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Given its name, the Cosatto Wow 3 has a lot to live up to. So is it one of the best newborn prams money can buy? We asked one of our parent gear reviewers, Flora Hinks, to put it to the test with her newest addition, five-week-old baby Ezra.

"Being a mum of four, I have used a few buggies and travel systems over the years but this one definitely has the best wheels," she says. "They are puncture-proof and have suspension at the back, which means the travel system can manage rougher terrain but also steers very nicely on pavements and shop floors. I don’t think it would manage very rugged mountain terrain, but it's perfect for the needs of our family."

Price and availability

The Cosatto Wow 3 is priced at £999.95 for a bundle including the chassis, carrycot, pushchair seat and infant car seat, making it one of the more expensive newborn prams in our lineup, but our tester wouldn't hesitate to rate it as good value for money. "You get a huge amount in one package, and it combines beauty, practicality and versatility," says Flora. "It goes above and beyond other travel system designs, with lots of little extra features that make such a difference in terms of usability and also enjoyment using it. For example, the stylish stitched bird print, the windows in the carrycot, the hidden fly net, the no-puncture wheels and the suspension. Having used cheaper or mid-range products with previous children, I would say this is worth the extra expense. The Cosatto Wow 3 oozes quality and well-considered design."

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Design and features

Weight limit: Birth to 24kg | Dimensions (folded): L82cm x W59cm x H29cm | Weight: 11.9kg (chassis and seat unit combined)

Our tester, Flora, had high hopes for the Cosatto Wow 3. Did it meet her expectations? "Absolutely yes, my five-week-old and I would say it has far exceeded them," Flora says. "As a mother of four, I have clocked up my fair share of buggy miles, but these have been some of my favourite."

Flora was particularly impressed by the striking print. She tested the Cosatto Wow in the 'Bureau' colourway, which is designed to evoke birdsong in Paris. "The travel system parts come in a beautiful matching 'Bureau' design, which is dark green with a lovely bird pattern throughout," Flora explains. "It attracts compliments every time we go out. Ezra loves looking at the internal bird design as he travels along and drifts off to sleep. The bird detailing is also on the outside, with a few beautiful birds stitched onto the external fabric."

Other key features include puncture-proof wheels and rear suspension for a smooth ride, an extended sun hood for extra protection, and a spacious under-seat basket for your groceries and essentials.

Prams that score high on style often fall short on practical features, but that's not the case with the Cosatto Wow 3. "It has some really cute and clever features like a window you can quietly open to check if the baby is still sleeping, and a hidden pocket in the carrycot top that holds a fly net for when you’re out and about. Plus, the extended sun hood is perfect for those brighter days," Flora adds.

How we tested

At GoodtoKnow, we've developed a product review testing process that is fair, consistent, and thorough. For this review, our Deputy Editor, Heidi Scrimgeour—who brings 19 years of experience as a mum and parenting journalist—assigned one of our product testers to roadtest the travel system with their child of the appropriate age for at least ten days. Our tester then:

• Assembled the travel system to evaluate the ease of setup.
• Used the pram with the carrycot and car seat attachments daily with her newborn baby for several weeks in various scenarios, including urban areas, shopping trips, and off-road in muddy environments.
• Assessed the safety, durability, and comfort of the pram, as well as its manoeuverability and ease of folding and storage.

Things you won't find on the box

Most prams might initially impress, but over the review period, testers often uncover design flaws. The Cosatto Wow 3, however, stood up impressively to scrutiny. "It's hard to fault this travel system, as its advantages outweigh any minor issues," says Flora. "Accessing the basket can be a bit tricky with the carrycot attached because the gap is quite small. It would be improved by widening this space to accommodate larger items more easily. Also, while you can unfold the chassis with one hand, folding it down requires both hands, unlike some smaller buggies we've used in the past."

Despite these minor points, Flora found more to love about the Cosatto Wow 3 upon closer inspection. "The adjustable handle is a fantastic feature, especially for my 6-foot-5-inch husband and me," she explains. "It's effortless to change heights, making it comfortable for both of us to push. Switching between the carrycot and the infant car seat using the adapters is also seamless, which has been incredibly convenient during shopping trips when Ezra stays asleep moving from car to pram."

Who's it best for?

Overall, Flora enthusiastically recommends the Cosatto Wow 3 to any parent seeking a stylish and versatile travel system packed with practical features. "It's a fantastic all-rounder that handles urban settings, school runs, and countryside day trips with ease," she says. "The thoughtful extras make using it a delight, and it truly lives up to its name. It stands apart from other travel systems and we've had numerous compliments. For our family, it combines everything we need for our newest addition."

Need an alternative?

The Cosatto Wow 3 is an impressive, versatile travel system that's likely to tick all of your boxes if it's within your budget. But if it's more than you were planning to spend, we have the perfect alternative; the Ickle Bubba Altima travel system has similar functionality but is a little more affordable at £599 for the chassis, car seat, carrycot and pushchair seat.

Looking for more? Discover our range of baby gear buying guides covering everything from the best travel systems to the best baby walkers.

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

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

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

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

Best pushchairs 2024: the quick list

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

Best pushchairs 2024 - tried and tested by parents 

Best pushchair overall

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

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

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

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

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

Read more: Nuna Triv pushchair review

Best premium

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

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

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

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

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

Read more: iCandy Lime Lifestyle pushchair

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Best budget

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

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

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

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

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

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Best urban running buggy

Tested by: Oli Oakley and her baby daughter.

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

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

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

Read more: Cybex Zeno pushchair review

Best lightweight pushchair

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

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

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

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

Read more: Mamas & Papas Airo Pushchair review

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Best for city-living

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

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

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

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

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Best for longevity

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

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

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

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

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

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Best for easy storage

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

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

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

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

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

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Best for one-hand fold

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

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

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

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

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Best for all terrain

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

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

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

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

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

Best for ergonomic design

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

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

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

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

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

Best for luxury design

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

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

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

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

Best for parent-facing

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

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

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

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

Best off-road pushchair

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read more: Baby Jogger Summit x Robin Arzó review

How to choose the best pushchair for your baby

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How we tested these pushchairs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best toys for six year old boys and girls

1. Barbie

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

2. Audio players

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

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

3. Dinosaurs

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

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

4. Toy Pets

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

5. Mix and Make Toys

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

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

6. LEGO

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

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

7. Educational games

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

8. Sylvanian Families

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

9. Hot Wheels

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

10. Squishmallows

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

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

11. Board games

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

12. Slime

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

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

13. Polly Pocket

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

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

14. Jigsaws

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

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

15. Heroes of the Goo Jit Su

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

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

Do six year olds still play with toys?

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

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

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

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

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

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

How many toys should a six year old have?

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

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

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

What is the 20 toy rule?

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

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

How we chose the best toys for six year olds

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

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

Read more: How we test

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

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

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

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

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

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

The quick list

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

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The best baby walkers 2024 - tried and tested by babies

Best baby walker overall

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

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

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

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

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

Read more: Haus Projekt Baby Walker review

Best value baby walker

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read more: Vtech First Steps baby walker review

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Best longevity

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

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

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

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

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Most versatile baby walker

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Best ride-on baby walker

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Best walker for boosting confidence

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

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

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

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

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

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Most robust baby walker

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

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

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

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

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Best baby walker for motor skills

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

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

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

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

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

Read our Rainbow Cloud Walker review

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Best musical baby walker

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

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

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

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

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

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

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How to choose the best baby walker for you

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

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

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

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

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

Are baby walkers good for babies?

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

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

What age is best for a baby walker?

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

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

How we tested these baby walkers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The quick list

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

Best cot bed 2024 — tried and tested by parents 

Best cot bed overall

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read more: Great Little Trading Company Little Wren Cotbed review

Best premium cot bed

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

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

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

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

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

Read more: La Redoute Willox Adjustable Cot Bed review

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Best for longevity

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Best quality

Tested by: Michelle and her son Finn 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Best Budget

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Best for assembly

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Best budget buy

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

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

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

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

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

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Best cot with wheels

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Best for small rooms

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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10. Best sleigh bed design

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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11. Best Scandi style

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

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

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

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

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

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

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12. Best for storage

Tested by: Grace and her 11 month old daughter. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Read more: Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cot Bed Review 

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5 things to consider before buying a cot bed

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

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

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

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

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

How to choose the best cot bed

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

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

Cot bed safety

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

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

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

Our review process

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

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

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

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

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

The coming year could see some seriously cool and also incredibly wacky baby names doing the rounds, according to experts in the field. 

Choosing a baby name is a huge deal - the moniker you settle on will be one of your child's defining features. It will be written on every important document, and called out daily in classrooms and by friends. Unusual baby names are increasingly common, as parents want something a little different to the top trending baby names that end up dominating class registers up and down the country.

For those looking for something truly unique, 2025 could be your year. Baby name experts at Nameberry carefully analysed baby name data to predict which names could rise in popularity next year - and some are pretty out there. Inspiration is taken from everything from Gen Z to Femininomenal names - yes, we were baffled by this too, and also found it a huge tongue twister. Read on, and we'll break down each trend and the meaning behind it. 

Baby name trends 2025

Landscape names

Not too much explanation required for this one - these are nature inspired names with a clean and simple sound. Not already popular, but not too unique they sound a bit silly, these landscape names can also be gender-neutral, which might be a consideration for some parents. 

• Cove
• Coast
• Creek
• Field
• Reef
• Valley

Gen Z names

If you're wondering how Gen Z are providing inspiration for baby names, it's really just taking the 'Z' from Gen Z and adding it to some names to replace another letter. Or, it involves names you've already heard of that happen to have a 'Z' in them, and popularising them because of their link to the letter.

• Azalea
• Hazel
• Mazie
• Ozzy
• Zephyr
• Zuri

Country inspired names

Beyonce’s album Cowboy Carter turned the country music genre on its head, and now country inspired baby names are getting the same rebrand. These names showcase diversity, while offering nods to traditional country tropes such as cowboys and farming culture.

• Abner
• Clover
• Elsie
• Harlan
• Mabel
• Waylon

Safe haven names

In a world that feels very unsettled, names evoking comfort and safety are set to become popular. This will be in the form of names bringing a sense of peace, or a play on words that actually mean 'peace.'

• Arcadia
• Dove
• Eden
• Foster
• Harbor
• Pax

Fast fashion names

Slightly misleading this one, because nobody wants to call their child Primark or Shein, or be so closely associated to fast fashion amid a climate crisis. However, what this name trend really alludes to, is synthesising a range of current styles to create original names. Parents look to a variety of name trends and pull together a name that reflects things that are important to them, such as honouring a relative, ethnic heritage and their favourite animal all in one name.

• Aven
• Hollyn
• Luxton
• Novalie
• Scottlynn
• Wrenlee

Global Americana

These names are said to honour a particular cultural heritage or combine different ethnic backgrounds. This can include names with roots all over the world and can be used by different cultures. 

• Casper
• Elio
• Hassan
• Idalia
• Kenzo
• Shai

Femininomenal names

Ok, so this one might require the most explanation (or not, if you're down with your Gen Z, American, synth-pop artists.) This trend takes inspiration from Chappell Roan’s 'Femininomenon' album, with names embracing the power of femininity, with a 'tinge of drama, camp and witchiness.' Monikers come from history, mythology and other well known legends about badass women.

• Circe
• Echo
• Guinevere
• Juno
• Lilith
• Ophelia

Baby names - actually

These names take inspiration from real babies, usually those of notable influencers. Think, Whimsy Lou, Benny and Blue, names that sound like nicknames, given to their children by popular social media figures. 

• Blossom
• Gio
• Lilibet
• Lottie
• Nori
• Posey

Croc names

Wait, what? Crocs are shoes, so how on earth are they inspiring baby names? Let's take a look. So, like Croc shoes, croc monikers might seem unpopular, ugly and uncool at the moment, but could become the next big hit. 

• Enid
• Gilbert
• Golda
• Murray
• Oswald
• Rita

Otherworldly names

Like mythical baby names inspired by Netflix's Kaos, otherworldly baby names nod to the fact the universe is full of mysteries. They often combine elements of sci-fi heroes or fantasy villains. 

• Altair
• Aura
• Cosmo
• Ender
• Lumen
• Lyra

For even more baby name inspiration, check out these beautiful sounding baby names, space inspired baby names, and the viral trend helping people looking for baby names that's a bit eerie. 

Education experts have identified six early indicators of dyslexia, and strategies to support your child if they receive a diagnosis.

Differences in children are becoming widely accepted and understood, as awareness about them continues to grow. It's so positive to look at the upsides of ADHD instead of the downsides, and find that there's support available for parents with ADHD raising children with the condition. Similarly, parents and educators are now more aware of patterns of conversation in children that could indicate autism, meaning young people can get the diagnosis and help they need.

Now, with eight in ten dyslexic students leaving school undiagnosed and Dyslexia Awareness Week taking place between October 7-13th, education experts are highlighting the importance of recognising dyslexia early. With 43 per cent of schools in the UK believed to struggle to understand dyslexic challenges, it's vital to identify early signs of this difference and provide appropriate support to young people.

Tutoring provider Explore Learning has found six early and subtle signs a child could be dyslexic, offering expert advice on how to support them if dyslexia is suspected or a diagnosis given. Charlotte Gater, Head of Education from Explore Learning, says: "It's crucial to remember that dyslexia is not a reflection of intelligence. With the right support, children with dyslexia can achieve remarkable success. The key is to recognise each child’s unique learning needs, and ensure their educational strategies are adapted accordingly."

6 early signs of dyslexia

• Difficulty learning nursery rhymes. Children may struggle to remember or recite simple rhymes like Humpty Dumpty. This is because children with dyslexia may find it challenging to recognise rhyming words or break words into individual sounds.
• Slow speech development. Some dyslexic children might start speaking later than their peers or have trouble expressing themselves clearly. Children with dyslexia often struggle with phonological processing, which can affect their ability to produce speech sounds accurately.
• Difficulty learning to recite the alphabet. Remembering the order of letters or associating letters with their sounds may be challenging for dyslexic children. This is related to difficulties in sequential memory and phoneme-grapheme correspondence, which are common in dyslexia.
• Struggles to carry out more than one instruction. Forgetting parts of instructions or mixing up the order of steps can be a sign of dyslexia in children. This can be due to challenges with working memory and sequencing, which are often associated with dyslexia.
• Confusion with directional words. Words like 'left' and 'right' or 'up' and 'down' may be consistently mixed up in those with dyslexia. This spatial and directional confusion is a common feature of dyslexia, often persisting into adulthood.
• Difficulty with short-term memory. Children may struggle to remember information they've just been told, such as a friend's name or simple instructions. This is because dyslexia can affect working memory, which is responsible for temporarily holding and processing information.

How to support children with dyslexia

Charlotte Gater suggests the following strategies:

1. Use multiple senses for learning. Combine visual, hearing, and hands-on activities. For younger children, use playdough to form letters or sing alphabet songs. Older students can benefit from colour-coding different parts of speech or creating mind maps for story structures. 
2. Break tasks into smaller steps. Large assignments can be overwhelming for dyslexic learners. Visual checklists are helpful for younger children, while digital task management apps can be useful for older children and teenagers. Celebrate when steps are completed for all age groups, to maintain motivation.
3. Allow extra time for reading and writing. Reduce time pressure to help children process information more effectively. For younger pupils, extend storytime or use sand timers for writing tasks to make time visual. For older children, allow more time for homework and reading assignments. Create a quiet, distraction-free space at home for study and encourage regular breaks to maintain focus.
4. Use helpful technology. Leverage age-appropriate assistive tools to support learning. For younger pupils, interactive phonics apps like Nessy and digital storybooks can make reading more engaging. Older children can benefit from text-to-speech software for reading assignments and spell-checkers for writing tasks. Secondary school students might find voice recognition tools helpful for note-taking, while grammar-checking software is useful for refining written work.
5. Focus on strengths. Identify and nurture areas where your child excels to build confidence and motivation. For primary school pupils, this might involve praising their creativity in storytelling or their skills in hands-on activities. Older children could be encouraged to join clubs or take on projects related to their strengths, whether in science, art, or sports. For secondary school students, guide them towards optional subjects and extracurricular activities that align with their talents and interests.

For more on differences in young people, we look at PDA in children and exactly what it looks like. We also share the three different types of ADHD, and the top five ADHD personality traits in kids.

Although praising our children with words such as 'good boy' and 'good girl' come naturally to parents, research suggests this is outdated and needs to be reworded.

When your child does something you're really proud of, your first instinct could be to say 'good girl!' or 'good boy!' without even thinking about it. However, child psychologists believe parents need to rethink how we give praise, if our kids are to become the resilient and emotionally intelligent adults we want them to be.   

You're not alone if your first question to this proposed change, is 'why?' This is a very valid question - exactly why are we dropping the habit of a lifetime? The answers are rooted in psychology and the way it evolves as knowledge in the area expands. According to The Conversation, praise has been a key part of parenting for decades, with 1950s psychologists asserting the benefits of how it positively reinforces desired behaviours.

This notion continued into the 1970s, as psychologists and child development experts continued to emphasise the importance of praising children with phrases such as 'good boy' and 'good girl.' However, in the 2000s, research moved forward, and away from praise and boosting self-esteem being central to nurturing a child’s wellbeing.

Modern psychologists now believe that praise does foster a strong opinion of themselves in children, but the real focus should be on helping them develop a positive sense of identity - rather than thinking highly of themselves, we need to shift towards a sense of safety and belonging in kids. The end result of this should be children feeling capability in their own ability to feel comfortable with their actions, rather than relying on outside forces such as parental praise. 

It's thought that constant praise could lead kids to believe they need to act and make choices to gain adult approval, rather than for themselves. This can negatively affect their sense of self by hindering skills of self-regulation and positive sense of their own identity. 

Similarly, adults offering an abundance of praise, could find their children constantly need this validation to do the right thing, hindering the child's ability to make good choices on their own. Some research has even pointed to inflated praise, including words such as 'amazing' and 'incredible,' resulting in narcissism in kids who end up with an unrealistic sense of what they can actually achieve. 

Instead of inflated praise, here's what parents can say instead:

3 phrases to say instead of 'good boy' and 'good girl'

1. Give realistic feedback. You could say "Well done. I can see you’re trying there with your handstands," instead of "Incredible handstands! You are absolutely amazing at gymnastics!" 
2. Focus on learning or improvement. Don't pit your child against others. You could say: "Next time when you look for the pass in your rugby match, how about getting there as fast as you can?" This can be instead of "You're not quite as quick as some of the others at looking for the pass."
3. Use praise that shows children they are valued. You could say "Well done, you tried your best to study for that test," instead of "I got straight As at school, that's what you need to aim for." 

For more advice on raising emotionally healthy kids, we share how to raise happy kids, how to raise confident kids, and five things kids should never have to do just because an adult expects it of them.

The Burger King 'Bundles of Joy' ad has to be one of the most divisive advertising campaigns of recent times - the negative reactions also send a very clear message to new mums.

The internet is currently working itself into a frenzy about a Burger King ad campaign featuring new mums chomping down on burgers moments after giving birth. There's been an outpouring of negative reactions to the advert, but we think it's brilliant - judging by the support from mothers who identify with the content, we aren't alone. Named 'Bundles of Joy,' the concept of the ads is actually really clever - a series of fabulously real images placed on billboards and bus stops featuring mothers in those heady, surreal moments after birth eating a Burger King while cradling their new baby.  

Released on September 26, the series of ads marks a special day in the UK - the day more babies are born than any other day of the year. The fast food giant conducted a survey and found a burger and chips were amongst the most desired post-birth treat for those who've just gone through one of the mos gruelling experiences of their lives. 

Accompanied by a film displayed across social media showing the mothers in labour before cutting to footage of them with hospital gowns akimbo being delivered the burger by their partner, each mother has a delivery time next to her image - a fun play on the time she was given the food, rather than the delivery time of her baby. Proving that perfection in motherhood is a very real requirement of society, the campaign has been branded everything from 'disgusting' to 'disturbing,' with calls to have it banned. 

Some of those who work in the advertising industry have slammed the campaign. Writing on LinkedIn, brand strategist Will Poskett, says "It's an ad that promotes cancer and obesity-causing ultra-processed foods next to the birth of a newborn baby. Promoting UPFs like this is cynical and disgusting."

Commenting on the Burger King UK Instagram account, another outraged person wrote "This is disgusting! Mothers need proper nourishment after going through birth! Nobody should eat this c**p, least of all New mothers and the baby that she will likely feed from her own body. Ads glorifying junk should be banned the same way they banned smoking ads."

A lot of the negativity appears to stem from the mystifying notion that once a woman becomes pregnant, she is expected to be nothing less than perfect and give up her whole self and everything she wants, for her baby. Some people seem unable to cope with an exhausted, bloodied woman looking less than perfect, mouth open wide to receive something that isn't green and organic - because that's what expected of her now she's brought life into the world.

In this Handmaid's Tale style society we live in, a lot of the negative commentary comes from, ahem, men. Posting to LinkedIn, entrepreneur Leela Cosgrove, wrote "The real reason so many men hate this ad is because they can't cope with any image of a woman that's not tailored to the male gaze. Anything that isn't for them infuriates them. That's it. That's the post." And wow, is she correct.    

Creative director Rodd Chant sums this up by adding "Burger King’s latest campaign in the UK has certainly outraged its target audience. Oh, hold on, sorry my mistake, it mostly outraged the people it was not aimed at – men.

The overwhelming outpouring of anger, moral stances, and postnatal health advice mixed in with a decent helping of mansplaining was confusing, to say the least. But when you look at the comments and reactions from women, you know, the people it was aimed at and who can actually give birth, the majority were either positive and supportive – or at least not morally outraged."

The women putting forward their case to be able to eat whatever the heck they wanted in the moments after birth, really stepped up - in their droves. The comment sections of negative posts about the ad was filled with women describing what they first ate after birth, and for most, it was something fried and high in carbs. There was also an undertone of 'hands off,' and the implication that anyone who hasn't already been denied a plethora of foods for nine months or not been able to eat during labour, had absolutely no say in the food choices of postpartum mothers.

Mum-of-two, Lucy says "I was given plain toast just after birth, and as I'd given birth at 2am, couldn't wait for the morning and some real food - I'm aware some mums felt high on the NHS buttery post-birth toast, but it did nothing for me. I was disappointed that plain cereal and more toast was on offer when the food trolley arrived at 7am, although I shouldn't have been really. Then, like a beautiful vision, my husband arrived with a McDonald's breakfast and half the M&S food court - and none of the healthy stuff.

I sat holding my baby, delightedly munching on all of it, and it's one of my best ever food memories. I'm well aware of the value of healthy eating, and knew I had years of good choices in front of me. But in the battle-worn, exhausted moment, the ecstasy of fried carbs, meat and other treats, was just what my body needed. And nobody gets to have any say in what I wanted to eat in that moment."

The moral of the story? Let's just give mums a break shall we.

For more on the unrealistic expectation placed on mothers, carrying the mental load is placed at the feet of most, often leading to depression, stress and burnout. Unsurprisingly, the heavy burden of motherhood can lead to mum rage - but help is available.

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:

Even the happy shrieks of my child make me want to beg for quiet. Psychotherapist and mum of three, Anna Mathur, talks about noise sensitivity in parenting and explains why it's totally 'normal'.

My kids are playing in the garden, running, shouting, squealing. And instead of a feeling of warmth and gratitude at the happy noises of my kids, my body is tensing and I’m having to stop myself asking for quiet. I feel a wave of shaming guilt. ‘You’re a mum. They’re your kids. You should be happy they’re playing nicely’. This feeling isn’t rare for me. The riding of a hot wheels car over a radiator vent find me wanting to beg for silence. And don’t even start me on the noise of meltdowns, fighting in the backseat of the car, or the squeaky playing of a whistle given in a party bag. If this resonates in any way, you’re not alone.

So, as a Psychotherapist, I did what I always do. I applied my understanding of Psychology to my own experience hoping that I might have some insight that will help others. Read on to find out why you feel like this along with ten quick tips to help ease the feeling.

What is noise sensitivity in parenting?

It's when you feel overwhelmed by the every day - or out-of-the-ordinary - noises that being around children means. It's feeling sensitive to the steady stream of questions, their humming, laughing, whinging or singing.
When I shared a poll on social media about whether others experienced noise sensitivity out of the 2,363 respondents, 2,295 people related. So, we can conclude, that noise sensitivity is common and is not a statement of a lack of love, tolerance or gratitude for your child.

Side note: If you experience this type of sensitivity all the time, you might have misophonia - abnormally strong reactions to everyday sounds that may usually go unnoticed. Noise sensitivity can also be a sensory symptom of autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. If this is the case, this article will help, but in addition, you may need a referral to an ear specialist to explore any physiological causes, and to discuss a care plan with your healthcare practitioner/Doctor which may include CBT or other therapies.

When is noise sensitivity likely to occur?

Noise sensitivity signals that nervous system is feeling overwhelmed, or you’re depleted in some way. Therefore your brain is struggling to determine what noise is ‘safe’ or ‘threatening’. It might be that you are experiencing an overwhelming level of sensory input, and your brain and body are craving space and quiet as the antidote, but either those things aren’t available, or you are continuing to overload yourself with noise and information by choice (constant music playing a scrolling). You may find you are more sensitive to noise when:

• You’re experiencing hormonal shifts such as PMS, perimenopause or menopause
• Sleep quality is reduced by drinking alcohol, sleep deprivation, insomnia, unsettled kids!
• You have increased levels of stress hormones
• You are feeling overwhelmed
• You are feeling run down or unwell

Basically, the crux of the matter is that you haven’t morphed into a raging, intolerant, unloving person, you’re just feeling overwhelmed and overstimulated and therefore your brain is registering new stimulus as threatening and triggering the nervous system stress response further, finding you wanting to fight or flee. Knowing this fact is so pivotal. When we stop getting frustrated with ourselves, and find some clarity, we are freed up to do things that help.

What can I do to reduce noise sensitivity?

Well, as we know, the main antidote to overwhelm is rest, refuelling, recovery, re-grounding. The opportunities are few and far between, often needing to be planned or negotiated. It may well be that the things that will help increase your capacity to process the noises around you are the very things that are tricky to find in early motherhood – space, rest and quiet! But don’t fear, I have some tips for you that will help regardless as to whether you can access these things in the moment or not.

First and foremost, it is vital that you find some compassion for yourself. When you lurch into self-criticism and self-talk that sounds like ‘you should be more patient’, then you’re less likely to seek supportive tools and resources that will help give your nervous system what it needs to feel safer and less triggered. My book ‘Raising a Happier Mother’ is packed with ways to address the overwhelm that comes with parenting, that don’t include stepping away from it.

I know it’s hard to prioritize rest and space when you are constantly in demand, but think about how you might make this happen for yourself, even if it’s in a small way. Noise sensitivity over your usual tolerance level shows that your body is in a state of overwhelm and stress.

Here are some small ways to refuel:

1. Close your eyes for ten minutes to gift yourself some sensory deprivation.
2. Listen to a guided meditation or some calming music.
3. Give yourself some tech-free time each day.
4. Take a quick (or long) walk round the block, alone if possible.
5. Verbalize your feelings to someone, even if they can’t help.
6. Go to bed early and read instead of scrolling.
7. Use a single earplug, or Loop earplugs.
8. Breathe mindfully. Inhale for a count of 4, exhale for a count of 6.
9. Cut out alcohol and lessen caffeine to nurture your nervous system and increase quality of rest.
10. Offer yourself kindness. These moments of overwhelm are physiological and not about love!

So, next time you find your body bracing at the noise around you, firstly remember that it’s not reflective of who you are or how you love, but most likely a symptom of depletion or overwhelm. Softening the guilt and shame will allow you to find a small (or large) way to meet the depletion or overwhelm. You’re not a bad mum, you’re a tired one.

📱 @earsurgeonjoe to learn more about your 👂 health

📺 The Overwhelm and Burnout sofa session on my website

🎤 The Therapy Edit podcast episode ‘On why the loud parenting chaos feels stressful’

If you liked this then check out Anna's other great, and insightful articles. The most recent on mum rage will make you feel seen, and the 5 most common grandparenting fails will make you realise it's not just you. Plus her heartaching piece on regretting motherhood shares five brilliant ways to respond to that feeling.

Talking to teens about sex isn't easy, but make it less awkward with these nine straightforward things to say about it - experts also share what you need to avoid in your conversation.   

Talking to children about sex can be an uncomfortable, but entirely necessary part of being a parent. Sex itself is a broad subject matter, and needs to be broken down into smaller topics - parents will need advice on how to talk to kids about masturbation and how to broach the subject of porn.

If you are having difficulty talking about these subjects with your kids, Outspoken Sex Ed has some great advice, recently shared to Instagram. The caption reads: "If you want your teen to be sexually healthy, confident and informed, talk openly instead of letting them get ‘facts’ from friends & social media. Research shows sex ed in school and at home means teens are more likely to delay sexual activity, have consensual first-time sex, practise safe sex and seek help."

Follow these nine helpful tips when it comes to talking about sex with your young people:

1. ACKNOWLEDGE EMBARRASSMENT. Let your teen know this isn't easy for you, it doesn't matter. You could say ‘I never talked about this stuff with my parents but I’ll do my best.’
2. FORGET ‘THE TALK’. You don't have to cover every detail of sex education in one go - little and often is key to keeping conversations natural. If something related to sex comes up on TV or in the news, ask your teen what they think about it as a way of opening up a new conversation. 
3. DON’T USE EUPHEMISMS. Be frank - vague language can create confusion and possible shame.
4. USE CORRECT TERMS. Penis, vagina, use it all correctly - and your children need to know the difference between a vagina and a vulva. 
5. TALK ABOUT CONSENT. Your teens need to understand the importance of respecting their bodies, and any other body they come into contact with. Asking if they want a hug models respect for boundaries.
6. DISCUSS EMOTIONS. Teens should know that that sex involves emotional connections. Encourage them to think about values, and that they'll need time to understand how they feel. 
7. ENCOURAGE QUESTIONS. Don't make anything off limits. Always make sure they know you're proud of them for asking questions, which will encourage them to come back to you with any others they have. 
8. USE DISTANCING TECHNIQUES. Frame questions in a way that isn’t personal, this could be something like saying ‘Humans are interesting – why do you think we cover our private parts?’
9. TALK INCLUSIVELY. Make sure your kids know about different types of relationships from a young age, and understand differences in sexual orientations and identities. 

That should make talking about these difficult subjects easier, so let's move the conversation on to what you should try to avoid during these discussions. Outspoken Sex Ed suggest not including the following when chatting to teens about sex:

1. AVOID ASSUMPTIONS. Ask your teen what they know, to get a good starting off point for the conversation.
2. DON’T BE JUDGMENTAL. Shock or disapproval can shut things down. Thank them for sharing with you, and suggest keeping the conversation going to help you understand. 
3. DON’T IGNORE OR DISMISS FEELINGS. Don't rush your teen. If they're struggling to convey something to you, don't put words in their mouth. Let them go at their own pace. 
4. DON’T OVERWHELM THEM. Trying to impart everything you think they need to know in one go, can be overwhelming. Consider their maturity level and what they might find confusing - topics can be returned to later.
5. DON’T CARRY ON. If a question surprises you, gently end the conversation while you gather your thoughts. You could say: 'Give me a moment to grab a coffee, then let’s chat.' 

Mum of two, Louise, says "I always dreaded 'the talk,' but my children beat me to it by coming to me when they were fairly young, with questions about things they'd heard in the playground relating to sex and body functions. Because they were young and asked in such an unabashed way, it made it easy to answer their questions without feeling embarrassed.

I also knew this indicated they were ready to go further into sex and other topics. Since that initial question was asked, they've often randomly asked other questions, and I always give frank answers. Hopefully moving into the teenage years, they'll just continue to do this, and will be able to ask me anything at any time. I also make notes of things to bring up with them that I want them to know more about. It really hasn't been as difficult as I was expecting."

For more on this topic, we share how to model consent to your kids, and how to teach them about boundaries in relationships. We also delve into what to expect when your teenager starts dating.

If taking your teen's phone away is your first line of punishment when they need discipline, an expert shares why you might want to re-think this strategy.

Young people and smartphones seem to be the cause of endless debate in the modern world. It looks like we could be heading towards mobile phones being banned in schools, with even companies such as EE speaking out to warn against giving children phones. If your child does have a mobile, there's also the ongoing internal debate of whether you should check your child's phone - the list of parenting dilemmas these devices bring up is apparently endless.

As teens get so attached to their phones, it makes sense that when they need to be punished for a misdemeanour, parents remove it from them. However, child psychologist Dr Claire Halsey urges parents to think before dishing out this particular punishment.

Speaking to The Mirror, the expert shares "It can be tempting to take away a child's device altogether, but this all-or-nothing approach generates a lot of conflict and doesn’t help them make positive choices about where and when to have screen time." Instead, Dr Halsey has five tips for parents to manage their child's screen time as a result of conflict, instead of simply taking their phone from their possession.

1. Reduce screen time before bedtime. Instead of a blanket ban on screen time before bed, try reducing it instead. Gently implement a rule that devices aren't to be taken into bedrooms in the evening. Try a family activity before bed that gets everyone interacting with one another with no screens involved, such as playing a board game.
2. Have family limits and screen-free zones. Dr Halsey suggests agreeing on a time when the family as a whole turns all devices off. This could just be during mealtimes or car journeys to begin with. If parents are also involved, this models to children positively that switching off can be achievable.
3. Negotiate access. If your child can't put their phone down of their own accord, don't take it away. Instead, explain and encourage compromise, and why these are important skills to have for life, not just when it comes to smartphone use. Parents could try asking their child to help prepare dinner or load the dishwasher in return for getting their phone back, instead of simply removing it.
4. Look for ways to increase physical activity. If you want to take a phone away, try and provide a positive alternative. Family walks and old-fashioned games like hide-and-seek encourage family bonding while creating much-needed time away from screens.
5. Have honest conversations about phone use. In the modern world, most people rely on their phones for socialising - including adults. If you take a child's phone away, be mindful that you could be cutting them off from their friends and breeding resentment. If you're set on phone removal as punishment, you need to be prepared to explain why - outline how the alternatives on offer such as increased family interaction and time spent outside, will be better for your child.

Dr Halsey expands on the reasons why simply taking a phone away from a child doesn't work. She correctly points out that most adults struggle to modify their phone use, and if they're unable to do this, they surely can't remove a device from their child and expect them to cope with this.

The expert concludes "Banning or removing your child's device for a long period is difficult to maintain and doesn’t allow either of you to work out when it's okay and when to turn it off. It may even backfire as children might not tell you when they've gone online or share if they've seen material that is harmful or frightening."

For more on this subject, we share ways your phone addiction is affecting your children and the ten rules that most parents have in place for their child's phone use. If you are thinking of getting your child their first phone, here are some expert tips to make the process easier.

Your child refusing to go to school could be connected to intense emotions rather than being decision-based, which means getting them to school isn't as simple as some might think, right?

I’m Carly, Social Media Editor for GoodtoKnow, and a Mum of 3. This year I made a heart-breaking decision to deregister my eldest from secondary school, only six months after starting.

The reason? Emotional Based School Avoidance, or EBSA for short. Education expert Dr Britto wrote an EBSA article for us earlier this year, she shared how most parents want to see their children skipping into school, so they can ultimately get through life and be happy, but that when a child is clearly struggling with going in each day, it can leave the adults at a loss with what to do to help.

I felt this deeply; there are just so many layers to EBSA, some of which I still don’t fully know how to peel off and address. Mostly due to associated stigma, unhelpful comments from other parents, a sense of grief about what should have been, and frustrations with a system that isn’t equipped to help parents of EBSA children to the extent it needs to.

Why was my teen avoiding school?

According to the government statistics published in March 2024, 20.3% of children in the UK are reported to be persistently absent from school. It would be easy to think it’s because of lockdowns, or that parenting has become ‘soft’ (a judgement I have inadvertently experienced), yet in reality, as the world becomes more aware, it’s because we are finally listening to what our children need.

And once you realise, there’s no going back or carrying on regardless – no matter how easy others make it sound. This is my experience with Emotional Based School Avoidance…

My eldest has always been quite the solitary child, even in reception. She would happily sit on her own during break times, something which would continue throughout her primary school years. Fast forward to around year 4/ 5 however, and the masking she was no doubt hiding began to surface. Angry outbursts for one, mostly after school had finished, and something completely new yet equally – if not more – difficult to manage; school ‘refusal’. Or, a more apt description, school avoidance.

PE seemed to be the main trigger, then along came mandatory swimming lessons and it reached a whole new level. If I managed to talk her into taking the journey to school, I soon learned that it did not necessarily lead to school attendance success. There were still two hurdles to get over, and either one could topple the mission at any time;

1) Getting her out of the car, or 2) - if stage 1 was a success – getting her into the school itself, both of which often resulted in my daughter back in the car being driven back to her safe space i.e home.

No matter how much communication was had with the school, and how many ‘adaptations’ (I say this term loosely) were made – the school’s hands still ended up being tied as swimming was “part of the curriculum”. Even if them saying she had to go swimming resulted in school avoidance, it was still a non-negotiable. Until a doctor's note was obtained stating that she was not to go swimming, proving that parents can still hold power when needed.

This helped, although there was still avoidance on some days. We made it to the end of primary school, with the usual leavers’ tears shed by myself and my daughter, yet - with them – there was a sense of hope that the next chapter would be different.

Which lasted a whole four days from the day she started year 7, leading to two weeks of avoidance, then several weeks back in due to having external support finally in place. This had been a fight in itself after the school declared that ‘all year 7’s struggle in the first week’ when I raised serious SEN concerns just 2 days in, plus they would not initially add her to the SEN register due to her ASD being undiagnosed (yet very much present); with a diagnosis not being possible due to her primary school declaring that no struggles existed after they first referred (you couldn’t write it, oh ha I just did).

Secondary school finally made adjustments the best they could; fast forward by several weeks when the external support ended however, and she was off again. Despite school trying various, ineffective techniques such as telling us to “‘just get her in”- something which seemed to work until she became inconsolable once there, yet school were pushing for myself and her dad to leave (we didn’t, she was taken home).

As frustrated as her dad and I felt, it became clear that this was not just refusal; it was a cry for help. She had gone from a school of just 100 pupils, to a school of 1000, and it was too much. The noise, the hustle and bustle, the sensory demands, the social expectations, plus the overwhelm of homework which ‘could not’ be reduced. An extra frustration in this is that my daughter is extremely clever- classed as ‘hyper-intelligent’ by a professor during an assessment, yet the volume and pressure led to avoidance.

Pointers and questions to consider if you are experiencing EBSA:

1. If your child refuses school, it will more than likely go much deeper than others may suggest. While there is a long way to got before the support that’s needed is in place, it’s still worthwhile getting support via your GP and your child’s school who will need to refer
   
2. If you know other parents whose child avoids school, how can you support them (without any judgement)? A listening ear, a cuppa and/ or a hug might be just what they need. Trust me, they will need all three more than you think.

We are now attempting part-time homeschooling, along with tutoring in core subjects, while we navigate a more long-term solution.

It’s felt like an impossible situation, but the more I learn about EBSA- and the more parents I speak to who experience it - the more I understand we are not alone, and that we are simply doing the best for our children. The pay off? I no longer have to watch my firstborn walk into school looking defeated and broken. If EBSA affects your child, and you as a parent as a result, you are not alone 💚

We have lots more school content, check out Teachers reveal the best ways to get your children back-to-school ready – and why you should never pack their bags for them and Confessions from parents about what they’re most looking forward to once the kids go back to school as well as tips for how to support your child on A-level exam results day, we've got it all covered.

With the line between home and the workplace becoming increasingly blurred, is it time we finally ditch the idea of work-life balance and focus on something more realistic?

At a time when three in four mums with dependent children are working in the UK, striving for work-life balance feels like a massive group project that we’re all trying to score top marks on.

Despite the harsh reality of matrescence (the process of becoming a mother) proving otherwise, the idea that we can achieve work-life balance is still bandied about like it’s an easily achievable goal.

Add term time breaks to the mix and you could find yourself pushed to the brink, attempting to suppress a fit of mum rage while desperately trying to stay on top of the school holiday hustle. Though let’s hope not.

It’s no wonder 60% of working mums said they’d prefer to work fewer hours in favour of spending more time with their children. Or that 249,124 mothers with children aged four or under have left the workforce because of a lack of childcare support from their employer.

It’s about time we slow our pace and let go of the idea of work-life balance for good. Instead, we’re looking at how the work-life juggle can help us to live a little more meaningfully, one day at a time.

The work/life balance myth

Cambridge Dictionary defines work-life balance as ‘the amount of time you spend doing your job compared with the amount of time you spend with your family and doing things you enjoy’. With working women typically taking on most of the cleaning and childcare responsibilities in the home, the idea of work-life balance is often attached to mums by default.

This likely dates back to the 1980s when it’s thought the term was first coined, however, life for working mums looks very different today than it did in decades past. “Work-life balance is harder to maintain than ever, because work hours look very different to how they did a generation ago where you’d leave your computer at work,” says Anna Mathur, a psychotherapist, mum of three and bestselling author.

“We didn't have mobiles. Things were so much more boundaried between work and home, so there was a real stepping away from work. Now, with the flexibility that digital life offers us, the boundaries are so blurred. And unless we have a lot of discipline — which is really hard to do when you're tired, overwhelmed and stressed — it's so much harder to hold boundaries.”

Even with a set of rigid protocols in place, circumstances outside your control can easily burst your work-life bubble, leaving you with no recourse to a convenient solution. Mum of two, Zoe, learned this the hard way when she moved back home to Edinburgh from London.

“One thing we’ve found surprising is that we can’t get our oldest into an after-school club. There’s just no availability which means we have to work around it. If my husband can pick her up at 3pm then he has to do a couple of hours of work after the kids go to sleep, which takes away the possibility of having an evening.”

What needs to change and how

We all live unique lives, meaning there’s no one size fits all solution, and the answer will differ depending on who you ask. Remember when we spoke about aiming for the work-life juggle over work-life balance? Kelly Taylor, a working mum of two who you may know on social media as Kids and the Commute suggests mentally overhauling the idea of ‘balance’ to better suit the needs of yourself and your family.

“When we think about balance, we think about some kind of 50/50 split. I don't think that exists, or at least I've never experienced it. For me, every day is different — sometimes it's more work focused, and other times it's more parent focused.

“You have to be honest with yourself about what you're taking on and also what you are physically capable of doing. I know that a lot of times when I got burnt out, it was directly connected to times when I was trying to be everything to everyone all at the time, and you simply can't. You've got to pick a lane which I know isn't always a popular opinion.”

Anna suggests that one of the first crucial steps is to stand firm on the dos and don’ts that will help you get the most out of your day. “Where are your boundaries?,’ she asks. “Are you just ploughing them down all the time, despite the fact you said you weren't going to check emails after 5pm? It’s always worth reassessing and addressing this, because that's what helps you reassert boundaries and also evaluate your relationships. You might start to notice, ‘Actually I'm quite lonely and I’m not seeing friends as much anymore’.

“Another important thing to remember is that how you start your morning really sets the tone for the day. If you’re waking up, rolling over and checking your emails, your head is then at work. So every time you do something work related, imagine that you're literally stepping into an office, because that is what is happening mentally, regardless of where you are physically.”

For mum of two Michelle, being strict with boundaries has been transformational in allowing her to manage the juggle. “I try to make sure that when I’m home with the kids my laptop is off. If I have work to do then I’ll wait until they go to sleep. If I’m working from home with them I’ll set activities for them and take regular breaks during the day. Sometimes it means taking a two-hour lunch instead of one hour and then maybe making the time up later. My manager is very chill and understanding!”

No doubt it’ll take time for you to ease into a routine that works for you and your family, so while you’re figuring things out remember to give yourself some grace. The chances are you’ve got too much on your plate, and you’re trying your best to figure it out, which is something that so many mums can relate to.

“Way too much is asked of us all of the time, and it doesn't mean that if you're finding it hard at the beginning you will always find it hard,” says Kelly. “You've got to take the pressure off yourself and be realistic about what you're able to do in that particular moment."

The early years of motherhood can feel the hardest, remember you're not alone if you hate playing with your kid, struggle with toy rotation or if you don't want mum friends.... you do you. And know that no matter your choices or style, we promise you're not alone in it.

If your child is at the age they want to attend sleepovers, a child psychologist has a lot of things she wants parents to consider to keep them safe.

Keeping our children safe is undoubtedly at the forefront of our minds from the moment they're born. How to model consent is now something parents need to be armed with and instil into their kids - our children need to know the things they should never have to do, such as feel obliged to hug family members and blindly comply with what adults expect of them.

Internet safety is always a hot topic, and parents need to put serious amounts of time into ensuring their child's safety in a sometimes murky internet world where danger seems to lurk around every corner. When your children are old enough to attend sleepovers - and this can be at a friend's house, school residential, Beavers or Brownie camp - you'll need to be alert to the safety dangers these can present, too.

Psychologist Dr Martha covers the subject of sleepovers and consent frequently on her Instagram page. She collates all the safety tips parents need to have at their fingertips if they're entrusting the overnight care of their child to somebody else. Here's Dr Martha's five things she really wants parents to consider before their child spends a night away from home:  

5 things to do, learn and teach to safeguard children

1. Gather information. Get to know what sort of household your child will be entering - do you know the family well? Have you spent extended amounts of time with them? Do they respond to misbehaviour and uphold household rules in the same way you do? What are their rules around smartphones and social media use? All of this will be useful to know and Dr Martha urges parents not to be afraid to find these things out before letting their child stay with another family overnight.
2. Teach body boundaries and consent. Make sure your child knows that nobody is entitled to touch, kiss, or take pictures of their body. If you don't want your child to have a bath or shower at somebody else's house this is completely up to you - firmly tell the family caring for them that these are your wishes.
3. Make sure your child knows what to say. If something happens that your child is uncomfortable with, make sure they have the words to effectively make it known. Arm them with phrases such as "I don't kiss anybody on the lips or anywhere else," "pants are private, only I touch them," or "I said NO." Make sure they know they can tell you absolutely anything and won't be shamed, and you'll always believe them.
4. Have a no secrets rule. Teach your child not to keep secrets - even something as small as what a present is for another adult or child. Tell your child that if anyone ever asks them to keep a secret, this is unsafe and they need to tell someone immediately. Have the rule "nobody gets into trouble for sharing a secret in our house." 
5. Give your child a way out. If your child feels unsafe somewhere, they won't want to stay there all night. Tell them they can come home anytime, no matter what the time. Preferably, do this in front of the other parent caring for your child, to prevent them blocking your child from doing this. Say to them "My child has permission to call me and come home at anytime, can you let them use your phone for this please?" 

Along with these five very important considerations, Dr Martha adds a bonus consideration into the caption of her post, writing, "BONUS CONSIDERATION: How does your child do on poor sleep? Sleepovers all have one thing in common - children tend to have less quality sleep and for a shorter duration than at home. This can be due to anxiety, excitement, ‘strange bed syndrome’, or chatting late into the night."

She adds "For some children, this may just mean a daytime nap and a long nights sleep the next day. For others, there may be behavioural repercussions the next few days (and it may look like jet lag). Sleep is an important aspect of wellbeing and how your child reacts to low sleep should be a consideration, particularly on a weekend during school term."

For more on keeping your child safe, do you know why 'stranger danger' is outdated and what to teach your child instead? Talking to children about sex can be difficult, but necessary to keep them safe, and we also share how to talk to kids about porn. 

We recently got our hands on this year's festive must-have for footie fans; the Match Attax 24/25 Advent Calendar. It's safe to say our 11-year-old tester (and a total baller) was absolutely thrilled. 

From the moment the Match Attax 24/25 Advent Calendar arrived, she couldn’t hide her excitement, immediately declaring it her “product of the year” among the many toys she’s had the chance to review during 2024. High praise indeed!

What's inside the caldendar?

As our tester opened the calendar, her face lit up at the sight of each of the 120 Match Attax cards tucked inside, including 24 festive Squadzone cards featuring stars like Joshua Kimmich, Randal Kolo Muani, Cristiano Ronaldo, and the legendary Fernando Torres. We let her dive straight in as she was reviewing this rather than using it to count down the days until Christmas, and she was eager to see who she would discover behind each door. Opening each door was like a mini treasure hunt, and her excitement only grew with every new card she revealed.

There's also a daily quiz

One of the standout features is the exclusive Gold Edge card guaranteed to be included, which had her buzzing with anticipation. Alongside that, there’s a fun daily quiz that keeps the excitement going beyond just collecting the cards. Our tester loved the chance to test her football knowledge while unwrapping her daily surprise, saying, "I love the quizzes when you have to try and guess the player." The unpredictability of what each day's door would bring definitely added an extra thrill.

The card selection is cool

What our tester particularly loved about this calendar is how it brings together two of her passions: football and card collecting. “Football cards are my favourite hobby apart from playing football,” she remarked, and she appreciated the fresh idea of an advent calendar entirely dedicated to her favourite pastime. “It’s really exciting because you don’t know what you’re going to get, and you get such good cards.”

We got a rare card

The highlight for her was pulling a Lionel Messi Hall of Fame card, which she had only ever seen on YouTube. “Let me see how much it’s worth!” she exclaimed, already envisioning the playground conversations that would follow. “If I keep it for longer, it could be worth more,” she mused, as her thoughts visibly turned to showing off her prized card to her friends.

Is it worth the price?

Overall, our tester found the card selection to be excellent, noting, “You get cards you really want.” Priced at around £30, she felt the Match Attax 24/25 Advent Calendar was worth every penny, especially with the guaranteed Gold Edge Messi card and the fact that this is an advent calendar that could truly keep you occupied every day in December. “Imagine opening new cards every single day!” she remarked. Plus, if you happen to pull a really good card, you could easily earn back the price of the calendar, making it a smart investment for any budding young card collector.

The anticipation of not knowing when the best cards would come only added to the fun. “One of the first cards I opened was the best—Hall of Fame. I always wanted that card, and they’re new this season. I’ve only ever seen YouTubers get them!”

Who's going to love it?

The Match Attax 24/25 Advent Calendar turned out to be a hit, giving our 11-year-old a fun way to count down to Christmas - although she couldn't bear to save it until then - while enjoying her passion for football and collecting. It's a well-thought-out gift that combines excitement and entertainment, making every day in the lead-up to December 25th feel special.

Related features:

• Trading cards are bringing major nostalgia vibes for Euro 2024
• Best toys for 8 year olds 2024
• Top Christmas toys

Having your babies turn into teens opens up a modern world to you that you might not have been privy to if you didn't have them... in this case, it's subtitles on the TV. Okay, so not 'modern' as such but using them on every programme is new.

Last year my (then) sixteen-year-old daughter and I sat down to watch a film together on a streaming platform. As we settled down with our popcorn, the film started and so did the subtitles. As a hearing person, I can’t remember ever watching anything with subtitles deliberately. I find they take my attention away from what’s happening on the screen and so I asked my daughter to turn them off, she was very reluctant to do so. It turns out that her default mode of watching anything was with subtitles turned on. She is not alone.

A recent survey of 18–25-year-olds has found that a whopping 80% watch TV and films with the subtitles turned on. In comparison, adults aged between 46 and 55 only use subtitles 37% of the time and of these, many do so because of hearing issues. Gen Z would likely score even higher than 80% if they were surveyed; I haven’t met any of my daughter’s friends who don’t watch with subtitles and don’t think I’m strange for commenting on it. Subtitles, it appears, are the norm for today’s tweens and teens.

While this may initially seem weird to us, there are several logical reasons for the rising popularity of subtitles today.

Reasons why young people are using subtitles

1. The impact of social media videos
2. Translating different languages
3. They are more used to seeing words on a screen
4. The impact of online schooling during Covid

1. The impact of social media videos

Think about the last time you watched an Instagram reel, or a TikTok video, chances are it contained captions. The exposure to these short videos, alongside what are effectively subtitles has become the norm for teens today, so it makes sense they want the same experience when watching long-form content.

2. Translating different languages

Netflix has opened the doors to content from all around the world. Gone are the days of not watching anything in your native language because you couldn’t cope with the painful overdubbing. Some of the most popular films and series of the last couple of years have been in Korean (Squid Game), German (Dark), Norwegian (Troll) and French (Lupin).

3. They are more used to seeing words on a screen

For those of us who grew up either before, or just at the dawn of, the internet we were used to seeing words only in printed materials. Today’s teens have grown up with seeing words on screens from their very earliest years, from electronic toddler toys to smart speakers, electronic words are their norm.

4. The impact of online schooling during Covid

2020 saw today’s tweens and teens move online for their schooling, entertainment and socialising. Their education took place via subtitled Microsoft Teams presentations and instead of meeting up with friends, or phoning them as we would have done, everything took place online. It’s understandable that subtitles feel natural to them given this.

The favouring of subtitles by today’s tweens and teens is not only understandable, but also beneficial in several different ways too.

How subtitles can benefit young people

1. They can improve reading
2. They can improve vocabulary
3. They can broaden cultural and foreign language exposure
4. They can help neurodivergent tweens and teens

1. They can improve reading

For tweens and teens who are reluctant to read books, frequent exposure to words on screen, particularly on a show or film that they enjoy and want to watch, can boost reading ability, particularly the speed at which they read. It can also boost a love of reading too; tweens and teens who view with subtitles are also more likely to read books than those who don’t.

2. They can improve vocabulary

It can be easy to miss a word in a show or a film if it is not a word that is familiar to us or spoken in an accent that we struggle to understand, but if the word is also there in writing it can prompt tweens and teens to look it up and ultimately add it to their vocabulary.

3. They can broaden cultural and foreign language exposure

Tweens and teens today are much more likely than our generation to watch shows and films made in different countries and when they do watch them they tend to leave the original language playing, translating with the subtitles. Not only is this brilliant for cultural reasons, but it can also encourage them to learn another language and help with languages they may already be learning at school.

4. They can help neurodivergent tweens and teens

For those tweens and teens who find it difficult to concentrate on what is happening on screen visually and also tuning in to a conversation, especially those with ADD and ADHD, having subtitles makes viewing a much easier and more relaxing experience for them.

As well as these benefits, normalising the presence of subtitles can help tweens and teens to be more inclusive of those who are deaf or blind, especially when they lobby or campaign for subtitles or sign language during theatre productions, webinars and lectures and use and call for others to use alternative text (a written description of an image) on social media posts.

With all of this in mind, perhaps we should be positively encouraging our children, of all ages, to view with subtitles, as well as considering switching them on ourselves!

For more on teenagers, here are 10 things a teen coach wishes all teenagers knew, and 11 expert-led tips on how to talk to a teenager (even when they don’t want to listen). Don't forget that parenting teenagers is as difficult as raising a baby, according to experts, while giving teens ‘space and opportunity’ to be independent helps them thrive.

There's many things kids do to that are blamed on poor parenting. However, some things children do to drive us mad are actually down to genetics, according to search.

If traits passed on by your parents such as poor memory and infertility can be blamed on genetics, there's no reason other common behaviours our kids display regularly can't be put down to the same genes - and science proves they can be. From fussy eating to school reports suggesting your child isn't applying themselves in the way you'd hoped, society can be quick to judge and blame bad parenting. Your parenting style has nothing to do with a lot of these behaviours - it's all genetics.

Psychologist and geneticist, Robert Plomin, is the pioneer of concepts relating to heritability – or, how many differences between individuals can be explained by inherited DNA. His research based on genetics being responsible for more of the psychological differences between us than anything else, found heritability plays the biggest part in everything from personality to mental ability. He also asserts that very little of our behaviours and personality traits are related to our environment, placing most of these firmly at the feet of genetic makeup. 

According to The Telegraph, public perception still holds society responsible for traits deemed difficult - or for a reason to pull out the tired trope 'let's blame the parents.' Plomin carried out a survey to compare public views on who or what is responsible for human behviour when it comes to nature vs genes, comparing this to his own findings - with very interesting results. Here's an overview of the percentage genetics are thought to be responsible for certain things our kids do (or don't do.)

• Fussy eating - genetics 80% responsible
• Reading ability - genetics 60 per cent responsible
• Spatial awareness - genetics 70 per cent responsible
• School achievement - genetics 60 per cent responsible
• Eye colour and other obviously inherited traits - genetics 96% responsible

Plomin says modern genetics offers the "Power to predict our psychological strengths and weaknesses from birth," offering fortune telling abilities when it comes to a "polygenic score." Even when it comes to the likelihood of developing a range of mental health conditions, or becoming obese, Plomin concedes "I do not know of a single psychological trait that does not show genetic influence."

Therefore, when looking at the classic nature vs nurture debate, these findings appear to cement nature as predominantly responsible for pretty much every decision and trait a person will develop. However, it will never be 100 per cent responsible, and it's worth adding that nurture will certainly be required to help individuals overcome any traits or behaviours negatively impacting their lives.

For more on this topic, research also show which parent is more likely to pass down Alzheimer's, and how you inherit your grandparent's trauma - even if you never met them. Do you often hear the phrase 'just like mum'? Further research reveals where unique traits come from; mum or dad.    

There's something truly special about family days out. In our busy lives, it’s often hard to find time where we can just be together without distractions. A great day out lets us bond, laugh, and create memories that last a lifetime. And what better way to do this than by getting out into nature...

If you’re looking for a place that will excite both kids and adults alike, Port Lympne Safari Park - with over 900 rare and endangered species - in Kent is just the ticket. With sweeping views over the English Channel, a variety of wildlife experiences, and loads of space for the little ones to run free, it’s an adventure worth every penny.

Port Lympne (and it's pronounced "Port Lim" not - as I thought for the last year - "Port Limp-knee"), is not your typical zoo. It’s a sprawling 600-acre wildlife reserve where animals roam in naturalistic enclosures and you can feel like you’re on a mini African safari – all without leaving the UK. Located just outside Hythe, Port Lympne is home to over 900 animals, including giraffes, rhinos, zebras, and gorillas. If your kids are mad about animals, they’ll be in absolute heaven here.

Is Port Lympne worth the money? In short yes

Okay, so tickets are not the cheapest, with adult prices starting at around £32 and children’s tickets at £28. However, under 3s go free, which is a bonus for families with toddlers. You can save a bit by booking online in advance, and they do offer family ticket bundles, which are worth looking into. For what you get – a full day’s worth of experiences, from the safari to the dinosaurs to the chance to see some incredible animals up close – I think it’s absolutely worth the price.

If you want to make the most of your visit, consider upgrading to a giraffe safari or even staying overnight in one of their luxury lodges (hello, glamping) – though that will set you back quite a bit more.

My top three reasons why you will not regret a day out at Port Lympne

1. The Safari experience - The absolute highlight of our day was the safari truck ride. Watching my kid's face light up as giraffes and zebras wandered right past the open-sided truck was worth the ticket price alone. When he saw the black tongue on the giraffe his tiny mind was blown. The excitement of being so close to these majestic animals, roaming freely in vast open spaces, made it feel like we’d stepped into a different world. It’s more immersive than a typical zoo, and the kids were talking about it for days afterward.
2. Educational and fun (just don't tell the kids) - Port Lympne combines fun with learning in a way that doesn’t feel forced. My kids learned about endangered species, conservation efforts, and even some fun facts about animals they'd never heard of before. From watching gorillas up close to exploring the life-sized dinosaur models, every corner of the park offers a new learning experience. It’s not just entertainment; it’s a chance for the kids to get curious about wildlife and nature.
3. Space and breath-taking views - One of the highlights that sets Port Lympne apart is its incredible setting. With stunning views stretching out to the English Channel, it’s a picturesque spot for both kids and adults. There’s lots of open space for picnicking, playing, and relaxing, making it a full day of fun. The kids had plenty of room to explore, run around, and burn off energy. Whether it was navigating the Dinosaur Forest or just enjoying the open fields, it felt like a real adventure.

Opening Times and parking

Port Lympne opens daily from 9:30am until 6:30pm, but be sure to check the website for seasonal changes. We found getting there was a breeze. The park is well signposted, and there’s ample parking on-site. While the parking lot is free, be aware that on busy days (like weekends and school holidays), it can fill up quickly, so it’s worth arriving early. The main car park is close to the entrance, but if you end up in an overflow area, it’s a bit more of a walk. Nothing drastic, but with younger kids or lots of gear, you’ll appreciate the proximity.

Is Port Lympne safari pram friendly?

Absolutely. However, this place is big. You’ll definitely want to bring a pram or buggy for little ones, as there's quite a bit of walking. While the main paths are pram-friendly, some areas are hilly or slightly uneven, so a sturdy pram with good wheels will make your day a lot easier. There's also a free safari truck service that drives around the park, and you can hop on and off to give the kids’ legs (and your own.) a bit of a break.

Can you take a picnic to Port Lympne safari?

You absolutely can. One of the big questions for any family day out is whether to pack your own food or treat yourself at one of the park’s cafes. Good news: you can do both. There are several picnic areas dotted around the park, including one near the dinosaur forest which is perfect if you’ve got little ones who love Jurassic Park. The picnic benches have some shade, but I recommend bringing a blanket in case you want to sprawl out on the grass.

If you’re planning to eat out, there are a few great options, like the Port Lympne Hotel’s restaurant, set in a stunning historic house, with views that stretch out to France on a clear day. However, the food here can be on the pricier side, with adult meals around £15-20 and kid’s meals around £7-10. Alternatively, there’s the Basecamp Cafe which serves sandwiches, pizza slices, chips, and ice cream, with most items costing between £5-10. Don’t miss grabbing a coffee while the kids enjoy an ice cream – the outdoor seating here offers a relaxing break with views of the beautiful gardens.

Port Lympne safari - highlights for the kids

It’s always worth knowing what the kids are going to go crazy for, and at Port Lympne, the safari experience is a firm favourite. You board a safari truck and trundle off through open plains where giraffes, antelope, and zebras wander freely. It’s about as close to an African safari as you can get in the UK. The look on my little one’s face as a giraffe wandered right past the truck? Priceless.

Another hit with the kids was the Dinosaur Forest. Port Lympne boasts one of the largest dinosaur models exhibits in Europe, and it’s impressive! Life-sized dinosaurs lurk around every corner, and the interactive elements make it a great pit stop for dino-mad little ones.

The gorilla enclosure is also a must-visit. The viewing platform is designed so you can get quite close to these majestic creatures. Watching the baby gorillas playing around will melt even the hardest of hearts.

4 things for parents to know

1. Golf buggies and Safari trucks - Throughout the park, you'll notice staff zipping around in golf buggies, and safari trucks make frequent rounds. While the paths are mostly wide, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your kids, especially near busier areas. These vehicles move slowly but can still catch you off guard if your little ones are wandering around or distracted by the animals.
2. Lots of walking and hilly terrain - Port Lympne is set on a sprawling, hilly landscape. Be prepared for lots of walking, some of it uphill. My six year old struggled with this, and I had to contend with lots of 'my legs are tired'. While the views are stunning, and there’s plenty to see along the way, wearing comfortable shoes and bringing a pram or sturdy buggy for younger kids is a must. There’s a free safari truck service, but it doesn’t cover all areas.
3. Limited shade (be weather prepared) - The park has some shaded spots, but a lot of it is open and exposed to the elements. On hot days, bring sun hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water. If rain is forecast, pack waterproofs or an umbrella, as it can get quite muddy in some areas.
4. Animal feeding times and crowds - The animal feeding sessions can draw a crowd, especially for popular enclosures like the gorillas and big cats. If you want a good view, try to arrive early or plan to visit the animals just after the scheduled feedings when it’s quieter.

Don't miss the Port Lympne hidden gems

While the safari and dinosaurs get most of the attention, there are a few lesser-known spots you shouldn’t miss. First, take some time to explore the Port Lympne Mansion and Gardens. The mansion is beautiful, and the formal gardens are a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle.

The views from the mansion terrace stretch right across the reserve and out towards the Channel, so don’t forget your camera.

Another hidden gem is the tapir enclosure. Tucked away in a quieter part of the park, this area is often overlooked by visitors. Tapirs are fascinating animals, and it’s a great spot if you want a more tranquil experience away from the crowds.

Should we visit Port Lympne?

In short, yes. If your family loves animals, adventure, and spending time in the great outdoors, Port Lympne is a must-visit. It’s more than just a zoo – it’s a full-on experience with breathtaking views, unforgettable encounters, and enough activities to keep everyone happy. Plus if you book a staycation in one of the 82 unique on-site accommodations, from Pinewood glamping pods, treehouses, cabin and shepherd huts, up to the Lion, Tiger and Wolf Lodges you get to drive around the park after hours in your golf buggy. And, you get to enjoy two full days to explore the park when you book an overnight stay.

Make sure you pack comfy shoes, bring a pram if you’ve got little ones, and prepare for a full day of exploring. You won’t regret it.

Kids go for £10 this October half term!

Don't miss this great offer from Port Lympne - ALL kids can enter for £10, eat for £10 and enjoy an animal encounter or ranger safari for £10.

Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve is open every day from 9.30am – 6pm, adults admission tickets cost £32, kids go for £10 (offer available from 19th October - 3rd November 2024).

To book day tickets visit: www.portlympne.com

September marks the return of the new school year. For many of us, that means a return to manic mornings, pick-ups and drop-offs, packing lunches and remembering dinner money, coordinating schedules and after-school clubs, remembering parents’ evenings, school plays, extracurricular activities and inset days… to name just a few things!

If you’ve been firefighting through the last few weeks, take a deep breath and stop. Parents - it’s time for a reset. Let us help you get back into the swing of things this September without crashing to the ground. We’ll show you how to make the most of everyday tech to take the frantic out of Fridays and put the joy back into your weekends.

We’ve got tips and tricks to make you feel more in control of your calendar and easily manage the back-to-school transition. While we can’t guarantee you won’t ever get another case of the Sunday-night scaries, we can at least ensure you have every tool available to avoid them.

Plan and prep family meals for the week ahead

Take advantage of technology to streamline your family's meal planning and prep, freeing up precious time during busy weekdays. With EE's reliable 4G and 5G networks, you can access meal-planning apps and online recipes anytime, anywhere.

Start by setting aside weekend time to plan your family's meals for the upcoming week. Use meal planning apps to organise recipes, create shopping lists, and even generate meal ideas based on your family's preferences and dietary needs.

Once you've planned your meals, order groceries online for delivery or pickup. Many supermarkets and online grocery services offer the option to save your favourite items or set up recurring orders, ensuring you always have those essential ingredients.

By planning and prepping, you'll save time on weeknights, reduce stress, and create more opportunities for quality family time. Instead of rushing to prepare meals after work, you can enjoy sitting down together, sharing your day, and connecting over a home-cooked meal.

Use technology to organise and support the kids with their homework and study

Getting back into homework and study routines can be challenging after a long, lazy summer - for you and your kids! There are loads of great apps, digital tools and smart home devices to help you manage the transition back into education and learning without the stress and arguments that often follow.

EE's Learn Smart platform is full of bite-sized content, making learning fun. Curriculum-based activities and resources support homework and revision, from Mad Science to Infinity Maths. Your child can even use the platform to brush up on their coding skills or create digital cue cards.

Using digital tools to create a family revision calendar can also help. Use apps like Trello to map out project deadlines, study sessions, extracurricular activities and family commitments and share with family members to help everyone understand the schedule.

Productivity apps can help your kids manage their time effectively. Apps like Forest or Be Focused can encourage concentrated study sessions while discouraging phone use, freeing up more time for a family movie night later.

Having some tech-free times together is essential to get the right balance. Use this time for family meals, outdoor activities, or simply to relax together, providing much-needed breaks from work, studying and all the other activities that take you out of the home.

Get smart to juggle multiple schedules with ease

Synchronised digital calendars will help with essential family organisation. Platforms like Google Calendar allow you to share and coordinate your family schedules effortlessly, avoiding conflicts and ensuring everyone knows where they need to be and when. You can even share it with grandparents, childminders and your older kids to make sure everyone is on the same page.

Most of us have some kind of smart device at home these days. Whether it’s a voice assistant on your phone or an Alexa in the kitchen, you can set hands-free reminders, track chores and appointments and free up your mental load at the same time.

Use EE TV to put an end to arguments over the remote control

EE TV's multi-screen capabilities allow you to keep the kids entertained, no matter their age, and it’s free. They can enjoy YouTube along with their favourite TV channels and apps like Netflix, iPlayer and Prime from their own screens, so there are no more fights over what to watch. Just pick your main TV box and add an extra EE TV box to keep the family happy.

Prioritise family wellness and balance

With frantic family schedules and lots going on in the real world that can cause anxiety and stress, it’s never been more important to develop skills that can help with wellbeing. EE has partnered with Calm, offering science-backed audio content that strengthens mental fitness for the whole family. With guided meditations, breathing exercises, and stress relief tools, Calm can help you and your kids manage those daily pressures and find moments of peace.

EE Learn Smart is packed with loads of resources to support your child's academic, mental, and social development. From celebrity-hosted videos addressing anxiety to stress management techniques that the whole family can benefit from, your tribe can incorporate these into the daily routine to create a more relaxed home atmosphere, helping everyone navigate the challenges of modern life with greater ease and harmony.

For more information, visit ee.co.uk/home

Children are getting extra screen time due to the lack of wraparound childcare, according to research.  

It can be difficult to balance work and family life, particularly as more of us are raising children in families with two working parents. Research shows that childcare has a huge impact on parents’ careers – particularly mothers. And now, new data from childcare provider Koru Kids shows that many parents are increasing their child's screen time due to a lack of reliable, available wraparound childcare.  

According to the data, almost a third (29%) of parents struggle to access the wraparound care they require because it’s either full or because the school doesn’t offer it at all. Of those parents who can access wraparound childcare, 88% aren’t happy with the provision available to them, while over a third (35%) of parents have to have their children at home with them while they try to work. 

As a result, a third of parents have increased the amount of screen time they allow their children – just so they’re able to work more hours. Children not in after-school clubs spend an average of 1.5 hours of their time between 3pm and 6pm on a screen or device, while children with special educational needs spend an average of 1.6 hours on screens or devices in the same timeframe. 

While it might be a useful fix in a pinch, and it’s unlikely to imagine kids turning their nose up at extra tablet or TV time, just under half (45%) of parents say that the extra screen time makes it harder for children to relax at bedtime, while 27% say it makes their kids more irritable. 

It sets an unwelcome precedent, too, with over half (52%) of parents saying the increase means their kids expect more screen time in the future, while just under a third (32%) say it’s harder to entertain their children in other ways as a result. And over a fifth (22%) of parents worry that their child thinks they prioritise work over spending time with them. 

Rachel Carrell, founder of Koru Kids, says, “So much money and effort is spent on figuring out what children should be doing during school hours but hit 3pm and it’s as if no one cares. The period from 3pm – 6pm, when parents are still working, is totally overlooked. It’s as if it doesn’t exist, and what happens in those three hours doesn’t matter. 

“But it does matter. It does have an impact, especially when it’s filled with time on screens and devices. Child mental health is at an all-time low and we’re blaming smartphones, Covid – what about the lack of after-school care too?

“Parents need access to affordable, flexible wraparound care so they can work productively, knowing their children are being well cared for.”

And what about the school holidays? Let's not normalise what working mums are juggling – trying to balance things when children aren’t at school for six hours of the usual workday can be even more difficult. It’s why two mums set up the Five Hour Club, which could be a game-changer for working parents.

For related news and advice, parents say support from their potential employer is important, and there's one overlooked reason modern parents are 'burnt out' and stressed. 

How many times have you heard today's teenagers referred to as ‘snowflakes’? If you haven't, start listening, and you will come across somebody proclaiming that “kids these days need to toughen up. The real world is a harsh place, and the parents aren’t doing them any favours with this soft discipline and trying to be their friend.”

While our society may be starting to embrace gentler parenting methods for babies and younger children, when those children reach double digits in age and a height often taller than their parents, things are a different matter entirely. Teenagers today may not be subjected to the physical discipline that their parents or grandparents received, but that doesn’t mean that they’re getting off lightly. Punishments, removal of personal belongings and freedom (or ‘grounding’ as most know it) and yelling still top the list of discipline methods used on teens today.

At secondary school, discipline has been largely unchanged since the monumental move to outlaw physical discipline at UK state schools in 1986 (yes really, that late!). The standard school discipline approach still very much relies on punishment (now termed ‘consequences’ in an attempt to sound more positive) and the threat of it. Most schools utilise an escalating scale of punishments, starting with a lunchtime detention, moving to after-school detentions and finally isolations (where students spend time alone in a booth or a room) and suspensions and exclusions.

The UK Government’s ‘behaviour tsar’, Tom Bennett a fan of authoritarian behaviourist approaches to behaviour management at school believes it is a “mistake to classify all children who misbehave as being kind of vulnerable, fragile angels” and instead applies a zero-tolerance approach to behaviour. Despite his nine-year Victorian clampdown on teens, since his appointment in 2015, Bennett’s approach has yielded little to no positive results. A recent survey of 9000 teachers commissioned by the BBC found that most believe that behaviour is getting worse. The evidence for using harsh discipline at home mirrors these findings. Not only is it ineffective, but it also sets teens up for lasting mental health problems.

Alternatives to authoritarian approaches

What is the alternative then? Well, if you believe the TV shows and comments I mentioned at the start of this piece, it’s letting your teen walk over you, having zero control over them and never saying “no”. Thankfully the reality is very different. Authoritative discipline, or what I prefer to call ‘gentle discipline’ (because authoritative is hard to both say and spell and often confuses people with its similarity to ‘authoritarian’) has been proven time and again to be the healthiest way of disciplining children, from birth to young adult.

Authoritative discipline places boundaries at its core, with an emphasis on keeping everybody safe, especially teens. The difference with these boundaries is that they are set and upheld respectfully, in collaboration with the teen. If a teen breaches a boundary, instead of receiving an instant punishment, the parent (or teacher) takes the opportunity to understand what happened and discusses with the teen how they can make things right and stick to the boundary in the future. If teens understand the importance of boundaries they are far more likely to stick to them. Authoritative discipline also places huge emphasis on the adult-teen relationship. Instead of demanding respect, there is an understanding that respect has to be mutual and earned. The adult has to be a good role model.

Instead of trying to discipline through control and coercion, behaviour is managed through connection, compassion and communication. Instead of demanding obedience through ‘fear of God’ parenting (yelling, being physically forceful, or constant threats), authoritative parents or teachers work to teach the teen about the repercussions of their behaviour and help them to find solutions that are better for everyone. In short, authoritative discipline aims to teach teens the sort of conflict resolution and problem-solving skills that will set them up for life, particularly when it comes to relationships, whether romantic, platonic, or professional.

When children are small, it is easy to overpower them as an adult twice their size. When they reach their teens, however, you lose the element of fear and control, when the teen answers back, or refuses to stay in their room and parents who previously utilised harsh authoritarian discipline methods come unstuck. These are the parents who post on social media groups saying, “My teen is unruly and out of control, nothing works!”. In fact, the teen years are when those who have used more respectful, gentler, authoritative methods really reap the rewards of their work and revel in the strong relationship they have built with their child. Those who focus on harsh discipline fracture that relationship and drive their teens away, straight into the arms of peer pressure and ‘bad influences’.

The key to the most effective, healthiest, discipline in the teen years is a foundation of mutual respect, understanding, support and empathy. It is the opposite of harshness. When we nurture teens, we help to foster true resilience and confidence, the two attributes teens need to not only successfully live in our ‘harsh world’ today but hopefully grow into the kind of adults who will try to make the world a little less harsh place to live in for those who follow.

For more reading, take a look at:

How to Raise a Teen – by Sarah Ockwell-Smith

For more advice on the teenage years, we asked teenagers what they wish their parents had done differently, and their answers are surprisingly candid, while here are 11 expert-led tips on how to talk to a teenager (even when they don’t want to listen). Meanwhile, this teen expert shares why the belief 'teenagers are lazy' is a myth and how understanding this might help your relationship, and this is the biological reason teens don't listen to mums.

It's important to teach your children about consent to keep them safe, one psychologist and parenting expert has urged.

There are lots of important things we need to teach our children to help keep them safe - they seem to be surrounded by potential points of harm, from social media and violent content online, to knowing about the new phrase your child needs to stay safe to replace 'stranger danger.' 

It's vitally important to educate your kids about the idea of consent as early as possible, to help them understand that they’re entitled to privacy and agency over their bodies. Dr Martha, a psychologist who helps support parents, explains the best way to model consent at home to help keep our children safe.

“Consent begins at home with you,” she explains. “How you model it and how you respond to others gives your child a blueprint of how to be in relationships with others and what safe expectations to have around themselves.”

This can be along the lines of asking your child for permission to hug them, or asking them what photos or videos they’re happy for you to share with loved ones, and respecting their wishes. She explains that she often gets asked where things like nappy changes and medical appointments come into the discussion, and says that these fall under assent, rather consent, in younger children – and assent is often accompanied by consent from parents or legal guardians. So, while your baby may not be able to give consent to your changing their nappy, for example, it’s something that you still need to do as part of caring for them properly. 

And consent helps children learn what’s safe with their bodies and those of other people, teaching them respect, and how to deal with hearing the word ‘no’ without taking it as a rejection. This can easily be modelled at home by you. Dr Martha gives examples of things you might say, like, “I love being close to you but I don’t want you on my lap right now. Come sit next to me,” or “You don’t want a cuddle right now? That’s okay, I love you just the same.”

Just as it’s important to ask your child if they want you to pick them up, or give them a cuddle, encourage them to ask other people, too. So, things like, “Nanny, can I give you a cuddle?” or, “Daddy, can I sit on your lap?”

She continues, “If you’re listening to this and thinking, ‘But these are all things that should be natural – they’re signs of physical affection and I want my child to be affectionate with others,’ I hear you. For adults who haven’t learned about consent, weren’t taught it at school, didn’t have family members who talked to us about it or modelled how to do it, it feels awkward and unfamiliar. But trust me, this is about building a sense of agency in a child.”

She explains in the caption, “We want children to learn to trust their instincts, rather than override them to give others pleasure. And if anything were to happen, you want them to come to you because they will know what is safe and what is not.”

Another important thing to ensure is that you’re giving your children the correct and accurate information about bodies and sex – so, labelling body parts correctly, for example. Not doing so, she says, “sets up a precedent for your child that they cannot fully trust what you say and/or that some subjects are best to be avoided completely.”

By giving your children agency over their bodies, you’re empowering them and this could protect them – if something’s wrong, they’re more likely to recognise it and come to you for help and support. 

In related news, here are 5 things kids never ‘have’ to do, according to a child psychologist, and when and how to talk to your child about sex. If you're wondering how to talk to your kids about porn, it's a good idea to have these conversations no matter how hard they feel.

A new type of medical treatment has helped a toddler who was born deaf to be able to hear without a hearing aid.

Ears usually work by catching sound waves and directing them towards the ear canal, which goes in from the part of the ear that you can see. The sound waves cause vibrations inside ear. Part of the inner ear, the cochlea, looks like a snail’s shell. It is filled with lots of tiny hair cells that create a small electrical signal when they vibrate. The signal is sent to the brain, which understands it as sound.

Opal Sandy, who is 18 months old, was born with a condition called auditory neuropathy. This means that the hair cells inside her cochlea are damaged, so the sounds detected by her ear cannot be sent as signals to her brain. Auditory neuropathy can be caused by a gene that is faulty. Genes are short sections of DNA in the cells of every living thing. DNA instructs the body how to build and run itself.

Opal was chosen to take part in a medical trial called CHORD, which is testing a new form of treatment for children who have faulty genes that affect their hearing. The therapy worked by delivering a harmless virus into her inner ear. The clever virus carries a working version of the faulty gene, which then helps the damaged hair cells in the cochlea to repair themselves.

After a few weeks, Opal could hear loud sounds, such as clapping. Six months later, she had almost normal levels of hearing in the treated ear. She could even hear soft sounds, including whispers.

More deaf children from the UK, the US and Spain are going to be included in the trial so scientists can study the effects of the treatment. Their progress will be followed for the next five years. Professor Manohar Bance, who worked on the trial, said seeing the results was “very special”. He added, “It marks a new era in the treatment for deafness.”

What are cochlear implants?

Cochlear implants are electronic devices that are used by people who have damage to their inner ear. They give people the sensation of hearing. A small microphone picks up sound and a processor (tiny computer chip) converts this into a digital code. This is sent to a receiver under the skin, which then stimulates the cochlear nerve (the part of the ear that sends signals to the brain). When the brain receives the signal, it interprets it as sound.

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Sarah Swann, 44, and her husband spent £60,000 to fulfil their dreams of parenthood. Here, she shares their story...

Logging into my banking app, I transferred money into my savings, just like every payday. It was September 2014, and alongside working full-time in retail, I also worked part-time as a DJ. I loved hyping up crowds at parties and nightclubs. But I was very sensible when it came to finances, and so was my husband Paul, a landscape gardener.

We’d gone without holidays to buy our home together in Hertfordshire in 2009, and while we had a credit card for emergencies, we rarely used it. Now, as we checked our joint savings account, I said, "We’re building up a nice nest egg," and Paul and I exchanged excited smiles.

Having married in June 2014, after knowing each other since secondary school, we’d decided to start a family. Our savings would be invaluable for buying essentials like a cot, pram and highchair. But months passed. "It will happen soon, don’t worry," Paul reassured me in January 2015, as we stared in disappointment at another negative pregnancy test.

After two years without success, our GP referred us for fertility tests. With no clear answers, we were put on the waiting list for IVF treatment and three years drifted by before our first appointment at Bourn Hall Clinic, in February 2020, when I was 40.

The first cycle of treatment, which was NHS-funded, required medication and injections to stimulate egg production, before multiple eggs were harvested, four of which were used to create and freeze precious embryos. Sadly, they remained on ice, due to the COVID-19 lockdowns, and we had our first embryo transfer in October 2020. But a negative pregnancy test two weeks later dashed our hopes, which was so upsetting, particularly because so many of our friends were having babies.

"Why isn’t it happening for us?" I’d cry to Paul. After the NHS-funded cycle, we dipped into our savings to pay for further treatments. Over the next two years, we had three further cycles of unsuccessful IVF, costing up to £10,000 a time. By early 2022, we were researching other options including a clinic in Prague, which offered different treatment plans and protocols. However, further treatment would have serious financial implications.

Although we both worked full-time, the cost of fertility treatment was a real worry. "Our savings account will be empty soon," I sighed to Paul in February 2022 as we booked flights to Prague, withdrawing thousands of pounds to fund treatment.

An initial transfer of two embryos was unsuccessful and by summer, our fertility specialist in Prague had prescribed so many different tablets and injections that I needed to wheel a small suitcase around when I visited venues for work. That autumn, having spent around £40,000, our savings had officially run out. With our monthly earnings needed to pay our mortgage and bills, we only had one option left. 'We’ll have to pay for the next IVF cycle on our credit card,’ Paul sighed.

We’d had always worked hard to avoid debt but, then aged 42 and 46, it felt like time was running out. We flew to Prague in October 2022 for another embryo transfer, putting the £2,500 cost on our credit card. Incredibly, a pregnancy test two weeks later was positive.

However, during a viability scan at a private clinic in late November 2022, we were warned that the embryo was worryingly small and. At our 12-week scan at the Lister Hospital, Stevenage, in December 2022 there was no heartbeat. I broke down as Paul wrapped his arms around me. Days later, I miscarried at home, which was awful. But one thing kept us going. "At least now we know we can conceive," I told Paul.

Our specialist in Prague suggested a new combination of medication, and we paid for one more round of treatment on our credit card, taking our total spend to £60,000. Our quest to have a baby had decimated our savings and landed us in debt.

"If this doesn’t work, I don’t know what we’ll do," I sighed, flying out to Prague for our final embryo transfer in June 2023. But back home, a pregnancy test revealed I was two weeks pregnant.

We stopped ourselves getting too excited until an early six-week scan, which we paid for privately. I prepared myself for more heartache until the sonographer smiled and said, "Congratulations, Mama... That’s a strong, healthy heartbeat." At our 20-week scan, we saw a little face and limbs on the screen, and at 26 weeks, we shared the news with family and friends, and finally bought a cot and pram.

Feeling my baby’s kicks and seeing my bump grow felt like a dream come true. And on 1 February 2024, Paul held my hand at Lister Hospital as our daughter Lily May Eve was delivered by C-section, weighing 7lb 3oz.

"I’m your mummy," I wept, as she was placed gently in my arms. Taking Lily home the next day was wonderful. She was a dream baby, feeding and sleeping well but even the occasional difficult nights were manageable because, after all, we’d waited a long time to be able to talk about having sleepless nights with our newborn.

Now aged five months, our girl is a little smiler who brings us constant joy. She was worth the wait and expense. We know some people may judge us for spending £60,000 on getting our baby. We won’t be enjoying lavish holidays because we’ll be paying off our credit card debt for years to come, but we’re happy. Aside from the essentials, babies really only need love – and that’s something we have in endless supply.

Mum Punteha and her eight year old daughter Amelia put the new Shimmerverse Pixlings doll and pet from Magic Mixies through it's paces to feed back on what it's like to play with and if it's worth your money.

If you're not familiar with the Magic Mixies offering, it's a range of mix and make toys that require your child to complete a series of engaging steps before magically revealing a special toy. These kinds of toys are best for children aged five and over (but do check the specific toy before you buy). Toys like this are not only super engaging for kids, but they'll also spark their imagination and help introduce them to the concept of delayed gratification.

One of the newest additions to the range is the Shimmerverse Pixlings doll and pet (it works in a similar way to the original Pixlings doll that we've reviewed previously). You might also like our review of another new addition to the range, the Pixie Supreme Magic Mirror.

Packaging and set up

"It came in a vertical plastic double-layered jar with a large screw-top plastic lid, and peel away plastic wrapping. There was no further external packaging," says Punteha. "The point of the jar was for a magic liquid potion to be added, and some steps follows before you open the lid up and remove the Pixling and her Pet, a 'Pegacorn' from it.

"Afterwards, there is no need to keep the jar and it is a sizeable amount of plastic to dispose of (30x17x16cm). It is unclear if this jar section can be recycled or not, but we have chosen to reuse ours to store craft items in so the plastic doesn't immediately go to waste.

In the box, you get:

• The Pixling doll
• The Pegacorn pet (it's half pegasus, half unicorn)
• Potion ingredients including colour liquid, fizzing moon rock, and dissolvable paper shapes
• A collectors guide and instruction manual

What's the play experience like?

Punteha says: "It definitely kept my daughter's interest as it was unusual, unique, and fun to do." As you mix the potion ingredients together in the bottle (you will need to add a bit of water), they combine to create a mystical (and shimmery) navy blue potion. Then as you say the magical words 'Magicus Mixus', you press and trist the gem on the top of the bottle and watch at the dark liquid turns clear, and reveals the doll and her pet in the centre of the bottle. Don't worry, they're kept away from the potion liquid, so they're not all soggy when you get them out. Punteha adds: "I lost count of the number of times Amelia shouted, 'Cool!' throughout the process. She really was in awe at various points and I can't blame her. The toy is seriously cool."

However, for the reveal part of this toy, adult supervision may be required as there are multiple steps to follow and it may get a little messy. as Punteha explains: "Though my daughter can read very well (she is a free reader at school), she was not able to follow the steps without supervision. There was a certain amount of stiffness to the toy's lid as well which took adult supervision. An older child may well be able to do it alone but I wonder at what age a child may no longer be interested in this. We needed scissors to open the liquid magic potions, a tray to capture the liquid mess, and paper towels to clear up the spills.

"I thought it would have less steps and be simpler to setup and use. As a parent who has a full-on job, chronic pain and limited energy, having to take my child through more than a dozen steps, many of which were messy and not possible to complete without supervision, this toy was harder to get going on than expected.

"It's also not a quick process. Be prepared to spend around 45 minutes working through the steps. You have to unbox, read the instructions and not all of them will make sense until you're at the step itself. It is not entirely intuitive and some of the instructions are not as clear as I would have liked. It left room for error which resulted in bit of a mess where the adding of the liquid portion was concerned because while the twist top lid of the jar needs to be kept shut to stop the liquid spilling out, there is another separate twist function that mixes the potion together."

Once you've revealed the Pixling doll and her Pegacorn, they can be played with again and again, but the magic potion part is sadly a one time deal. But both the doll and the pegacorn are really engaging in their own right. They are incredibly detailed, posable and kids will love their other-worldliness. Punteha adds: "The doll quality is great as expected with lovely rainbow colored synthetic hair that doesn't immediately become a tangled mess!"

Is it worth the money?

Punteha definitely thinks this unique toy is worth the money, saying: "The disappearing potion element is fun for children and adults alike, and it's good value for money. The potion fun makes it a special experience to have with your child. My daughter had a lot of excitement throughout the various stages and really enjoyed playing with the items it came with. It would make a really lovely birthday or Christmas present and a nice thing to do together with a child.

"The potion is certainly a novelty and something interesting to do. It does feel a bit of a gimmicky feature but the toys it comes with are of good quality and you might expect to pay that much for a doll and her pet on their own, if not more, so with the magic potion elements added on, I think they are good value for money. A barbie horse I looked at alone was £30 recently, and a doll of this this size and quality, you can easily expect to pay at least £20 for.

Overall, both Punteha and Amelia were big fans of the toy, despite the fact it got a little messy. "I had no idea what type of 'magic' the potion element would involve and was impressed by the mystical nature of it all. The way the inky potion cleared in the outer layer of the jar was unique and impressive and I still haven't figured out how that worked!"

Whining is difficult to hear, and just as hard to get to the bottom of - psychologist, Dr Becky, shares simple tricks for parents to respond to whining positively.

Helping your child with their emotions is one of the hardest parts of parenting - teaching them how to manage their anger and remaining empathetic when learning how to handle tantrums, isn't easy for any caregiver. Whining can be particularly difficult to hear - a relentless noise that symbolises your child has a need, but sometimes even they don't know what that is. 

Role modelling how your children can talk to you and convey their needs without shame, is a good place to start when responding to whining. However, child psychologist Dr Becky outlines five great ways to try when responding to a whining child, and here's what she has to say.

1. Humour. Make light of the whining, asking “How did that whine get in here?” or ‘throwing’ the whine out. “Say, ‘Whew! It is O-U-T, OUT! Okay, sorry, what did you ask for? Ice in your water? Sure, I’ll grab you some’,” advises Dr Becky.
2. Model the request yourself. Model the request without whining. Say, for example, “Dad, can you please grab me that book? Thank you,” and then say in your own voice, “Oh sure sweetie, no problem.” Simply move on after that, with no lecture required. 
3. Permit protest. Let your child know that they’re allowed to dislike or not agree with your decision. This doesn’t mean that you’ll change their mind on the decision, but they’re perfectly allowed to have their own views on it. 
4. The Fill-Up Game. Dr Becky recommends saying something like, “Oh no! I think you’re not filled up with Mummy,” before giving your child successive hugs and adding one more for “extra Mummy.”
5. Empathy and boundary. Be empathetic, telling your child that you appreciate how difficult it can be to be a kid and not have as much control and freedom as an adult. But at the same time, they still have to do the thing they’re whining about – you can be firm and loving at the same time. 

“Whining is a sign of desire and powerlessness, and there’s not many things that are harder than feeling those two things together,” says Dr Becky. “Kids whine because they often feel alone and unseen in their desires. Of course, our job as parents is to make decisions that we feel are right for our kids, even in the face of protest—but this doesn’t mean we can’t say “No” and still connect to their feelings.”

She explains, “The other day at lunch, my son whined for a grilled cheese cut into pieces. I paused and thought, ‘Huh. My son is actually asking me to hold a boundary, so he can let out some feelings. He is whining and being so unreasonable as a way of saying to me, ‘Mommy, be firm, provide a sturdy container for me. I need a good cry’’.”

I stopped trying to make things better and just said, “These are our food choices today. Nothing feels good, huh? Nothing feels like you want it to.” He screamed and protested and cried. He needed it.

If you’d like more advice, here are six signs you’re raising an emotionally intelligent child and this is the 'incredibly helpful' 30-second rule – liked by nearly 2 million people – that your kid needs to know about. For more from Dr Becky, she explains how to support a child with ‘explosive’ emotions, and the three tips to set screen time boundaries.

Learning to think before you speak helps you to express yourself better. Besides improving your communication skills, it stops you saying things you might come to regret.

If you’ve ever shared an embarrassing story about yourself or someone else or said something mean in the heat of the moment, you’ll know how easy it is to say things you wish you could take back. Research shows this is more likely to happen during an argument because our brains release chemicals when we’re stressed or upset that make it hard to manage our emotions. This can lead us to say and do things we regret. Thinking carefully before you speak gives you time to consider your words and the effect they’ll have before saying them out loud.

Whether you’re talking face-to-face or sharing something online, it’s hard to take something back once you’ve said it. Pausing before you speak (or press “send” if you’re online) gives you the chance to choose your words carefully. It also helps you stay true to your values. Saying something unkind, for example, can hurt someone else’s feelings and make you feel guilty or embarrassed later.

Henry Ortiz is a psychologist (an expert in thoughts and feelings) who says an angry argument is like a game of tug of war. “The harder you pull your end of the rope, the more the other person resists you,” he explains. So speaking when your mind feels clear and calm helps you communicate your views and ideas more clearly.

Learn to think first

If you have something important to say, try to be aware of your mood before speaking. When you are angry you are more likely to say or send something hurtful, so Ortiz recommends waiting until you feel more calm.

If you get annoyed or upset in the middle of a conversation, communications expert Brad Bushman suggests taking a break until you feel more level-headed. “My grandma used to tell me that before you say or do anything [while you are angry], you should count to 10 before you respond” he says.

Think first to choose the right words

• True: Is what you’re saying true or just a rumour?
• Helpful: Are you giving advice or helping others?
• Inspiring: Are your words encouraging or uplifting?
• Necessary: Is there a better time to share your thoughts?
• Kind: Are your words kind?

Use the five senses game to calm down before speaking. Say in your head or out loud five things you can see; four things you can touch; three things you can hear; two things you can smell; and one thing you can taste. Take a breath in between everything you name.

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For many women, having a baby is the third point on their life checklist. First, you chase your dream job, next you settle into a loving relationship, then you think about having children. But, for me, things didn’t happen quite that way. I’d got to my early 30s with a good job and a lovely home – and no sign of a man. All I wanted was a baby, but how could I become a mum on my own?

Even as a little girl, I’d pictured myself as a mother, cradling my toy dolls like an adoring parent. As I got older, I loved kids and at 21, I got the job of my dreams, as a nursery nurse. It might have been hectic and exhausting, but being around children all day filled me with joy.

I’d always thought I’d be pregnant in my early 20s but, at 25, I started to feel like life was passing me by. I had a lovely flat, a job I loved and busy weekends spent with friends and family. I didn’t mind being single, my life felt full, yet I craved holding my own baby in my arms.

So I signed up for a dating app and, over the next couple of years, I met perfectly nice men, but just never found the spark I was looking for. By the time I was 30, I’d given up on dating and was no closer to finding a partner. Panic was starting to set in, as I knew it would be harder to conceive the older I got. Then when lockdown hit in 2020, the nursery closed and I used the free time I had to research fertility treatments. For a while, I’d been thinking about using a sperm donor to conceive.

It wasn’t the route I ever imagined taking to have a baby, but being a mum meant far more to me than a relationship. I was shocked to discover, though, that IVF would set me back between £15k and £30k. I’m not from a rich family and my wage from the nursery wasn’t huge, I simply couldn’t afford it. I had a bit in savings, but nowhere near enough.

Then I read about IUI – intrauterine insemination. It involved placing sperm directly into the uterus, near the fallopian tube, to increase the chances of conceiving. At £3,000, it was much cheaper than IVF and with a bit more saving, I could afford it.

Then in September 2020, I celebrated my 32nd birthday and my mum Bronwyn, then 62, and stepdad David, 72, came over with chocolate cake – and to discuss some unexpected news. I’d inherited £1,000 from my grandma, who’d passed away earlier that year. It wasn’t a life-changing sum, but instantly I knew how I wanted to spend it.

Nervously, I told my parents about the IUI treatment, expecting them to dismiss the idea as ‘ridiculous’ and try to talk me out of it. Instead, they smiled and told me they’d support whatever I wanted to do.

Just four months later, in January 2021, I had my first round of IUI. After that failed, I went ahead with a second round a month later. When the pregnancy test showed up negative once again, I was distraught. Perhaps naively, I’d not really prepared myself for it failing and I had to take some time off work and see a counsellor. I was overwhelmed with the thought that this wasn’t going to happen for me. I had no more money and couldn’t face waiting for Mr Right, who might never show.

Then a few months later, my mum rang with an idea. She’d found out about egg sharing. It involved donating half of your eggs to another patient and then you would receive a free round of IVF yourself. Immediately, I knew I wanted to do it. The chances of conceiving would be higher with IVF, plus I’d be helping someone else have their own baby.

I did worry about how I'd feel if my eggs gave another woman a baby while my own IVF failed, but I tried to focus on a positive outcome for us both.

In September 2021, 17 of my eggs were harvested. Nine I kept and the other eight were passed on to someone else. A month on, I had my first round of IVF, using sperm I’d chosen from a list of profiles. Just like with online dating, I’d spent an evening trawling through profiles – only this time, not for a date, but for a sperm donor. The man I chose was 6ft tall with brown hair and blue eyes – someone that I thought I’d likely find attractive.

Two weeks later, it was time for a pregnancy test. I woke up at 5am, full of nerves. But as I sat in the bathroom waiting for the test result, I was ecstatic when it showed a strong second line – something I’d never witnessed before.

At 5.30am I rang my mum, waking her up with the news and as we cried and squealed together, I had never felt so happy. As my pregnancy progressed, I loved seeing my bump grow. At 20 weeks, my best friend Sarah, then 33, came with me for my scan. I’d always pictured having a little girl so, to avoid disappointment, I’d been forcing myself to imagine a little boy, even thinking of boys’ names and I bought some boys’ clothes.

But when the sonographer confirmed I was having my much longed-for little girl, I cried with happiness.

My daughter Esme was born on the 15 July 2022 by caesarean, weighing 7lb 7oz. That moment I held her for the first time is one I’ll cherish forever. All those years of worry, fear and panic that I’d never be a mum disappeared and in its place was an overwhelming rush of love.

Even at home, as I juggled night feeds alone and sleep deprivation crept in, I felt nothing but gratitude, just so thankful that I finally had my baby. Besides, Esme was just perfect – sleeping through the night from six weeks old and always so happy and content. She’s two now and is a feisty, sassy little girl with beautiful curls and blue eyes.

I will always be open and honest with Esme about her conception. However, people are often curious about how she will cope without knowing her father. The truth is that she is surrounded by an abundance of love and that’s all that really matters.

Recently, I discovered that one of my eggs helped another woman have a baby – a little boy – which I am thrilled to hear. I won’t lie, it does feel a bit strange to think there’s another child out there who’s biologically mine – a brother to Esme – but he doesn’t belong to me and I know that he has parents who love him.

I still have four more frozen embryos at the clinic, but I already feel so blessed and grateful to have Esme. Being her mum is everything I’d ever wished for – and more.

From your baby smiling at you to just being able to drink a cuppa without reheating it, we rely on these little victories to get us through the day

Being a parent can be difficult, but there are things that make it all worth it – from memorable milestones like the first day of school and your baby’s first word , to those little wins that just help you get through the day. Modern parents can find themselves burnt out and stressed, but a new survey found it's the little things that keep them going the most - uncovering the top 20 parenting wins that keep parents going.  

The survey involved 1,000 new parents, with researchers asking them about their favourite small victories of parenthood. The top parenting win, perhaps unsurprisingly, was your baby smiling at you, with almost half (47%) of parents calling it a win. It’s tied at the top with 47% of parents also considering it a win when the baby sleeps through the night.

To round up the top five wins, 36% of parents described their baby finding joy in eating something new as a favourite small victory, while another 36% spoke about their babies eating all their food without complaint. 

Next up are a stranger commenting on how cute they are (34%), when they’re looking at the camera for a picture (31%), when you get to keep the house tidy for an entire day (29%), when they’ve had a good day at nursery or with their childminder or carer (28%), and making a cup of tea and drinking it hot without needing to reheat it (28%). 

Also among the top 20 are going a day without a leaky nappy, managing the transition from car seat to cot without waking the baby up, and getting through the first outing without a meltdown.

According to the study, parents experience an average of five wins each week during the baby and toddler stages, with 62% of parents saying they feel extremely proud of their child, and 53% feeling like successful parents. 

37% of parents like to capture their wins with a photo, while 20% enjoy rewarding themselves with a well-earned cup of tea. A huge 98% of parents needed to Google something related to childcare in their first year of parenting, with 70% finding having a child to be more challenging than they thought, so it’s unsurprising that 82% described these little wins as helping them through the difficult periods. 

Almost seven in 10 parents (69%) say they took sleep for granted before kids, with 59% missing the opportunity to leave the house quickly. But that said, 87% of parents agree that having a baby is the best thing to ever happen to them. 

Susanne Bisinotto, spokesperson for Vitabiotics Wellbaby vitamins, which commissioned the study, said: "When you have a baby, you start to appreciate getting the basics right and anything else is a bonus. Given how tiring days can be, it's no surprise that parents consider it a win when their child sleeps through the night. Another common concern is ensuring the baby gets all the necessary nutrients, especially as they can be fussy as they grow into toddlers.

“It's great to see how these small accomplishments, like a child eating all their food, can have such a positive impact on parents. All mums and dads deserve a celebratory cup of tea to mark the occasion... it's just a case of if they have time to."

The full list includes:

1. When the baby smiles at me (47%)
2. The baby sleeping through the night (47%)
3. When the baby giggles (40%)
4. Them finding joy in eating something new (36%)
5. Them eating all of their food without complaint (36%)
6. A stranger commenting on how cute they are (34%)
7. When they are looking at the camera for a picture (31%)
8. Keeping the house tidy for an entire day (29%)
9. When they’ve had a good day at nursery/with childminder or carer (28%)
10. Making a cup of tea and drinking it hot without having to reheat it (28%)
11. When there isn’t much clearing up to do after they’ve eaten (28%)
12. When people compliment the baby name you chose (27%)
13. Finding a convenient place to change a nappy when in public (27%)
14. A day when the nappies didn’t leak (26%)
15. Getting through the first illness (26%)
16. Nailing the nap schedule (25%)
17. Successfully managing ‘the transition’ from the car seat to the cot when they’re asleep (24%)
18. Simply washing my hair on any given day (24%)
19. The first outing without meltdowns (24%)
20. Simply finishing a day without bursting into tears (24%)

In other parenting news, 'digital soothing' for kids can cause more harm than we realise, and experts reveal how 'second best parenting' is empowering parents. Take a look at these eight foods that could harm your child’s teeth, too, while here are some simple ways to help kids build creativity and emotional intelligence.

Baby names inspired by ancient mythologies are becoming more popular according to research, often inspired by TV and film popularising historical characters further. 

Naming your children can be tricky, with so many options out there – do you go back a few decades for a 1940s baby name, plump for one from the ‘80s, or even shake those off and go for a Taylor Swift-inspired baby name? Then there are Bluey-inspired baby names, too, so how do you choose just one? 

At the risk of giving you even more food for thought, new research suggests that names from classic myths and legends could be undergoing a revival. The personalised number plate provider Regtransfers has looked at the baby names registered in the UK from 1996 to 2022, and found that names from ancient mythologies, including Greek, Norse, and Egyptian, have gradually increased in popularity.

Names like Leonidas, Odin, Osiris, Hera, Persephone and Juno were all essentially unheard of outside of mythology in the ‘90s and early ‘00s, but since then more babies have been given names along these lines. 

Film and TV could be one factor in this rise in popularity. Take the Marvel Cinematic University, with characters like Thor, Loki and Odin. Meanwhile, Leonidas rose in popularity after 2007, when Gerard Butler played the Spartan leader in 300, while Achilles became more popular after Brad Pitt played the Greek hero three years before. 

Other boys’ names to become more popular include Ares, the Greek god of war and courage, and Apollo, the god of archery, music, dance and light.

Among girls, Artemis – goddess of the hunt, wilderness, wild animals, nature, childbirth, and care of children – has risen in popularity as a name. Diana, her Roman counterpart, is also rising up the ranks - though this could in part also be down to the late princess.

Athena, the goddess of war, has become more common, as has Freya, the Norse goddess of love and beauty. And Juno, the Roman goddess of marriage and queen of the gods, has risen in popularity too, perhaps due to the 2008 movie starring Elliot Page as the titular character. 

And after Maisie Williams began playing Arya Stark in Game of Thrones in 2011, an average of just 14 girls per year being given the name increased to an average of 275 each year afterwards, while an average of 232 boys have been given the name Jax every year since 2008, when Jax Teller, the main character in the US drama Sons of Anarchy, first appeared on our screens.

These mythological names might be a tad removed from the more traditional names you might have on your list, but if you like names with a nod to history, they’re well worth considering.

In more baby names news, why not look at names going in the opposite direction with the 100 least popular baby names that have fallen out of favour in the last 30 years? Take a look at the 20 epic moments that defined the past 20 years of baby names – from the birth of Emma in Friends to the fall of Karen . Meanwhile, girls with gender-neutral baby names are more likely to succeed in traditionally 'male-dominated' careers, research says – would you choose a unisex moniker?

If you’ve never heard of the term , you’re not alone. Most parents have never heard of adrenarche, a phase of early puberty that usually occurs between the ages of 6 and 8 years old, although it can start a bit earlier or later in some kids.

While adrenarche is a normal developmental stage, the physical and emotional changes can sometimes be confusing or concerning for children and parents alike. Tantrums and outbursts, anxiety, and a lack of self-confidence are all signs of adrenarche. However, knowing more about the process can help you reassure and support your child through this stage of their development."I'm so glad to learn about this!" says mum-of-two Anu. "My nine-year-old son's grumpy moods are really challenging at the minute. He challenges everything I say and always has to have the last word. He's eating loads too."

We’ve spoken to an expert and looked at the research to find out more about adrenarche, what the physical and emotional effects are, how you can help your child through it, and whether you need to speak to your GP.

What is adrenarche, and how does it affect kids physically and emotionally?

Pronounced ad-ruh-NAR-kee, adrenarche literally means ‘the awakening of the adrenal gland’. It’s this gland that’s responsible for making androgens, sex hormones that cause changes to your child’s body, such as more body hair, oily skin, public hair, and body odour. It’s like puberty, except that it happens earlier, typically before the age of 8 in girls and before the age of 9 in boys. It’s helping to prepare your child’s body for true puberty.

Physical effects of adrenarche

Adrenarche can have a significant impact on your child’s development, specifically in terms of body hair and odour.

• Growth of body hair: You may notice fine hair developing in areas such as the armpits or public regions.
• Skin changes: Increased oil production in the skin can lead to the development of mild acne and blackheads.
• Body odour: Hormonal shifts can cause a noticeable change in body odour, so you may notice your child needing more baths or showers than before.
• Mild growth spurt: Some kids may experience a slight increase in height and weight during this period.

Emotional effects of adrenarche

Adrenarche can also impact children's emotional and psychological states, though these changes are usually subtle.

• Mood swings: Hormonal changes can mean fluctuations in mood, so you might notice your child becoming more sensitive or irritable.
• Increased emotional awareness: Kids may start to show signs of developing a more complex emotional life, such as heightened self-consciousness or concern about their appearance.
• Social shifts: Some kids might begin to show more independence and start forming stronger friendships, while others may become more private or shy.
• Increase in anxiety: Higher levels of androgens are linked to increased sensitivity to stress, which can make children more prone to anxiety or emotional outbursts.

We spoke to Kristie Tse, a psychotherapist with a focus on child development. She told us more about adrenarche and how it can affect children emotionally.

“From a therapeutic perspective, I've observed that this period can be pivotal for children as they start to experience heightened emotions,” says Kristie. “This includes increased sensitivity and occasional mood swings. It’s a time when they may begin to confront issues surrounding their identity and body image, particularly in the context of peer relationships. For instance, a young adolescent may start expressing anxiety about their appearance, feeling self-conscious as they compare themselves with others who may be experiencing these changes differently.”

The research appears to back up Kristie’s real-life experience. A 2020 Mexico study into the timing of adrenarche in girls found that developing body hair and odour made girls more conscious of their appearance. It also found that they experienced higher levels of anxiety and stress, mood swings and feelings of insecurity and self-doubt.

How can I support my child through adrenarche?

“Parents can play a significant role in supporting their children through this transition,” says Kristie. “I've found that creating an open dialogue is essential. Encourage your child to share their feelings about the physical changes they’re experiencing. When my clients express anxiety or confusion about body changes, I emphasise that these feelings are normal. Involving your kid in discussions about self-esteem and body image can empower them.”

Kristie also says it can be helpful to talk about your own childhood experiences or share relatable stories that can help you connect with your child, normalise their experience and make them feel more secure.

“For instance, discussing how friends may react differently to similar changes helps to alleviate the feeling of isolation. I also recommend helping children find healthy outlets for their emotions, like art or sports, which can also build friendships. These steps foster an environment where children feel supported, understood, and equipped to manage their feelings during this transformative phase.”

Of course, you’ll also need to help them keep on top of their personal hygiene, as body odour can become a problem during this phase. Introduce basic hygiene habits, such as taking a daily shower, using antiperspirants or deodorants, and washing their faces morning and night. Show them how you do it, so they don’t feel singled out or ashamed, and let them know it’s something everybody does as they get older.

If their emotional outbursts affect their well-being or that of others, show them how to regulate their emotions, such as deep breathing techniques or even keeping a diary.

Should I talk to my GP about adrenarche?

While it’s not usually something to worry about, it’s worth talking to your GP if you think your child is experiencing adrenarche particularly early. That’s because certain underlying conditions can cause adrenarche to happen earlier. These include:

• Obesity
• Environmental conditions
• Metabolic syndrome
• Insulin resistance
• Polycystic ovary syndrome

According to the Cleveland Clinic, girls are nine times more likely to experience premature adrenarche than boys.

Writing for Patient.info, Dr Hayley Willis says, “Occasionally, male hormone excess can be caused by problems other than adrenarche and your child may need to have some tests. If they experience any symptoms that you are worried about, or if you have any concerns at all, it is important you seek the advice of their GP or paediatrician.”

Get more advice and information on tackling difficult subjects with your kids, from when and how to talk to your child about sex to how to talk to your kids about porn. Plus, worried your teen has stopped talking to you? Experts share five reasons why this is 'to be expected' and what you can do to help them.

Going shopping with your parents for an outfit or a new football kit can be great fun. However, in the UK we buy more clothes per person than any other country in Europe. What people might not realise is that the fashion industry, and particularly “fast fashion”, is harmful for the planet.

Fast fashion refers to cheap clothing items that are quickly produced by large companies to follow the latest trends. Styles and trends change all the time and lots of people like to buy clothes that are in fashion right now. It could be something they’ve seen on a celebrity or even a friend – like a cool new style of jumper or tracksuit. The aim of fast fashion is to get these new styles in shops as fast as possible so customers can buy them.

Why is fast fashion a problem?

The fashion industry is responsible for between eight and 10% of greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change. To keep prices low, fashion companies often use a fabric called polyester, which is a type of plastic made from oil that is not biodegradable (when something can be broken down naturally without causing damage to the environment, like wood or food).

It’s not just regular clothes – most football shirts, which fans are often encouraged to buy every season, are also made from polyester. Manufacturers dye fabrics using lots of chemicals, which can pollute the environment. Making clothes also requires lots of water. Cotton comes from plants that need to be watered frequently to make them grow, and turning raw cotton into clothes needs even more water. It takes 10,000 litres to produce a kilogram of cotton, so a single pair of jeans for an adult can use 7,500 litres of water.

The clothes then have to be shipped to the countries where they’re going to be sold, which produces even more polluting emissions. Fast fashion items aren’t made to last forever because they often go out of style quite quickly. Some people throw their clothes away when they don’t want them anymore. Each year, the UK sends 300,000 tonnes of clothes to landfill (where rubbish that isn't recycled is buried in the ground).

Fast fashion affects people too

Companies often employ people in other countries to make their clothes, and some don’t pay their workers very much. People then have to work longer hours to earn enough money to live on. Some countries have fewer rules than the UK, which means that factories aren't always well looked after and checked for safety. That could mean workers having to make clothes in dangerous or unhealthy conditions.

Who is helping?

Lots of people are campaigning for change. Charities have hired experts to investigate the environmental and social cost of clothing. This information has empowered people to speak out and ask companies for change.

Some clothing brands are helping customers to recycle their clothes in exchange for vouchers. Every year since 2019, the charity Oxfam has held Second Hand September, asking people to buy only second-hand clothes in that month.

The European Union (a group of 27 countries that work and trade together) has written a set of rules to encourage companies to make clothes that last longer. You can help too, with the tips in the panel below. You could also raise awareness of the problem among your family and friends or ask a teacher to help you spread the word at school.

Three ways to wear clothes sustainably

• Buy second-hand: Try buying second-hand clothes. They're not too expensive and help to reduce the amount of clothes that get thrown away. You could check out charity shops or look on websites like Vinted.
• Donate or swap: Someone else could wear a T-shirt that doesn’t fit you or suit your style anymore. Donate old clothes to charities or family members, or set up a clothes-swapping system with your friends.
• Repair and customise: If items of clothing start to look very worn or get ripped, it doesn’t mean they have to be thrown away. Instead, they can be fixed or reused in a different way. You could learn how to sew a patch over a hole or turn jeans into shorts.

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A psychologist has revealed four of the biggest lies that can have a negative impact on your relationship with your partner or spouse. 

It’s important to be truthful, but we’ve all told the occasional lie at one time or another, perhaps telling a white lie to your kids to spare their feelings. Some parents have asked their child to lie about being ill so they can send them to school as normal, while you might sometimes catch your kids in a lie, too. 

But what about lying in a relationship? It can be difficult to tell the truth all the time, but psychologist Dr. Jeffrey Bernstein has outlined four of the biggest lies people tell that can really harm your relationship for Psychology Today. Here's what they are, and why probably say them without even realising they could be a lie.

1. I’m Fine. “‘I’m fine’ is a silent killer in relationships,” says Dr. Bernstein. “It’s often used to avoid confrontation or maintain peace, but it creates a chasm between partners. You’re not giving your partner the chance to support you and understand you – to be truly intimate with your partner, you both need to be vulnerable, and that includes being open and honest about things. 
2. It’s No Big Deal. “Minimizing your feelings or your partner’s actions is another lie that can wreak havoc on a relationship,” says Dr. Bernstein. If things genuinely bother or upset you, but you pretend they don’t, resentment can grow and you can become more distant from your partner. Dr. Bernstein continues, “In healthy relationships, even the “small deals” are addressed and respected because they reflect deeper needs and boundaries.”
3. I Can Change Them. This is more a lie that we can tell ourselves, but it’s also one that will set us up for disappointment. While people can and do change and evolve in relationships, change comes from within. If you enter a relationship with plans to change someone, you aren’t truly accepting them. Over time, this can lead to frustration, resentment, and the realisation that you’ve been in love with the idealised version of somebody. 
4. We Don’t Need to Talk About That. “Avoiding difficult conversations with the excuse of ‘We don’t need to talk about that’ is one of the most destructive lies in a relationship,” says Dr. Bernstein. “Communication is the cornerstone of any successful relationship, and when you choose not to address issues, they don’t go away; they rot.”

Often, people will use this lie if they don’t like conflict, or don’t want to hurt their partner, but it’s better to rip the plaster off and have the difficult discussion – it’ll make the relationship stronger, and avoid more significant misunderstandings. 

Remember – it’s important to be open, vulnerable, and honest in a relationship. While you might not enjoy having certain tricky conversations, it’ll only make you both stronger as a couple. 

In other relationship news, a marriage therapist reveals the 5 ‘beige flags’ you should never ignore in a relationship, while the 'strongest' marriages are made, they don't just happen. You might also be interested to read how  ‘Sex fasting’ can ‘supercharge’ your relationship.

Alzheimer's can be passed down from parents to children, but new research reveals whether a particular parent is more likely to be responsible.  

Research can give us more information about our bodies and genetic makeup than ever before - if you've ever wondered about the traits passed on by your parents, you can now find out which one is responsible for everything from your intelligence to your fertility levels. Even more incredible, is the fact you can inherit your grandparents' trauma even if you never met them.  

Recently, there's been a lot of time and coverage given to whether Alzheimer's could be predicted. It's been found that the less common form of the disease, Familial Alzheimer's Disease (FAD) is inherited, although it's a good idea to point out there are ways of lowering the risk even if it does run in your family. However, new research looks at whether your mum or dad is more likely to pass on the condition. 

The study looked at 4,000 cognitively normal adults aged between 65 - 85, living in the US, Canada, Japan, and Australia. Candidates were asked if either parent ever developed Alzheimer’s or dementia, and the age of onset. The findings reveal that the risk of the conditions being passed down to children was higher when mum, rather than dad, was affected. 

To break down why this might be the case, scientist Dr. William A. Haseltine has some theories. Writing for Forbes, he points out that mothers will always pass down an X chromosome. He suggests there could be sex-specific differences in this chromosome that increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease - it could be more vulnerable to epigenetic changes giving them the ability to turn specific genes on and off.

When daughters have two X chromosomes, genes in the X chromosome passed down by dad could be silenced or inactivated. Because of this, mutations in X chromosomes passed down by dad, could have little or no impact on the child. However, it's believed further research is required to prove this as a theory.

Dr. Haseltine further suggests mitochondrial DNA mutations could be to blame for mum passing down Alzheimer's risk. Powering the cells, the mitochondria have their own set of genetic instructions which appear to be passed down directly from mothers. This increases the risk of any mutations in a mother’s mitochondrial genes being passed down to her children - mitochondrial dysfunction has proven association with brain differences contributing to Alzheimer’s disease. This theory also comes with the caveat that further research is required to substantiate the claim.

Looking at the research pointing to mum being responsible for passing down Alzheimer's objectively, it might not completely be her fault. Those responsible for the study agree that sociological influences could have impacted their findings - women generally live longer than men, and those taking part in the research might not have had fathers who lived long enough to develop the condition.

However, the study does has have strong evidence to suggest mum is more likely to pass down Alzheimer's disease, paving the way for researchers to find out more about the exact mechanisms for this to happen.

You might also like to read about how you're less likely to inherit your parents' personality than you think, and the 10 positive traits children learn from their parents. Traits aren't always inherited but can be influenced by upbringing, and we share the seven traits found in adults lacking affection as kids.

Using social media and absorbing upsetting news content can create anxiety, but there are ways to prevent constant scrolling - already tried and tested by teens. 

Young people feeling struggling to put their phones down and feeling compelled to keep looking at the often depressing content they're digesting, can leave themselves open to multitudes of problems. From sextortion and cyberbullying , to the negative impact on mental health , those who just can't put their phones down need support. 

The act of scrolling through social media and absorbing negative news, even when it can cause stress or anxiety, is referred to as ‘doomscrolling’. It might be associated with teens, but we can all be guilty of it.

However, some teenagers share their own solutions to help tackle doomscrolling, recently revealed by The Conversation . Whether you’re looking at managing your child’s screen time, or you want to stop yourself from mindlessly scrolling, they’re worth considering.

5 tips to prevent doomscrolling

1. Uninstall an app temporarily, or don’t install it in the first place. 17-year-old Geoffrey says that he hasn’t installed TikTok at all, because “it takes too much time”. Meanwhile, Juliette, also 17, explains that she will temporarily uninstall an app “just long enough for the tension to subside” – ideal if you’re being bombarded with notifications. 
2. Deactivate notifications. If uninstalling an app seems a little drastic, you can go into your smartphone’s settings and turn off notifications. This way, if there are news alerts or a friend has sent you a news story, which could lead to another half an hour of scrolling, you simply won’t see it until you decide yourself to go on the app. 
3. Read positive news stories and subscribe to positive media. Negative news stories make the news because they’re rare, and it’s important to remember that and remind your kids if they feel anxious about what’s going on in the world. As an alternative to the depressing news stories, however, there are positive media outlets that focus on more uplifting stories. 
4. Find a balance. Teenager Melvin says, “The time you spend [on your phone], it makes you real anxious, but it’s also tricky because you can’t cut yourself off from the world either! You need a balance, you know?” Particularly for teenagers, who might rely on their phones to keep in touch with friends, it’s difficult to avoid social media entirely, but making a plan to factor in time to check social media can be effective. 
5. Support each other. 14-year-old Nicolas highlighted the hypocrisy of the adults in his life, saying, “My stepfather spends an incredible amount of time on Facebook and then he tells me 'Hey oh, take it easy with Snapchat, Nico’.” Meanwhile, Lucy, 16, says, “It’s not just me, or young people, who have to stop with this, parents are no better and they can’t manage things any better than we can". Be a positive role model for your kids in this regard, and they may emulate your behaviour. 

In other related news, these are the two things that parents can do to curb tweens' screen time, and here’s how to reduce screen time for kids. We also share 12 tips for keeping your kids safe on social media.

Actress Kate Winslet has strong views on children having smartphones, and shares compelling arguments why her own children won't be having them.

A child's first phone comes at the age their parents deem appropriate and will be different for individual family's situations. Choosing when the time is right will depend on many variables, and some parents might feel overwhelmed by conflicting messages - some tech companies have warned against giving children phones, while other evidence suggests banning smartphones for kids won't achieve anything. 

The Smartphone Free Childhood movement is gaining rapid traction, with groups of parents up and down the country coming together in solidarity of removing pressure for kids to have smartphones. Actress Kate Winslet has now joined their ranks, sharing why she always knew she wasn't going to let her children have phones, and how she explains to them why they can't have one.

Kate recently appeared on BBC Radio 4's Today programme to reveal why she supports the Smartphone Free Childhood movement. The actress has always been clear that she didn't want to be the sort of celebrity who tells people how to live their lives, but feels compelled to put that to one side because of her strong feelings over technology in childhood.

When asked about the campaign, she says "It's phenomenal. It's enormously heartwarming just, if for no other reason than parents perhaps are communicating properly about it. Perhaps people feel a little bit less alone with how much they may have struggled or how much they were fearing it, should that time come."

She feels the government and technology companies should be stepping up in relation to children and phones, adding, "What if find surprising, is that the people in power aren't just doing more. It's a combination isn't it? People in power, yes, the politicians, but the big tech companies [should be working together to stop smartphone use in childhood.]'

Kate has a specific way she explains to her children why they can't have phones, and it's very useful for other parents to turn to if they find themselves in the same position. She tells them "You cant have it because I want you to enjoy your life. I want you to be a child. I want you to look up at the clouds and not photograph them and post them on your Instagram page and decide whether or not the clouds were worth looking at because someone else thought that they were rubbish."

For more on this subject, we look at the benefits of screen time, and whether some screens are better for kids than others. If you are concerned, we have tips for implementing screen time boundaries with your children.

If you often question whether you’re doing enough parenting, you’re not alone. As a Psychotherapist and a mother of three, I have worked with so many mums who have grappled with this same question and have been found to ask it of myself too.

Sometimes the standards we set for our parenting are so eye-wateringly unattainable that even the most well-slept, resourced and supported woman wouldn’t fulfil them.

Maternal guilt fills the void between the mother we think we should be, and the mother we are. As children, we welcomed a ‘tick’ on our school work. Little validations in scrawled marks tell us that we met the standard. Good enough used to be good. It used to be enough.

‘Good enough’ has been steamrolled by perfectionism and comparison. Good enough is now substandard. Pah! Who’d want to be good enough when you could be GREAT? We see snapshots of other people’s mothering and merge them into one supposedly attainable ideal of what it is to be a ‘great mum’.

Winnicott, a Psychoanalyst parenting expert in the 1950’s studied thousands of mothers and knew the emotional, physical and mental energy required to raise these small people. He summarised that the way to be a good mother is to be a ‘good enough’ mother.

Good enough considers our humanness, with all of our failures and limits. Imperfection is positive.

So, here are ten traits of a good enough mother:

Traits of a 'good enough' mum

1. You take responsibility and apologise when you don’t parent in a way you’re proud of.
2. You are open to disappointing your child
3. You let your child see you rest.
4. You let others support you on your parenting journey.
5. You cut corners when needed.
6. You say no sometimes.
7. You seek things that make you feel like you.
8. You recognise that our emotions are inconsistent.
9. You challenge mum guilt.
10. You cut yourself some slack.

1. You take responsibility and apologise when you don’t parent in a way you’re proud of. It’s healthy for children to feel failed in tolerable ways in the context of relationship with a loving parent. When I’ve done something that ruptures the connection with my child, I’d say something like ‘mummy didn’t sleep very well last night. I’m tired and grumpy and I shouldn’t have shouted at you like that’. I’m explaining that whilst their behaviour might be challenging sometimes, I might get frustrated but It’s my responsibility to take a breath and find a way to recoup some resources.

2. You are open to disappointing your child. As we hold healthy boundaries, we will face the disappointment of our children. As we hold those boundaries and help them ride out their disappointment or feelings of disappointment rather than rushing to throw the healthy boundary aside to fix and ease it, we are teaching them how to survive in an imperfect world that will fail and disappoint.

3. You let your child see you rest. It’s natural to be focused on meeting your children’s needs, but it’s important for them to see you meeting yours too. This isn’t a case of ‘me first’, but it’s recognising that you have needs that need to be met too. In fact, meeting your basic needs resources and enables you to parent in a way that aligns with your values. When you’re frazzled and living on caffeine and fuelled by your critical internal chatter, you are less equipped to respond well to the stressful moments that arise.

4. You let others support you on your parenting journey. Perfectionism has turning down kind offers of help. It can find us responding ‘I’m good thanks’ when we could be sharing more of the challenges of parenting we’re facing. Motherhood is famously said to take a village. Sometimes we wonder where that village is, and sometimes it’s there but we deem accepting help as akin to failure or weakness. Seek and allow support, be it through groups, investing in friendships, or finding an online group where you feel ‘got’.

5. You cut corners when needed. I have learnt to value corner cutting as a great form of meeting my own needs. When you feel overstretched, consider where you can pull back on standards, or make the road a little smoother for yourself when it comes to getting stuff done. I lean on oven meals, leave the washing pile to sit there another day, or forgo bath time when everyone is already tired and wired. If you’re a perfectionist, it can be hard to feel like you’re lowering your standards, but in doing so for a little bit, you can recoup some precious and needed energy.

6. You say no sometimes. When people-pleasing snakes its way into parenting, it can exhaust and deplete. Healthy relationships can withstand healthy boundaries. When someone asks something of you that you just don’t have the resources for, be honest. ‘I’d love to be able to help, but I’m toeing the line of burnout at the moment so trying not to overcommit. I hope you have a wonderful birthday party, but I really need a night to crash this weekend’. You may well disappoint people or feel misunderstood, but the more you hold healthy boundaries, the more resources you’ll have available to channel into the things most precious and important.

7. You seek things that make you feel like you. We may have been taught that to be a good mother is to give completely of yourself. When in truth, martyrdom to motherhood serves nobody. Yes things get done, and done well, but at what cost? I’ve worked with so many mums who feel like they’ve lost their identity and discover that finding ways to engage in things that bring them joy actually brings balance to their parenting. Our children thrive on seeing the sparkle and joy in our eyes, just as we love seeing it in theirs. Consider the things that make you feel more you, and find creative ways to engage in them a bit more!

8. You recognise that our emotions are inconsistent. Parenting is a long-haul job. It’s a daily grind. We mother through sickness, highs and lows, sleep deprivation, PMT. We wake up on the wrong side of the beds, feel stressed, and overwhelmed. Trying to hide our emotions and put on a happy face to reassure our children is well meaning, but can feel confusing. Consider when someone is smiling but you can sense that they’re not okay. You pick up on that little conflict through body language and tone of voice, just as your kids do. Naming emotions, taking responsibility for them and explaining them in an age-appropriate way brings clarity for your child and lets them know that they haven’t caused any of the emotion they may be picking up on. ‘I am feeling a bit poorly today and it’s making me grumpy’.

9. You challenge guilt. Guilt can act as a red flag that pops up and invites us to turn towards it with enquiry. Ask yourself ‘what is this guilt telling me?’. It might be that ‘should’s are cropping up and you need to recognise you’re not doing anything wrong. ‘I should be finding this easier’. In this case, choose to let the guilt go and reframe the ‘should’, for example ‘It’s okay to find hard things hard!’. The guilt may also be nudging you to seek a resource or make a change. ‘I feel guilty for yelling at my child’ might be a nudge to seek some support, or take a break because you’re feeling done-in. Once the guilt has served its purpose, choose to let it go.

10. You cut yourself some slack. Add some humanness into your expectations of yourself. A perfect parent will never prepare a child for a wildly imperfect world. This isn’t a go-ahead for going rogue, but a reminder that the fact you’re even reading this article wanting to do right by your child shows that you’re always seeking to learn and grow, and that’s an act of love in itself.

Being the good enough parent isn’t about setting a low bar, but a realistic one. It means that you’re less likely to succumb to the critical internal dialogue when you’ve not been on you’re a-game. This cruel dialogue chips away at confidence, fuels guilt, and stirs up feelings of shame that can easily find you feeling as if you’re the only one to be finding hard stuff hard. Instead, setting the bar of expectation to a place that acknowledges you’re doing the best you can with the resources you have in that moment, mean that you’re more likely to turn towards yourself with an enquiring and non-judgemental mind. So, let’s make ‘good enough’ good enough again!

If you liked this then check out Anna's other great, and insightful articles. Themost recent on mum rage will make you feel seen, and the 5 most common grandparenting fails will make you realise it's not just you. Plus her heartaching piece on regretting motherhood shares five brilliant ways to respond to that feeling.

More than 50 years ago, a famous British band called the Beatles split up. They haven’t recorded any music together since then, but artificial intelligence (AI) has helped to create one last Beatles song.

This is just one of the ways that AI is changing the world and how we live – with smart voice assistants, such as Siri and Alexa, self-driving vehicles and software that can write essays and songs. As technology improves, the use of AI is spreading.

"Artificial intelligence" is a computer system that can do things that usually require human intelligence. These include solving problems, making decisions and learning. AI can be taught skills using a process called machine learning. Humans give the system information, such as books, photos or videos, to train it. The more data the system studies, the better it can do its job. AI and robotics aren't the same – not all robots are intelligent. Some are just programmed to carry out basic tasks that don't require intelligence.

The invention of AI

In the 20th century, scientists began to wonder if computers could think like us. In 1950, the British mathematician Alan Turing created the "Turing test" to see whether a computer is intelligent. During this, a human judge puts questions to a person and a computer at the same time. Both answer the questions, and the judge must decide which answers came from the human. If the judge can't tell the two apart, the computer is intelligent. Many people believe AIs that can write, like the ChatGPT system, have already passed this test.

How AI is being used

AI is part of everyday life. It can study lots of information and from that work out what is likely to happen next. Self-driving cars, for example, use AI to make decisions. Sensors detect a person crossing the road and tell the car to stop.

When you watch Netflix, AI can see which TV shows you like and suggest others you might enjoy. In hospitals, AI can study information about thousands of people to work out what might be wrong with a patient from their test results.

Tools like ChatGPT can write computer code, essays, stories and even solve maths problems. ChatGPT uses existing work to create its own. Similarly, for the new Beatles song, AI took a recording of singer John Lennon's voice from an old-fashioned cassette tape and used it in a new way.

The future of AI

Some people worry about how AI might affect their jobs. If computers can create images, music and text, could artists, musicians and writers one day be replaced? Many people also fear that AI could be used to invent and spread very convincing lies. Even those who work in AI say there should be rules about how it is used.

However, AI can spark creativity too. An exhibition called Beyond the Light in New York led visitors through the cosmos, thanks to an AI that used pictures from the James Webb Space Telescope. AI is very good at suggesting drugs to treat diseases and can even invent new medicines. It can help us fight climate change by finding clever ways to reduce our energy use, and helping us get more out of solar panels and wind turbines. One day it might even find a way to solve our energy needs completely by helping us to recreate nuclear fusion, the process used by the Sun to create heat and light.

Three big steps for artificial intelligence

• Chess champion beaten: On 11 May 1997, a computer called Deep Blue beat the world chess champion, Garry Kasparov. Deep Blue could consider up to 200 million chess positions a second and was so good that Kasparov believed it must have been controlled by a person.
• Computer wins TV game show: In 2011, a supercomputer called Watson won Jeopardy!, a TV game show. Watson was up against two of the most successful players to take part in the show – but still beat them. The computer was trained for more than three years to answer Jeopardy!'s riddles and complicated questions.
• The world's first robot citizen: In 2016, a company called Hanson Robotics activated the world's first robot citizen, Sophia. Her software uses AI to help her talk to people and use facial expressions. In 2017, she was made a citizen of Saudi Arabia. Hanson Robotics has created more robots, including Grace, a nurse, and Desdemona, a poet.

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If someone can’t change something about themselves in under 30 seconds, it’s best not to mention it, one teacher advises her students. 

We want to instill positive traits in our children, that allow them to grow up into healthy, well-rounded adults. From how to raise happy kids, to confident and resilient kids,  parents often seek resources to help their children be the best version of themselves. 

You can do this in many ways, but implementing simple rules to help kids be kind is a good place to start instilling good habits. One such kindness rule has proved popular on social media in recent weeks, with almost two million likes on Instagram so far, and it’s so easy to remember. It’s well worth showing your children – and we can keep it in mind as adults, too!

Natalie Ringold, an elementary school teacher in Minnesota, posted a video of herself explaining the rule to her class. In the clip, she says, “If somebody can’t change something about themselves in 30 seconds or less, then you shouldn’t be mentioning it to them.”

For example, telling someone that their shoes are untied or their trousers are unzipped is kind and helpful, because they can solve the problem in under 30 seconds before going about their day again. In contrast, says Ringold, “If you comment on someone’s hair colour, or hair texture, or hairstyle, or body, they cannot change that in 30 seconds or less.

She compares making comments about things people can’t change to squeezing toothpaste out of the tube – you can’t take them back and undo your actions, just as you can’t put toothpaste back in the tube. “It’s very messy,” she explains, “You can’t totally take those words back.”

It seems obvious, and makes perfect sense, but we’ve all made a comment at one time or another that could have hurt somebody. So, it’s a good rule to show your children – it might make them consider how they use their words, and what they say to the people in their lives. 

Ringold also writes in her caption that it’s important to make things right by apologising when you make a mistake – if someone’s feelings get hurt, it’s not the end of the world, and while you can’t take back what’s been sent, an apology will go some way to making them feel better. 

In related news, child psychologist Dr Becky explains how to support a child with ‘explosive’ emotions, while if you’re raising an anxious kid, here are six things that mental health experts want parents to know. We’ve also got six signs, identified by a child expert, that you’re raising an emotionally intelligent child, as well as three tips to set screen time boundaries from parenting experts.

New research indicates that the pandemic may have caused your teen's brain to age faster than would be expected – with girls affected more than boys.

The Covid-19 pandemic was an unprecedented event that affected the mental and physical health of many. from those left with lasting effects of Long Covid, to those who lost their jobs and livelihoods, nobody is likely to forget what is one of the most difficult times in recent history. 

Among the most affected by Covid were teenagers, who had some of their most important developmental and educational years interrupted by the pandemic. And now, a new study has indicated that it may have caused adolescent brains to age faster than usual. 

According to the study, published on Monday (9 September) in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, girls’ brains aged 4.2 years faster on average, while boys’ brains aged an average of 1.4 years. 

“The findings are an important wake-up call about the fragility of the teenage brain,” explains senior study author, Dr. Patricia K. Kuhl. Speaking to CNN , she adds “Teens need our support now more than ever.”

The structure and function of the brain change a lot during adolescence, a time when people undergo a lot of changes socially and emotionally – becoming more independent, and making important future career decisions.

Originally, the researchers wanted to track adolescent brain development over time, first carrying out MRI scans on the participants in 2018. They’d planned to carry out further MRIs in 2020, but weren’t able to due to the pandemic – they only managed to do so three or four years later. 

They used the earlier MRI data to create a model of how the brain would develop over a ‘normal’ adolescence, to compare it to the findings from the second set of MRIs, to see if there were any differences. 

The study showed accelerated cortical thinning in the teenagers’ brains, with 43% of the girls’ brains and 6% of the boys’ brains affected respectively. The areas with the most thinning in girls have been linked to social and cognitive functions, while those in boys are linked to processing faces and objects in the visual field.

The authors believe, based on previous research, that the findings might be due to what’s known as the ‘stress acceleration hypothesis’ – that, in a high-stress environment, people may mature earlier to protect the brain’s emotional circuits and regions involved in learning and memory.

However, they didn’t have data on participants’ families, finances, or exercise, sleeping or dietary habits, and didn’t know whether the participants having had Covid (or not) might have contributed to the findings. 

Dr. Ian Gotlib, the author of a 2022 study on the subject and director of the Stanford Neurodevelopment, Affect, and Psychopathology Laboratory at Stanford University, told CNN, “Theirs is a good study, but even then it probably doesn’t have a large enough sample to say that the sex difference in brain ageing is a reliable finding.”

In related news, we ask teenagers what they wish their parents had done differently, and their answers are surprisingly candid, while here are 11 expert-led tips on how to talk to a teenager (even when they don’t want to listen). And if you’re confused by teenage slang, we share our meanings behind 123 terms your teen might use.

A teen coach has revealed the 10 things he wishes all teenagers would know, and it’s a real eye-opener for parents. 

Parenting teens is as difficult as raising a baby according to some experts, with some calling for parents to be allowed 'teenternity' leave to help them navigate such a tricky time. If it's difficult for parents, actually being a teenager is just as hard, with many issues leading to a teen that will not socialise.  

To mitigate the difficult feelings teens face, a teen coach has shared 10 things he wishes all teenagers would know. Will Elliott is one of the world's leading life coach for teens, and is on a mission to support tweens and teens face their fears and develop confidence. Having helped thousands of teens and their families, this is what Will has to say:

1. There’s no such thing as failure – just opportunities to learn and try again.
2. You don’t have anything wrong with you. Being a teenager is hard, and you’re doing so well.
3. Distraction management is the top skill to learn. It can be so difficult to deal with distractions, particularly when we all have mini computers in our pockets. Set aside some time to check messages, for example, so it doesn’t creep into time when you need to focus. 
4. There’s always going to be something new to want and strive for – find fulfillment within.
5. Who you are is more important than what you achieve. It’s great to be proud of your achievements, but who are you as a person means more. 
6. There are no shortcuts to success. Be consistently gritty.
7. Your voice matters. Speak up for yourself and your beliefs.
8. You become what you consume. Be mindful of who you hang out with and the content you take in.
9. Your worth isn’t attached to your results. You’re already whole, complete, and enough.
10. Growth isn’t linear. Don’t compare your journey to someone else’s. Be you and do you. 

Elliott also offers a bonus tip – and it’s one that perhaps parents may like to hear more than teens. “Your parents are low-key wise,” he says. “They’re not perfect, but they’re just trying to help you when they give advice. I regret not listening to them a bit more.”

In related news, strong-willed teens don’t need to be ‘tamed,’ they need to be nurtured, and if you’re worried your teen has stopped talking to you, experts have shared five reasons why this is 'to be expected'. Giving teens ‘space and opportunity’ to be independent helps them thrive according to an educator, while you might find these 35 teen conversation starters to open up communication with your teenager useful.

Divorce is one of the most emotionally challenging experiences anyone can go through. It’s a time of immense upheaval, marked by feelings of loss, fear, and uncertainty about the future—especially when children are involved.

While the path to healing can feel overwhelming, it's important to remember that you’re not alone in facing these challenges. We’ve spoken to relationship and life coaches who share their expert advice on overcoming life's hurdles, including divorce, establishing co-parenting boundaries, and creating a new, fulfilling chapter for yourself and your family, whatever your reason for divorce.

We've also got tips on what to do if you still feel love for your partner and where to find help if you're struggling to move on.

How to move on after a divorce

1. Accept that fear and pain are a part of the process
2. Embrace co-parenting with a positive mindset
3. Set clear boundaries
4. Create a new chapter for yourself

We’ve spoken to three relationship and life coach experts to discover ways in which you can move on after your divorce. Here is their advice:

1. Accept that fear and pain are a part of the process

Divorce triggers deep fears about the future, being alone, and how your children might react to the separation, but it’s a necessary part of the process and not something to be ignored or tucked away, according to dating and relationship coach Claire Dore. “Divorce activates a lot of core wounds, especially if you have children,” says Claire.

Relationship coach Jessica Stephenson Clark agrees. “Children are a constant reminder of that 'former' life and the family dynamic which has now shifted. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to moving forward from a divorce but it is vital to allow yourself to experience the wide range of emotions that come with it, rather than pretending to be okay.”

Claire’s advice is to switch the lens if you can. Acknowledge the fear and the pain, but don’t let them control your ability to move on. Accepting these emotions is a step toward growth and empowerment. As Claire points out, divorce can be "a life-altering and awakening experience if you choose to see it this way."

2. Embrace co-parenting with a positive mindset

Even though it may be hard, co-parenting requires ongoing communication with your ex, which can complicate the healing process. Katia Vlachos, a reinvention coach and the author of Uncaged: A Good Girl's Journey to Reinvention, acknowledges that "being in contact with your ex-partner is unavoidable" due to decisions about the kids, but the key is to shift your focus to what you can control. “What helps is to accept that fact and shift your focus and energy on what you can control,” says Katia. She has some great questions to ask yourself about how you want to co-parent that will help you “show up in that new version of your relationship.”

Do you want to:

• Create a respectful, cooperative co-parenting relationship?
• Model healthy conflict resolution for your children?
• Prioritise your children's needs while also taking care of yourself?

3. Set clear boundaries

Setting clear boundaries with your ex after divorce is crucial for maintaining your emotional health and creating a foundation for personal growth. After a divorce, emotions are often still raw, and without boundaries, interactions with your ex can quickly become overwhelming, confusing, or conflict-ridden. According to Katia, boundaries help prevent old wounds from being reopened and keep you focused on healing and moving forward. “Decisions need to be made about schooling, healthcare, holidays, extracurricular activities and day-to-day logistics,” she says. “This is not ideal when you often want to get as much distance as possible so you can heal and move on. But it is a fact. So establishing clear boundaries will help to protect your emotional well-being.”

4. Create a new chapter for yourself

Moving on after divorce isn’t about forgetting your relationship or wishing it never happened. Instead, it’s about embracing the opportunity to build a new and better future for yourself and your children. The past will always be part of your story, but it doesn't have to define your future. As Katia says, "Moving on doesn't mean erasing your past. It means creating a new chapter where you and your children can thrive."

This new chapter is your chance to rediscover yourself, redefine your goals, and foster a sense of independence. While the divorce may feel like the closing of a door, it also opens up a world of possibilities for personal growth, self-compassion, and deeper relationships with your children.

Does divorce pain ever go away?

While it might feel as if you’ll never get over the end of your marriage or long-term partnership, most people do eventually experience a reduction in divorce pain. But it can take time and some work on your part to help yourself heal.

"Even if you initiated the divorce, there’s a cycle of grief almost everyone experiences post-separation,” says Katia. “It mirrors the stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. The pain does eventually subside, but only as long as you’re willing to go through that cycle and come out on the other side. This means that you allow yourself to feel all these emotions without judgement.”

Research, such as this 2017 Canadian study, has suggested that negative emotional feelings during the marriage can exacerbate divorce pain after the separation (no surprise there). However, the same research found that addressing underlying emotional and mental health problems during the marriage and the divorce can help with long-term emotional recovery. So, if you’re still feeling hugely affected by your divorce months or even years afterwards, it’s a good idea to seek counselling or therapy, which can help you unpack what happened, process it, and come to terms with it.

Claire suggests that, similar to processing feelings of panic or anxiety, the “more we create space to process difficult feelings and emotions, the more we get to move through it, and it doesn't floor us every time it presents itself.” So making room for uncomfortable feelings and emotions in the moments they appear can help them to become less powerful over time.

Having said all that, grief over the end of your relationship is not a linear process, as Katia points out. “It’s normal for certain memories to trigger emotional responses even years later, when the acute pain is no longer there. The goal isn’t to erase the past but to integrate it into your life story, which allows you to move forward with resilience."

“It's okay if you're ready to think about moving on after six months, just like it's okay if you're not ready after a year," says Jessica. "The goal isn't to rid ourselves of all the emotions related to the past relationship but to understand, process and grow our lives around them so those emotions feel less intense and invasive."

Even in the midst of your emotional pain, take heart that one day you will feel yourself again, says Katia. “On the other end of grief is the ability to re-enter your life and create new connections. You will feel yourself again and you’ll be able to look back on your marriage with perspective (sometimes even gratitude for any good moments), and feel excited about the future.”

How to cope when you still love your former partner

The fact that some people continue to have deep feelings for their partners after divorce, is a complicated issue., It can be influenced by your emotions, how you handled the breakup, and whether you have children with your ex. Sometime, lingering feelings do remain, and that’s ok too.

If you co-parent and it seems to work really well, it can keep a level respect and affection alive between the two of you, but that doesn't necessarily mean you love them. “Continuing to love an ex-partner after divorce can be incredibly complex and painful, particularly if it seems like they are finding it easy to move on,” says Jessica. “Like moving on from any relationship, the ability to set boundaries which create distance (if you can), is really important to allow yourself time to process and re-focus back on yourself.”

Katia has the following tips to help you move on, despite having feelings for your former partner:

• Accept: Acknowledge your emotions without judgement. It's natural to still care for someone who was a significant part of your life.
• Focus on what you can control: Your own actions. Despite acknowledging your feelings, do what you have to do to protect your emotional wellbeing. This may involve setting clear boundaries with your ex-partner and redirecting your energy towards creating a new life for yourself.
• Practise self-compassion: Don’t punish yourself for your feelings. Instead, treat yourself with the same kindness you would offer a dear friend. Your capacity for love is a strength, not a weakness, and when directed inwards, will help you create a life for yourself feeling stronger and wiser.

How to ask for help if you need it

“The most important thing to remember is that you're not some sort of superhuman and that it is totally okay to be struggling and need some extra support,” says Jessica. “That could be a therapist for you or your children (if they're struggling) or for practical support, like asking for some extra help around the house. Often one of the components which has led to divorce has been this feeling of holding a lot of emotions in - anger, frustration, despair, grief - and so seeking an empathetic and non-judgemental space to express and process your emotions is really important.”

Here are some useful sites and resources to help you if you’re struggling:

• The National Family Mediation site has advice and information on protecting your mental health during and after a divorce.
• The Divorce Magazine has plenty of articles on life after separation, from navigating grief to parenting ups and downs.
• Family Lives can help you find a counsellor or therapist, find local support services in your area and offers a confidential helpline and live online chat service. You can call them on 0808 800 2222 Mon to Fri 9am to 9pm and weekends 10am - 3pm.

Featured experts

If you keep arguing with your partner, a therapist reveals one phrase that could save your partnership. Other ways people try to save their marriage include explaining the mental load to their partner, and the interesting concept of 'sex fasting.'

Mum Punteha joined forced with her eight year old daughter Amelia to test the new Magic Mirror from Magic Mixies. Here she shares her thoughts on the toy to help you decide if you should buy it for your child.

If you're looking into the top Christmas toys, or your child has a birthday coming up, they might already have an idea of what they want. But it can be a minefield for parents to know which toys are worth the money and which are best avoided. Luckily, that's where we come in. We've tested loads of bestselling and newly released toys to help you decide which give the best value for money, and most enriching play experience for your child.

Suitable for kids aged five and over, and with the RRP of £69.99, the Magic Mirror is one of the newest releases from the Magic Mixies range of mix and make toys. You might already be familiar with the bestselling Pixlings. With the Magic Mirror, you follow similar potion mixing steps as with the Pixlings set, and once complete, a Pixie Supreme fashion doll is magically revealed. Afterwards, the mirror becomes a fortune teller, where you can ask it yes or no questions and it will answer them.

Packaging and set up

"The mirror comes with an outer box, with half of it open to view. The box is made from corrugated cardboard and is recyclable. There were lots of flaps on the outer box sealed with tape which needed cutting - at least 10. It was very secure but my daughter needed a little help getting those snipped. She was then able to open the rest of the box and remove the Magic Mirror herself," says Punteha.

The mirror does require three AA batteries to activate the 50 lights and sounds, and these aren't included, so make sure you have some on hand to avoid disappointment.

In the box, you get the mirror itself, which measures 32 x 12 x 34cm, a potion cup, potion ingredients (including dissolvable paper and a fizzing tablet), and a 25cm Pixie Supreme fashion doll once the magic reveal is complete. You will need small jug of water and some kitchen roll or a towel would be handy too.

While Amazon offers an exclusive Skyler doll, most other major retailers only offer the Luna doll variation. However, you have a one in six chance of finding the special edition Shimmer fashion doll, which adds to the reveal excitement.

What's the play experience like?

"There were lots of instructions to follow - 16 steps in total - and the Magic Mirror verbally talks you through them. Each time you complete a step in your time, you press the diamond on the interface to move on to the next. That was really helpful as it allowed me to enjoy the experience too and be immersed in Amelia's enjoyment, rather than flipping back and forth from a set of long instructions. It also helped my daughter do the steps by herself which gave her an enormous sense of accomplishment and satisfaction," says Punteha

But don't be put off by the number of steps, as Puteha explains: "It doesn't feel too arduous as the mirror talks you through each step. It is intuitive to play with and everything functions as it should making the experience fun and smooth for parent and child."

Once you have revealed the fashion doll (which is incredibly detailed and a brilliant toy in it's own right), the mirror can be used as a fortune teller, which extends the play experience further. Simply switch to fortune teller mode using the switch on the back of the mirror. Punteha adds: "It is really fun, even for the adults! I had a go later when Amelia had gone to bed and the way she answers yes/no questions is great because she has 50 responses and phrases and that keeps the magic and variety going. It definitely kept Amelia's interest and I have heard her talking to the Magic Mirror every day since we opened it, making it weeks of play and interest. Any friends she has had over for playdates have also loved it and the answers to their questions sent lots of giggles into the air!

"It's worth noting the confetti that pops up and out when you've completed the steps elicited a lot of laughter from Amelia and she said, 'I've never seen that before!' and truth be told, neither have I. It was a nice feature and a glittery pat on the back for getting through all the steps as directed."

Can you repeat the reveal?

Yes you can repeat the reveal as many times as you want. You'll need switch off the mirror using the switch on the back, and slot the doll back into its stand, making sure hair and clothing are tucked in, and then pull the handle on the back of the mirror until you hear it click. Hey presto! The doll is back inside the mirror. To start the process again, switch the mirror back on and press the diamond.

Not only will kids love trying to figure out how the magic works, they'll also be really excited to share the magic with their friends again and again.

Is the Pixie Supremes Mirror worth the money?

"The price is steep but the 50 responses and magical interaction of this talking mirror make it a special buy and worth the spend," says Punteha. "I really love this toy and if there is a special achievement to reward your child for, a 'main' birthday or Christmas present quota to fill, this would be a great choice as I've not seen interactive toys like this that retain interest for so long.

" I've not tried a toy that talks back before but I have tried other Magic Mixies potion or magic-led reveals. I found this one much easier to follow as the instructions are read out by the talking mirror. I didn't think its responses would be this unique and varied, so I enjoyed the lack of 'cookie cutter' interactivity. It's clear a lot of thought has gone into the testing and manufacturing process to make this one as easy, and enjoyable as possible to follow and play with."

For more toy reviews, check out our thoughts on the Really Real Puppy from Little Live Pets, the De'longhi coffee machine toy and this Pati School crafting set.

Researchers found higher diagnosis of ADHD in children born in July and August, but also explain the reason for this and why they don't find it surprising. 

Neurodiversity awareness is on the rise, and as more parents seek an ADHD diagnosis for their child and educators become more aware of the common ADHD personality traits, this is one area of the neurodiversity umbrella gaining rapid acceptance. However, those looking into ADHD symptoms, and treatments for their child, might not realise their birth month could have something to do with their child having the condition.  

To explain this further, research found children born in July and August are at least 40% more likely to be diagnosed with, or have medication for ADHD than children born in September and October. The large scale study involved analysing anonymised data from 96,698 children born between 2002 and 2010 in either July, August, September or October. 

For context, children born in July and August are still very young when they start school, almost a year younger than those born on September and October. The study found that by age 15, around 1.5 per cent of early school starters - those born in July or August - were receiving prescriptions for ADHD, compared to just 1 per cent of late starters born in September and October. This is an increase of 50 per cent in ADHD prescriptions for early school starters compared to late starters. 

The study also found that by age 15, children are 40 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD if born in July and August. Researchers however, were unsurprised by the findings and believe they can be explained by what they term a 'peer-comparison bias' caused by the differences in ages among classmates. In other words, teachers are more likely to attribute normal signs of immaturity in children to ADHD, rather than viewing them as normal for an early school starter.

However, co-author of the study, Dr Catia Nicodemo, has good news to share. She says "The good news is that from age nine onward, there is no difference in the initiation of ADHD prescriptions between children born in July-August and in September-October, which means that the peer-comparison bias disappears with age."

Fellow co-author Dr Joaquim Vidiella-Martin, adds "We can’t definitively identify whether there is an over-diagnosis of children born in July-August or an under-diagnosis of children born in September-October or just more marginal diagnoses for July-August born, but we can say that a gap in pharmacological treatment between between children born in July-August and in September-October suggests an inefficient and unfair use of medical resources."

To combat the issue, the team behind the research suggest parents and teachers more are made more aware of ADHD symptoms to improve accurate diagnosis. They also believe it would be beneficial to have two school start dates throughout the year, grouping children close in age together, with a maximum of six months difference between them.

For more on this subject, there are six upsides to ADHD parents need to know about, and understanding the three different types of ADHD can be beneficial if your child has a diagnosis. Parents with ADHD raising children with ADHD have their own set of challenges, but there is support available. 

Cyberbullying is a growing concern that affects not just children and teens, but also their families and friends. The consequences of online bullying are long-lasting, ranging from emotional distress and social isolation to serious mental and physical health problems.

The impact on our kids can range from skipping school and poor academic performance to low self-esteem and long-term psychological trauma. And you're not alone in worrying about how social media can affect your child's mental health. Ofcom says as much as two-thirds of parents are worried about how to keep kids safe online, while a recent ONS report shows that 1 in 5 children aged 10 to 15 experienced examples of cyberbullying in the past year.

Drawing on expert advice and research, we'll explore the effects of cyberbullying to help you spot the signs your child is being bullied and take action.

What are the effects of cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying has a wide range of serious effects on children and teenagers, impacting their behaviour, their emotional health, and their physical health. A 2021 systematic review of the effects of cyberbullying found that victims often experience social isolation, a drop in academic performance, and changes in personality, such as becoming withdrawn or irritable. Emotionally, they may suffer from anxiety, depression, and even long-term psychological trauma, which can continue into adulthood.

The stress of being bullied online can also affect kids and teens physically, with symptoms like headaches, tiredness, and trouble sleeping. Even people who witness cyberbullying can experience negative mental health effects, making the issue far-reaching and harmful for everyone involved.

Behavioural side effects of cyberbullying

1. Social isolation and loneliness: Victims may withdraw from social interactions, avoiding both online and offline activities. This isolation can lead to difficulty forming and maintaining friendships, further contributing to your teen's sense of loneliness.
2. Poor academic performance: Cyberbullying often causes a drop in school performance. Victims may have trouble concentrating, lose motivation, and may skip school more frequently, all of which can cause them to struggle academically.
3. Risk-taking behaviours: Some children may turn to risky behaviours like substance abuse, dangerous online activities, or even self-harm as a coping mechanism for the emotional distress caused by cyberbullying.
4. Personality changes: You might notice your child becoming more irritable, aggressive, or anxious, or you might notice your teen shift from being outgoing to withdrawn or lose their self-confidence. One parent who wishes to remain anonymous recounts how heartbreaking it is to watch a child change from being happy and outgoing to withdrawn. " My child went from being so happy to feeling like she should die because she couldn’t understand why people would target her in such an awful way. She felt like she could do nothing right and nothing could be done about it.”

Emotional effects of cyberbullying

5. Poor mental health: Cyberbullying can result in serious mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts. The anonymity of online platforms can intensify feelings of isolation and helplessness.
6. Emotional stress: The constant fear of being bullied online can leave children feeling scared, helpless, and overwhelmed. This emotional distress can lead to heightened anxiety and depression.
7. Impact on others: Even bystanders who witness cyberbullying can experience increased anxiety and stress. Those who participate in the bullying may suffer from guilt and social isolation, leading to their own mental health struggles. Parents of children being cyberbullied may have different opinions on how to approach the problem. Mum Rachel describes how she and her partner disagreed when they found out her daughter was being cyberbullied. "He just wanted to beat the living daylights out of the boy involved to teach him a lesson. It caused so much stress in our marriage as I had to ficus on diffusing the situation instead of helping our daughter."
8. Long-term psychological effects: The emotional scars of cyberbullying can last into adulthood. Victims may struggle with trust, forming relationships, and suffer from chronic mental health issues like anxiety and depression, sometimes well beyond their teenage years.

Sandra Kushnir, CEO at Meridian Counseling, explains: "The teenage years are a critical period for brain development, particularly in areas responsible for emotional regulation and decision-making.

"When a teen is exposed to relational trauma, such as bullying, the brain's stress response system is constantly activated, leading to long-term changes in brain structure and function.

"These changes can manifest in various ways, including depression, social anxiety, and in severe cases, suicidal ideation.

"The damage to self-esteem and the sense of self-worth during these formative years can be devastating, leaving lasting scars that may affect the individual well into adulthood.

"Social anxiety can isolate the victim further, creating a vicious cycle that is difficult to break without proper intervention. The long-term trauma inflicted by cyberbullying can ruin lives long past adolescence, leading to mental health issues, relationship difficulties, and struggles with self-worth that persist well into adulthood.”

Mum Rachel describes how cyberbullying affected her daughter. "It started with her being excluded on Snapchat and WhatsApp, then gradually progressed into vicious messages, horrible memes featuring her face and sharing of

Physical effects of cyberbullying

9. Physical health problems: Cyberbullying can lead to physical symptoms of stress, including headaches, stomachaches, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping. If the bullying persists, these stress-related health problems can become more severe over time.
10. Psychosomatic symptoms: The emotional distress caused by cyberbullying often translates into physical illness. Children may feel poorly more often or appear more tired, which can be signs of an ongoing impact on their overall health. Therapist Kristie Tse explains: “I have seen that cyberbullying infiltrates private spaces through devices, leaving victims feeling isolated and vulnerable. The distress can affect both their emotional and physical well-being. Long-term consequences can be equally devastating, with victims feeling isolated and vulnerable. The pervasive nature of online platforms amplifies the distress, leaving kids questioning their worth and even their safety in their home environments."

Get more advice and information on tackling difficult subjects with your kids, from when and how to talk to your child about sex to how to talk to your kids about porn. Plus, worried your teen has stopped talking to you? Experts share five reasons why this is 'to be expected' and what you can do to help them.

More kids now (86%) are expected to do chores than their parents at the same age (76%). However, if the way you delegate chores isn’t working for your family, one parenting expert has some advice to share.

While it’s sometimes thought that children today have an easier ride in some ways than previous generations growing up, almost nine in 10 of today's kids (86%) are given chores to do. From sorting the laundry (here are 11 common laundry mistakes you’re probably making!) to this common household chore that divides families, we often carve up household tasks between all of us – and there’s often pocket money up for grabs as a result.

However, research from Online Carpets has found that over half of parents (55%) still wish their children would do more to help around the house. In this instance, MBACP-certified counsellor Georgina Sturmer, a parenting expert, has offered some advice on getting your kids to do more chores. Let’s take a look at her four key tips. 

1. Keep it age-appropriate and realistic. “Consider working with your children to develop a shared contract or list of what is expected from them,” Sturmer suggests. It can describe what the task entails, when it should be done, and how long it’s likely to take. And, as children benefit from routine and structure, a system to reward their work is a good idea, too. 

Be careful not to expect too much from your kids, whether that’s asking a younger child to take too much on or making a teenager who’s struggling to juggle studying or a part-time job with household responsibilities. 

2. Be a role model. It’s good for children to see everyone in the household doing their fair share. If they see you taking an active role in household tasks, they’re going to be more inclined to muck in. 

3. Once boundaries have been set, keep an eye on what happens. “If the chores don’t get done, try to stay firm but calm,” says Sturmer. “It’s important that our children know that they need to adhere to the expectations that have been set.”

However, it’s important to avoid any conflict or arguments. Online Carpets found that over four in 10 parents and children (41%) in the UK argue about chores, but are you able to have a calm conversation instead? You don’t need to let your kids off the hook for avoiding their chores, but you might be able to find a solution that works for everybody.

4. Make it fun. Yep, chores can be fun – even if that sounds hard to believe! Put your phones away or turn them off, and all do your chores together. Why not chat while you work or put some music on, or agree to do something together as a family once the chores are completed? Make it feel like a normal part of family life, as opposed to a punishment. 

“As parents, it can be hard to strike the right balance,” explains Sturmer. “To set and maintain standards for behaviour, while allowing our children to be children, and to develop their creativity and autonomy. Household chores might seem unappealing, but they offer us a useful opportunity.  

“To set standards for our children, to show them that they are part of the family unit, to demonstrate that hard work and participation are an important part of life, and – if we choose to do so – to link them with some kind of acknowledgement or reward.”

So, why not have a go at making chores more fun, and involve the whole family? You could even have an informal family meeting and give your kids the chance to discuss the chores they enjoy the most. If you think ironing’s boring but one of your children finds it relaxing, for example, that’s one problem solved already!

In other family news, here’s one overlooked reason modern parents are 'burnt out' and stressed, and here’s why helping kids is 'stealing their self-esteem'. Meanwhile, parenting stress is declared 'hazardous' to your health by US top expert the Surgeon General, and here are some simple ways to help kids build creativity and emotional intelligence.

Mum-of-one Stephanie tested this Minion Ultimate Fart Blaster with her six-year-old son. Here, she shares her thoughts on whether you should add this to your child's toy collection.

Whether you're looking for a birthday pressie or one of the top Christmas toys for a child in your life, it can be difficult to know what's worth your money. Fortunately, that's where we step in. Here at GoodtoKnow, we test new and popular toys with the help of mini toy testers to help you spend your money wisely.

This time, we roped in mum Stephanie to test the Despicable Me 4 Ultimate Fart Blaster toy, with the help of her son, Ted. The fart blaster not only offers 15 different fart sounds that kids will absolutely adore, but it can also blast scented fog rings and can project a Minion image for kids to aim at. Each blaster comes with two different scents - stinky and banana.

Packaging and set up

The blaster is easily removed from its cardboard packaging, which will be a relief for parents who have an eager child standing right buy waiting to get their hands on it. You will need six AAA batteries, and these aren't included, so if you plan on buying this as a gift for a child outside of your immediate family, it's worth including a pack of batteries in with the wrapping.

In the box, you get the fart blaster toy, plus two bottles of scent liquid - one smells like banana, while the other is the ominous 'stinky' smell (although our tester found it wasn't as bad as she anticipated and smelled like burnt popcorn).

What's the play experience like?

Stephanie explained that her son enjoyed playing with the Fart Blaster, saying that Ted giggled his way through the experience as it spoke to the appeal of toilet humour and gross things with kids of this age.

"You pour the liquid into the hole on the side, press the black button and it starts the smoke coming out of the front, then press the grey button that sounds and makes the smoke blow into circles which made Ted giggle."

When it came to the scents the toy emitted, Stephanie was initially concerned. "It’s not as bad as I first thought. You pick from ‘stinky smell’ or banana scent. The stinky one is like burnt popcorn. It lingers for a few minutes but does disappear quite quickly. Fair warning though, you will have the machine thrust into your face so your child can make sure they ‘stink you,’ and the heat and smell that close to your nostrils are… well, a lot." So you might need to lay some ground rules beforehand. The blaster also emits a range of sound effects that Ted enjoyed, from fart noises, laughter and the iconic Minion chatter.

While Ted managed to operate the blaster without too much help, adult supervision is definitely required when it comes to pouring the scent liquid into the chamber. Stephanie explains: "The trickiest bit for the adult was pouring the liquid into the hole. If you spill it, it’s oil-like and makes the handle very slippy."

Speaking of the handle, Stephanie also found that "the pushing of the buttons on the handle seemed good for pincer grip too," but "they were quite clunky and hard for him to grip."

Does the Fart Blaster offer good value for money?

While Ted definitely enjoyed playing with the blaster, with an RRP of £30, Stephanie feels that it's expensive for what it is, largely because of the fact that the scent bottles are quite small and run out quickly: "The bottles that come with it to create the smoke and smell don’t have much in them, and I’m not sure what you could replace them with - it’s not like refilling bubbles with washing-up liquid."

Once the liquids have run out, we have spotted a seller on Etsy selling refills, but these are an ongoing cost, which again affects the toys value for money. Plus these unofficial refills are not available at major toy stores or on Amazon.

However, even if the liquid runs out, the sound effects and Minion connection offers a good opportunity for a child to use their creativity and engage in some imaginative play using the toy itself and sound effects alone.

For more toy reviews, check out our thoughts on the Really Real Puppy from Little Live Pets, the De'longhi coffee machine toy and this Pati School crafting set.