimal position for safe sleep. Some bassinets are even approved for overnight sleeping so you can just use the pram with you when you go away, without forking out for a travel cot."

Is a travel system suitable to keep a baby lying flat?

Yes, a travel system is a good choice if you're looking for a pram that is suitable from birth and which can keep your baby lying flat. A travel system can safely hold a compatible car seat, a newborn bassinet, and an upright pushchair seat interchangeably. This type of pram makes it easy to move your child from the car to the pram and back again - you just detach the car seat from your vehicle and pop it onto your pram chassis and vice versa, so you don't have to keep unbuckling your child each time you switch between using the car or the pram. 

"If you choose a travel system for your baby, it's well worth buying the bassinet attachment as well as the car seat and pushchair seat because, broadly speaking, car seat manufacturers and baby safety experts advise that babies should not be seated in car seats for more than two hours at a time," explains Heidi Scrimgeour. "And for newborn babies, car seat manufacturer Maxi Cosi recommends limiting car journeys to 30 minutes at a time. Much better to use the bassinet on a travel system for babies under six months if you're going to be pushing the pram for more than half an hour."

Car seats that are compatible with travel systems are safe to use on a pram chassis for short periods but they're ultimately designed to keep babies safe when travelling in a vehicle, not as an alternative to a bassinet. The Lullaby Trust advises that babies shouldn’t spend long periods in car seats (and therefore travel systems where car seats are clipped to the chassis). This is because babies may be at risk of breathing difficulties if they sleep in a seated position for too long.

At what age can you switch to an upright pushchair style seat?

Generally speaking, babies can stop using a lie-flat seat or bassinet and travel in an upright pushchair seat once they're around six months old.

“There is no definitive age but, once the baby is sitting unaided at around six months, you'll need to move them (from a bassinet) into the seat unit so that they can be safely strapped in,” explains Georgia. 

At around this age, a baby will be able to support their head, and their back and neck muscles will be growing stronger – they may even be able to sit up. 

How long should a baby be in a pram for?

Most babies won't want to lie in a pram for an extended period - they'll soon let you know that they're ready to stretch their limbs or have a change of scene. There's no definitive guidance on the maximum amount of time that a baby can safely sit or lie in a pram but if your baby needs to be in a pram for a long period, make sure you take them out regularly to let them stretch their limbs and move around. 

Some prams have bassinets that are approved for overnight sleeping so it's a good idea to go for one of these if you intend to let your baby nap or sleep in a pram. The iCandy Orange Crush 3 (was £1,149, now £629 at Kiddies Kingdom) is a good example and you can read our iCandy Crush 3 review here. But always check the manufacturer’s guidance for safety guidelines before using a pram for sleep. 

Can babies sleep in a pram?

Babies should not sleep in prams for extended periods unless you choose one with a carrycot that is approved for overnight sleeping. That said, prams with bassinets and lie-flat seats suitable from birth are typically intended for babies under six months old, who tend to sleep much more frequently than older babies. It's fine for a baby to take a nap in a pram, as long as you monitor them regularly, adhere to safe sleep guidelines, and never leave a sleeping baby unsupervised in a pram. 

“Make sure you are observing them, and not covering the pram with blankets or muslins, which is a risk for overheating,” adds Rosey. “The pram should be firm, flat, and safe for your baby. Make sure the base is not tilted.”

One of the biggest risks when a baby is sleeping is overheating – this is known to increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). “Keep checking your baby's temperature - you can do this by feeling the back of their neck or chest - and adjust layers of clothing accordingly to ensure they don't get too hot. Make sure that you choose a pram that has an adjustable shade or hood, to protect your baby from the elements,” Rosey adds. 

“All prams can be used for supervised sleep, but if you want to use your pram for overnight sleeping do check that your carrycot complies with European standard legislation EN1466,” says Georgia. “Whilst it isn't mandatory for manufacturers to test to this standard, you can be assured that those which pass are as safe as a Moses basket or cot for sleeping in.”

Now that you've established why babies need to lie flat in a pram, have a look at our explainer on What is a travel system? or check out our guide to going running with a pram. We've also got guidance on Stroller vs pram; 10 things you need to know.

If you're shopping for a pram for your baby and find yourself wondering 'what is a travel system' then you've come to the right place - in this article we'll explain why you might need one.

Shopping for the best pram is a minefield, especially for first-time parents. The options - from considering the benefits of a bassinet for newborns to pondering the practicalities of a pram with a detachable car seat - can be overwhelming. Complicating matters further, you're likely to shop for a pram before your baby is born, making it tricky to tell for sure whether you're making the right choice. 

But help is at hand; we asked mums and baby gear experts to explain the features of a travel system and outline the benefits and drawbacks so you can decide, with confidence, whether a travel system is right for you and your baby.

What is a travel system?

A travel system is a versatile pram frame that can hold several different seat options interchangeably; a bassinet or carrycot for babies under six months to lie flat, a compatible infant car seat for babies under a year old, and an upright pushchair seat for babies from six months to around three years old. 

When you buy a travel system you'll get the following components:

• The pram frame - sometimes called the chassis by retailers
• A detachable bassinet that allows your baby to lie flat between birth and six months
• A detachable infant car seat, suitable from birth to around 12 months
• A detachable pushchair seat for babies from six months to around three years old
• Adaptors that modify the chassis so it can safely hold each component

"Travel systems are suitable from birth and can be used with a compatible baby car seat, as well as a carrycot or a lie-flat seat, and then when your baby is ready, at around six months old, you can swap to using an upright pushchair seat," explains Alison Potter, Baby & Child Expert at Which? and The Baby Show.

"There are lots of different packages available, including pushchairs that come with the carrycot or car seat - or both - included, along with other accessories like a rain cover or a change bag. Think carefully about your needs and compare prices to work out which retailer offers the best value for money. Also, check whether you’ll need adaptors to fit the carrycot or car seat and whether they come with the pushchair or need to be bought separately."

What are the advantages of travel systems?

The big advantage of a travel system is convenience. "Travel systems make it much easier to transport sleeping babies without disturbing them too much, as you can move them from car to pushchair without removing them from the car seat," adds Alison.

"Imagine you have a baby and you do the school run every morning with older siblings; with a travel system, you could pop your baby into their car seat for the drive to school and then, for the walk to the school gates, just click the car seat onto your pram chassis and off you go," adds Heidi Scrimgeour, Consumer Editor at GoodtoKnow.

"Once you're back at the car, you can easily secure the car seat back in your vehicle again - all without having to wrestle your baby in and out of different buckles multiple times. Younger babies often fall asleep quickly in the car seat, so using a travel system also means not disturbing them when you reach your destination - you can simply lift the car seat out of your vehicle and carry it with you indoors."

Your baby can safely nap in a carrycot for an extended period since it lies flat which supports optimal breathing, but Alison points out that different rules apply to car seats. "You shouldn't leave a baby under four weeks old in a baby car seat for longer than 30 minutes at a time. And from six months onwards, for no more than two hours. This doesn’t apply if it’s a lie-flat car seat, though."

Are all pushchairs travel systems?

No, not all pushchairs are travel systems. 

Travel system is the term used to describe a specific type of pushchair that can hold different seat attachments. Not all pushchairs have this flexibility and you cannot attach a baby car seat to all pushchairs - only to a compatible travel system.

"The clue is in the name; a travel system is a pushchair designed to make different methods of travel with your baby easier, via different seat attachments that you can swap on and off the frame as needed," adds Heidi. "It's a bit like the difference between cribs and bedside cribs. Both serve the same purpose - keeping a sleeping baby safe - but only bedside cribs are specifically designed to be attached to a compatible bed, and you shouldn't attempt to do that with a standard crib that doesn't have that functionality built into its design." 

Travel systems can also be used without the bassinet or car seat as standard pushchairs - which is good to know if you spot one you like but don't need the extras. If the bassinet and car seats are sold separately and not part of a bundle, you can opt not to buy them. In that case, you'll have a standard pushchair, but with the potential to use it as a travel system if you purchased the extra components.

You can also buy pushchairs that are only approved for babies over the age of six months. This is usually because the seat doesn't recline flat enough to meet the requirements for a newborn. As they're not suitable from birth, these aren't usually considered travel systems.

Features to consider

Not sure which travel system is right for you? Take these factors into consideration to narrow down your options:

• Value for money: A travel system is generally more expensive than a standard pram or pushchair without bassinet or car seat attachments - but affordable bundles exist so shop around for a good deal like the Graco Transform 2-in-1 (£200, Amazon).
• Lifestyle: A travel system is indispensable if you drive because of how easily you can move your baby between the car and pushchair. Otherwise, consider a lightweight pushchair like Babyzen YoYo (£399, Mamas & Papas), featured in our best travel strollers guide.
• Ease of use: A travel system can be bulky because of how robust the frame needs to be to handle several different attachments. So check how compact it is when folded - do and make sure it will fit in your car boot before you buy.
• Basket: A spacious basket is a godsend as you'll end up stashing everything in it from your change bag to the day's groceries. Check you can fit a couple of large packets of nappies in there plus a loaf and some milk!
• Future-proofing: If you're a first-time parent hoping to have more children, pick a travel system that will grow with your family - like the iCandy Orange 3 Crush (was £1,149, now £629 at Kiddies Kingdom) ( which has 30 different seat configurations and can accommodate siblings!

As well as all the component parts of a travel system, factor in any extras that you may need to buy separately. Think rain covers, coffee cup holders, pram toys, sunshades, and change bags. Consider which of these you really need, and which will gather dust in a cupboard. There’s no point buying a rain cover if everyone gets drenched anyway because it takes so long to put on.

“Lots of travel system bundles come with included accessories but you might not need them all," says mum and founder of Aurora Birth Club, Georgia Reynolds. “In my opinion, the only essential accessories are a rain cover and a cup holder; you ARE going to need that for your coffee!”

“A large shopping basket and sturdy rain cover were key for me when I had to take my baby out and about in terrible weather,” agrees mum Rebecca Clarke from London. “I had a coffee cup holder too but the road where we live was pretty bumpy, so it tended to spill, and I didn’t use it as much as I thought I would.”  

Memory buttons that make it easy to take the seat unit on and off the chassis are super helpful when you've got your hands full. Wheel size and suspension are also really important, and you should think and match these to your terrain and lifestyle.

Another important consideration is whether your family is likely to grow. If you hope to have more children, consider whether the travel system you’re buying can carry a toddler and baby at the same time, and whether you'd prefer a buggy board or an extra seat. The Silver Cross Wave (£1095 at John Lewis) is a good choice in this scenario.

“If you know that you want your child to have a sibling and are leaning towards a gap of two-ish years, something which can convert to a double or is compatible with a buggy board is a very sensible idea and will save you money longer term,” adds Georgia. 

How much do they cost?

When thinking about the best travel system for your family, the first decision is always budget. A travel system can cost between £200 and £1,200 and is likely to be one of the most significant purchases you’ll make when you have a baby. The brand you choose will determine the price you pay, because more premium, luxurious items of baby gear come with a higher price tag. If you opt for extras, like an ISOFIX car seat base, this can further increase the price. 

Once you’ve considered what you're willing to pay, look at the different configurations available and decide if you'd prefer to buy all the components in one bundle or mix and match elements from different brands; you might like the design of a particular pram but prefer to buy a compatible car seat from another brand because of its particular safety features. 

The best deals are usually on 'bundles' with all the various components included in the price. Heidi adds: "You can usually get the frame, bassinet, pushchair seat, car seat, and rain cover all included in one package. The advantage of buying a travel system like this is that you'll have everything you need to get out and about with your baby from day one; you won't have the headache of shopping around for a compatible car seat, for example. Plus, a bundle travel system is likely to be aesthetically pleasing and colour-coordinated, with all the parts designed to match."

On the other hand, if you're not bothered about everything matching but like particular features across different brands, you can opt to buy the component parts of a travel system separately. Just check before you buy that the all items are compatible. Many leading pushchair brands make travel systems but don't manufacture their own car seats, for example, but they're compatible with popular car seat brands instead. 

While buying second-hand is a good idea for many baby items, it’s not recommended for a travel system.

How long do travel systems last?

A travel system typically comes with a newborn bassinet which a baby can use until the age of six months. After this, you can transfer them into the pushchair seat, and they can stay in this until they are at least three years old. They're likely to only use the travel system car seat until they are around one year old, after which they will move up to the next stage car seat, which can only be used in your vehicle and not on a pushchair frame. 

If you choose to expand your family, you can adapt many travel systems by adding a buggy board for an older child to stand on or even an additional bassinet for a new baby. As time goes on, you will be able to buy extra accessories for your travel system as and when you need them. 

“You can use most travel systems for as long as your little one needs to be pushed while out and about,” says Georgia. “It is well worth checking the weight limit of the seat unit before making your final choice. There are lots on the market with 22kg limits, which would give you maximum longevity; my tall 5-year-old is just approaching this weight now! Think also about the seat back height; if either of the baby's parents is particularly tall, looking for a system which has a taller seat will serve you well in the long run.”

Is a travel system worth it? Our verdict

Travel systems are especially useful if you have a car that you’re in and out of a lot, as you can avoid waking a sleeping baby every time you switch between driving and walking. 

"If you drive everywhere, a travel system is a great investment that you’re likely to use every day. It will help you feel confident in getting out and about and make life with a baby a little bit easier," adds Heidi Scrimgeour.

"If you don't drive or only use a car very infrequently, there's no need to choose a travel system as you obviously won't make good use of the functionality that lets you attach a car seat to the frame. Instead, choose a standard pram or pushchair or go for a travel system without the car seat included. Then, on the rare occasions where you do need to put your baby in a car seat, you'll just need to remove them from the seat and buckle them into the pram or pushchair."

If you're looking for more information to help you choose the best pram for your baby, have a look at stroller vs pram - what to know before you buy or to help you choose how much to spend, find out why this mum would never spend more than £400 on a stroller. 

A sleeping bag is an essential bit of kit for your nursery, and can be used from the time your baby is a newborn well into childhood or even adulthood. The best baby sleeping bags help to ensure your child stays at the perfect temperature no matter what the weather, as well as keeping them cosy. 

The Ickle Bubba Sleep Bag is a well-priced, comfortable and versatile sleeping bag that's available in a range of designs, prices and togs. 

We asked parent tester Charlie to test the Ickle Bubba Sleep Bag alongside her son Seb. So what did they think?

• VIEW AT ICKLE BUBBA

Design

Weighs: Not provided | Age: 6 - 18 months

We've long been fans of the affordable but high-quality products from British baby brand Ickle Bubba, and the sleeping bag is no exception.

Available in a variety of cute designs such as rabbits, stars, mountains and rainbows, the sleeping bag comes in 1 tog or 2.5 tog, and is available in two sizes, 0-6 months and 6-18 months.

The sleeping bag is easy to put on and off, with a handy side zip and simple shoulder poppers.

Charlie loved the design of the sleeping bag, as well as the longevity it offers.

"The Ickle Bubba sleeping bag is a really lovely sleeping bag designed for babies aged 6-18 months," she explained. "The design I tested was the 'rustic safari' - a mustard yellow sleeping bag with yellow dots, which I think is a perfect neutral design.

"The thing I liked the most about this sleeping bag, and the thing I think sets it apart from others we've used, is the broad age and size range of it.

"This is suitable for babies aged 6-18 months which means once you've invested, you won't need to replace it for a long time. Often you only get a 6-month window in which to use a sleeping bag before you have to move up to the next size, which can get expensive when you're buying lots of different sizes and tog ratings. 

"With this one, it'll see Seb through the colder autumn and winter nights and right into next year which I really like - it feels like really good value for money. I also don't think it looked too big on him at 10 months - there's still plenty of growing room but I wasn't worried about lots of excess material."

Comfort and features

Made from cotton jersey, the sleeping bag feels really soft to the touch, and it's generously sized too. It's easy to imagine how comfy little ones are when wrapped up in its cosy layers.

It's also super easy to use with its handy zipper, a fact that Charlie liked when using it for Seb's naps. She also loved the fact that it washed well and that it came with a guide to which tog to use.

"This sleeping bag was really easy to use - it just fastens over the shoulders with poppers, and has a zip down one side, so even with a wriggly 10-month-old it was easy to get him into it," she added.

"The fabric is soft and I felt like Seb was very comfortable in it, plus knowing it's 100% cotton is reassuring as you know it's breathable.

"I washed the sleeping bag on a gentle baby wash cycle and it washed really well - the colour stayed intact and the fabric still felt very soft. 

"This particular sleeping bag is a 2.5 tog so it's suitable for cooler nights - Ickle Bubba includes a guide with it to give you some idea of how to dress your baby in different room temperatures, which is really handy and I've kept it for future reference."

• VIEW AT ICKLE BUBBA

Value for money

At just £22, the Ickle Bubba Sleep Bag is on the more affordable end of the spectrum, but there's no compromising on quality despite the price.

Charlie was really impressed with the generous sizing and quality fabrics used and felt it would make a great recommendation to family and friends with infants.

"This is a really good quality sleeping bag that'll last babies for ages," she added.

"This feels like a really good investment to me because of the wide age range it offers, so I've suggested it to friends who are looking for a sleeping bag that'll last a bit longer.

"Overall, I've been very impressed with this sleeping bag - I hadn't tried anything by Ickle Bubba before, but they'll definitely be a brand I'd consider in the future.

"This is great for parents who like stylish and functional products that last their babies a long time."

Who should buy the Ickle Bubba Sleep Bag?

The Ickle Bubba Sleep Bag ticks lots of boxes. It's affordable, comfortable and comes in a huge variety of designs. For these reasons, it will appeal to many parents with children under three. It's a perfect buy if you're looking for a good quality sleeping bag that doesn't break the bank - and that still looks good too.

A stylish, award-winning baby travel crib changing bag that's been hailed as the must-have product for busy parents on the go, the Bizzi Growin Pod is the world's first 2-in-1 travel bag and baby crib — but is it really something you can't live without? We found out!

We asked our parent tester, Loren, to try out the Bizzi Growin POD with her 12-week-old son, Sam, and judging from her feedback, we'd have to say she's one smitten kitten! If you don't want to cart one of the best travel cots with you wherever you go (even the most compact ones can still be bulky) and you're looking to tick several baby product boxes, the Bizzi Growin POD is well worth considering.

Ensuring nap time is convenient and stress-free wherever you may be, the Bizzi Growin POD is both functional and fashionable, with a unique fold-out crib section that's easy to use and can be assembled in minutes. We also love the durable and easy to clean fabric which means you can weather all those messy parenting storms with ease.

We immediately fell in love with the design of this baby travel crib changing bag, but we were keen to find out more about exactly how it can add value to your life as a new parent. Does it take up lots of space? Is it comfortable to wear and easy to transport? And how durable and easy to clean is it? All of these things are important when you're considering a purchase of this nature and as you'll soon discover, Loren felt it ticked all those boxes beautifully.

Price and availability

At £58, we feel the Bizzi Growin POD is a mid-range product, however, when you consider that it doubles up as both a travel bag and a baby crib, we feel it blows it's pricier competitors (who offer either a changing bag or a crib) out of the water.

"It’s more expensive than a basic changing bag," agrees Loren, adding, "but you get two products in one: a transportable daytime cot and a changing/weekend bag."

Is it a luxury product rather than an essential one? Absolutely. As Loren says, "you don’t really need it, but it’s lovely to have it!"

Still, if you're pitting this against other changing bags, Loren feels it's absolutely a best buy. However, she goes on to say that "if it’s in a category with other travel cots then no, [it's not a best buy] as you can’t leave the baby to sleep in it unsupervised (meaning it’s not really suitable for use at night)."

Design and features

Weighs: 1.2kgs | Age: From newborn up to when baby can push themselves up on their hands
Folded size (Bag): W48cm x H35cm x D14cm Unfolded size (Crib): W48cm x H35cm x D77cm

When it comes to the overall design, features and comfort, the Bizzi Growin POD is pretty darn hard to fault. There's definitely no need for bulky, heavy travel cots when you have this little beauty in the house — simply grab your travel bag and off you go!

But, what exactly was it that our tester loved so much? Well, according to Loren, the first big plus is just how flexible it is. "The fact it’s also a travel cot gives it the edge over other bags. If you want to use it as just a bag, this essentially doubles its internal capacity, so it’s very practical," she says.

At 1.2kgs, Loren was also impressed by how easy it was to carry this bag about, stating that, "it’s well made from soft-touch vegan leather and feels super sturdy yet surprisingly lightweight considering it’s also a cot."

Even though Bizzi Growin state that the POD is only recommended for babies who can't yet sit up unaided, Loren felt it would still offer her excellent longevity as she can use it as a changing/travel bag for Sam when he gets older. "I love the sleek design too – I’d be happy to use it as a weekend bag for myself!," she told us.

As for the interior space, Loren describes it as being "really roomy — much bigger than other changing bags I have — so it had enough space to fit Sam's clothes, muslins and other bits and bobs for a week away. It’s also well thought out, with two main compartments (one of which houses the fold-out crib) and internal and external pockets. The insulated bottle pocket is a particularly handy touch."

Loren also really liked the removable cross-body strap that comes with the POD, as well as the two top handles as this allowed her to sling it across her body while she was running errands with Sam. The one downside? "The mattress crinkles a little which can make a sound when you’re laying baby down. It woke Sam up a couple of times when I was moving him from sleeping in my arms to the cot," Loren said.

All in all, the Bizzi Growin POD has an incredibly well thought out design that makes nap time and changing time incredibly convenient and stress-free. Oh, and as an extra bonus, the POD is simple to wipe down and clean when those inevitable parenting messes occur and it comes in four classy colours — black, porcini, whisper grey and windsor grey — with a beautifully patterned interior.

How we tested

• The Bizzi Growin POD was put to the test on a regular basis by our parent tester and her 12-week-old son
• Was put through its paces on a trip to Cornwall as well as around the house and at picnics in the park
• Our parent tester dove deep into all the facets of this POD, considering things like flexibility, versatility, longevity, quality, how easy it was to use and assemble, and how comfortable it was to carry around

Things you won't find on the box

One of the things our parent tester absolutely loved about the Bizzi Growin POD was all the useful additions that you may not pick up on just by skimming the product spec on the website.

"I love all the thoughtful details, such as that it comes with a mosquito net for naps outdoors," Loren told us. "Sam was bitten by a tick recently, which ended up in a couple of hospital visits, so I’m really conscious about keeping insects away from him when we’re outside now."

Also, if you're anything like us and aren't always the best with putting things together, you'll be relieved to learn that this product is a piece of cake to assemble.

"The crib itself is super easy to put together — all you have to do is unzip the back of the bag, extend it, insert the poles and roll out the padded mattress. Takes less than a minute. I used it as a safe place for Sam to lie in while awake as well as for nap times (instead of risking spit-up getting on the holiday cottage’s beds/sofas!)," Loren said.

Who's it best for

After putting the Bizzi Growin POD through its paces in a variety of different situations and settings, Loren felt that it's a product that would benefit a wide range of parents — including those who often rely on their feet to get around!

"It’s excellent for non-drivers," she said. "I travel by public transport to stay at my mother’s home regularly, so this bag has been really handy on those occasions."

Loren says she also feels it would suit anyone who likes beautifully designed products — "I have the black version but the porcini colour is especially stylish."

Her overall verdict? "I recommended this bag to friends because the idea sounds a little gimmicky but it’s been far more useful than I thought it would be."

Need an alternative?

With the Bizzi Growin POD being the world's first 2-in-1 travel bag and baby crib, finding an alternative is somewhat tricky. However, if you're happy to keep your changing bag and your crib as two separate items, why not consider a Moses basket?

One of our personal favourites is the Mokee Wool Nest Moses Basket which retails on the brand's website for £149. It offers a stylish and contemporary twist on the traditional Moses basket and is made from high-quality blended wool felt. Easily flat packed for travel and storage, it comes with a mattress, liner and fitted sheet — plus there's the option of purchasing a separate stand for extra stability.

Shopping for more baby equipment? Check out our guides to the best Moses baskets and the best travel cots.

One expert has shared why it's totally normal for babies not to sleep through the night - and it could actually be a good sign.

As many parents will know, having a baby means kissing goodbye to a good night's sleep. Just when you think you've figured out when babies sleep through the night you might be hit with the 10-month sleep regression, or any other number of new challenges that have altered your baby's sleep routine.

And while we know that your baby waking up at 5am is one of the less enjoyable aspects of parenting, perhaps next time you're trying to soothe your baby in the small hours you can take some comfort from the fact that it might actually be a good thing.

One scientist from the University of Bristol has explained some of the positives of your baby not sleeping through the night, including an association with higher intelligence levels and better mental health. Every cloud, right?

Speaking to Buzzfeed, Peter Fleming, professor of infant health and developmental psychology, explained, "Human infants are not designed to sleep for long periods, it's not good for them, and there is absolutely no evidence whatsoever that there is any benefit to anybody from having a child that sleeps longer and consistently." He added, "That's not perhaps what most parents would like to hear."

The good news, however, is the link between "very high levels of developmental and intellectual achievement and not sleeping throughout the night," according to Professor Fleming.

He also explained that babies prefer to be awake between 6pm and midnight, and would rather sleep during the day, adding that there is a biological advantage to this, because "they will have more attention from their two primary caregivers at that time of day than at any other, because there are fewer distractions."

Professor Fleming adds, "From a biological point of view what the baby is doing is completely normal and sensible. It just doesn't fit in with our 21st-century expectations."

In fact, Professor Fleming explains that the idea that babies should sleep through the night is a modern expectation, when it's actually more natural for them to wake up often.

"One needs to remember that society changes faster than biology," he says. "A biological pattern that's taken half a million years to develop can't just be suddenly ignored and turned around. Particularly when there's no advantage in doing so."

It's worth remembering that for many adults it's rare to sleep through the night without waking, but the difference is that babies struggle to get back to sleep themselves.

As Professor Fleming explains, "Adults tend to go through a 90-minute sleep cycle and come up almost or perhaps completely to the point of waking up and then go back to sleep.

"We tend to have two or three of those during the night time before we become aware that we've woken and go back to sleep. Babies have a 60-minute cycle."

So while it might not be the news parents want to hear, take small comfort in knowing that if you've tried everything to get your baby to sleep through the night and it's still not happening, this is normal and you're most certainly not the only parent going through it.

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A popular choice for active parents who plan to run or jog with their child, the Summit X3 is a sleek and sporty pushchair with air-filled rubber tyres and all-wheel suspension. We put it to the test.

Stylish as well as practical, the Summit X3 was designed for Baby Jogger in partnership with female marathon runner Robin Arzón. And you can certainly tell - classy gold stitching and detailing on the wheel rims and seat put this running buggy in a class of its own - and, in our eyes, make it one of the best pushchairs you can buy. 

GoodtoKnow parent tester Lizzy told us she found the Summit X3 "fairly straightforward" to set up from unboxing to first use, and described it as offering "a comfortable running setup" with plenty of space behind the seat for your running stride. "The handle is comfortable to hold, and has both a wrist strap and a hand brake, which is nice for added security and reassurance when running, especially on downhill stretches," Lizzy added. 

"Other standout features include a swivel lock for the front wheel (which you control via the handlebar), ample storage space in the basket beneath the seat, and comfortable, secure seating for the baby."

The Baby Jogger Summit X3 is suitable for babies aged six months and older or, when used for running, for babies over the age of nine months. It's currently available to buy from Baby Jogger (£569) and Amazon.

• VIEW AT AMAZON

The three-wheel design (with a lockable swivel wheel at the front) makes this pushchair highly manoeuvrable - even when you encounter a sudden change in terrain. No matter whether you're popping out for a gentle stroll or trying to beat your PB, the all-wheel suspension system ensures your child will enjoy a smooth ride.

A hand-operated deceleration brake and tether strap make it easy to maintain control of the pushchair at all times, whether you're on a downhill slope or just slowing your pace for a well-earned breather. 

Price and availability

A running buggy is never going to be a 'cheap' option because of all the extra craftsmanship that goes into building a stroller that's robust and manoeuverable enough to take on a run with a little one on board. 

The Summit X3 is priced at £569 which reflects the fact that it's essentially a specialist product but, based on our parent tester's experience of trying it out, we think the price is good value for a high-performance buggy that can help you to maintain an active lifestyle after having a baby.

With an upper weight limit of 22kg, it's also worth noting that you could continue to use the Summit X3 until your child is around six years old. That's a considerably longer period of use than a standard pushchair so although this costs more than many, it also has the potential to last for many more years than a cheaper alternative. 

And if you're concerned about wear and tear and whether the Summit X3 is robust enough to withstand years of running with an ever-growing passenger, you'll be glad to know that there's a limited lifetime manufacturer’s warranty on the frame.

Design and features

Age: 6m (9m running) - 22kg | Weight: 12.8kg | Dimensions: 86.5 x 66.5 x 35 cm

You could be forgiven for thinking that a running stroller is going to be all substance and not much style. Functionality is, after all, what matters most with a buggy designed to carry your child comfortably while you pound the pavements. But the Summit X3 Jogging Stroller is just as stylish as it's practical - maybe even more so. The interior of the canopy features a striking gold pattern designed by an artist from New York City and inspired by the streets of NYC, and there's a gold-stitched safety tether and gold accents on the wheel rims and seat back. See? Stylish. 

The front wheel has a locking mechanism that can be activated from the handlebar without slowing your pace or stopping - a feature GoodtoKnow tester Lizzy found useful for greater stability when running on flat, smooth surfaces. And if you want to set the wheel to swivel for better maneuverability while out walking, it's just as easy to do so without breaking your stride.

The seat unit has a five-point harness system to keep your child safely in place and an adjustable recline feature so your child can lie back in comfort. GoodtoKnow parent tester Lizzy found the seat was secure and comfortable enough for her daughter Niamh to nap happily while Lizzy was out for a run. She also remarked on the "excellent" number of mesh panels that create airflow around the seat to keep little ones cool. 

The Baby Jogger Summit X3 also has a UV 50+ canopy to keep your child shaded and protected from UV rays plus a peek-a-boo window that makes it easy to keep an eye on your child as you walk or run.

Having somewhere to stash your phone and other essentials when you're out for a run is a must, as any runner knows, and the Summit X3 has that covered too. There is a large under-seat basket that's easy to access but also a handy storage pouch in the seat unit. "We had lots of storage space in the basket when we went shopping after a run and there's extra storage in the mesh pocket on the back of the seat," Lizzy said.

How we tested

• Used the Summit X3 for both walking and running on different types of terrain
• Thoroughly tested the claim that it can be folded with one hand - it can!
• Reviewed the stroller's overall performance, taking into account the comfort it provided for the baby along with how stylish it looks, how easy it is to use, and whether it folds easily.

Things you won't find on the box

A standout feature of the Summit X3 is its patented fold mechanism - it's designed so that you can fold it with one hand, thanks to Quick-Fold Technology. Lizzy confirmed - to her surprise - that it does indeed live up to that claim. "The one-handed fold was surprisingly easy to execute after a bit of practice although some upper body strength was required," she said. "It's great that this feature has been included." 

On the downside, the handlebar isn't height-adjustable. This wasn't an issue for our tester but she felt it could be problematic for others, particularly if two partners of different heights plan to use the pushchair. "It's not an issue for me at 5'4" but it might impact someone taller," Lizzy said.

Another small drawback to note is how heavy the Summit X3 is. For comparison, consider that a lightweight travel stroller typically weighs less than 6kg and this is twice that weight at more than 12kg. The weightiness is a benefit because it helps add stability and robustness to the pushchair frame and Lizzy says she wouldn't be put off buying the Summit X3 because of the weight, but feels it's something some parents will want to consider because lighter alternatives do exist.

Who's it best for?

GoodtoKnow tester Lizzy feels the Summit X3 is best summed up as a running stroller with a "premium feel" which is "also nice to look at and has a well-thought-out design". She would recommend it to parents who enjoy running and who would like to invest "in a stylish and functional running buggy that is comfortable to use for both baby and parents".

Lizzy listed 'ease of use' as a reason to buy this pushchair, adding that it delivered "a comfortable and efficient run" and she praised the design for keeping her baby comfortable enough to nap during Lizzy's run.

If you're looking for a stylish pushchair that will support an active lifestyle, the Summit X3 is well worth your consideration. While there's no guarantee that your baby will nap while you run, we love the fact that this pushchair offers that possibility. 

If you're not a runner, the Summit X3 will appeal to anyone who loves the idea of squeezing in a daily walk while your baby naps in comfort. If you've enjoyed an active lifestyle pre-parenthood and want to make it as easy as possible to continue that once your baby is here, the Baby Jogger X3 just might be the perfect pushchair for you.

Need an alternative?

If a running buggy isn't quite what you need and you just want a pushchair that's sturdy enough to tackle off-road walks without breaking a sweat, there are plenty of other all-terrain pushchairs to choose from. Check out our Bugaboo Fox 3 review for the lowdown on an all-terrain pram with advanced suspension that handled all terrains well when we put it to the test. 

Or for another running buggy to compare the Baby Jogger Summit X3 with, have a read of our Cybex Zeno review - you can use it to run with your baby using ‘push-mode’ or switch to ‘hands-free’ and it's also suitable for use when cycling or even skiing.

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Looking for more shopping inspiration for the best baby and pregnancy kit? Check out a selection of our other buying guides...

British brand Joie is a household name when it comes to the baby world. Its car seats — including the Joie i-Spin 360 — are a true testament to that. We put this one to the test for our guide to the best car seats for babies. Here's the tester's in-depth review so you can see for yourself if it's the right car seat for your needs and budget.

• VIEW NOW | JOHN LEWIS - £230

This is a worthy contender if you're looking for a super comfortable car seat that you can use from birth until your child is four years old, and which prioritises the safety of your baby, along with their comfort.

Grace mentioned that her daughter hated being in a car seat prior to reviewing this one. "For a little while we thought the crying was because she was a newborn, and that's what newborns do," she explained. "But after some time we realised it was because she was uncomfortable in the position the seat forced her into. She was desperate to lean or sit forward, but unable to do so, she would get cranky and frustrated quickly.

"Unpacking the Joie i-Spin 360, in our living room, we could see immediately that it was going to suit her demands better. It has padding and cushioning in every nook and cranny, including a memory foam headrest, padded shoulder straps, and infant inserts that can be removed individually. The latter is a particularly clever offering, as you can adjust things little by little, as opposed to removing the baby insert all in one."

To put this seat to the test, Grace used it for a six-hour trip from Yorkshire to Devon with her daughter — and the outcome?

"She even fell asleep at one point on the way there, and for a couple of hours (with a stop off) on the way back. There was no squirming or straining."

Price and availability

At £230, this car seat sits in the middle of the pricing spectrum, but considering its brilliant safety features, rotating function, numerous recline functions, high-quality materials, and ease of use, it represents fair value for money.

Grace also believes this ticks all the boxes you would expect a premium car seat to have, just minus the price.

"Despite its cost, it's worth the investment when you factor in that it can be used for several years, has a generously sized seat, is comfortable, and has reliable safety features," Grace told us. "Plus it's ISOFIX compatible. It has everything I would expect for the price and a little more, like being able to tilt the car seat from the back seat while in motion, which I wouldn't have thought you'd be able to do."

Design and features

Weighs: 13.9 | Age: Birth to 4 years old

Along with the 360° rotating seat, which makes offloading and unloading your little traveller easier, it also has Guard Surround Safety panels that automatically extend when your baby is placed into the seat to provide all the cushioning and security they need.

Couple this with the clever memory foam Tri-Protect headrest and six recline positions and you can rest assured your precious cargo will travel safely and comfortably.  

It's important to note that not all car seats rotate for easy access and it's not essential for them to do so. But for Grace, having a 360° spin function was crucial and for good reason.

"I have chronic back pain and scoliosis which have gotten worse since pregnancy, and I am still recovering from symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) brought on by the pregnancy (thanks for sitting on my ribs for three months, my darling!).

"Lifting our daughter both in and out of the seat caused pain, and the prospect of having to repeat the motion for years to come was unappealing, to say the least. That being said, my husband and mum, the latter of whom we gratefully welcome as a babysitter once a week, really appreciate the spin function too. I will say, however, that while you can spin it one-handed, it isn't quite as smooth or light as the adverts or demos make it look. This isn't much of an issue, as it's still possible to do easily, but it would be remiss not to mention that it does need a bit of a tug to rotate."

Another design feature Grace praised was the clever tilting function, which enables little travellers to nap comfortably on the go.

"Once on its base, and even when the car is in motion, the car seat can be tilted backwards and forwards, with a total of six different recline settings," Grace explained. "We strapped our daughter in and went out for a little test drive, with my husband driving and me in the back. With a bit of practise, I figured out how to lean over with my seatbelt still on and lay her backwards and forwards. The buttons are a little stiff, and the motion is pretty jolty, so a very light touch and careful movements would be needed to lay baby back once they had fallen asleep, so as not to disturb them."

"That being said, our daughter looks more comfortable and settled than she ever has in her previous seat. She is also higher up, so can gaze out of the window. When she turns her head and the strap pads brush against her face, we can see they are soft and do not bother her."

How we tested

To test out this car seat, Grace used it as her main means of transporting her daughter for several weeks, using it daily as follows:

• Transported a seven-month-old baby in a standard family car using this seat, installed via ISOFIX anchor points according to manufacturer's guidelines.
• Used the seat for a minimum of two weeks for everyday transportation, which included a six-hour drive to from Yorkshire to Devon.
• Tested the seat rotation functionality, in particular, to see how easy it is to place the baby in and out of the car compared to a fixed seat.

Things you wouldn't find on the box

ISOFIX bases are often believed to be a bit of a faff to sort out. But Grace confirmed that the Joie i-Spin 360 is straightforward to set up and it took just ten minutes to do so. Despite the car seat looking huge in her living room when unboxing it and taking up a fair amount of space in the car, she said it's well worth the effort required.

"The Guard Surround Safety™ panels auto-engage when the harness is tightened," Grace told us. "All the padding, and the design of the seat, feel like she is truly cocooned, without being squashed or uncomfortable." But better yet? "It doesn't encroach into the middle seat or look like an eyesore. It looks great."

Grace did however find the straps a little tricky to loosen.

"It is simple to tighten them - just pull at the single strap at the bottom, centre edge," Grace said. "But initially we could not for the life of us figure out how to loosen them again."

With the manual in the house, the pair tugged away for five minutes, growing more and more frustrated. Eventually, Google helped to save the day.

"To loosen the straps, you must insert your fingers into the hole in the bottom centre of the car seat," Grace explained. "With your other hand, you must pull the straps, but importantly not by the padded section." This is where Grace was going wrong, as the seat pads don't move - only the actual straps underneath do. She added: "Once we figured this out, it is very easy to do, which is a relief."

Who's it best for?

Overall, this is for someone looking for comfort and safety for baby. But, as Grace tells us, it's also best for someone who's looking for back and arm care for themselves.

Grace adds: "Yes, I'd recommend this car seat to a friend, absolutely. It lasts for long enough to justify the cost, and you won't need to replace it at 12 months or four years, plus my daughter is far comfier and happier in it than she ever was in her old seat. I would buy this again, rather than looking for other options, if we got a second car, for example."

Need an alternative?

Luckily, there are loads of other 360° rotating seat options to choose from although the Joie i-Spin 360 is much more affordable than the Be Safe iZi Twist B-E iSize car seat, yet it doesn't feel like a budget buy. However for a more affordable car seat, check out the UPPAbaby Mesa i-Size Infant Car Seat which we also reviewed.

Looking for more options to help your precious cargo travel safely and securely? Discover the best convertible car seats for your baby, the best pram we've tried and tested this year or the best baby carrier to keep little ones close to you while on the go.

The Maxi Cosi Titan Pro i-Size featured in our guide to the best car seats based on our consumer tests - find out what our reviewer thought of it

• VIEW NOW | AMAZON - £269.99

From Side Impact Protection to its five-point safety harness with a magnetic buckle, the Maxi Cosi Titan Pro i-Size is a long-lasting car seat that's packed full of safety features.

Buy it if you want a convertible car seat you can use from toddlerhood to pre-teen that won't take up any more space than it needs to, thanks to its streamlined design.

The car seat offers clever safety features, longevity, and a smart look to boot. Lasting from 15 months to 12 years, the car seat offers G-CELL 2.0 Side Impact Protection to increase security in the event of a side impact, while breathable fabrics and additional ClimaFlow panels encourage airflow and circulation.

There are also AirProtect Safety Cushions on the headrest which not only bring additional comfort to your child but also reduce the risk of head injury by up to 20%. So it's fair to say that this seat is built with your child's safety in mind.

Price and availability

With a RRP of £269.99, this multi-stage car seat sits on the more expensive end of the spectrum, but considering its longevity, high-quality materials, ease of use and the fact that it meets the latest iSizei regulations, it represents fair value for money.

Our tester, Elisa, praised numerous aspects of the car seat, saying that although it’s a pricier option, it’s a “well-designed product” that “feels safe and sturdy and is easy to use”. 

“The seat is sturdy yet narrower than other seats that offer a similar level of protection for the same age group, and this means it fits more comfortably into smaller cars, or cars carrying multiple travellers,” she added.

“The materials are high quality and the seat is very well made - it is very sturdy. The seat is ergonomic and easy to use and children of all ages are comfortable. The recline feature provides further comfort for your child and aids in sleeping during travel. I also like the design: the seat looks very smart.”

Design and features

Weighs: 12.5 kg | Age: 15 months to 12 years

Available in grey or black, the Titan Pro i-Size has a simple, streamlined and sleek look. In addition to its ClimaFlow panels to encourage airflow and its comfy, headrest AirProtect Safety Cushions, the seat also offers four different recline positions for kids under four, plus an easy five-point safety harness with a magnetic buckle and Isofix installation for ease of use.

Elisa found the car seat easy to use and appreciated its additional safety features and high-quality materials.

“Subtle features like the smart design, the luxe feel of the fabric, and the sturdiness of the seat imply that it is built using premium materials and to an overall high standard,” she told us.

“The G-CELL 2.0 side impact protection, a safety feature using new technology, is the main draw for buying the Maxi-Cosi Titan Pro i-size," Elisa added. "The ease of use is another draw, especially when caring for small children. Isofix clips can sometimes be very fiddly and difficult to detach, but not with this car seat. The Isofix clips attach and detach easily; there is a particular method with the clips, but once you have that worked out it’s very easy to unclip them."

Another selling point for Elisa was how comfortable both of her children felt in the Maxi-Cosi Titan Pro i-Size. She also noted that the seat isn’t too bulky, making it suitable for families with smaller cars.

“The four recline positions are very slight, but when it's reclined fully the child is in an ideal and comfortable sleeping position for a short nap,” she explained.

“Our 15-month-old was very snug and secure, the shoulder pads were appropriately wide and the five-point harness waist belts fitted perfectly. Similarly, our seven-year-old daughter was very secure and comfortable in the seat. The headrest is designed in a way that holds a child’s head securely with a suitable degree of restraint in the centre."

How we tested

To put this car seat to the test, Elisa used it as her main means of transporting her two children for a minimum of three weeks, using it daily in her family vehicle for all the usual trips out of the house in the car.

Things you won't find on the box

As many parents will agree, safety will most likely be at the top of the list when it comes to deciding which car seat to choose. But it's one area the Maxi Cosi Titan Pro i-Size Car Seat certainly doesn't skimp on. Better yet, securing your little one into this seat - and making sure they stay there safely - is easy.

Elisa tells us: “The five-point harness is very easy to adjust and fasten, and is designed in a way that would make it very hard for younger children to slip their arms out of." While if you are changing the seat from toddler to child setup, Elisa said it was "very straightforward" and took "just a couple of minutes.”

Who's it best for?

Got a small car? Or if your vehicle always full? This could be the perfect car seat for you.

“Another plus is the narrower width of the seat," Elisa tells us. "Comparing it to other similar seats, it fits more comfortably into smaller cars, or in cars carrying multiple travellers. At its widest point of 47cm, it's several centimetres narrower than other brands.”

Need an alternative?

In our guide to the best convertible car seats, we reviewed options that are priced at just under £150 to around £500. So, standing at just under £300, this puts the Maxi Cosi Titan on the more expensive side of car seats. However when compared to the Silver Cross Rise by Tinie Motion All Size Car Seat, it's much more affordable — but it certainly doesn't feel like a cheap option.

If you'd like to spend a little less, the Ickle Bubba Radial Group 0+/1/2 360 Spin Isofix Car Seat, which came top in our guide, is worth considering.

Looking for more options to help your precious cargo travel safely and securely? Discover the best car seats for your baby, the best pram we've tried and tested this year or the best baby carrier to keep little ones close to you while on the go.

Vogue Williams loves the Elvie breast pump but it's not cheap - except right now there's 25% off.

If you're a new mum shopping for the best breast pumps, it makes sense to pay attention to the items of baby gear that celebrity mums swear by. The Elvie Pump is the world's first silent wearable breast pump and has proved so popular with celebrity parents that it was one of the items given to Oscar nominees in the Academy's famous goody bags in 2019 - and now Elvie has slashed 25% off for Cyber Monday.

Vogue Williams, who has three children under the age of six with husband Spencer Matthews, was filmed wearing the Elvie Pump inside her bra during a photoshoot in 2020 as part of an ad on her Instagram account and called it 'a godsend'. She wrote in the caption: "The amazing team @elvie has launched two new wearable breastfeeding products, Elvie Curve is a silicone breast pump with natural suction and a valve that lets you control the suction strength, and Elvie Catch which is a set of two breast milk collection cups with slip-proof security."

Vogue added: "I’ve always been a fan of my Elvie Pump and with that on one boob and Elvie Curve on the other, I’m not letting any of that liquid gold go to waste! Elvie Curve and Elvie Catch are secure and discreet and I love how I can just pop them on and go about my life.

Celebrity mums from Hilary Duff to Chrissy Teigan have helped make using a breast pump less taboo by posing for photographs while expressing. And the Elvie Pump, which is available in different sizes for a perfect fit and in both single and double designs, changed the breast pump market when it burst onto the scene. 

Designed to fit inside your bra - no fancy nursing bra necessary - it allows you to carry on with normal life while you express so you can pump with confidence anywhere from the boardroom to the beach. 

The Goodto.com editorial team rated the Elvie Pump the best hands-free option in our Elvie Pump review and buying guide, where our panel of breastfeeding mums put a range of the best-selling breast pumps to the test.

The best Cyber Monday deal we've found on the Elvie Pump is direct from Elvie where there's 25% off until 30th November. Other retailers including John Lewis and Amazon have price-matched this deal. But if you buy from Elvie you get a two-year warranty, making this the best Elvie Pump Cyber Monday deal we've spotted. The saving of £67.25 on the Single Pump and £124.75 on the Double Pump is as good as Cyber Monday baby deals get for such a popular breast pump. 

If this is more than you want to spend on a breast pump, we also recommend the Tommee Tippee Made for Me Single Electric Breast Pump, was £140 now £49.25 (SAVE 65%) which fared well in our buying guide and is particularly good for mums who want to express as much milk as possible in less time, according to our tester. 

The Elvie Pump has seven different settings so you can choose the intensity, and it's easy to adjust. But the standout feature is the fact that it fitted easily in our tester's handbag and was discreet enough to use whilst at her desk. 

Billed by our tester as 'the perfect pump for a busy mum who is prepared to spend a bit extra on a premium wearable design that will truly make life as a breastfeeding mum that little bit easier' the Elvie Pump is an expensive option - but not if you snap it up now with this Cyber Monday deal.

The BeSafe iZi Turn B i-Size car seat came out as our top choice for newborns in our guide to the best convertible car seats based on our consumer tests.

If you’re looking for the best convertible car seat for your baby or infant, you might have found it in the iZi Turn B i-Size from the premium car seat brand BeSafe. This two-in-one car seat ensures babies are safe in their seat in a rearward-facing position, later moving to 360-degree flexibility for older children.

The product doesn’t just make life easier for parents thanks to its swivelling capabilities but is absolutely packed with safety features that justify its higher price tag. These 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 absorb impact in the event of a collision. 

Price & availability

'This is a comfy and sturdy car seat that grows with a child, rotating between front and rear-facing,' Katie told us. 'It has an in-built Isofix base and is suitable for children from birth to around four years old. It's a robust system, which makes it feel safe and secure.'

Though the seat lasts four years, the BeSafe iZi Turn B i-Size car seat is not the cheapest option out there - but Katie feels that considering how much the brand has prioritised safety and security in the design, the high price tag is justified.

The BeSafe iZi Turn B i-Size car seat is currently to buy for £369 from Natural Baby Shower.  

Design & features

Weighs: 15.5kg | Age: Birth to four years old

The BeSafe iZi Turn B i-Size car seat's main selling point is its focus on safety, and Katie felt that Auden was safe and comfortable while in it. She also feels the seat is engineered so that parents feel confident and can't accidentally install it incorrectly or unsafely. 

'The three-point harness straps have magnets in the top, so you can pop them out of the way as you lift your child into the seat,' Katie explains. 'This saves a lot of heartache with pulling straps out from underneath wriggling toddlers!'

Katie adds: 'The baby seat insert has a special pin in it so that when it's fitted you can't accidentally turn it into front-facing mode. It's a great extra safety feature and really helps keep things clear.'

A guide printed on the side of the seat shows you which way it's safe for your child to sit at specific ages.

The seat is a stylish black design with a sleek white stripe. 'There are flashes of green to show that all the various components are fitted correctly, too,' says Katie.

How we tested

• Transported a 2.5-year-old child using this seat, installed via the base (included in the price) using ISOFIX anchor points according to manufacturer's guidelines, in a standard family car.
• Used the seat for a minimum of two weeks for everyday transportation, driving everywhere from the supermarket to the doctor's surgery.
• Tested the seat rotation functionality, in particular, to see how easy it is to place the child in and out of the car compared to a non-rotating seat.

Things you won't find on the box

Available in a series of stylish colours, from anthracite mesh to sea green melange, the iZi Turn B i-Size looks premium and high-end. Katie loved its sleek appearance, as well as how the design has been cleverly thought out to make life easier for parents as well as safer for kids.

'The stand-out aspect of this car seat is safety. It feels robust and secure, with the Isofix base taking out any guess-work when it comes to fitting the seat,' she told us. 'A little spirit-level shows that the seat is level and the system beeps if the foot hasn't been put down correctly. The harness feels really strong and supportive.'

'This car seat rotates on the base, which means that you can load your child in from the side, then swing them into place - which makes strapping them in a lot easier,' Katie adds. 

'There's an insert for newborns, and our 2.5-year-old found the seat comfy and couldn't escape from the straps - which he's inclined to try and do. He doesn't slip down in the seat either, which he has done in other car seats.'

Who's it best for?

Overall, our reviewer would recommend this seat to anyone prepared to spend extra on a rotating convertible car seat with additional safety features. It's particularly suitable for newborn babies, thanks to the Baby Shell which is equipped with a locking mechanism that prevents forward-facing use while the Baby Shell is in place. 'The BeSafe iZi Turn B also looks swanky,' adds our parent tester, Katie.

Need an alternative?

After testing the BeSafe iZi Turn B i-Size car seat, we chose it as the best convertible car seat for newborns because it allows for rear-facing travel up to the age of four and comes with a Baby Shell for extra protection and with this in place, the seat can only be used most reclined and rear-facing.

If you're looking to spend less, we think the Ickle Bubba Radial car seat (£189, Amazon) is the best convertible car seat overall. 

Looking for more? Discover our range of baby gear buying guides covering everything from the best prams to the best baby monitors. 

The Graco SlimFit Combination car seat is our pick for the best budget buy in our guide to the best convertible car seats based on our consumer tests.

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, making it one of the best convertible car seats we've tested.

It’s 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. It keeps little ones comfy too, thanks to padded inserts, a four-position recline, and a 10-position headrest, plus a removable cupholder.

A great solution for families who want one car seat that will grow with their child until they're old enough to ride in the car without one, the Graco SlimFit Combination car seat easily transforms from a rearward-facing baby seat to a forward-facing toddler seat, and, eventually, into a high-backed booster seat for older kids. Safety features include TrueShield side impact protection technology for added head protection and a steel-reinforced frame.

Price & availability

Priced at £185, the Graco SlimFit Combination car seat is an excellent budget option - especially when you factor in that it’ll last most families for 12 years. Our tester, Tannice, feels this car seat is more than worth its price tag, and not just because of how long it lasts, but because of how easy it is to use and adjust in everyday life.

'At such a bargain price for the versatility this offers, we weren’t sure whether to expect much from this car seat but it really is value for money given it could potentially last for the entire period of time in which a child needs a car seat,' Tannice explains. 'You could buy this car seat and never have to buy another one, which makes it an absolute bargain. When my first child was tiny we bought a convertible car seat for that very reason but this one surpasses it in terms of lightness, design, and comfort.'

Design & features

Weighs: 8.76kg | Age: Birth - 12 years

Available in red or black with piped edges, the Graco SlimFit Combination car seat has a simple, classic look. Tannice loves the look of her red seat and says her son appreciates some of the extras that come with the thoughtful design.

'The colour is a lovely deep red and the seat looks amongst the most comfortable we have seen, with plump cushioning and a handy cup holder which our son was delighted with, she says. 'It's also easy to install in either direction and both boys seemed comfortable, well supported, and safe.'

After getting to grips with the instructions, Tannice appreciated the adaptability of the car seat, saying it was easy to adjust to her children’s needs. 'There are four different positions for younger babies and 10 positions for the adjustable headrest, so it’s really easy to personalise to suit your child’s body exactly,' she added. 'The headrest seemed comfortable when our sons were asleep and they both leaned their heads on it to snooze.'

When you adjust the headrest, Tannice notes that the SlimFit harness moves automatically too, so there’s less hassle, compared to other car seats, when your child has grown and you need to tweak its fit. 'No faffing about makes it really useful for busy parents who don’t want to keep moving the seat around,' she says. 

As well as being safe, secure, and long-lasting, the car seat is lighter than many other convertible car seats so it's easy to transport or move between vehicles. 'The seat is light, making it easy to move from car to car,' explains Tannice. 'It’s lighter than other convertible seats we have tried, even though it has a reinforced steel frame and feels very sturdy and well-built.'

When it comes to extra safety features, the seat has side impact protection with TrueShield technology as well as energy absorbing foam which looks comfortable too, according to Tannice. 'It also has an integrated belt lock-off system which is designed for a far easier seatbelt installation than other car seats we have owned and tried in the past.'

The five-point harness for the younger child has an audible click for additional safety awareness, so you have the extra reassurance that your child is safely strapped in.

How we tested

To put this car seat to the test, Tannice used it as her main means of transporting her children for at least two weeks, using it daily as follows:

• Installed using ISOFIX anchor points according to manufacturer's guidelines, in a standard family car.
• On separate occasions, transported a four-year-old (in the forward-facing position) and a 21-month-old (in rear-facing mode) using this seat for a minimum of two weeks for everyday car trips including school runs and play dates. 
• Tested the seat rotation functionality, in particular, to see how easy it is to place the child in and out of the car when compared with a non-rotating seat.

Things you wouldn't find on the box

One of the challenges of using a convertible car seat is the fact that you need to adjust it regularly throughout each stage of your child's development to ensure a good fit as they grow. Some models of car seats make this easier than others.

Happily, our tester found the Graco SlimFit Combination car seat very easy to adjust between growth spurts. 'Adjusting the head support on this seat is far easier than other car seats we've used in the past, which makes it very easy to find the right position to adjust the seatbelt when you're using it as a high-backed booster for an older child,' she says.

Who's it best for?

A great all-rounder, this is both an affordable and versatile car seat which, our tester feels, is suitable for the majority of family setups. 'It’s lighter than other convertible seats we have tried, even though it has a reinforced steel frame and feels very sturdy and well-built,' she adds. 'This would be an ideal seat for a childminder or for someone - perhaps with kids of different ages - who needs a seat that's quick to convert to fit each individual child at different times.

Need an alternative?

After testing the Graco SlimFit Combination car seat, we chose it as the best convertible car seat in our 'budget buy' category because it's super affordable for a car seat that can be used for 12 years - from the day your baby is born right up until they're old enough to no longer need a car seat. 

If you'd prefer a rotating car seat in the same sort of price range, we think the Ickle Bubba Radial car seat (£189, Amazon) is the best convertible car seat overall. 

Looking for more? Discover our range of buying guides covering everything from the best prams to the best baby monitors. 

The Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 is the winner of our 'best premium buy' rating in our guide to the best convertible car seats based on consumer tests.

If you want to invest in a single car seat to last your baby from birth until they are 12 years old, the Motion All Size 360 from 140-year-old British baby brand Silver Cross is an impressive option and one of the best convertible car seats you could choose. It's an R129-approved car seat (meaning it meets or exceeds the very latest safety standard for car seats) and the first seat of this kind that also rotates 360° for easier access to your child. 

It can be used in extended rearward-facing mode until your child is around four years old, and it's easy to adjust to fit your child over the years. It has a side protection system for added safety, while eight headrest positions and three recline settings help keep little ones comfy as well as safe and secure. 

Grace was impressed not just by the look of the car seat, but by how easy it is to use too. 'I have issues with my back, so a car seat that spins 360° feels like a genius invention, and this delivers,' she explains. 'I also want a car seat that feels big and spacious for my daughter - anything to reduce the likelihood of tears on a car trip - but which also won't limit space in the rest of the car. And with this car seat in situ and in rear-facing mode, I am still able to push the front passenger seat back into a comfortable position.'

Price & availability

At £375, the Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 car seat is an expensive item. But factor in that it's the only car seat you'll ever need to buy for your child, and it's easy to see why our tester feels it's more than worth its price tag. 

'For the price, you are getting top quality design, fabrics, and safety features - it really does tick all the boxes,' says Grace. 'It also offers luxury without skimping on quality. And while it's expensive, it still works out cheaper than buying new car seats every few years.'

'In several weeks of daily use, my daughter never complained when we were placing her in or out of the seat, or when tightening the straps,' adds Grace. 'She also never had a tantrum, even on longer car journeys, and she 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.'

Design & features

Weighs: 14.4kg | Age: Birth - 12 years

With a sleek design in stylish, neutral colourways and featuring soft natural bamboo fabrics, the Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 car seat looks and feels like a luxury product. Nevertheless, this is a hefty seat to carry at just over 14kg (heavier than a 24-pack of cola...) so it might not be the car seat for you if you plan to move it between vehicles on a regular basis. But if it's likely to stay put in your car, the weightiness only adds to how sturdy and robust it seems. 

One of the most notable features of the Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 car seat is the fact that it's an 'extended rear-facing' (or ERF for short) car seat. This means your child can continue to face the rear of the car when in the seat (instead of facing forwards) until they're much older than other standard rear-facing car seats allow. 

The extended rear-facing functionality of this seat particularly appeals to our tester. 'We'll turn our daughter to face forwards once she's four but in the meantime, I'm happy to keep her rear-facing, as I know it is the safest position and she is comfortable enough without needing to see us,' Grace says.

(Explainer: An extended rear-facing car seat offers a child better protection than a forward-facing car seat in the event of a front-on collision, which is one of the most common and most dangerous car accidents. The latest safety regulations for car seats, often referred to as 'R129', outlines that children should stay in rearward-facing car seats until they're 15 months old instead of moving into a forward-facing car seat. But extended rear-facing car seats like this one keep your child rear-facing right up until they are around four years old, with a handful remaining suitable for use until the child is five or six years old.)

Grace feels the Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 car seat delivers on both comfort and safety and was resoundingly positive in her review on both fronts after seeing how happy her daughter was in this car seat.

'For my daughter, I'm pretty sure all she really cares about is being comfortable,' Grace explains. 'The car seat has three recline positions, so I sit her forwards in the day and lay her back when I'm hoping she might have a quick nap.'

'Safety is another factor that is hugely important to me. The Silver Cross is R129-approved (the first 360° rotating car seat to achieve this) and it comes with an integrated Isofix base and support leg for easy installation. It also has a Side Protection System (SPS) which helps to absorb impact in the event of a crash. And I'm able to make the straps very tight on my daughter without feeling like they're hurting or restricting her, so I am confident on my journeys that she is as safe as she could be.'

How we tested

• Transported a nine-month-old baby using this seat, installed via the base (included in the price) using ISOFIX anchor points according to manufacturer's guidelines, in a five-door Honda Civic.
• Used the seat (in the rear-facing position) for a minimum of two weeks for everyday transportation, driving everywhere from the supermarket to the doctor's surgery.
• Tested the seat rotation functionality, in particular, to see how easy it is to place the child in and out of the car compared to a non-rotating seat.

Things you wouldn't find on the box

To put this car seat to the test, Grace used it as her main means of transporting her daughter for at least two weeks, using it daily. 

The Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 is packed with extra features that Grace found noteworthy. 'There are eight headrest positions which we'll adjust as our daughter grows. The fabric is super soft: various parts are made from bamboo, making them gentle on her skin and antibacterial. There are also ventilation panels at the back - a bonus feature that I know will keep her cool in the summer months, especially before the air-con kicks in.'

Another important consideration for Grace whilst testing this car seat was the straps. Anyone who has ever wrestled a reluctant toddler into a car seat knows that fiddly straps make an already stressful process almost unbearable. 'I'm looking for straps that are intuitive to tighten and release as I have tried other car seats in the past and found loosening the straps very difficult to do,' says Grace.

'Silver Cross has installed a metal buckle front and centre which you simply press down to loosen the straps. To re-tighten them again, you just pull the loose strap at the front. Ample padding on various parts of the straps means doing so doesn't dig into the baby's body.'

Who's it best for?

Overall, our reviewer wouldn't hesitate to recommend this car seat to anyone looking for a luxuriously crafted car seat suitable from birth right the way up to age 12. 'I think it makes sense to invest more for so many years of usage rather than needing to buy a new car seat every few years as the child grows,' she adds.

The fact that this convertible car also rotates 360° is a major plus for anyone keen to make getting out and about with a baby as hassle-free as possible. The extended-rear-facing functionality makes it an excellent choice too in terms of the highest possible safety features. 

Need an alternative?

After testing the Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 car seat, we chose it as the best convertible car seat in our 'premium product' category because it's exceptionally well crafted using sustainable materials plus it rotates 360º for easier access to your child, and it can be used to keep your child in the safest rear-facing position for longer, up to age four. 

If you're looking to spend less, we think the Ickle Bubba Radial car seat (£189, Amazon) is the best convertible car seat overall. 

Looking for more? Discover our range of baby gear buying guides covering everything from the best prams to the best baby monitors. 

The Ickle Bubba Radial 360 Rotating car seat came top in our consumer test so we've named it the best convertible car seat you can buy - read our review to find out why...

The Radial 360 Rotating Car Seat is an affordable car seat from baby brand Ickle Bubba. It converts from a rear-facing baby car seat to a forward-facing toddler car seat, but that's not all - it also rotates a full 360º for quick and easy transitions in and out of the car.

It's no surprise that the best convertible car seats have grown in popularity over recent years - who doesn't love a multifunctional bit of baby kit that grows 'with' your child? Back when my kids were babies, there was no escaping the fact that you had to buy a rear-facing car seat for your baby, followed by a forward-facing car seat for your toddler once they had outgrown the height or weight limits of the baby seat. Reader, it was expensive. 

Nowadays, convertible car seats have changed all that. If you choose this type of car seat, you can install it rear-facing for your baby and then turn it around (or 'convert' it) once your little one is the appropriate age to move into a forward-facing seat. Gone are the days of buying a baby seat and having to replace it with another hefty purchase once your tiny newborn has become a strapping toddler.

Goodto asked parent reviewer and mum Katy Islip to put the Ickle Bubba Radial 360 Rotating car seat to the test with her baby daughter Beatrice, who was 17 weeks old at the time. Katy told us she was 'impressed' by how easy she found it to install, adjust, and use this car seat. 'It grows with your child via the gradual removal of seat padding and other components,' she adds.

As its name suggests, the standout feature of the Ickle Bubba Radial 360 Rotating Car Seat is the fact that it rotates 360º, making it much easier to pop your child in and out of the car compared to using a car seat that's fixed in place. 

If you've ever tried to wrestle a squirming, reluctant toddler into a car seat that's fixed in place, you'll know exactly what I mean. (Welly-boot to the face, anyone?) Ditto if you've contorted yourself whilst trying to extract a snoozing newborn from a rear-facing car seat without waking them. No chance. A rotating car seat, in contrast, makes these moments easier and less stressful for all involved.

As well as rotating for easier access, the Radial 360 car seat can also be reclined for the comfort and safety of your baby. That's a major plus point because travelling in a car seat in an upright position for a long period of time can put babies at risk of breathing difficulties.

Price & availability

What most impressed our tester about this car seat is how affordable it is. Katy told us she was 'blown away' by the fact that it offers such fantastic value for money, considering the Radial 360 lasts from birth up to around seven years old.

'If you like value for money then this seat offers it in bucket loads because - barring accident or damage - it will last your child from birth right up to around the age of seven,' Katy explains. 

'Over the seven or so years that it should last your child, it amounts to less than £30 per year of use! That's excellent value, as most 360º rotating seats are more expensive.'

Overall, our tester told us she would recommend this Ickle Bubba 360 Radial Rotating Car Seat to anyone considering a 360º rotating car seat because of the way it can 'grow' with your child and be used for much longer than many other rotating can seats can.

Design & features

Weighs: 11.5kg | Age range: From birth to seven years old

The Ickle Bubba Radial 360 seat is available in an understated grey and black colourway which looks stylish, but it's possibly not the seat for you if you're looking for something in this season's on-trend colours. Ultimately, of course, car seats are all about safety and comfort, not colour. And it’s comfortable for little ones, thanks to its built-in headrest and padded straps. 

Design features of note include the visual indicators to ensure correct installation - if only all car seats had this - and an anti-rebound leg which helps to make installing this car seat very straightforward. If you're strapped for time and often in a rush, these are reassuring extras.

Katy found the seat to be aesthetically pleasing, as well as simple to fit and use. 'It's smart and attractive, with tonal fabric coverings and red contrast details to help you see where the seatbelt fittings go once you're using it for an older child,' she explains. 'The seat is also well-padded and appears to be very comfortable - Beatrice seemed to be generally content and even fell asleep in it easily on longer car journeys'. (Note: babies often fall asleep while travelling but it's important to take them out of the car seat as soon as you reach your destination because a car seat is not a safe place for a baby to sleep for a long period of time.)

Some car seats are a challenge to install but not this one. 'Fitting the Radial car seat into our car was a simple process, and I especially found it easy to deploy the Isofix connectors as the two-step buttons are easy to push,' our tester told us. 'I also felt confident that the seat was fixed and secure once pushed into place,' Katy adds. 

When it comes to getting babies, toddlers, and older kids in and out of the car as easily as possible, parents need all the help they can get - and Katy found that this car seat's features made life easier for her.

'The adjustment handles are all easy to use one-handed to get the correct fit and the newborn head padding was simple to pop in and out as we adjusted the fit - Beatrice is a long baby and quite big for her age, so we didn't need all the padding from the start,' she explains. 'The padding looks to be simple to remove when she's big enough to move up the stages offered by this seat.'

How we tested

• Transported a 17-week-old baby in a standard family car using this seat, installed via ISOFIX anchor points according to manufacturer's guidelines.
• Used the seat for a minimum of two weeks for everyday transportation, which included driving everywhere from the supermarket to the doctor's surgery.
• Tested the seat rotation functionality, in particular, to see how easy it is to place the baby in and out of the car compared to a fixed seat.

Things you wouldn't find on the box

To put this car seat to the test, Katy used it as her main means of transporting her daughter for at least two weeks, using it daily. 

When it came to reclining the car seat, she found this easy and intuitive to do. 'Once she was in the seat, it was easy to adjust the recline to suit Bea as there are three settings, including a 38º angle for newborns,' she says. 'At the moment she's still in this lowest setting but the handle for adjusting the angle is easy to deploy, being situated under the front of the seat.'

The mechanism to release the child from the seat is also easy to use, according to our tester. 'It requires enough force for me to be confident that little hands won't be able to spring it by accident once Bea is older,' explains Katy. 'And the backing on the strap padding that helps keep them in place also gives me confidence that she won't be easily able to shrug them off.'

Car seat harnesses can be maddening to operate which can be a real challenge when someone else is caring for your child and trying to get to grips with an unfamiliar harness. But, our reviewer tells us, the release button for retrieving the harness is 'a doddle to use' - and not just by our tester. 'It's also handily indicated by an embroidered marking so it's even easy to give instructions to anyone unfamiliar with the seat (thanks Mum!) on how to fish Bea out when I am busy disembarking her big sister,' she tells us. 

How easy is it to rotate the seat? 'It's a breeze, as the handle for this is super-handily located at the front of the base,' adds Katy. 'So even when the seat is rearward-facing, you don't have to go scrabbling about to find the lever to turn the seat round to get your baby in or out. This has definitely made it super easy for us to use this seat and is a big plus point in terms of design.'

As for cleaning the Ickle Bubba Radial Rotating Car Seat, our reviewer reports that washable covers mean you should be able to keep it looking good during the years of use it will provide.

Who's it best for?

Because it's suitable from birth to seven years old, this car seat is brilliant value for money - and all the more so when you factor in that it rotates 360º and makes getting your child in and out of the car so easy.

If we really had to pinpoint something that lets it down, it's the lack of different colours to choose from but that's a very minor complaint about what is, overall, a very impressive car seat offering. 

Our tester would happily buy this seat and recommends it to parents looking for an affordable but reliable convertible car seat. 'While we've only used this seat so far in the newborn/0+ mode, it has been easy to fit, adjust, and use,' Katy concludes. 'I felt confident that it offered good protection for Beatrice and she's been comfortable and happy in it too.'

Need an alternative?

After testing, we chose this as the best convertible car seat overall because it's affordably priced but packed with useful features, including a 360º rotating base, yet it feels very much like a top-of-the-range car seat. If you've got more to spend, we think the Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 (£355, John Lewis) car seat is the best convertible car seat in the premium price category. 

Looking for more? Discover our range of buying guides covering everything from the best prams to the best baby monitors. 

Travelling with a baby is no easy task, gone are the days of 'popping' anywhere. A trip to your local Tesco is now a military operation. Never fear, we speak to the experts for the easiest and safest ways to travel with your baby.

We know that as a parent, you are a relentless researcher. First off, it will be the best baby car seats or maybe best travel strollers, then things to do with toddlers, followed by - at the teenage stage - the best dad jokes - parents research, a lot. You probably researched this after booking your first family holiday. Well, we're here to make researching that bit easier.

It’s a good thing to wonder about before embarking on a long journey, babies aren't like us, they can't just move around until they're comfortable they need their grown-ups to help move them. Because, while it’s not only vital for you to take regular breaks when driving, it’s important for your little one too. 

So make sure you’re stocked up with some of the best-selling baby products of all time and read on to see what our experts have to say about how long a baby can be in a car seat. 

How long can a baby be in a car seat?

How long can a baby be in a car seat? is a common question for many new parents. According to the NHS the longest a baby should be in a car seat is two hours. We spoke with baby safety experts who explained this is important to allow babies to stretch and move around. If your baby was born premature or with a low birth weight you should speak to your GP to see whether more frequent stops would be recommended.

Bianca Cain, owner of Safe in Their Seat, a UK-based car seat specialist, says you should build up the time a baby spends in a car seat gradually.

She explains: “For the first 4 to 6 weeks of a baby's life it's recommended to keep the time in their car seat to an absolute minimum, preferably around 30 minutes at a time. This is to reduce the risk of positional asphyxiation and allow them to regulate their temperature better, as car seats can get very hot and sweaty. 

“After 6 weeks, it can be extended to around 60 to 90 minutes at a time. This is because they are bigger and stronger and able to better regulate their own temperature and breathing. 

“After 6 months, or when baby is sitting unaided, they can spend longer in the car. But we would always recommend taking a break every two hours.”

The Lullaby Trust, which raises awareness of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and provides expert advice on safer sleep for babies, also advises that while it’s fine for your baby to fall asleep in their car seat while travelling, they should not be left in it once taken out of the car. Instead they should be “placed onto a firm, flat surface to sleep”.

Mum Lucy, who has an eight-month-old son Jacob, says: “We can pretty much guarantee that Jacob will fall asleep the moment we start driving. But we always make sure we transfer him to his own cot or a travel cot once we arrive at our destination.”

7 baby travel tips

Travelling with a baby can be a daunting task, but with the right preparation and guidance, you can make the journey enjoyable and stress-free. Here are 7 baby travel tips;

1. Plan around sleep times: Babies thrive on routine, so try to plan your travel around their sleep schedule. If you're flying, consider booking flights during their usual naptime or bedtime to increase the chances of a peaceful journey.
2. Pack smart: Pack all the essentials for your baby, but avoid overpacking. Diapers, wipes, baby clothes, formula (if needed), and a few favourite toys are must-haves. Remember that you can purchase certain items at your destination to save space.
3. Choose baby-friendly accommodation: When booking accommodations, look for baby-friendly options that provide amenities like cribs, high chairs, and kitchenettes. This can make your stay much more convenient and comfortable.
4. Bring a lightweight stroller: A lightweight and compact stroller can be a lifesaver when navigating airports, train stations, and busy streets. Make sure it's easy to fold and carry.
5. Research baby-friendly activities: Before your trip, research baby-friendly attractions and activities at your destination. Look for parks, zoos, and museums that offer facilities for changing diapers and feeding.
6. Consider babywearing: Baby carriers or wraps are excellent for keeping your hands free while exploring. They can also help soothe your baby, especially during transit.
7. Prep for travel discomforts: Babies can experience discomfort during takeoff and landing on flights due to changes in cabin pressure. Breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or offering a pacifier during these times can help alleviate the pressure on their ears.

Remember that each baby is unique, so adapt these tips to suit your child's needs. Planning ahead and staying flexible will go a long way in making your baby travel experience a memorable one for the right reasons.

What age can a baby be in a car seat longer than 2 hours?

Parents often wonder how soon a baby can travel long distances by car and at what age they can be in a car seat for longer than 2 hours. However, where possible it is not advised that a baby should spend much longer than this in a car seat. This is because the two hour car seat rule aims to ensure that your little one can stretch and be held in an upright position regularly. Also, it’s important that the driver takes regular breaks, especially if they are tired from middle of the night wakings!

Parenting expert Kirsty Ketley explains: “Babies can travel from birth in a car seat. However, it is best that you refrain from long distances until your baby is over 6 months old. 

“If you need to do a longer journey, you should take regular breaks to check on them and take the baby out of the seat and put them in the upright position. Ideally, have another adult sitting on the back of the car with them.”

The Lullaby Trust advises using a mirror to keep an eye on your baby if travelling alone. It warns: “If your baby changes its position and slumps forward, then you should immediately stop and take them out of the car seat and reposition them before continuing on your journey.”

Mum-of-two Vicky remembers long car journeys to visit family when her children were babies. She says: “My parents live up north, so we always planned our journeys carefully. We would set off immediately after breakfast and drive for two hours while the baby napped. Then we’d stop for lunch and drive for another two hours, before stopping for an afternoon snack. Then there would just be the final leg of the journey. They were long travel days, but it was better for everyone that we broke the journeys up into small, manageable chunks.”

Of course, it is not always possible to stop if you are stuck in traffic for example, but try your best to stick to the two hour car seat rule where possible.

Parenting expert Nicole Ratcliffe, who is the founder of Baby2Sleep, says: “There is no age when it is advised babies can be in car seats longer than two hours. So, if possible, please follow the two hour rule. However, we do know that in some circumstances with traffic, this isn't always possible. But try to take regular breaks when you can, let baby have a stretch along with yourself, get some blood flow back to the legs and hope that you don't get caught in hours-long traffic jams!”

How to keep baby safe and comfortable in the car

• Window shades
• A blanket
• A mirror
• Air con/fan

One of the most important things to think about when considering how to keep a baby safe and comfortable in the car is their temperature. If you are driving in hot weather, make sure they are dressed in light clothes and use either air conditioning or a portable fan to keep them cool.

Window shades can also be placed across the windows to avoid glare or overheating. Kirsty says: “Never cover the seat with a blanket or muslin cloth to shade from the sun, instead purchase safety-checked window shades.”

If the weather is cold, do not be tempted to put your baby in a car seat wearing a snowsuit or thick jacket. Instead, cover them with a blanket once they are safely secured with the harness.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) explains: “If a child is wearing a thick jacket or body suit the harness cannot be firmly fastened around the child meaning that it will not fit in the right place and importantly it will not be close enough to the child’s body. In an accident, the harness will need to compress the jacket before it can restrain the child. This reduces the safety of the seat considerably and therefore it is not recommended that thick jackets or bodysuits are worn.”

Nicole adds: “Avoid putting hats on your baby in the car seat. Babies struggle to regulate their body temperature and with this comes the risk of overheating. You can always check to make sure your baby isn't too hot by putting the back of your hand on their chest or the back of their neck. If they seem hot or clammy, remove a layer.”

Best toys for car travel

• Soft books
• Cuddly toys
• An activity mat
• Teething toys

The best toys for car travel are soft ones. This is so that baby doesn’t hurt themselves while playing with in and also so that in the event of an accident, it does not cause any damage.

Bianca says: “Remember in a crash everything multiplies in weight and a tissue box can become the same weight as a brick. So heavy toys can cause some serious injury, not just to baby, but to any other passengers in the car. 

“Any loose items in the car should be stored away before the journey. No toys or dummy clips should be clipped to the babies harness straps on their car seat as this can risk damaging the straps.”

Instead opt for cuddly toys, or crinkle books. Toys that play white noise or music can be comforting for babies on long journeys. You could also get an activity mat that hangs from the headrest of the facing seat that your little one can kick.

Nicole says: “Make sure that when driving you don’t have anything clipped to the seat and avoid hard toys. You can use the ‘ouch’ test and hit yourself on the head with a toy, if it hurts you then it isn’t safe for baby in the car.” 

Car seat safety

Car seat safety is extremely important when travelling with a child of any age, but particularly a baby. You should always make sure that your car seat is installed correctly and that your baby is harnessed correctly.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install your car seat. If you are uncertain of any aspect, ask the staff at the store you purchased it from to show you how to fit it. 

Bianca says: “Car seat specialists are available all across the UK. These are independents who are highly trained in car seat safety. So if you purchase your car seat through an independent car seat retailer, they will help ensure that your seat is installed correctly. 

“If you have already purchased one you can fully read the car seat manual, as well as watch installation videos that may be available on Youtube.” 

It is also recommended that you do not purchase a baby seat secondhand, as you may not know its history or whether it has been involved in any accidents previously. Once you have installed your car seat, you need to make sure that your newborn is harnessed correctly. 

Bianca explains: “If using an infant carrier (newborn seat with a carry handle) then baby needs to be scooped fully forwards with their bum so that their nappy is touching the buckle. The harness straps at the baby’s shoulders should be coming out directly level with their shoulder level, not too high or too low. The straps should be pulled nice and snug so that you can just fit one to two fingers by baby’s collarbone area.”

Nicole adds: “Make sure your baby is rear-facing until at least 15 months, so purchase a mirror so you can see your little one from your rearview mirror. Also, make sure you are using the right car seat inserts for your baby's weight and height.”

When is the best time to travel with a newborn baby?

The best time to travel with a newborn baby is usually around nap times. This means that baby will hopefully sleep through and you can have a more relaxing journey. However, you should still make sure that you stop and take breaks regularly, even if your baby is sleeping.

Kirsty says: “It is best to time traveling in between feeds, so that your baby is comfortable and most content. They may fall asleep due to the motion of the car, so don't worry if this is out of sync with their usual routine, but you may want to time your journey with their nap.” 

In summary, the two hour rule is a good one to stick to when thinking about how long a baby can be in a car seat. If you would like any more information on any of the above visit ROSPA or The Lullaby Trust.

If you're looking at going away with your family take a look at our how to sit together on a flight for free article or for older kids look at natural remedies for travel sickness and don't miss the clever mum hack of fitting a week's worth of clothing in a carry on case. 

For this Graco EeZeFold review, we asked mum of two Emma Stokes to roadtest it with her four-month-old baby daughter, Evelyn.

 Suitable from the day your baby is born until your not-so-little one weighs 15kg (roughly around three years old), this quick-folding pushchair is a dreamy solution to the age-old travel conundrum faced by parents everywhere - what shall we do for a buggy when we’re on holiday?

On the one hand, you probably don’t want to lug your baby’s usual set of wheels with you when you go away. After all, the best pram for real life is rarely the best travel stroller, since you probably want a pushchair that’s robust and versatile at home, but need something super light and compact when you’re in holiday mode. 

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Design

The Graco EeZeFold is a super lightweight travel system that both folds and opens easily, even with only one hand free whilst holding your baby. It’s ideal for occasional use such as short shopping trips (although we wouldn't advise ladening it with heavy bags of shopping) and it comes into its own as a travel pushchair because it's so light and nippy. It's also a great choice if you have a small car boot with only enough space to store a fairly pretty compact pushchair.

Our tester described this as a 'fantastic' pushchair to use with a child of her daughter's age (four months) and drew our attention, in particular, to two standout features; the well-padded comfortable seat that can be reclined to multiple positions (including flat for newborns) and the adjustable calf support and padded harness that ensure the baby is both secure and comfortable at all times.

Comfort and features 

Our tester says:

I tested out the Graco EeZeFold for my three-month-old, Evelyn and we had a fabulous time trying out the pushchair on a range of different ground types, such as flat pavement, bumpy pathways, grassy areas, and also uphill. 

For £150, I think this is a brilliant buy. It provides so much comfort, support, and reassurance for any parent, whether it’s your first child or not. It’s always satisfying knowing your child is riding comfortably. 

Convenient for parents on the go, the Graco EeZefold has a large storage basket underneath the seat, which is the perfect size for carrying all the usual baby/toddler essentials, whether this be snacks, a nappy changing bag, or extras such as spare shoes/coats. I've also found you can pop the rain cover (that comes with the pram) in the basket and still have plenty of room left. 

This pushchair is particularly useful if you need to quickly pop out and either don’t have time to set up a bassinet or carrycot on your usual pram or don't want to take a bulky pushchair out on such a short trip. 

The Graco EeZeFold is also suitable for toddlers who weigh a max of 15kg. Both of my children (aged three months and three years) have enjoyed using the pushchair on different occasions. The recline function allows the smaller child to fully lie back and look up at the sky and trees. 

Weighing in at just 9.5kg, the Graco EeZeFold pushchair is without a doubt one of the lightest pushchairs on the market. It's also compact when folded, making it easy to store in small spaces. 

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Value for money

The Graco EeZefold is an affordable option if you're in the market for a lightweight, travel-friendly pushchair that can handle different kinds of terrain and offers a comfy ride (including a lie-flat recline) for babies from birth. 

Do cheaper pushchairs exist? Yes, but the little extras on this one make it super value for money. For example, it's compatible with the SnugEssentials i-Size infant car seat. This means you can move your baby from the car to the pushchair and back again without having to take them out of the car seat to do so - and you don't need to buy separate adaptors to fit the car seat to the pushchair frame either.

Our tester, Emma, gets the last word as to whether she'd be happy to buy this pushchair or recommend it to a friend. 'We are very happy with the product overall and would be happy to recommend it to any family or friends looking for a reliable transport system as it has made our adventures much more comfortable and smooth,' she says.

'We've had a few pushchairs in the past - both gifted and bought from expensive brands - and the EeZefold comes in at a fraction of the cost but is certainly one of the best we've tried. It’s sturdy, good value, and can be used time and time again without any issues.'

Any downsides? 'A few small things to be wary of,' cautions Emma. 'The handlebars don’t extend so they're always fixed in position which isn't ideal if you're very tall. My 6’6'' partner doesn’t have to bend to push the Graco EeZefold but it would make life a lot easier if the handlebars could be adjusted. Another thing is the bar at the base of the pram is easy to kick accidentally when the seat is in the fully reclined position. This all depends on how quickly you stride and how tall you are so overall it's a non-issue but worth noting.'

This is the perfect lightweight pushchair for parents who prioritise functionality and value for money, or who like versatile items of baby gear that can fulfill more than one need, such as suiting a newborn baby as well as a growing toddler at a later stage.

'My parents and partner have also tried out the product with me and said how easy it is to use and push,' adds Emma. 'I would recommend it to friends and family and personally think the Graco EeZefold is a fabulous buy for £150 - whereas if you buy cheaper, there's a chance you'll end up buying twice if what you choose turns out to be flimsy.'

Amelia-Jean Jones and her five-month daughter Fredericka tested out Lovevery’s The Play Gym to see if it was worth the price tag.

There are two camps of baby toy: aesthetically pleasing, wooden, eco-friendly but arguably less fun to play with, or the brightly coloured, plastic kind that will look garish in your living room, but your little one will obsess over. 

Lovevery’s play gym seems to bridge that gap, making it one of the best baby gyms money can buy. Our tester Amelia found assembling and dismantling it “surprisingly easy, fast and not too fiddly” – especially helpful as she was in the middle of building work whilst testing so it regularly had to be put away. 

It has been designed by Montessori experts to help children develop by engaging their senses with specially created toys. As well as hanging toys, this mat has plenty to do if your baby isn’t up for reaching yet, and one of the things that especially impressed Amelia was that it could be used from newborn through to teething and even beyond. "It’s like a multimedia centre for the under 2s,” she said. 

While expensive, she thought this longevity made it value for money when you took into account its pay-per-use and the fact that the high quality, eco-friendly materials meant that it would last down through siblings.

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Design

Age suitability: From birth

This gym has been tastefully designed with fun splashes of colour, and manages to bridge the gap between vulgar and chic. 

“Yes, it will catch your little one's eye, but it won’t clash with your Loaf sofa,” said Amelia. “Plus, I wouldn’t hate a wallpaper in those blue stripes!” 

The gym has been created by Montessori child development experts to support important learning stages during your baby’s first year. It’s a mix of hanging toys and mat activities, all made from high-quality, sustainable materials. There’s a batting ring, organic teether and high-contrast ball that can hang from the gym or can be detached and taken with you. 

“My daughter loved playing with the jingly batting ring in the car,” said Amelia. 

It ticks the practical box too. “I haven’t tried to wash the base yet, but am assured it’s machine washable on a cold setting - although I’m not convinced that will get rid of the poonami and jam stains.”

Comfort and features

This play mat is made up of five different developmental sections. 

There’s a section where you can insert images, flashcards or mirrored card to help baby’s eyes focus, which Amelia commented “this did keep flipping down for me - but not a huge issue”. 

Another section focuses on colour with soft, multi-colored tabs, while a third is a crinkly and squeaky section to allow babies to make some noise with their feet or hands. 

Then there’s a textured section. “This was my baby’s favourite,” said Amelia, and finally there's a hiding and finding section with a pocket to hide away a plastic ring. 

The play gym also comes with a cover to turno it into a den for little ones.

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Value for money

At £140, this is the most expensive play gym on our list. “That's not within everyone’s budget but - especially when you consider the price per hours-of-play, the fact that it will be relevant to your child for longer and is good enough quality to be used across multiple kids and then gifted to another family - it’s definitely a worthwhile investment,” concludes Amelia. 

She admits that she isn’t sure how the gym could be improved upon and would buy it for a close friend “because it’s the ultimate baby gym (speaking as someone who has had four or five over the years).” 

Overall our tester thinks The Play Gym from Lovevery would suit eco-conscious parents with the budget set aside for a great toy that will stand the test of time and aid the baby’s development.

Ursula Purrington and five-month Violet tested out this Tiny Love play mat to see if it was worth the hype.

This Tiny Love play mat is a decent size, with hanging toys that can slide around the arches, making it one of the best baby gyms to buy if you value versatile design.

 “It feels better than another one we had, with a thicker mat and it is much more sturdy,” said Ursula. “I found it was a bit tricky to fasten the arches down with the poppers the first time we put it up, however, this does get easier the more you do it.” 

The toys themselves have been designed with baby development in mind. “They make crinkle noises, and the raccoon comes with a nice chiming sound,” added Ursula. 

They can all be swapped around to give your baby some variety and easily clip off so they can be played with away from the mat too. 

This is a good-looking mat with a monochrome colour palette: “It looks really great in my house and is modern and slick.” 

In terms of value for money, while it’s not the cheapest on our list, at around £50, it is good value and for this reason, we’ve named it our Best Budget Buy in the Baby Gym guide.

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Design

Age: From birth

Stylistically, this gym looks great. “For me, this was very important if it is going to be sitting around my living room for months,” said Ursula. “It also matches our interiors, so there is nothing garish or trashy here!” 

The playmat itself is well thought out and surprisingly large: “Violet’s cousin was also able to fit on it too!” 

The design involves overhead bars with a variety of toys hanging down that can be repositioned by sliding or removed if required. 

There is also a musical mobile which plays a few different tunes. “My baby really lights up when she sees this in action,” said Ursula. “These are quite cathartic melodies, not at all annoying which is always a worry of mine with these things.” 

The other toys are all very engaging and suitable for sensory stimulation as they make different noises, and come in varying textures and colours.

Comfort and features

This play mat has really been created with baby development in mind and, for this reason, Ursula was impressed. 

“The baby-activated, musical area is a really good idea to promote the teaching of cause and effect,” she said. “My baby's sure favourite is the black and white mobile that clips in and out of the top of the arch. She smiles, giggles and coos to it.” 

Another hit was the ribbon that’s designed to help promote fine motor skills. “The pull-out picture book isn't as sturdy as I would have preferred, but my baby still really liked it.” 

The overhead beams can be moved out of the way without removing them completely, so the baby gym can act like a mat only if needed. In terms of quality,

Ursula found the mat to be soft, high quality and clearly well-made. “In fact, a friend of mine commented on that too,” she said. And it means she doesn’t mind having it around the house. “We tend to just leave ours out because it is used every day, but it does fold away fairly well for storage.” 

It’s also easily wipeable with a baby wipe which is handy for keeping it clean.

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Value for money

At just over £50, this is a well-priced gym and Ursula thought it worth the price tag.

“I believe she will find it entertaining for many months to come, and a great sensory experience that will grow with her,” she said. “For that reason, I think it is value for money and worth buying, on top of this-the woodland monochrome theme is so adorable!” 

While not the cheapest on our list, Ursula thought one would “get lots of use out of it and it looks expensive”. 

She would recommend it to anyone with a baby under a year old. For its combination of stylish design, reasonable pricing and multiple toys, we’ve named this our Best Budget Buy in our Baby Gym Buying Guide.  

Susi Silva and her eight-month-old daughter Oriana tested out Skip Hop’s Silver Lining Cloud Activity Gym to see how it performed against the competition.

This Skip Hop activity gym came packaged in an easy-to-carry cardboard box with its own handle and gets our vote as one of the best baby gyms money can buy.

“I have to be honest the setup was a little fiddly,” says Susi. “Having to detach all the items from one another means cutting off a number of tags, which I then had to ensure did not remain behind on the mat for safety reasons. It took at least five minutes to get all the items in the right place.” 

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Once you’ve got it set up, it won’t disappoint though – there are over 17 different developmental activities to keep your child stimulated, from hanging toys to sensory lights and mat loop toys. 

Whether you’ve got a toddler or newborn, there’s a toy that will stimulate, engage and help with their development. It looks good too – neutral tones with a pop of colour – so it won’t overpower a stylish, neutral lounge. 

The mat is soft and Susi thinks the gym is very well made and, despite its price tag, worth the money. For this reason, we've chosen it as our best premium baby gym. 

Design

Age suitability: From birth

This Skip Hop baby gym comes in a lovely neutral colour with a few parent-friendly pops of colour. 

“The playmat is aesthetically pleasing and stylish, whilst also having enough colour to engage our little ones,” explains Susi. “As someone that much prefers non-gendered baby items this is ideal.” 

The mat is made of a plush material and is soft to the touch. “The material reminds me of the soft blankets or giant hoodies we like to wear when we want to feel cosy on a cold winter's night.” 

The gym itself can be used in four ways: tummy time, overhead play, seated play and loop toys on the cloud pillow. 

In total, there are an impressive 17+ developmental activities, including five overhead toys, a mirror, a rattle, sensory light, a musical animal and a squeaky toy. Susi feels it is “extremely well made and incredibly luxurious” overall.

Comfort and features

Susi and Oriana loved the different components of the gym, in particular the sensory light and the rattle. 

“All the toys are made of plush and soft fabric material,” said Susi. “The different textures featured on the mat and toys are lovely for little fingers to explore.” 

Her daughter particularly likes the squeaky toy but the music toy plays "You are my sunshine", which Susi found “very high pitched” and “difficult to enjoy”. 

The mat can be used in many different ways and Oriana used it to crawl around on from one side of the room to another, stopping to play with the toys looped onto the mat.

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Value for money

This Skip Hop play mat retails at around £85 which Susi thinks is "great value for money" considering the features included, the craftsmanship, and the design quality. 

The mat can be used from birth and, if used daily for tummy and play time, Susi worked out that, over a year, it costs “just over 23p per day, which to me seems pretty reasonable”. 

She would definitely recommend this product to friends, especially “those who appreciate value for money and someone who likes well-designed, stylish products”. 

For its aesthetic appeal and the number of toys and activities included, we’ve chosen this as the best premium buy in our guide to the best baby gyms.

Emma Goodall and her five-month-old baby Will tried out this Infantino baby gym to see whether it stood up to the challenge of occupying a baby.

Setting up this baby gym is quick and easy, so it's one of the best baby gyms to buy if you're a fan of ease and convenience when it comes to baby gear. 

The twist-and-click connections of the arch make the gym feel sturdy and robust. “This makes it perfect for a wriggly five-month-old who likes pulling on the arches,” says Emma. 

Infantino has designed this gym with black and white patterns for newborns and pops of colour for older babies. The result is a chic toy that even the most style-conscious parents won't mind having in their living room. 

Babies love it too and Emma was surprised by how engaged Will was. The mat has been designed so that you can take milestone photos on it and there’s a musical sloth in the centre that babies can reach up and grab. 

Emma feels it justifies its price tag as it's robust and stylish, although she did think it was a little lacking in toys compared to other gyms in this price bracket.

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Design

Age suitability: From birth

This Infantino baby gym combines black and white patterns with pops of bright colour so it’s engaging for babies without being too garish for adults. 

“The bright colour loops contrast with the black and white arches, and I often caught my son's attention encouraging him to reach and turn even if a toy wasn't attached,” said Emma. “One reason to buy this product is the stylish thoughtful design which engages with a baby without taking over the space.” 

The characters (particularly the central sloth) are really cute with very expressive faces and Will was captivated by them. The Velcro attachment on the toys has been deliberately designed so it’s not very strong meaning babies can easily pull toys off to play with. 

“The teether leaf connected to the toucan toy was a popular item with Will, and he lay chomping away happily,” adds Emma. 

She feels this gym is very robust and will survive a lot of use, however, she did think it could do with a few more toys and accessories.

Comfort and features

One of the standout features of this baby gym is that it’s designed so that the playmat can double up as a background for milestone photos. 

While Emma thought this was “a lovely added bonus”, she flagged that “the mat felt a bit too small for taking milestone pictures once a baby is over six months.” 

She did, however, rave about the easy click-and-twist fold system: “It's fast and simple to pack up the gym to move it around. And it feels safe and secure each time I fold it back out.” 

The centre sloth was also a hit and hangs low enough so a baby can reach it. It plays “a lovely set of musical tunes but you have to pull it quite hard,” explains Emma. “Too hard for a baby to pull and set off.”

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Value for money

At around £50, this baby gym is a mid-range product and Emma feels it's worth the price. 

“The Infantino 4-in-1 play gym is 100% value for money,” she says. “It's ideal for my busy five-month-old and I could easily see a smaller baby getting lots out of the contrasting black and white colour as well as the tummy time pillow.” 

She also rated its overall style and robust feel. “It’s perfect for someone looking for a stylishly designed but engaging baby gym… I would recommend this to a friend as my little one really enjoys it.".

Leisa Millar and her eight-week-old baby Casper tested out the Taf Toys All Around Me Gym to see how it fared at keeping a tiny baby occupied.

The Taf Toys All Around Me Gym claims to be 'the perfect aid to encourage your little one to practise a variety of body positions from day one'. making it one of the best baby gyms to buy if you're looking for value for money.

Our tester, Leisa, admitted having low expectations of what her eight-week-old would get out of it. “I’ll admit I was sceptical - he doesn’t really do anything (nor, in fairness, do I expect anything of him),” she explains. 

So she was surprised by how much he stretched his arms and legs to play with the toys, even at such a young age. It’s been designed to stimulate the senses and help with a baby’s development so has calming music and enticing lights to engage them. 

“It’s a flexible product that can ‘grow’ with your child,” adds Leisa, who also thinks it “looks great”. 

While expensive, Leisa feels it's worth the price tag as your baby is unlikely to outgrow it quickly and it can be used over a long period of time.

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Design

Agesuitability: From birth

The Taf Toys All Around Me Gym comprises five ‘multisensory’ hanging toys that clip in easily and are simple to move around. Each toy has a different sensory element for the five senses - for example, there’s a rattling butterfly and a mushroom mirror. There’s also a sixth: a music and light box. 

“They’re large, colourful and substantial, meaning they’re easy for Caspar to see and reach,” says Leisa, who is pleasantly surprised by how much her eight-week-old interacted with the toy. “I do feel that it encouraged him to start stretching out his arms and legs to bat at the toys on offer in a way I may not otherwise have seen him do.” 

The mat on which the baby lies is large, nicely padded, and a pale grey with little pops of colour, so as far as these things go, it’s fairly chic. However, it’s not machine washable. “After a few days, mine already has a few visible spots of dribble on it. I can only imagine what it might look like post-poonami - not something you ever want to deal with by hand if you can avoid it,” says Leisa. 

But even this negative didn’t dampen her enthusiasm. “It’s fun for him and reassuring to me that I’m supporting his motor, cognitive, sensory and learning development, as well as stimulating his head-turning development.”

Comfort and features

The headline element of the Taf Toys All Around Me Gym is what the brand calls its ‘sensi-center’: a large panel of crinkly fabric that can be repositioned on the frame to encourage little ones to position themselves in different ways. 

At 0-3 months, for example, you can clip it to the top, so they look at it when lying on their back. This is what Leisa tested out. 

“Caspar likes it to be hung horizontally along the side - he’s worked out how to hook his arm underneath and whack it, so it makes a sound,” she said. “I am genuinely impressed by this.” 

It’s a simple concept but the large surface area makes it very easy for even small babies to interact with. You can also attach it vertically to encourage kicking, or take it off altogether and lay it flat for tummy time. 

Another nice touch is that it is double-sided: black and white for small babies on one side, with colourful designs for older babies on the other.

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Value for money

At around £80, this baby gym is not cheap, but Leisa thinks it's worth the investment. 

“It’s on the pricy side but if you’re looking to invest in a baby gym, this one does seem to make good on its promise to work with your baby from very early days, with plenty for him to discover as he grows,” she said. 

That said, she was a bit disappointed that, considering its price tag, it didn’t come with batteries included. “This gym is expensive, and given the market for this is likely hassled parents with small babies, it would’ve been nice for it to be ready to go out of the box.” 

She’d recommend it still though and thinks it would suit someone who likes stylish, multi-functional products.

Emma Goodall and her five-month-old son Will tested out Fisher Price’s baby gym offering. Here’s what they thought.

Fisher Price’s Music & Lights Deluxe Gym is packed full of interesting interactive features to keep a baby busy. In fact, “fun is the feeling you take away when looking at the mat,” says Emma, making this one of our best baby gym recommendations. 

The gym is extremely colourful, and you can attach toys to the floor mat if your baby isn't yet at the reaching stage. 

One of the standout features is a purple, musical toucan that sits on the top of the arch, but there are several other toys included for babies of all ages to enjoy. 

“My five-month-old son really engaged with grabbing and twisting to reach the toys and move them in different ways, while a friend’s two-month-old stared happily at the bright coloured items.” 

In terms of value for money, Emma rated this for its ability to keep a baby occupied and for its range of toys for different ages. For this reason, we’ve named this our best baby gym overall.

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Design

Age suitability: From birth

Emma found setting up Fisher Price’s activity gym extremely quick and easy – in fact, the hardest bit was deciding where to put all the accessories. 

The design of the gym is extremely bright and colourful and it has different hanging animals with smiling faces and designs. 

“It is very bright!” says Emma. “Whilst I think this is fun and great for a baby it does look very bright and a bit garish in my living room.” 

She did, however, find it light and easy to move around – and her baby was transfixed. “My little boy's face instantly lit up under the centre of the gym as he tried to reach the monkey and butterflies,” she said. “I found it simple to pop the toucan on and off the top so we could use it as a focus for sitting practice too.” 

Emma found the mat itself easy to wipe clean from the odd bit of spit up and likes that it can be given a proper wash if needed.

Comfort and features

“Something I like about the activity gym is the ability to attach the hanging toys to the floor mat,” says Emma. “This really helped me to get Will to engage in tummy time for longer periods of time.” 

The lower loops on the arches enabled Emma to clip toys and encourage Will, who is on the brink of rolling, to play on his side more. 

“The biggest surprise is how interested Will was in the large giraffe toy; he happily sits holding the giraffe or trying to tug the leaves out of its mouth,” she adds. 

He was also enamoured with the crinkling sound of the noisy leaf on the mat, something that Emma didn’t notice at first.

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Value for money

At around £60, this gym is in the mid-to-high price bracket for a baby gym. Cheaper options are certainly available but Emma thinks it offers value for money because it lasts from birth until crawling and keeps her son occupied with a wide variety of different and simulating toys. 

Emma considers it well-made and likes the added bonus of a musical toucan. “I found it worth the money to keep my son busy," she adds. “I think this activity mat would be great for a parent who wants to encourage more movement and gross motor skill development,” she adds. “On an extra note, my 3-year-old loved turning the music on for his little brother and dancing around to it!” 

For its multiple toys and ability to grow with a baby, we’ve named this Fisher Price gym our best baby gym of all those we tested.

Amelia-Jean Jones and her four-month-baby Fredericka tested out this Baby Einstein gym to see how effective it is at keeping a baby entertained.

“My baby is intense - she needs a lot to keep her occupied which, when you’re still working and up most of the night, can take a lot out of you,” says Amelia. A baby gym with multiple functions to keep Fredericka busy was just the ticket to exhaust her and get her to nap for a little longer than usual.

This multifunctional baby gym entertains your baby with four modes: laying, sitting, tummy time and take-along, making it one of the best baby gyms to buy if you're looking for value for money over the long term.

while the piano toy that’s included also ages up with your growing baby. Amelia found it definitely kept her little one occupied and she noticed that, during the time she was testing the product, what her baby looked at changed. When she was younger, she liked the mirror and tummy time pillow but she grew more interested in the piano as she was able to grab at things. 

Amelia thought the fact the gym grows with your child was the big selling point – and made it more cost-effective than other options.

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Design

Age suitability: From birth

This Baby Einstein baby gym boasts multiple functions to keep a baby busy. “The crinkle toys, rattles, texture toys, flashcards, tummy time pillow, and mirror were enough to keep her busy when she was three months old and unable to focus or grab for things,” said Amelia. “As she got a bit older, she could focus and interact with the toys as they hang.” 

While the arch is high, you can place toys at different heights, and they are easy to remove and attach. “She is now eventually able to kick the Magic Touch piano with her feet - although I’m not entirely sure that she understands they’re part of her and that she makes the noise herself.” 

Amelia admitted that she didn’t love the look of the baby gym – cartoony animals and bright colours – but she does like that it is easy to fold and store away when you aren’t using it.

Comfort and features

The big selling point of the Baby Einstein 4-in-1 Kickin' Tunes Music and Language Discovery Play Gym is that its usage develops with the child. 

What they use as a newborn will change once they turn six months. “We are trying to get her to hit the piano keys with her hands currently, now her neck is stronger, and, when the time comes, she can sit and play - and the piano lays flat to facilitate that,” says Amelia. 

“My older daughter at two and a half loved playing with the piano too. Carrying it around, making the lights flash, and listening to the classical music and multi-language keys which take her through colours, animals, and numbers.” 

One element that Amelia thinks could be improved is the mat: “It isn’t the most cushioned and really needs something soft beneath it for her to lie on her back.”

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Value for money

At around £50, this is a mid-range baby gym, which Amelia thinks is worth the investment because of its longevity. 

“It will take my child through to toddlerhood, making it cost-effective, and there are multiple detachable elements,” she adds.

She thinks it would be well-suited to someone on a bit of a budget who wants to invest in a toy that has staying power. “I’d recommend it to a friend having a baby who wants a toy with longevity and multiple uses,” she adds.  

Florence Guppy and her six-month-old daughter Josie tested out Red Kite’s baby gym to see how good it was at keeping babies entertained.

This baby gym comes with a bright, colourful design interspersed with black and white characters, making it one of the best baby gyms to buy for very young babies who can't yet see colours. 

Josie particularly likes the hanging mirror. “It faces downwards so Josie could engage with it from a very young age and it has pullable attachments which both fascinate her and are proving good for chewing,” says Florence. “There are also two critters: one with a bell and one with a squeak which Josie is enamoured with!” 

The baby gym doubles as a ball pit, with the sides flipping upwards and enclosing the child. It comes with six balls included, but Florence feels it's a bit small to play in and works better as a feature “to contain little wrigglers”. 

In terms of value for money, this is one of the most reasonable baby gyms on our list and Florence thinks it's a good price point.

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Design

Age suitability: From birth

The Red Kite Peppermint Trail Play Gym isn’t a shrinking violet. “Josie and I both really like the eye-catching design of the play mat,” says Florence. 

“I like the combination of animal pictures with contrast patterns, which really engages Josie, particularly when she is on her tummy.” 

The baby gym consists of felted fabric arches from which colourful toys hang down to entertain your baby. “I like that the arches are not only in contrasting colours but also a felt fabric, adding a different texture to the mat itself,” adds Florence. 

The mat itself is nicely cushioned - perfect for hard floors - but the hanging toys are “a bit of a mixed bag”. While Josie liked the mirror and two of the pullable animals, she wasn’t that interested in the crinkly balls.

Comfort and features

One feature that Florence really likes about this baby gym is that it has detachable hooks that mean you could add your own toys. She also likes how compact it is, while still being big enough for her six-month-old to play in, plus it’s easy to fold back into its original packaging. “I often take the play mat with us to visit grandparents so this makes that much easier," she explains.

Of course, the Peppermint Trail Baby Gym’s big selling point is that it transforms into a ball pit – although Florence isn’t totally convinced by this element of the design. “The sides are easy to fold up to turn the play mat but this makes the area inside the mat very small and it only comes with six balls,” she says. “I find this feature more useful when I need to stop Josie from wriggling too far or when I want to keep her engaged on her tummy for longer by looking at the animated scenes.”

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Value for money

Florence thinks this baby gym is decent value for money. “For the price point you get a good, engaging play mat which will last you until the baby is six months plus,” she says. “But it does not have the look or feel of a premium product.” 

Florence thinks this baby gym would especially suit someone who doesn't have huge amounts of space and who likes bright, colourful design. She doesn't think much of the addition of a ball pit, however. “I don't think the claim of a dual play mat and ball pit stands up, with the ball pit very much an afterthought.”

Rebecca Hayward and her four-month-baby James tested out the Play & Discover Baby Gym from aden + anais to see how well it kept him entertained.

First things first, this is an item of baby gear that you won’t mind taking up space in your living room, making it one of the best baby gyms to buy if you're all about keeping things stylish. “I liked the aesthetic design of it,” said Rebecca. 

The Play & Discover Baby Gym baby gym from aden + anais is suitable for newborns plus it's machine washable so you don’t need to worry about leaky nappies or milk spills. The soft play mat is made from 100% cotton muslin – great if your baby hasn’t mastered holding their head up – with eco-friendly and sustainable birch wood arches. 

It comes with a tummy-time pillow included to help support the development of the baby's gross motor skills, which Rebecca feels will be useful as her baby gets older and spends more time on the floor. There's also a mirror to encourage the baby's self-discovery and support their cognitive skills.

Our tester also thinks the grabbable toy animals which hang from the arches - and help to support fine motor development - are cute and says the materials used to craft this baby gym are “carefully considered”. 

At £90, this isn't a mid-range baby gym but Rebecca thinks it's worth investing in because it looks so good and is obviously well-made.

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Design

Age suitability: From birth

This aden + anais Play and Discover Baby Gym combines a light wood frame with dangling pastel animals for babies to grab at. 

“One of the features I like that is that it's really easy to assemble (it took me about 5 minutes) and no tools are required - very handy with a small and needy baby nearby,” says Rebecca. 

It also scored highly when it comes to aesthetics. “The wooden arch gives it a Scandi look,” says Rebecca. “It's something that you won't mind having out in your living room.” 

She thinks the pastel tones are a bit less fun than more brightly-coloured baby gyms but, all in all, she thinks “it just about strikes the right balance” between style and practicality.

Comfort and features

The cute hanging toys are made of different materials, and they rattle and make crinkly sounds. “The hanging position is just the right height,” says Rebecca. “My baby is on the cusp of reaching and grabbing and I can see he'll be able to paw away at the different types of toy, which is good for his sensory and motor development.”

The moon-shaped tummy-time pillow “works well” according to our tester, although her baby was too young to get much use from it. “It's nice to have the peace of mind that the muslin mat is breathable in case baby rolls from their back onto their front,” adds Rebecca. 

She also likes that the baby gym is machine washable. “It's quick and easy to untie the base from the wooden arches for washing or when you want to pop it away”.

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Value for money

At £90, the aden + anais Play & Discover Baby Gym is definitely a premium item. “The price is on the high side which is its only real downside,” says Rebecca. “It's certainly at the premium end on the price spectrum for a baby gym.” 

Rebecca thinks there are similar products available with the same features and just as nicely designed but a little cheaper, but feels you get good features, good design, and nice materials for the price. 

She would recommend this to someone who wanted “stylish design and functionality” but thinks it wouldn’t be “suitable for somebody who wants something with more busy and jazzy colours”.

We're calling it: the best baby gyms or playmats are one of the greatest pieces of equipment you can buy for your little one. 

Helping to entertain your child, explore their surroundings and enable you to be hands-free, the best baby gyms are fun and functional. These pop-up designs and colourful creations are easy to use, even easier to set up and super portable. So if you ask us, they are one of the best toys money can buy. 

It will entertain your little learner, help them to explore their surroundings, and provide a safe space for them to play. “You want it [the baby gym] to be stimulating enough that it interests your child and helps with their development but not too overstimulating,” says Georgina Durrant, author of 100 Ways Your Child Can Learn Through Play. 

The classic design of a baby gym hasn’t changed much over the years (and why would it when it works so well?). But usually, these handy accessories have a comfortable padded mat and an arch made from plastic or wood with toys dangling down. However, more modern creations tend to encourage sensory exploration with different textures, colours, and sounds to play with. 

“To support a baby’s visual development and interest, look for bold patterns ideally in black and white,” suggests Georgina. “Babies learn so much from listening to us speak, so try talking about what they are doing, describing the feel of the toys, the colours, anything!” she adds. “Praise them when they touch or feel something, kick their legs, or reach with their hands. You could also play peek-a-boo with them hiding behind the toys and peeking back out.”

How to choose the best baby gym 

Choose your baby gym wisely, and you'll end up with something which will make your life as a parent that little bit easier.

Our testing process is thorough, consistent and fair. We selected the best baby gyms for this buying guide from a range of different prices, so we've covered everything from brilliant budget buys to luxury premium options.

To determine the best baby gyms we looked at:

• Mat: There are many types of baby playmats, but choose a flat one because it's better for your baby’s back. Mats come in all different sizes and it’s likely that your preference will depend on the space you have available and how big your baby is. To keep them looking good, make sure you opt for a mat that can be detached from its arch and is, ideally, machine washable.
• Toy arch: When deciding on a playmat, the height of its arch is important. Too high and your baby won’t be able to see and enjoy the toys higher up but too low and they might feel enclosed. Ideally, opt for a toy arch that allows you to add your own toys or – at the very least – move toys lower down so they are within reach.
• Sensory activities: Sensory toys are probably the main way in which baby gyms have moved on and incorporated modern technology. From sound effects and textured animals to black-and-white patterns and fine-motor-skill toys, most baby gyms now have something for most of the senses. “It’s great if you can find something multi-sensory that uses all or many of their senses,” says Georgina. “Look for something with different textures to feel or things that make noises when they touch them.”
• Mirrors: Babies are funny little things and often nothing entertains them more than looking at themselves. This is because they are learning face cognition, which will help them understand emotions and how to express themselves later on.
• Longevity: Choose a baby gym that has something for every age and stage of your baby's development. A mirror and black and white patterns will keep a newborn captivated but, by the time they’re four months old, they're likely to want something a little more sophisticated to interact with, such as music or animals.
• Tummy-time pillow: Many baby gyms now come with a tummy-time pillow. This creates the opportunity for babies to strengthen the muscles in their neck and back whilst lying on the floor, which will eventually help them sit and crawl. “The amount of tummy time a baby should be doing will depend on the baby and their development and muscle strength and I’d recommend asking your health visitor or GP for advice,” says Georgina.
• Portability: If you plan to take your baby gym out and about, think about how portable it is. You need something that folds down quickly and small and that can then be reassembled with the minimum of fuss.

The best baby gyms as reviewed by our parent testers

Tested by: Rebecca Hayward and four-month-old James

Aden & Anais’s Play & Discover Baby Activity Gym is very easy to put together, taking our tester, Rebecca, just five minutes from getting it out of the box to being ready. 

It has tasteful, pastel-hued toys which hang down from a light-coloured wooden arch and, unsurprising for a brand famed for its muslins, a muslin mat that is safe, breathable, and comfortable for your baby. 

Rebecca liked the Scandi feel of this gym, although she did think: “As much as it's nice, the pastel tones are perhaps a bit less appealing for little baby versus other more garish options.” The baby gym comprises elephant, zebra, and flamingo toys that hang down at just the right height for your baby to grab at. It also comes with a moon-shaped tummy time pillow which Rebecca thought “could come in handy again when James is a bit older and doing longer stints on the floor”. 

She thought that the price was a little on the high side and that “it's certainly at the more premium end on the spectrum of baby gyms available.” She would recommend this to someone who wasn’t on a budget but wanted “stylish design and functionality” and valued good quality products.

• Read our full aden + anais Play and Discover Baby Gym review

Tested by: Florence Guppy and six-month-old Josie

Red Kite’s colourful baby gym uses a clever mix of bright, neon-coloured animals and black-and-white patterns to appeal to older babies and newborns alike. 

“The mat itself is bright, colourful and practical with the folding options,” said our tester Florence. “It has room for a good range of toys and enough space for baby to move about.” 

She found her six-month-old really enjoyed lying on it and would grab at two of the hanging toys in particular, although others she was less enamoured by. “Two of the toys are crinkly balls, one of which rattles, which I don't think really works as hanging toys and haven't really captured Josie.” 

Josie spent a lot of time looking at herself in the mirror. “The mirror really is fantastic and entertains Josie for ages.” One of the big bonuses is that the hooks on this baby gym come off. “The hooks are detachable so you could add your own toys,” said Florence, who also used this feature to move the toys lower when Josie couldn’t reach up. 

This baby gym doubles up as a ball pit, but Florence wasn’t that impressed as it made the space inside the mat small and there was only a token six balls included. This is a compact mat and Florence liked that “it is not too bulky in our flat”. It is competitively priced and would suit someone who lives where space is a premium.

• Read our full Red Kite Peppermint Trail Play Gym review

Tested by: Amelia Jean Jones and four-month-old Frederica

Baby Einstein’s 4-in-1 Kickin' Tunes Music and Language Discovery Play Gym is so-named because it entertains your baby in four ways: through lying, sitting, tummy time and take-along. 

It’s rather brightly coloured and our tester Amelia didn’t find it “the prettiest toy, which matters to me but not my daughter”. That said, it’s been cleverly designed so that, as your baby grows, they find different toys interesting or interact with them in a different way. 

So newborns will enjoy the mirror and colourful flashcards, three-month-olds, who are starting to control their neck, will make use of the tummy time pillow and older babies will enjoy making music for themselves with the Magic Touch piano. 

The piano is a standout feature and has flashing lights, classical music tunes and multi-language keys which describe colours, numbers and animals to little ones. The arch in this gym is high, but you are able to move the toys lower for babies to reach and touch them. 

One downside that Amelia found was she felt the mat was too thin which she thought “meant it’s uncomfortable on wooden floors”. 

This is a mid-range product that Amelia thought was worth its price tag because it lasted from newborn through to toddler age and has “multiple toys in one to keep them busy for longer”.

• Read our full Baby Einstein, 4-in-1 Kickin' Tunes Music and Language Discovery Play Gym review

Tested by: Emma Goodall and five-month-old Will

The main takeaway that our tester Emma had after using Fisher Price’s gym was how effectively it entertained her baby. “The design is very bright and colourful,” she said, admitting that it was a little too bright for her décor, but she liked that “the different hanging animals have captivating faces and designs.” 

Her son was mesmerised by the toys and would happily lie on the mat while she busied herself nearby. “Anything to buy me a few moments to get some jobs done.” This activity gym has a wide range of different interactive toys, including a musical toucan that sits on the top of the arches. 

You can choose where the toys go and there are even loops on the mat if your baby isn’t up for grabbing yet. “From spinning to crinkly to soft, it consistently kept Will entertained and busy,” said Emma. 

It also scored well on practical elements and was easy to put up, light to move around, and fuss-free to wash in the machine. 

At around £60, Emma thought it was good value for money for its combination of engaging toys and the way that the gym has been designed to appeal to different ages. For this reason, we’ve named Fisher Price’s Rainforest Music & Lights Deluxe Gym our Best Buy in the Baby Gym Buyer’s Guide.

• Read our full Fisher-Price Rainforest Music & Lights Deluxe Gym review

Tested by: Leisa Millar and two-month-old Caspar

Taf Toys All Around Me Gym focuses on developing a baby’s senses with a range of different toys. Our tester Leisa thought her eight-week-old Casper would be too young to get much out of it but she was proved wrong.

“I was delighted to see how much he interacted with this,” she said. He swung his arms and legs to bat away the hanging toys and whacked at the ‘sensi-center’, a large panel of crinkly fabric, to get it to make a sound." 

The toys are all large and very colourful. “They each also have a bunch of sizeable care labels attached, which I guess is a requirement, but Caspar keeps trying to put them in his mouth, so I’ll be cutting them off.” The toys can be moved around to add variety as a baby grows and finds new things interesting and the mat that the baby lies on is well padded. 

This is a very chic-looking baby gym that works with most grown-up décor but unfortunately, the mat isn’t machine washable. “On balance, though, the threat of a code red clean-up operation is probably worth it for what I see Caspar getting out of this.” 

While the price is high, Leisa would recommend this to friends who want “to invest in a multi-functional product that baby can use over a long period of time…. Just be sure to stock up on batteries. And stain remover.”

• Read our full Taf Toys All Around Me Gym review

Tested by: Emma Goodall and five-month-old Will

Infantino’s 4-in-1 Milestones & Memories Twist & Fold Gym is easy to assemble and put down, thanks to a dynamic twist and fold system. You twist the arches, and click them into place, making the gym feel extremely robust and stable, even when energetic babies try and pull on it. 

This is a stylish piece of baby kit, with black and white patterns interspersed with vibrant pops of colour, making it not too garish while still being engaging. “It has a brilliant, cute look,” said our tester Emma. “It hits multiple play criteria while still being stylish.” 

The baby gym has a number of hoops for hanging toys and “my favourite is the cheeky fluffy sloth,” said Emma. She did think there could be a few more things for babies to do: “It doesn't seem to have as many accessories as other play gyms on the market for the same price.” 

That said, she liked the ‘milestone mat’ which you could use on the background of milestone photos. “It feels like a premium and plush product due to the overall style and the robust feel,” said Emma but caveated this with: “While value for money, there are other items in the market that offer similar for a lower price.” 

She would recommend this to friends, especially those who would appreciate something that was stylishly designed.

• Read our full Infantino 4-in-1 Milestones & Memories Twist & Fold Gym review

Tested by: Susana Silva and eight-month Oriana

This Skip Hop baby gym was initially a bit tricky for our tester Susi to assemble. “The setup involved laying the mat flat, feeding the poles through four holes situated at different ends of the mat, and hooking them on a loop situated at the bottom of the mat.,” said Susi. 

“To ensure that the poles stayed upright and secure, you also have to loop them together at the top.” But once she had got past this, she found the mat stood “upright and secure”. 

The play mat is a neutral shade with just a few pops of colour so manages the thin line between appealing to style-conscious adults and being interesting for a baby. “Once it was fully built the activity gym looked beautiful,” said Susi. 

“I also appreciated the fact that no batteries were required as these are already included.” Her daughter was very engaged with all the toys in the gym and Susi found that this play mat “included many different activities which would keep the little ones engaged for longer”. 

That said, she did think it was a little large and wouldn’t suit someone who didn’t have lots of space. This gym retails at around £85 and Susi thought it was good value for money despite the price tag because of the quality of the materials and because there were so many toys for babies to engage with. 

For this reason, we’ve named the Skip Hop Silver Lining Cloud Activity Gym our Best Premium Buy.

• Read our full Skip Hop Silver Lining Cloud Activity Gym review

Tested by: Amelia Jean-Jones and her five-month daughter Fredericka

Lovevery’s play gym manages to tread the difficult path between being stylish (for parents) and fun (for babies). Our tester Amelia summed it up as “tastefully bright, yet eco-friendly and multi-functional enough to keep a baby occupied for hours at a time for months, or even over a year.” 

It has been created by experts using the principles behind Montessori and focuses on how the senses can stimulate development through play. “This is the kind of toy you set the baby down on and can finally finish a cup of hot tea before it turns tepid, knowing that the play is helping their development rather than feeling guilty over screen time,” said Amelia. 

Toys are a mixture of hanging and mat-based and are organised into five different sections that help focus a baby’s sight, sound, and touch senses, among others. This baby gym also boasts impressive environmental credentials, with carbon-neutral shipping and very high safety standards. 

“[It’s] good for baby, good for the planet, good value - it’s a triple treat,” said Amelia. It’s also machine washable (although only at a low temperature). 

While it’s an expensive initial outlay, Amelia thought it was good value for money in the long term because you’d get a lot of use out of it. Not only does it have longevity and “keep baby occupied from tummy time to teething and beyond”, but, because it is made of such good quality materials, it can be passed down through siblings.

• Read our full Lovevery The Play Gym review

Tested by: Ursula Purrington and five-month-old Violet

This baby gym got a big thumbs up from our tester Ursula Purrington and her daughter, Violet. 

“This is a really brilliant play mat and my five-month-old really enjoys using it,” she said. The mat is a decent size (it can even fit two babies on) but at the same time “it doesn’t take up too much space”. 

It manages to be simultaneously appealing to parents and entertaining for babies. Ursula thought it would suit “someone that loves stylish baby items, monochrome, and anything not garish!” 

The play mat has been “designed with milestones in mind, such as object permanence”, so it develops with your baby and uses the various senses to stimulate and entertain them. There are musical toys and crinkly toys with different textures and colours. 

While Ursula found “the pull-out picture board part somewhat flimsy”, she thought the mat well-considered and made using high-quality materials. Most importantly, her daughter absolutely loved it and was totally engaged in it. 

At around £50, it’s competitively priced and looks more expensive than it actually is. For this reason, we’ve named the Tiny Love Black and White Gymini Play Mat our Best Budget Buy in the Baby Gyms Buying Guide.

• Read our full Tiny Love Black and White Gymini Play Mat review 

When should I start using a baby gym?

Baby gyms are suitable from birth until your baby starts crawling around. The age of the latter varies widely but is usually between six and 12 months for most babies. “If it’s a flat mat and your baby is happy and safe to lie down on it, they can enjoy (supervised) short amounts of time on it from birth,” says Georgina. “As a newborn they can use it to lie and kick their arms and legs and as they get older they will start to interact with the various toys.”

Are baby gyms safe?

Baby gyms are safe to use from birth but you should never leave a baby, of any age, unsupervised on one. Make sure that the mat itself is padded and comfortable for the baby to lie on, and that there’s no way that they could choke or get tangled in the hanging toys in any way. This won’t happen with well-made baby gyms.

While you're looking for the best baby gyms, you might also be interested in the best baby bouncers and the best Moses baskets. 

The Stokke Xplory X coped with every kind of terrain we threw at it - read on to see what our tester thought and decide whether it's the best pram for you and your baby.

Tested by: Anna Bailey, our very own Editor, and her eight-month-old daughter Freddie. They put the Stokke Xplory X pram to the test on urban streets, cobbled roads, stony parks, muddy grasslands, and some very steep hills. 

Design

Weighs: 13.4 kg / 29.5 lbs| Suitable for: birth - 48 months

Stokke was the first pram brand to introduce the concept of parent-facing strollers that position your baby higher up and closer to you, boosting the opportunities for you and your baby to connect. The design is built on the idea that face-to-face interaction with your child - and particularly eye contact - is beneficial in terms of building your baby's emotional security and enhancing communication skills. 

The high seat position on the Stokke Xplory X also offers babies a good view of your face, but the seat can be repositioned to be world-facing when your baby is a little older and ready to take in more of the world around them. The height-adjustable seat also makes it easy for your baby to participate at café and restaurant tables, as well as easing the strain on your back when it comes to placing your baby in and out of the pram.

Our tester tried out the Stokke Xplory X with the carrycot in place, which she found both spacious and cosy for her daughter. 'Freddie was quite a big baby, but she fitted just fine in here until she was six months old,' explains Anna. 'This isn’t one of those low and lightweight foldable prams that have become very popular in recent years. It's more like the Range Rover of the pavement - big, solid, and sturdy. It’s not going to blow over in a gust of wind. It’s not even going to quiver. I often joke to friends that it's like pushing a shopping trolley, it's so big.' 

That said, it's very much a classy pram with a luxe finish and well-designed functionality that sets it apart from other similar designs. 'I like that the pram is up high and close to you and that you can increase or decrease the height by around 12 cm so it’s good for parents and carers of differing heights,' adds Anna. 'It's also a major plus that the handlebar can be extended. When I'm getting on and off the tube or the bus, I adjust it to a lower setting which makes the pram easier and sturdier to manage.'

Anna also likes the little details on the Stokke Xplory carrycot, such as the pockets and zip-up insert - handy for stashing your phone, tissues, keys, etc. 'I’m famous for leaving the house without a front door key so I kept a spare one in here at all times,' she says. However, the pushchair seat, unlike the carrycot, doesn't have any pockets. 'Once you’re used to having them on the carrycot, it’s really annoying to go without,' adds Anna.

There’s no doubt the Stokke Xplory looks great. 'I like the design - it feels unlike any other pram you can buy,' says Anna. 'I've had so many compliments from both friends and strangers on how good it looks. I love the shape, the height, and the fabrics, which all feel very premium and protective.'

Comfort and features

The high seat position isn't the only selling point of the Stokke Xplory X. The wheels are also thoughtfully designed to tackle different types of terrain with ease. We love this feature because no parent sticks to only one kind of terrain so the versatility to move between a muddy park and a shiny shop floor without being slowed down by your pram is a real plus point. 

'I also like that you can adjust the steering on the front wheels,' adds Anna. 'You have the option for 360° manoeuvrability which is great for general day-to-day use and also makes it easy to move around tight corners. But you can also lock the wheels in place - I often do this when getting on and off trains, or when going over grass and gravel. Having that stability made the Stokke Xplory X a lot easier to control compared to other prams I've used.' 

The carrycot comes off the main chassis easily enough - you push buttons and lift - but our tester found it a little tricky to remove when it was time to switch it over to the pushchair seat. 'It has these buttons on the side, but rather than being raised and easy to push they’re sort of indented, so they feel quite hidden and you need to really push hard to release them,' explains Anna. 'I had to Google how to do it because I totally missed them - and I almost broke a nail!'

What's in the box?

• Chassis
• Pushchair seat
• Seat insert
• Leatherette hinged rail for the seat
• Shopping bag
• Canopy & visor
• Harness protector
• Not included: carrycot and car seat need to be purchased separately

Value for money

One downside - and you could say this about a lot of premium pushchairs and prams - is that you need to fork out extra for various accessories that you can't really do without but which aren’t included in the price. Those costs can soon mount up. 'These include the rain cover, the change bag, the footrest, and the coffee cup holder - which is surely an essential!' says Anna. 'I wouldn't let this put you off though, because you can buy cheaper universal versions of these - the Stokke coffee cup holder is £25 for example, but my friend gave me one from John Lewis which was a tenner.'

The shopping basket is another minor disappointment in terms of value for money. 'There isn’t much storage space and the bag is an awkward shape so you can’t just chuck stuff in it,' says Anna. 'I bought two packs of 30 nappies the other day and I had to split one open just to squeeze them both in. Also, if you have the pram parent-facing and you’re in a busy coffee shop, the bag is behind your baby, so you can’t just reach down and grab something from it easily.'

Because of this, we recommend buying the Stokke Xplory changing bag - but it's an additional expense to factor in. 'I use it for my day-to-day items and leave the shopping basket for things I only need every now and again like the rain cover and spare clothes,' says Anna. 'It’s actually a really good bag that can double up as a backpack plus it has a smaller insert bag and a handy compartment for a changing mat, but it's not cheap.'

How easy is it to fold the Stokke Xplory? 'Realistically, I’d say this isn’t a great value option if you’re short of space or have a small car boot, as Stokke describes it as being stackable rather than foldable,' explains Anna. 'And folding it is not something you can easily do with one hand, with your baby on your hip.'

Who should buy the Stokke Xplory X?

If you are looking for a versatile pram and you're happy to buy things like the carrycot and car seat separately (it comes with the pushchair seat as standard), then the Xplory X is a worthwhile consideration. It's designed to grow with your child, and is one of the best prams you can buy if you like the idea of your baby being positioned higher up than other prams to make interacting much easier.

But if you want the carrycot and car seat included, then it's best to opt for one of the other travel systems that made our list of best buys. While you can buy a carrycot attachment for the Xplory X, it's not approved for overnight sleeping - so if you want to nip for the odd night away with your little one, you'll need to remember to take a suitable travel cot with you too. It's worth factoring in how important it is for you to have room to stash essentials in the pram while you are out and about as basket for the Xplory X isn't as generous as other prams on our list.

If you like this, you might also like...

If you’ve got your eye on the Stokke Xplory X, we don’t think it’ll let you down. Yes, it’s expensive, but it’s immediately obvious where your money has gone when you unbox it. Don’t want to spend £1000 on a pram? Take a look at the Mamas and Papas Ocarro which isn’t quite so pricy but has similar features.

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'Can you sleep on your stomach while pregnant' is a question pondered by many a pregnant person, you are not alone in wondering if this is a safe position or not, especially if it's your go-to sleep stance pre-pregnancy. 

Before you start researching and investing in the best cot mattress for your soon-to-be-born little one, take a look through our pregnancy pillow buys, some people swear by them for a comfy pregnant night's sleep. 

And, while sleeping on your stomach is typically safe during the early stages of pregnancy, as your pregnancy progresses and your belly grows, it can become increasingly uncomfortable and potentially place pressure on your womb and other organs. It's best to find more comfortable sleep positions to ensure a restful night's sleep and support your changing body throughout pregnancy.

We ask three medical experts to share the lowdown on safe sleep practices during your pregnancy and for practical advice on getting comfortable in later pregnancy, as your bump grows, see what they tell us below.

Can you sleep on your stomach while pregnant? 

Yes, it is safe to sleep on your stomach during pregnancy for as long as you want to, but you'll likely find that your growing bump, tender breasts, and backache make it more uncomfortable as your pregnancy progresses.

According to Midwife Pip, a practicing midwife, and podcaster, "While you can sleep on your stomach, most women will find as their breasts and bump grow, sleeping on their front is no longer comfortable or practical. So, although you may sleep on your front in the first trimester, as your pregnancy progresses, it is recommended to sleep on your side."

The Modern Midwife Marie Louise shares a similar perspective: "Until you have a bump, it's fine to sleep in whatever position you find most comfortable. Once you have a bump (timing around this varies significantly), you'll naturally assume more comfortable positions."

Why should I stop sleeping on my stomach during pregnancy?

While there is no specific medical or safety reason to stop sleeping on your stomach during pregnancy, it can start to feel "unnatural," according to Marie Louise. She explains, "Sleeping directly on your tummy will mean putting increased pressure on your baby. You may feel little feet or knees more, which can be uncomfortable and encourage the baby to change positions. Yet many mums tell me they wake up in all kinds of positions!"

You may have heard myths about sleeping on your stomach during pregnancy from other mums or well-meaning family members. Let's debunk four major myths:

1. Myth: Sleeping on your stomach can harm the baby. 

Fact:  As long as you feel comfortable, sleeping on your stomach is safe during the early stages of pregnancy when your bump is still relatively small. Your body naturally provides cushioning and protection for your baby. 

 2. Myth: Sleeping on your stomach can cause the umbilical cord to wrap around the baby's neck.

Fact: The position you sleep in does not cause the umbilical cord to wrap around the baby's neck (a condition known as the nuchal cord). Nuchal cords are common in pregnancy, affecting up to a third of babies in the womb, but they are usually harmless.

3. Myth: Sleeping on your stomach can lead to miscarriage.

Fact: No evidence suggests that sleeping on your stomach causes miscarriage. Miscarriages often occur due to chromosomal abnormalities or other factors unrelated to sleep position.

4. Myth: Sleeping on your stomach can restrict blood flow to the baby.

Fact: While ensuring proper blood flow to the baby is important, sleeping on your stomach does not significantly affect blood flow. As your pregnancy progresses, experts recommend sleeping on your side to optimise blood circulation. However, sleeping on your stomach earlier in pregnancy is unlikely to cause any issues. 

What are the best sleeping positions during the first trimester?

"It’s best to tune into your body and get decent rest in a position you prefer,” says Marie Louise. “The more we tune into our bodies earlier in pregnancy, the better."

If you have any concerns or specific medical conditions, talk to your midwife or GP. Otherwise, try experimenting with different positions and use pregnancy pillows or cushions for support. Here are some positions to try that may help you get more comfortable in the first trimester;

• Side sleeping: Sleeping on your side is considered one of the best sleeping positions during pregnancy, particularly in your third trimester. This position improves blood circulation to your baby and helps prevent your womb from pressing on major blood vessels. Try placing a pillow between your knees and under your growing bump for added comfort and support. 
• Semi-reclined: Some women find it comfortable to sleep in a semi-reclined position, propped up by pillows. According to the NHS, this can also help if you have heartburn or acid reflux, which are both common during pregnancy. 

Sleeping on your back (not after 28 weeks): While sleeping on your back is generally considered safe during early pregnancy, avoiding this position after 28 weeks is crucial. Researchers have found that going to sleep on your back in late pregnancy can, sadly, raise the risk of stillbirth.  

Dr Nauf AlBendar, Medical Scientist and Founder of the Womb Effect, explains why: “When a pregnant mum sleeps on her back, the baby tends to be less active and changes their heart-rate patterns. This might be due to the pressure on the main blood vessels that supply the womb, which restricts blood flow and oxygen to the baby.”

How long is it safe to sleep on my back while pregnant? 

Until you reach 28 weeks of pregnancy. After this time, the risk of stillbirth increases if you sleep in this position. However, midwife Marie Louise suggests that it's beneficial to develop a habit of sleeping on your side even earlier than this to avoid a sudden change.

Marie Louise and Midwife Pip reassures Goodto.com readers that waking up on your back is not a cause for alarm. Marie Louise says, "Many mums tell me they wake up in a panic on their back, but there's no need to worry. You can't control the positions you assume while asleep." She adds, "I'm currently 35 weeks pregnant and wake up on my back all the time."

The key point to remember is to begin your sleep on your side, and if you happen to wake up on your back, there's no need to fret. Simply roll back onto your side and continue snoozing. Midwife Pip suggests using pillows to support your bump and placing a pillow between your knees for added comfort. These measures can help make the side sleeping position more comfortable and support any aches you may experience in your joints or back.

 Why can’t I sleep on my right side while pregnant? 

You can! In fact, it doesn’t really matter which side you sleep on - left or right. There was a small amount of research in the past to suggest that sleeping on the left side slightly reduced the risk of stillbirth, but this research hasn’t been borne out in later studies. Sleeping on the left side does, however, help your kidneys to get rid of waste products and fluids from your body, which Dr Nauf says can help with swelling in pregnancy.

The NHS reassures mums-to-be that sleeping on the left or right is perfectly safe, as do our expert midwives. Sleeping on either side is fine,” confirms Marie Louise. “The left side is preferable as this optimises blood flow. But if you find your right more comfortable - that’s fine too. Your rest and comfort are key.”

For more information about pregnancy health and symptoms, check out the NHS’s guide to pregnancy, labour and birth or visit Tommy’s PregnancyHub for advice on having a safe and healthy pregnancy.

Get more expert advice and information about sleep, from the best positions for a good night’s sleep to creating a safe sleeping environment for your newborn baby. 

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When do babies sleep through the night? must be one of the most-asked questions among new parents. And when you’re exhausted it may feel that everyone else's baby is the 'perfect sleeper'. But most babies don’t sleep through the night, so you're not alone. 

Whether you've invested in the best cot mattress, or an amazing white noise sleep aide, sleeping through until morning is one of the big baby development milestones that most parents look forward to, if your baby is not sleeping through you are not a failure, and your baby isn't broken, they're not supposed to sleep through, we actually all wake up during the night, it's just that babies need help dropping back off to sleep.

Infant sleep consultant Rosey Davidson, the author of The Just Chill Baby Sleep book, agrees. She tells us: “In theory, no one sleeps through the night. We all go through sleep cycles, between light and deep sleep. Babies are no different. What we tend to mean when we say a baby 'sleeps through,' is that they sleep for a long chunk of the night without parental input or milk feeds. Every baby is different. Some will naturally do this in the early weeks, and some won't do it until toddlerhood, or even childhood.”

All very true, though there are some steps you can take to ensure your little one is set up to have the best night’s sleep they can. We talk to the experts to make this challenge a tiny bit easier.

When do babies sleep through the night? 

According to the NHS, between 6 to 12 months is when babies will “sleep for up to 12 hours at night”. However, we talk to baby sleep experts who agree that it could be toddlerhood or childhood before your little one manages to sleep through the night, completely unaided. 

Like adults, babies naturally wake during the night. The difference seems to be how easy they find it to settle themselves back to sleep. Baby sleep expert and author Rosey Davidson explains: “Temperament plays a big part. Some babies are naturally less likely to call out for their parent’s help to get back to sleep. As parents, we can also set them up for the best chance at a more settled night by working on an age-appropriate daytime routine and sustainable ways of settling them to sleep at bedtime and during the night.” 

It's also important to remember that different parents will have different ideas of what ‘sleeping through’ means. A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics shows that of 757 babies aged either 6 or 12 months found that 27.9% to 57.0% of 6 and 12-month-old infants did not sleep through the night (defined as either 6 or 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep).

Audrey, who has a 12-month-old daughter, Beatrice, said: “My best friend kept telling me how her baby was sleeping through every night. I found it difficult to hear, as I was so sleep deprived and emotional. But one day she mentioned in passing that she meant her baby slept for six hours at a time. That made me feel so much better, as I realised what we were going through was totally normal."

Typical sleep patterns by age group

Typical sleep patterns by age group vary greatly as a baby gets older. When babies are first born they spend most of their day sleeping. However, by the age of 1, they will be getting most of their sleep at night, with just one or two naps in the day. Baby and child sleep coach Nicole Ratcliffe, who is the founder of Baby2Sleep, tells us: “Every baby is different so there is no way to say when a baby will sleep through. I have spoken to parents who have said their baby 'slept through' from two weeks old. However, it is important to understand that each parent’s version of sleeping through can be different.”

Newborn - 6 months

Nicole explains: “Newborn babies have a very different sleep structure to 6 month old babies. Newborn babies tend to have no circadian rhythmicity when born and it takes until around 12 weeks old to emerge fully. They are also missing two stages of their NREM (non-rapid eye-movement) sleep, and this is important as we are designed this way to help both physical growth and brain development. If we try to 'force' a baby to sleep through before they are biologically ready, it can become a SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) risk.”

For the first few months be prepared for your little one to take frequent naps, especially if you are doing something which is mentally tiring, such as attending a group. Also remember that the younger the baby, the more likely they are to be feeding during the night.

Rosey says: “Between 0 to 3 months most babies sleep 14 to 17 hours within 24 hours, averaging 4 to 5 naps.” As your baby gets older you will start to develop more of a routine and find that they often nap at a particular time of the day. 

6 months - 12 months

Nicole explains: “By 6 months old, babies tend to have more structure and a more regular sleep pattern. Between 6 and 8 months sleep tends to average 11 hours overnight with 3.5 hours during the day over 3 naps, and by 9 months this tends to drop to 3 hours over 2 naps. 

Once your baby nears the 12 months mark they will need less sleep during the day. Rosey says: “By 10 to 18 months most babies sleep 11 to 14 hours in 24 hours, averaging 1 to 2 naps.” Through the baby’s first year, it is normal for them to wake up frequently. In this study of 5,700 children, 8 out of 10 parents of both three-month-olds and eight-month-olds told researchers that their babies woke more than five nights a week. 

12 months +

However, as they got older this changed. By 18 months old almost two-thirds of babies no longer needed resettling at night. This is also around the time that babies will often start to change their nap routine. 

Lucy, a mum to two-year-old Ava, says: “At around 18 months old Ava dropped to just one nap a day and we noticed a huge difference in her nighttime sleeping. She went from crying for us most nights to only once or twice a week.” 

Nicole says: “Between 15 and 18 months, babies start to transition from two naps a day to one nap of around 2 to 2.5 hours, still with around 11 hours overnight.

“However, it is important to note that these are averages. There are some high and low sleep needs babies. But, as an average, they tend to sleep a certain amount in a 24-hour period and this could be split differently over day and night for each baby.”

Should I let my baby sleep through the night?

If there are no concerns about their weight then it is fine to let your baby sleep through the night. You only need to wake them at night to feed if they are not taking in enough calories during the day. Don’t forget to always follow advice from the NHS and The Lullaby Trust to sleep your baby on their back to reduce the risks of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).

Nicole says: “In the very early stages, if your newborn baby appears to not want to wake for feeds, then you may need to intervene to make sure your baby is getting enough calories over those 24 hours. "After a couple of weeks, if there are no issues with your baby's growth and you haven't specifically been asked to wake to feed, it is fine to feed upon waking in a responsive manner.”

Rosey agrees: “Once your baby has regained their birth weight, and there are no other health or feeding concerns you can let them sleep as long as they want at night. "Your midwife or paediatrician will be monitoring your baby's weight in the early weeks. Some babies will naturally start sleeping for longer chunks of time, and others will need a bit of help for longer.” 

What else could prevent baby from sleeping longer through the night?

• Daytime naps
• Temperature 
• Separation anxiety 
• Hunger 
• Sleep regressions

There are a number of things that could be preventing your baby from sleeping longer through the night. Although it is natural for babies to wake up, you can also ensure that they have the best night possible by making sure they are ready for bedtime when it comes and that they remain comfortable while sleeping.

Daytime naps

Babies need to get a certain amount of sleep over a 24-hour period. So if your little one is waking up a lot at night, it is worth considering how much they are napping during the day. Rosey says: “In order to give our babies the best chance at sleeping for longer chunks at night, we should consider their daytime sleep. Babies need to nap during the day, but if they nap too much, or too late it will impact their nighttime sleep negatively. 

"Also if they don't nap when they need to, they can become agitated and harder to settle. We should look at overall sleep requirements across 24 hours, and also take into account that each baby is slightly different. Some will need longer naps than others. It is all about finding a happy medium when it comes to naps.”

Rob, who has an eight-month-old daughter Bella, says: “A couple of months ago we realised that when Bella slept after 3pm she always took a long time to get to sleep at bedtime and woke multiple times during the night. We decided to have her lunchtime nap as the last one of the day and have found that she now sleeps so much better at night.” When and where your baby naps can also have an impact on their sleep patterns.

Nicole explains: "It could be that your baby has started nursery and they aren't able to accommodate your baby's sleep needs. As an example, I speak to a lot of parents who find sleep falls apart when their baby turns one. But this tends to be because it suits the nursery schedule to put babies this age onto one nap a day at lunchtime, which for most babies is too young. So they go home at the end of the day extremely overtired. 

"Parents may end up feeling stressed because their baby falls asleep in the car on the way home and they end up with a bedtime battle. Or they are extremely wired or cranky and then the sleep battles begin."

Temperature

When considering nighttime waking, it is also worth thinking about the temperature your baby is sleeping at. Being too hot or too cold can also cause them to wake up. Rosey says: “They should be appropriately dressed for the temperature, 16 to 20 degrees is optimum. Overheating can be a SIDS risk and can make our babies unsettled. Being too cold can also mean that baby is uncomfortable.”

Different babies will also require different comfort levels at night; some learn to self-soothe more quickly than others. In fact, this study of 80 babies over 4 nights found that the number of night wakes did not change over the first year. However, older babies were more likely to self-soothe and parents did not take older children out of their cots as much as younger ones. 

Mum-of-one and Family Editor at Goodto.com relied on her GroEgg when her son was tiny she tells us; "Ted was a NYE baby, so I was terrified he was cold or I was overheating him, the egg gave me some loose guidance in the early days which was hugely welcomed."

Separation anxiety

Some babies may suffer from separation anxiety, particularly if they spend the majority of their day with one parent. Nicole says: “If you think separation anxiety is partly to blame for poor sleep, playing games such as peekaboo can really help babies learn that just because they can't see you, it doesn't mean you aren't there and that you always return.”

Rosey adds: "How babies settle at bedtime can also affect how the night goes. Working on how our babies fall asleep can mean that they learn how to fall back to sleep without our assistance when they stir between sleep cycles during the night. 

"It is entirely normal and natural to attend to our babies during the night, but we can gently work on strategies to help them to fall back to sleep in a sustainable way for the family, and baby in question." 

Hunger

Another factor that can cause babies to wake in the night is hunger. Studies have shown that breastfed babies often wake up more. So don't worry if you find that to be the case.

Nicole says: "Introducing a dream feed before you go to bed can potentially give you a good few hours of sleep before your baby wakes up needing a feed. This would also help you understand whether your baby is waking with hunger or for something else."

Sleep regression

It’s also important to remember that babies are learning so much every day and sometimes as they reach different developmental milestones their sleep can be affected. Nicole says: "You may have heard of the term 'sleep regression', but I like to call it 'brain development'. Babies are developing so fast that sometimes sleep takes a back seat while the brain and body are trying to process all the new changes. 

"At 4 months, sleep cycles are maturing, babies are becoming more alert and interested in the world around them, and they may begin rolling amongst a number of other things. Around 8 months, babies may start to crawl, around 10 months they may start standing and around 12-18 months babies start walking. These gross motor skills play havoc with sleep while the brain and body adjust."

So, while "When do babies sleep through the night?" may be a question you wail out in the early hours, rest assured it will happen eventually and every child works on their own timeframe. And remember, no matter how tired you are, do not be tempted to lay your baby on its front to promote deeper sleep, as studies have shown that this increases the risk of SIDS.

However, if you are really concerned that your baby is waking too frequently or if lack of sleep is beginning to impact your mental health then do make sure you reach out to your GP or midwife.

If you’re trying to develop good sleep routines and are looking for a comfy cot, check out our best cot mattresses guide. Plus the SnuzCloud Baby Sleep Aid could help you to create a good bedtime routine. And if you’re looking for a cool sleeping bag for the summer or holidays, check out this aden + anais Baby Sleeping Bag Review.

Video of the Week:

How to dress a baby for sleep is something not all parents realise they need to know. But, if they're too cold or too hot this could be what's waking your baby up. We share top tips on how to safely dress your little one for sleep.

You might have pondered over the best cot mattresses for your baby, and no doubt well-meaning family members have imparted wisdom over the sleep training routine that worked miracles for them. But with all the thought put into bedtime, knowing how to dress them for sleep might prove tricky. And, with a dazzling array of clothing to wear for the occasion, from sleeping bags to swaddles, there are many choices to make when optimising your baby's comfort.

Mum-of-two Lucy tells us; "Our first baby was born in the middle of winter, and we worried over buying the right sleeping bag with the correct tog, and whether blankets and other items were even allowed. It turned into a lot of late-night searching to put our minds at rest. Having all the information to hand in one place would've been amazing!" 

Here we share practical advice and the latest guidelines, on how to dress your baby for sleep, along with information about selecting togs. 

How to dress a baby for sleep

Dress a baby for sleep with one or more layers of appropriate sleepwear to provide enough warmth to remove blankets altogether. Updated evidence in a 2022 study from the American Academy of Pediatrics confirms that using blankets is still very much related to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), suffocation, strangling, and other dangers.

Overheating can also be an issue for sleeping infants and can be avoided by considering clothing and sleepwear that isn't too heavy or covering the baby's head. Room temperature should also be considered, with babies made comfortable by having their nightwear layered to suit it. A general rule when choosing layers is to opt for one more layer than an adult would need to stay warm under the same temperature. 

1. Check room temperature

Babies do not require a room to be hot, and safe sleeping advice from the NHS suggests keeping the heating off at night, despite the worry your infant might become too cold. The room should be kept between 16 to 20C, and if a radiator does happen to be on in the house, the baby should be kept away from it. Similarly, they should be kept away from lit fires, and out of direct sunshine when napping during the day. Even babies who are unwell need fewer bed clothes, despite the parental instinct to keep them warm at this time.

Mum-of-one and Family Editor at goodto.com, Stephanie Lowe tells us; "We had the Gro Egg as a gift, and it was handy to know the temperature of Ted's room in the beginning. By about 9 months in I felt confident to re-gift it. To be honest, I started to feel attacked by the bright red colour during hotter nights."

If your baby appears unsettled at night and the usual checks have been performed - feeding and nappy changed - they could be letting you know they're too hot. Visible perspiration, wet hair, flushed cheeks, and rapid breathing can be immediately visible indicators of overheating. If you still aren't sure, feel your baby’s tummy or chest - if they are hot or sweaty, your baby could be overheating. 

Remove a layer of clothing, and lower the room temperature if possible. Remember that their extremities might still be cool to the touch even if they're when too hot, and this is completely normal. Holistic baby and toddler and sleep consultant Sarah Patel from Teach to Sleep, tells us "If your baby’s skin is hot or sweaty, remove one or more layers of bedclothes or bedding. In really hot weather just a vest or nappy is fine."  

2. Should babies wear a hat to bed?

No, according to a 2020 study in the National Library of Medicine babies shouldn't sleep in hats, as this can also result in overheating. Babies lose excess heat through their heads, meaning heads should always be free of bedclothes or any other items while they're sleeping. If you've been out and about with your baby on a cold day, any hats should be removed when you return home,  enter the car, or use public transport. 

To further prevent your baby's head from becoming covered by anything, you should select a mattress that's firm and flat, and fits the space the baby is sleeping well - this will reduce the risk of a wriggling baby becoming caught underneath it and having their head or face covered. Avoid baby nests, wedges, pillows, or rolls - keep anything that could possibly cover your baby's head out of their sleeping space. 

Sarah Patel has further advice around preventing you baby from overheating and keeping their sleep environment safe. She says "If you choose a fan to keep your baby cool at night. Do not point it directly on your baby because babies struggle to regulate their body temperature. Also make sure it is well away from your baby so that they can't grab it. You can also put bottles of frozen water in front of the fan which will act as a min air con unit. Hanging a wet towel over a chair can also cool the air in your baby's bedroom."

3. Should blankets be used for warmth?

Babies shouldn't sleep with blankets until they are over 12 months old. By this time, they will likely have transitioned to a cot, and experts recommend adding a blanket to a cot from 12 - 18 months. This is when the risk of SIDS lowers, and a lot of babies will have the motor skills to push a blanket away from them should it cover their face. If you do decide to introduce a blanket, it should be tucked in around your baby, reaching no higher than their shoulders.

Mum-of-two, Jas tells us; "I'm a massive believer it 'nothing in the cot' when it comes to babies. I never had a bumper or a hanging mobile, it was just too risky. I know a lot of people say 'I did it with mine and they're fine', but for some of the parents it didn't end so well, and I don't think it's worth chancing it with your baby."

Further safety advice when choosing a blanket includes opting for the simplest design, made from breathable materials, such as cellular blankets as suggested by Safe Sleep Scotland research. The blanket should be free of any attachments that could fall off and pose choking or strangulation hazards, such as ribbons. Smaller is also better, as large blankets can come loose and pose a greater suffocation risk than their larger counterparts. 

Sarah Patel reminds parents that blankets over prams when out and about also aren't a good idea, adding "Do not cover your baby's pram with blankets or cloths as this up heats their pram like a green house and could overheat your baby . Instead use a parasol or a shade to protect your baby from the sun but make sure that the air can circulate and that you are still able to see your baby and monitor their temperature." 

4. Can swaddling keep baby comfortable for sleep?

Yes, many babies sleep soundly when swaddled. And, while we know that advice relating to swaddling often changes, the most up-to-date is from the Lullaby Trust suggests swaddling can be safe when parents follow guidelines. As with all sleeping babies, swaddled babies should be placed on their backs, and never put to sleep swaddled on their front or side. Thin swaddling materials are best, and no additional bedding should be placed over a swaddled infant to avoid overheating. Blankets shouldn't be used to swaddle a baby, and minimal clothing should be worn beneath a swaddle. 

To reduce the risk of your baby’s face becoming covered, they should be swaddled securely - however, expert advice suggests swaddles shouldn't be tight around the hips, as this has been associated with developmental dysplasia of the hip. Bed-sharing or unwell babies should not be swaddled, and the practice should cease once a baby has the ability to roll - they could get stuck on their tummy and risk suffocation. With various swaddle products on the market, parents should ensure the one they select meets necessary safety standards, and individual product guidance should always be followed. 

5. Can using sleeping bags keep baby comfortable for sleep?

Yes, sleeping bags for babies over 12 months old are often thought to be one of the safest options for a sleeping baby. The Lullaby Trust says "Baby sleeping bags are a good option as they prevent your baby’s head from being covered by wriggling under bedding. You can choose different togs for different seasons to help keep your baby at the right temperature. You can also select different sizes depending on the age of your baby. It is important that the sleeping bag fits well around the shoulders so that your baby’s head does not slip down into the bag. Extra bedding should not be needed."

For extra safety, try to select a neck size that isn't too wide, to prevent the baby's head from becoming covered by the sleeping bag. Any shoulder buttons or other fastenings should be checked and secured - any found to be loose should be removed immediately to prevent choking. Any with hoods present an immediate risk and should not be purchased, and the tog should be clearly displayed on the item. All sleeping bags need to conform to recognised safety standards and carry the marking BS EN 16781:2018. 

How to dress a newborn for sleep

Newborns are more suited to swaddling. As swaddling can mimic the tightness of being inside the womb, these can be great for a new baby transitioning to being on the outside. It is a good idea to practice a few times before you swaddle your newborn, to be sure all of the safety guidelines are met and the swaddle is well fitting, secure but not tight around the hips, and no extra layers are used with it. 

Newborns can be placed in a sleeping bag once they weigh 8.8lbs; for some newborns this will be immediate, whereas smaller or low birth weight babies might have to wait a while. If using a sleeping bag, test it in the same way you would a swaddle - place your baby inside and check their head won't slip through the neck hole, or that they won't be able to slip down inside the bag. 

What tog sleeping bag?

It depends on the time of year, kind of like when grown-ups swap out their 10 tog duvet in summer to their 4 tog duvet. The following guide tells you what you need to know about selecting the right tog according to room temperature - investing in a room thermometer will make the process even easier. Did you know that the term 'tog' is an acronym for Thermal Overall Grade and rates the warmth of an item of clothing. 

Sleeping bags usually come in togs ranging from 0.5 to 3.5, with some 0.2s sometimes available for the summer months. 

• For rooms below 14 degrees, a 3.5 tog sleeping bag should be worn, with a cotton vest and sleepsuit underneath. These togs are very rarely required, as few countries are cold enough to need them. 
• For rooms under 16 degrees, a 2.5 tog sleeping bag should be worn with a cotton vest and sleepsuit underneath.  
• For rooms falling between 17-21 degrees, a 2.5 tog sleeping bag with cotton bodysuit underneath is suitable. 
• For rooms falling between 22-25 degrees, a 1.5 tog sleeping bag with cotton bodysuit underneath is suitable. 
• For a room above 25 degrees, a 0.5 tog sleeping bag alone will suffice. 

For expert-approved baby sleep training books, we've picked out five of the best. For more advice on how to get a baby to sleep if the books aren't enough, our ultimate guide is sure to help. Wondering if you need a newborn sleep schedule? We can help you work out what's right for you.

Video of the Week

Tehreem Kazmi, mom to 13-month-old Ali-Abbas. put the Comotomo baby bottle to the test for us.

This eye-catching bottle has become a bit of a cult favorite online and with good reason. With its ultra-wide neck opening, this is one of the best baby bottles to buy if you're looking for something that's incredibly easy to fill and clean (you can even use a regular sponge – no need for a special bottle brush). The high-quality silicone is a healthier, more environmentally friendly material than plastic, and comes with the added bonus of being wonderfully squeezable. This allows the caregiver to give the bottle a light squeeze and mimic a breastfeeding letdown. 

All of that, plus the Comotomo is a lot more attractive than a regular bottle. ‘My first thought the bottle was funky and different,’ says our tester Tehreem Kazmi, mom to 13-month-old Ali-Abbas. ‘It’s a really sturdy, innovative design.’ 

• VIEW AT TARGET

Design

The Comotomo is designed to look and feel more like a breast than regular bottles. From its rounded shape, squishy texture, and skin-like feel, it’s earned the reputation as being a great bottle for babies switching back and forth between boob and bottle.

‘The flow of this bottle was really good,’ says Tehreem. ‘The nipple shape was definitely much more similar to a human than regular bottles, and I think that’s what my son liked so much.’

Comfort and features

Comotomo’s soft exterior features food grade silicone with a skin-like feel that our tester loved – initially. ‘But then I realized that hair, dirt, and thread gets stuck more on this bottle because of the material. This was pretty offputting, if I’m honest.’ 

One popular perk of the Comotomo is that it's virtually leakproof, meaning you don’t need to worry about spills in your diaper bag or beside the nursing chair. But this comes with a downside: many online users complain that it can be really tough to open too.

Once your little one is ready to transition to a sippy cup, Comotomo sells a sippy spout, straw and handle set that can easily convert your existing bottle into a toddler-friendly cup.

• VIEW AT TARGET

Value for money

Comotomo is the priciest bottle we tested. The cheapest price we found was $19.98 for a two-pack, with replacement nipples coming in at $13.99 for two.  It comes as no surprise, then, that these premium bottles are favored by celebrities from the Kardashians to Gal Gadot.

‘For me, these bottles are too expensive,’ says Tehreem. ‘A gift set of four bottles and spare nipples costs $60, which is really pricey. It needs to be cost-effective because realistically I like to change to new bottles every few months, and it’s not feasible with that price tag.’

The ChiccoDuo baby bottle was put to the test for Goodto.com by Michele Malejki and her five-month-old baby, Alejo.

If you’re stuck choosing between a glass and plastic bottle, the ChiccoDUO could be for you - it's our best baby bottle in terms of glass and plastic combination options. Featuring an ultrathin layer of apparently unbreakable Invinci-Glass® and a sturdy plastic exterior, this bottle promises to have it all. The glass interior is perfect for parents who have health concerns about plastic bottles – plus it won’t stain, discolor, or develop a nasty aftertaste like plastic can over time. The tough plastic exterior means you don’t need to worry about older babies chucking bottles, and it also means the bottle is much lighter than regular glass bottles.

As bottles go, this one is pretty cutting-edge – it even was even listed as one of TIME Magazine’s best inventions of 2021. It’s made using breakthrough medical technology to permanently bond the glass to the plastic outer layer, with big claims that it won’t shatter or crack.

• VIEW AT AMAZON

Design

With just three parts, our reviewer found this bottle speedy to assemble. ‘It fits together very easily, with no need for a lot of pushing and pulling – or to make the parts “click” together, as I’ve experienced with other bottles,’ says tester Michele Malejki, mom to five-month old Alejo.

Michele also found it easy to take apart and clean, both on the top rack of the dishwasher and in a pan of boiling water. But it should be noted that the ChiccoDUO is one of the few bottles we tested that isn’t suitable for microwave sterilization. So if you’re a fan of quick and easy microwave sterilization bags, you may want to try another brand of bottle.

Comfort and features

One of the things online reviewers of this bottle rave about is the nipple. The award winning ‘Intui-Latch’ design is supposed to position the baby’s mouth and tongue into a very natural shape. Plus, the texture is designed to mimic skin and help little mouths stay latched.

‘My son really enjoyed drinking from this bottle,’ says Michele. ‘The flow was perfect and he didn’t spit up at all. Plus, there was never any issues with leakage.’

One thing Michele was less keen on was the bottle’s chunkier design. ‘It was harder for Alejo to hold,’ she says. ‘I’d definitely prefer a bit of a narrower design.’

• VIEW AT AMAZON

Value for money

The ChiccoDuo doesn’t exactly come cheap. With newborns feeding eight-plus times a day, choosing this as your go-to bottle could end up being a pricey option.

‘I actually don’t think that the ChiccoDUO is great value for money,’ says Michelle. ‘I prefer a bottle to be around $5-6 a bottle – that is what I have historically purchased them for.

But a factor to consider is durability. Plastic-lined bottles often don’t last as long because the lining can become ’foggy’ or smelly with multiple washes. The ChiccoDUO’s high-quality glass and premium materials mean the bottles themselves should stand the test of time (although nipples need replacing every few months, or at the first sign of wear and tear).

Jade Granger and her daughter Violet, aged one, tested the Philips Avent Anti-colic Baby Bottle with AirFree Vent.

The Phillips Anti-Colic Baby Bottle with AirFree Vent is our best bottle for upright feeding. The intelligent teat design allows milk to accumulate in the teat, meaning that it carries on flowing, air bubble free, even in a horizontal position.

If your baby is one of the estimated one in four newborns to suffer from colic, you’ll know just how tough it can be to see your little one in distress. Even without full colic, many babies suffer from gas or reflux issues that can cause plenty of upset. Pediatricians will often recommend holding a baby upright for twenty or so minutes after feeding to allow air bubbles to pass, but what if you could easily feed your baby in an upright position? The Phillips Anti-Colic Baby Bottle does just that.

• VIEW AT WALMART, $23.12

Size: 4oz, 9oz, and 11oz | Materials: Polypropylene plastic | Teats: Four options

Design

The Phillips Anti-Colic Baby Bottle features a special AirFree Vent that promises to reduce the amount of air a baby swallows. It’s a clever design that draws air away from the nipple into a no-drip chamber. ‘I think it’s a great design,’ says our reviewer Jade Granger, who tried the bottles out with her daughter, Violet, aged one. ‘The nipple catches all the milk so more of it ends up being drunk by the baby. Even though my daughter is too old for colic, she does suffer from gas – but not with this bottle.’

Of course, the vent is an extra part of the bottle that needs washing, which can be a big consideration when choosing a bottle. ‘This wasn’t an issue for us,’ says Jade. ‘It was super simple to take apart and pop in the dishwasher.’ Comfort and features

Comfort and features

This bottle features a comparatively narrow teat, especially compared to the Phillips Natural Bottle. Some babies may have a harder time latching to narrow teats, but Phillips claims that this bottle is ergonomically designed for a secure latch. 

‘My daughter took to this bottle right away,’ says Jade. ‘It was actually the first time I had seen her not only drink that much milk but also so quickly. I really liked that the nipple wasn’t a super flexible material and had enough strength to hold up to my little one's gnawing at the teat.’

Value for money

These bottles are slightly more expensive than some of the other bottles we tried out but still represent reasonable value for money. A four-pack of replacement nipples is also reasonably priced.

‘I think they’re a good price, and they definitely feel like good quality,’ says our tester Jade.

We like that the bottles themselves are convertible to sippy cups once your little one reaches toddlerhood, although as these bottles are only available in plastic, we doubt they will last that long. Plastic bottles have a tendency to go cloudy and develop a smell after a few months of regular use.

Establishing bottle feeding can be difficult – not least because you need to decide which bottle to use. And there are so many options. Silicone, glass or plastic? A flat-topped nipple, anti-colic design, orthodontic teat, or one featuring multiple holes to mimic a real breast? 

With so many styles and innovations, is it a wonder that finding the right baby bottle for you and your baby can become yet another overwhelming task – especially if you’re a first time parent trying to work out how to bottle feed a newborn in the first place.

Even if you’ve bottle-fed a baby before, no two babies are the same, so you’ll often find yourself being flatly rejected if you try and force an older child’s favorite bottle on their smaller sibling. That’s why, while it’s nice to be stocked up ahead of a baby’s arrival, when it comes to bottles, we recommend you’re better off not buying too many designs in advance. Instead, wait till your baby has been born and try them out on individual bottles until you both find one that they like.

To give you an idea of what bottles are available and the babies they might suit, we’ve tested the best around with real moms and their little ones.

How to choose the best baby bottle for you

There are multiple factors to consider when choosing a brand, but the biggest decider will probably be whether or not the bottle gets your baby’s seal of approval. No matter how budget-friendly or easy to clean you find a bottle to be, if your baby takes against a certain brand, you’ll face an uphill battle trying to persuade them to drink from it.

For this reason, there isn’t just a single bottle we’d recommend. Instead, we’ve found the best bottles out there for colicky babies and pumping mamas, for bottle refusers and formula-fed babes. We’ve tracked down the best silicone bottle and the best combination of glass/plastic design, as well as our favorite self-sterilizing one. 

To finalize our lineup, we scoured internet chatrooms and read scores of online reviews. Then we enlisted a panel of real parents to try them out and spoke to a leading lactation consultant about what we should be looking for when choosing a bottle.

‘One of the biggest challenges for parents is dealing with all of the marketing jargon and misinformation when it comes to bottle feeding,’ says Kelly Kendall, a lactation consultant at IBCLC and founder of The Balanced Boob. ‘It’s a huge misconception that bottles shaped like a breast are better when actually this is not true. In fact, a bottle nipple with a gradual slope promotes an open mouth similar to how the lips would rest on the areola when breastfeeding.’

Best baby bottles as reviewed by our testers

There’s a lot to love about glass bottles: they don’t stain or go cloudy, and they are less likely to develop a smell. Many parents also worry about the safety of plastic bottles when feeding little ones. But on the downside, glass bottles can be clunky, heavy, and prone to breakage.

Enter the ChiccoDUO, the first bottle on the market to feature the best of both worlds. Using medical technology, the bottle features an ultrathin layer of Invinci-Glass®, which keeps milk away from the sturdy plastic outer layer (which is also free from nasties such as BPA, BPS, and PVC). Using a thinner inner layer of glass allows the bottle to remain lightweight, while a plastic outer means you don’t have to worry about middle-of-the-night bottle drops (although Chicco claims this glass is breakproof).

‘I absolutely loved that this bottle allows the option to store and heat milk with a glass surface rather than a plastic one, because I do definitely think about chemicals and other possible contaminants in plastic,’ says our reviewer Michele Malejki, mom to five-month-old Alejo.

Premium materials set this bottle at the more expensive end of the market.

• Read our full ChiccoDuo review

An age-old colic-reducing trick is keeping a baby upright after feeding. This allows air bubbles to rise to the top of the tummy and be burped out, rather than causing painful gas. Feeding a baby in an upright position also helps, but it can be tricky to get the bottle at the right angle to allow for air-free feeding. The Philips Anti-Colic Baby Bottle with AirFree Vent does a great job at changing that, with a smartly designed nipple that allows for easy upright feeding.

Like Dr Brown’s famous anti-colic bottles, these bottles also feature an insert. But this one serves a very different purpose: it keeps milk in the nipple so that the baby can keep feeding steadily even when the bottle is horizontal.  

It’s a brilliant design that is loved by parents of gassy babies, but it can take a little time to get the hang of the setup. ‘We absolutely loved this bottle, but it was a little tricky trying to work out which way round the anti-colic insert goes at first,’ says our tester Jade Granger, mom to one-year-old Violet. ‘You have to remember if it’s supposed to be at the top or bottom, and when the baby inevitably turns the bottle around, it’s then upside down.’ 

The addition of the anti-colic valve does mean that there’s an extra part to clean. But we found this to be much easier to clean than the Dr. Brown’s anti-colic valve because there’s no tubing that needs to be cleaned with a pipe cleaner.

• Read our full Philips Anti-Colic Baby Bottle review 

It would be hard to pick most baby bottles out of a lineup, but you can spot a Comotomo bottle a mile off. With a hot pink or lime green collar and a distinctive rounded shape, these bottles are often pictured in the hands of celebrity parents, and, as such, they have a price tag to match. The Comotomo is one of the most expensive baby bottles on the market.

But many moms swear by these. The benefit of using a silicone bottle over a more rigid glass or plastic one is that you can gently squeeze the bottle, mimicking the milk letdown that comes at the start of breastfeeding. They’re also lightweight and easier to hold for both parents and babies. 

‘I loved the squishiness of this bottle right away,’ says Tehreem Kazmi, mom to 13-month-old Ali-Abbas. ‘As well as being comfy to hold, this also means that when you put it into the baby bag you can fit more bottles and baby gear in alongside it.’ 

Another feature loved by parents is the extremely wide neck of the bottle (by far the widest of any bottle we tested). This feature makes it easy to scoop in formula or pour in breast milk without making a mess, even during those clumsy middle-of-the-night feeds. It also makes cleaning a doddle and removes the need for a narrow bottle brush.

Comotomo bottles are designed with a wide nipple shape to reduce nipple confusion, and feature dual anti-colic valves that many online reviewers rate highly. But whether they’re worth the hefty price tag is up to you.

• View our full Comotomo review

Whether you’re exclusively pumping, pumping at work, or combi-feeding your baby, chances are you’ll be looking for ways to simplify the process and cut down on the seemingly endless washing up that all this entails. 

Medela Breast Milk Storage bottles promise to do just that. Simply attach the bottle to your Medela pump (it fits all models), pump directly into the bottle, and then detach and store in the fridge or freezer for as long as you need to. 

Our reviewer Michele Malejki, mom to five-month-old Alejo, appreciated the brightly colored ounce and milliliter markers that make it simple to see, at a glance, how much milk you’ve pumped.

As Michele is exclusively pumping and currently feeding Alejo five bottles of breastmilk a day, she loved that these bottles sped up the process. ‘It definitely saves time and makes it easier to prep the next meal for my baby,’ she says. ‘I also like that there is less washing up to do, with the added bonus of them being more environmentally friendly due to less water usage.’

Although the bottles can only attach to Medela breast pumps, we’ve included them in our top ten bottles because of just how widely used the pumps are (they’re still America’s bestselling brand and supply pumps to 80% of American hospitals). 

Pumping compatibility aside, we found the Medela Milk Storage bottles to be very budget-friendly – particularly if you buy the bottles sold in multipacks without nipples. They’re also one of the most lightweight bottles we tested.

Because of the contoured design and ultra-lightweight feel, the Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature is a wonderful bottle for babies to hold. Little hands can easily grip the grooved sides and because the bottle is made from plastic, there’s no need to worry about the baby breaking it.

 ‘My first thoughts on this bottle were that it was a bit fat looking and not very easy on the eye,’ says our tester Tehreem Kazmi, who tried the bottle out with her 13-month-old son. ‘But actually, Ali-Abbas loved holding onto it – it seemed comfy for his little hands.’

This is also one of the most customizable bottles we tried. You can switch out the bottle body for silicone or glass, and there are five nipple flows available (including extra slow flow and Y cut thick feed – flows that aren’t easy to find with other brands). Plus, Closer to Nature is available in a range of colors and patterns.

Our tester found the bottle to be a bit flimsy feeling but acknowledged that that was probably part of the reason why the bottle was so lightweight and easy for her son to hold.

Tommee Tippee claims that this bottle is accepted by 95% of babies, and, with a 4.7-star rating on Amazon and glowing reviews from moms' groups, we can well believe it. Because of the nipple’s wide, flexible design, it’s a popular choice for parents of little ones who have a tough time latching or who suffer from tongue or lip ties.

Whether you use a bottle warmer or a jug of hot water to take the chill from your little one’s bottle, there’s always the fear that it’s just a bit too hot. Here’s a bottle with a clever temperature gauge that fades when the milk is too hot, and reappears as the milk cools to a safe level. Of course, you can always splash a few drops of milk on the back of your wrist to check its body temperature – but many exhausted parents appreciate just one less thing to worry about. ‘This temperature gauge would have been a game changer when my son was younger,’ says our tester Reina Novell, mom to nine-month-old Jacob. ‘Bottle temperature was a real worry in the early days, so I love this feature.’

As well as the SmartTemp feature, parents love NUK Simply Natural for the unusual nipple design, made from softer, pliable silicone. While most bottles feature a single hole for the milk to flow through, Simply Natural nipples feature multiple holes – just like a real nipple. The slowest flowing nipple in the range features three holes, while the fastest features nine.

It’s also a nicely designed bottle, made from high-quality materials. ‘My first impression of this bottle was that it was really nice and light, and easy to hold with one hand,’ says Reina. ‘Yet the plastic is thick and sturdy.’

NUK Simply Natural is also available in glass, although that version doesn’t feature the same SafeTemp gauge. Our tester tried out a plain plastic bottle, but there are plenty of designs to choose from – everything from stars to hearts and color pop collars.  

One of the worries about switching between breast and bottle is nipple confusion, which is when a little one gets frustrated or fussy at the boob before breastfeeding has been properly established. Lansinoh Breastfeeding Bottles are clinically proven to reduce the chances of nipple confusion and are a popular choice with breastfeeding moms. It’s also a commonly recommended brand by lactation consultants for little ones who have taken against the bottle.

‘My son is mostly breastfed, and only has a bottle a few times a month,’ says our tester Reina Novell, mom to nine-month-old Jacob. ‘He can be pretty choosey about bottles, but he loved this one as soon as he tried it.’ 

Breastfeeding chat rooms are full of stories like Reina’s. ‘These bottles saved me,’ writes one new mom. ‘My little one was refusing all major brands [of bottles], but he took Lansinoh right away without any fussiness and gagging, so now I don't have to stress about going back to work.’

Designed by a breastfeeding mom fed up with the unnatural feel of bottles, Lansinoh has been making bottles for breastfed babies for almost 40 years. The NaturalWave nipples are soft and flexible, designed to allow babies to practice the same sucking and feeding actions used with breastfeeding.

Available in BPA and BPS-free plastic or shock-resistant borosilicate glass, these bottles are made of premium materials but are still well-priced as mid-range bottles. One downside is that they aren’t suitable for use in the microwave and although they are dishwasher safe, Lansinoh recommends handwashing to extend their life. This is a lot of extra work for new parents.

Delve into the topic of colic in any Facebook parents’ group, and you’ll likely see one bottle brand mentioned time and again: Dr. Brown’s. There’s good reason that these bottles are so enduringly popular with parents of gassy babies. With a unique anti-colic venting system that claims to eliminate almost all air bubbles from feeding, these bottles work a trick for soothing little tummies.

Back in the 1980s, Dr. Craig Brown was a family physician fresh out of med school when his new baby developed terrible colic, screaming for up to twenty hours a day. The doctor turned inventor, drilling holes into old bottles until he settled on a design that radically changed how babies are fed today.  

And with 4.8 stars on Amazon, these are the most highly-rated bottle we tested. ‘These are magic bottles. If you are like me and cannot stand your baby crying after every feed just do yourself a favor and buy this bottle to try it out,’ writes one reviewer.

But this fancy anti-colic system comes with a pretty major downside: it’s really tricky to clean. With five parts and lots of nooks and crannies, these bottles require a concerted effort to degunk. ‘I didn't like the vent system as it was fiddly to clean,’ says our tester Michelle Boyce, mom to Alexander, 14-months old. ‘I get a little crazy with the bottle cleaning, so this vent would definitely be an issue for me if we used it all the time.’

Of course, if your little one is fussy and in pain, that extra cleaning will most likely be well worth it.

Newborn babies are still developing their immune systems, so it’s vital to make sure their bottles are sterile. The CDC recommends sterilizing bottles after every use for all babies under three months of age and continuing to sterilize bottles for little ones with compromised immune systems. If you’re exclusively bottle feeding, it can feel like you spend your whole life cleaning and sterilizing bottles. 

We love the MAM Easy Start Anti-Colic Bottle’s nifty self-sterilizing feature. It’s a really clever design that makes things easier, both on the go and at home. Simply unscrew the base of the bottle, fill it with water, place the nipple inside the bottle, screw it all back together, and microwave for three minutes. No need for boiling water, countertop sterilizers, or special microwave steam bags. 

 ‘This is such a fantastic feature,’ says our tester Michelle Boyce, mom to Alexander, 14 months. ‘I’m Irish so have taken Alexander on a long trip to Ireland and ended up having to buy a sterilizer. If only I’d known about these bottles then!’

These bottles also feature an unusual anti-colic design: eight tiny holes around the base of the bottle to allow for airflow and prevent the formation of air bubbles. The nipple itself has a unique flat tip, designed to mimic mom’s nipple and ease the transition from breast to bottle and back again. 

The downsides of this bottle are that it’s only available in plastic and some parents find that it leaks. 

To avoid being overwhelmed by free-flowing milk, newborn babies need a bottle with a slow-flowing nipple. Most brands offer a nipple option for newborns, but the Philips Avent Natural Baby Bottle with Natural Response Nipple is by far our favorite.

What we – and our tester – love about this bottle is the Natural Response Nipple, a clever bit of bottle tech that prevents drips and leaks, and, most importantly, reacts to your baby. Babies feed rhythmically, pausing often to take a breath or swallow. With most bottles, the milk will keep flowing even when the baby stops sucking, and this can lead to dribbled milk or coughing and spluttering. But the Natural Response Nipple’s unique tip only releases milk when the baby is actively drinking, which is much less overwhelming for newborns.

As well as improving the feeding experience for babies, this smart nipple also is less prone to leaking than regular ones. ‘This is why I love it!’ says Marlena Lipski, mom to 11-month-old Margaux. ‘My daughter often drinks throughout the night and when she’s done, she leaves the bottle next to her. If it isn’t completely empty, the milk would simply leak out leaving the whole area around her wet. This hasn’t been a problem at all with the game-changing bottle.’

We also like the wide range of options available with this bottle. It comes in more size options than any other bottle we tested, and there’s an option to choose from glass or plastic, in several different colors. There’s also an option to buy a temperature control sleeve for the glass version.

Which bottles are easiest for babies to hold? 

‘Most babies won't be able to hold their own bottle until around eight months of age and it's best to avoid using bottle props or assists as this can increase the risk of choking,’ says Kelly.

Once your little one is old enough to hold the bottle on their own, you could try offering them a silicone bottle. Silicone bottles are light enough for little hands, and the squeezable material makes them easier to hold. Brands such as Tommee Tippee and Dr Brown’s also offer attachable handles that make a bottle easier to hold. Or try our pick for the easiest bottle for little hands to hold, the Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature.

How often should you change baby bottles?

Silicone bottle nipples degrade over time and will generally need to be replaced every four to six months. ‘If you notice any tears in the silicone or that the bottle is no longer venting well or the nipple is collapsing, it’s time to swap them out,’ says Kelly. ‘Thankfully, you can usually just replace the nipple itself and not the entire bottle system.’

Babies also need faster-flowing nipples as they get older. If it seems like your baby is having to work hard to suck the milk, is finishing their bottle more slowly, or is fussy during a feed, it may be time to go up a flow level. ‘Unfortunately, there is actually no industry standard when it comes to defining flow,’ says Kelly. ‘If you bought five different brands of "slow flow nipples" you would find five different flow rates.’

If you aren’t too accident-prone, then glass bottles generally last longer than plastic, which can end up going cloudy with frequent washing.

Once you've settled on the best bottle for your baby, you might want to read our guide to the best bottle sterilizers or have a look at the best bottle warmers so you'll have everything covered for feeding your baby. And, if you need some tips on getting bottle feeding established, check out our feature on how to start bottle feeding your baby. 

UK rapper Tinie Tempah might not be the first name you think of when it comes to baby gear but he's launched a collection of travel-friendly baby gear in a collab with prestigious nursery brand, Silver Cross.

We thought we'd got the wrong memo when Silver Cross invited us along to a champagne reception for a very special first look at a limited edition range of baby gear designed by Tinie himself. But nope, the MOBO award-winner and dad of two has turned his talented hand to designing prams, car seats, and travel cots.

New mum and Goodto editor, Anna Bailey, was persuaded out of maternity leave with her baby daughter, Freddie, to pop along to the launch of Rise By Tinie - and she even challenged Tinie to try collapsing his stroller whilst holding her in his arms. Did he succeed? You'll have to watch our video (below) to find out. 

Combining luxe styling with practical functionality to reflect the needs of the modern parent, the Rise By Tinie range features three items - a stroller, a car seat, and a travel cot - with 300 signature pieces exclusively available to buy at John Lewis now. Each of the 300 pieces features Tinie’s autograph incorporated into the design and comes with a signed photograph. And for every signature piece sold, Silver Cross and Tinie will donate an essential baby product to a family in need via charity partner Baby Basics.

Silver Cross Rise by Tinie Stroller, £695 | John Lewis
The Rise stroller combines futuristic details with innovative technology, including a one-lock magnetic buckle and auto-fold feature so you can collapse it easily whilst holding your baby - we made Tinie prove it! Compact and portable with an interior made of breathable mesh and organic bamboo, it's finished with diamond cut effect alloys and brushed titanium touches and comes kitted out with a quilted seat liner, puffer-style footmuff, fur-lined hand warmer, puffer-style bumper cover, rain cover, and sun shield. 

VIEW AT JOHN LEWIS

Rise Travel Cot, £495 | John Lewis
A limited edition, one-pop travel cot, co-sleeper, and playpen, the Rise Travel Cot is designed for both globe-trotters and staycationers and is super lightweight and portable, plus it comes with a fold-up mattress, monogrammed sheets, and, of course, a fashion-forward, element-proof travel case. 

VIEW AT JOHN LEWIS

Rise Motion car seat, £550 | John Lewis
This 360° rotating car seat is suitable for children from 0-12 years and features sleek leatherette and sustainable bamboo finishes, together with a brushed titanium shell and dynamic 'pops' of the collection’s signature, stylish green colour.

VIEW AT JOHN LEWIS

Designed by Tinie Tempah himself and inspired by his own experiences as a dad, the collection is billed by Silver Cross as 'super functional' but with a high-end, luxury look and feel, underpinned by the brand's commitment to sustainability and responsibility. 

Sharing the story behind the Silver Cross collection, Tinie said: “I wanted to focus on the design and luxury element of the products - I’ve always wondered as a dad why there hasn’t really been a pram, travel cot, or car seat with a more unisex aesthetic that will appeal to men just as much as women.”

Since becoming a dad in 2018, Tinie says he has sought to make the world a better place for his children in any way he can. “The minute my child entered the world I started thinking about how it could be a better world for her. I know I can’t do everything, but anything small that I can do is hugely important to me.”

The Rise by Tinie collection is built using sustainable fabrics and materials such as organic bamboo. Each product uses fabric made from recycled plastic bottles, with up to 73 bottles used in every piece. Each product comes in plastic-free, fully recyclable packaging.

David Abbott, Director of Marketing at Silver Cross, said: “We are thrilled to be launching this unique collection with Tinie, and this collaboration feels incredibly organic. We felt like his vision to create a simple, innovative product that doesn’t sacrifice on style, really complemented ours as a brand.” 

The Rise By Tinie range is available online at John Lewis and in-store at John Lewis Oxford Street, Leeds, Newcastle, Glasgow, and Manchester (Trafford). 

Not sure this is the right range for you but still shopping around for stylish baby gear? Check out our guide to the best pushchairs for starters or if you're planning some family-friendly travel this summer, have a look at our guide to the best travel strollers and best travel cots.

It seems Princess Eugenie has chosen the Little Green Sheep Natural Knitted Moses Basket for her new arrival, baby Ernest, and we’ve found it on sale for under £100. 

Once I’d gotten over the fact that Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank managed to keep their new baby news under wraps for an entire week, my eye was drawn to baby Ernest’s Moses basket, which you can see in the snap that Eugenie shared on Instagram in her birth announcement. 

I was pretty convinced, the moment I spotted that unmistakable knitted liner, that baby Ernest lay sleeping soundly in none other than the Natural Knitted Moses Basket from The Little Green Sheep. In our guide to the best Moses baskets we chose it as our best budget buy. Made from natural woven palm leaf, it normally retails for £119.95 at The Little Green Sheep but comes with both a chemical-free mattress (worth £59) and that cosy organic knitted liner included - and I've found it on offer at The Hut for less than £100.

(Let me explain. I possess geek-level knowledge of baby gear and can pretty much identify the make and model of any pram at 20 paces. That’s what comes from being a mum to three kids and having spent the best part of 20 years as a parenting journalist writing about baby and nursery products. Hence finding myself nodding and muttering 'Good choice...' to myself when I spotted Princess Eugenie's birth announcement and that Moses basket.)

For our buying guide, we asked journalist, author and mum Kate Wills to review the Little Green Sheep Moses Basket with her son, who was 10 weeks old at the time. "It arrived without too much packaging, and looks really good in our bedroom," she told us. "The basket itself is well-designed and very light, so it's really easy to move around the house. The wooden stand also folds away easily and doesn't take up much space."

We found the quality of this Moses basket impressive, particularly given that it costs considerably less than other 'designer' Moses baskets loved by famous mums, and the organic knitted liner adds real value for money. "It's very chic and looks quite Scandinavian in design," added Kate. "But it's also very practical – the liner helped stop my baby from scratching her hands against the rough interior, which happens with our own Moses basket. That makes this one feel warm and cosy."

On the downside, the stand is an extra expense but our tester still thinks this is a good budget buy given the quality of the mattress it comes with. And while this basket felt a little on the small side for her 9lbs baby, it should leave baby Ernest, who weighed 7.1lbs at birth, plenty of room to stretch out.

I’m not surprised Eugenie chose it but I am surprised that she went for such a ‘normal’ choice. No fancy pants perspex cots for this little Royal. So, should you fancy popping your own little prince or princess in a Moses basket fit for Royalty, that’s the one to choose.

If you're kitting out the nursery for a new arrival, you might also like our guides to the best prams and the best pushchairs. 

With 6 types of stroller to choose from, making the right choice for your family's needs can be a minefield. We have expert help on hand to explain the differences between them, empowering you to know what to look for before making your purchase.  

If you're considering buying a stroller, the chances are you've already had to make the difficult decision of choosing the best pram for you and your baby's needs. Now your baby is older or becoming a toddler, the stroller vs pram debate might have begun - is your pram still suitable for current family life, or are you ready to make the switch to a stroller? If a stroller is what you've decided on, you might've realised there are 6 types of stroller on offer; choosing between them can be a little intimidating.

Mum of two Lucy says "We did plenty of research when buying our pram, but rushed into buying a stroller and ended up with the wrong one. It wasn't suitable for our city life, and we didn't realise our son was almost at the weight limit when we bought it - we didn't know there was so much variation! Having specialist advice would've been helpful." 

That's why we've got expert help to arm you with the knowledge to understand the differences between each stroller, and everything you need to know before buying. With 6 different choices comes something for every budget. From the best pushchairs and strollers on the market, to travel and lightweight strollers, we are sure to help you find the one you need. 

Types of strollers - and why they differ from a pram

Prams are more durable than strollers, and suitable for newborn and young babies who should be carried flat. Strollers are more lightweight but less sturdy, more suited to older babies and toddlers.

Not only are prams sturdier than strollers, they feature reclining seats that allow very young babies to be transported laying flat in a way that promotes safe breathing. The reclining seat can usually swap between forward-facing, to facing the parent or person pushing; it's likely parents will want their baby facing them for the first few months. 

Prams have more complex features than strollers, often taking a multi-system approach - adapters allow a car seat to be attached to the frame, or a carrycot can adapt or swap to an upright seat. Designed to navigate more difficult terrain and offer greater suspension, these prams are often referred to as 3-in-1, 2-in-1, or travel systems. 

A stroller is suited to older babies and toddlers. Parents would generally make the change to a stroller when their baby is around 6-months old, or have control of their head and neck muscles. Should an infant not have this level of control, their head can flop forwards and obstruct their windpipe, potentially resulting in suffocation. 

Strollers are generally lighter and easier to fold and although prams generally fold flat too, strollers fold significantly more compactly. Being less sturdy than prams, strollers are cheaper to purchase but unsuitable for terrain other than pavements. There is no parent-facing option with most strollers either, and something to be aware of is that little ones will usually face forward with the stroller option. Some more modern strollers however, do have features similar to a pram, with some offering travel system adaptation. 

Full-sized stroller

Full-sized strollers are sturdier than traditional strollers, and generally last longer. Worrying about matching the weight of your baby or toddler isn't usually an issue with full-sized strollers, as they often last from the point of purchase until your child can walk distances and it's no longer required. These often come with more features, making them almost a pram and stroller hybrid. 

Full-sized stroller pros:

• Sturdier - meaning more comfort is offered than traditional strollers
• Reclinable - allowing for stroller snoozing
• Long-lasting - can last from 6 months to when the child is fully walking 
• Extras - sometimes comes with extras such as canopies, cup holder or trays, meaning costs don't mount up
• Tyres - can be more hardwearing
• Storage - often has more storage than traditional strollers
• Handlebars - ability to alter the handlebars  

Full-sized stroller cons: 

• Heavy - as sturdier, full-sized strollers can be heavier than traditional strollers the added weight can be an issue
• Difficult navigation - can be difficult to get on and off public transport easily, due to size
• Bulky - not the best option if you have limited storage in your boot or house
• Expensive - more expensive than other, regular strollers

Lightweight stroller

The lightweight stroller is the most traditional stroller, and the one parents are most likely to turn to once they've finished with a pram. Cheaper and with fewer features than you get from a pram, lightweight strollers make up for it with their ease and practicality. 

Lightweight stroller pros:

• Very lightweight - the meaning is in the title, and this option is very easy to move and carry
• Shoulder strap - some fold down to the size of a small bag and contain a shoulder strap meaning you can just put it over your shoulder 
• Easy to fold - great for city life, these make hopping on and off the train, tube, bus and more, really easy 
• Space - they take up very little if you are short of space in your boot or home
• Partial recline - can be slightly reclined for sleeping on the go
• Holidays and trips - lightweight strollers are great for holidays abroad or weekend trips, and some people keep one just for this purpose. They fit easily on planes, and don't take up space in cupboards until they need to be used again

Lightweight stroller cons:

• Initial transition - being so lightweight, the lack of sturdiness means these are often suited to toddlers and upwards and not for older babies first transitioning to strollers.
• Basic - the cheap and easy nature of lightweight strollers mean they come with very few features or optional extras
• Extras - rain covers, sun shades, and storage will likely need to be an extra purchase 
• Non-convertible - you'll be unlikely to attach a buggy-board or other method of transporting another child with this option, which is something worth considering 

Double stroller

Just what it says on the tin, a double stroller allows two children to be transported side-by-side. These are the perfect option for parents of twins or those with a stroller-ready baby and toddler still unable to walk distances. 

Double stroller Pros:

• No accessories needed - no buggy-boards or adapters are needed to transport another child, with both children contained within the same unit
• Storage - due to the size, double strollers often come with more storage
• Stable - being wider offers the double stroller more stability 

Double-stroller cons:

• Bulky - double strollers take up more storage space and don't fold as flat as other strollers 
• Heavy - consider how far you'll need to carry the double stroller to your car, as they can be heavy
• Manoeuvrability - can be difficult to navigate around shops, buy or narrow streets, and other tight spaces. Careful consideration of the logistics of your final destination will be required 
• Lack of suspension - strollers are known for having smaller wheels and less suspension, and this could be felt twice over with a double 

Jogging stroller

Jogging strollers allow parents to take their baby or toddler along when they're out running, and are the best stroller for outdoor cross-terrain adventures. While a great addition to maintaining fitness, jogging strollers aren't without their downsides. 

Jogging stroller pros: 

• Stability - the three-wheeled structure and generous size make the jogging stroller very stable
• Suspension - superior suspension allows for exercising and adventures across many terrains
• Comfort - the suspension and added size keeps babies comfortable across long distances and while taking bumps at speed 
• Wheels - unlike traditional strollers, jogging strollers come with sturdy wheels, with a front wheel that can be fixed to offer extra stability
• Recline - jogging strollers will recline further than other models 

Jogging stroller cons:

• Age restriction - although babies over 6 months can be placed in jogging strollers, they can be unsafe for those under 12 months depending on user activity level and baby ability to support their head - please seek advice before using
• Difficult to fold - learning to fold these can be tricky
• Difficult to assemble - even putting them together can be hard 
• Manoeuvrability - jogging strollers don't make a good everyday mode of transportation and can be difficult to fit inside shops and smaller spaces. This also means you might need to purchase another stroller for everyday use, pushing up costs

Car seat stroller

This stroller is simply a frame that allows you to transfer a car seat straight onto it, avoiding hassle or disturbing a sleeping baby.

Car seat stroller pros:

• Lightweight - just as light and compact as the lightweight stroller, if not more
• Compact - will fold down and fit easily into small spaces 
• No waking baby - there's nothing worse than having to wake a baby for transfer into a pram or stroller once you've reached your destination, and with this you don't have to
• Multiples - this can also come in a double version for twins 

Car seat stroller cons:

• Short-term use - as babies outgrow car seats quickly, these strollers won't last very long
• Not for all day - babies should not be kept in a car seat for longer than two hours. If your car journey has been that long, or you you'll be longer than two hours at your destination, this stroller is not appropriate. 
• Features - this basic structure doesn't have an extras such as storage, cup holders or trays 

Travel system stroller

The stroller version of a travel system pram, the travel system stroller allows an upright seat to be switched out to a car seat. Full-size, jogging and lightweight stroller travel systems can be available, meaning there's plenty of choice to suit your needs and lifestyle.

Travel system stroller pros:

• Lightweight - this is a more lightweight option to the travel system pram
• Adapters - adapters are usually part of the package and don't need to be purchased separately
• No waking baby - this option also allows a smooth transition from car to stroller, with no disturbance to a sleeping infant
• Cost effective - will be cheaper than a travel system pram

Travel System Stroller cons:

• Easily outgrown - the upright seat will last your toddler, but they will outgrow the car seat option quickly
• Not for all day - again, consider that babies shouldn't be placed in car seats for longer than two hours at a time, and you might need to switch to the seat
• Number of cars - if you have more than one car, a separate car seat or base might be required

For more information on the best travel strollers on the market, we have a thorough and handy guide. For city living, these are our thoughts on the Thule Shine stroller, or for something super lightweight, the Ickle Bubba Gravity Max could be the one for you. 

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