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.

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:

As Family editor at GoodtoKnow, I know that dealing with feeding a family for three meals a day can be overwhelming.

In today’s fast-paced world, family mealtime can sometimes feel like a hassle, with busy schedules making it hard to prepare healthy, home-cooked meals. This is where air fryers have become a game-changer. Air fryers are a versatile and healthier option to cook food quickly without sacrificing flavour.

They use rapid air technology to crisp food with little to no oil, making them perfect for families who want tasty, healthier meals without all the mess and time. And with larger capacity air fryers now on the market, even bigger families can benefit from quick and efficient cooking.

And air fryers can do so much more than cook a splendid batch of ‘crisp on the outside, soft on the inside’ potato wedges (which the Lakeland Digital Crisp has down to a tee) - they can reheat leftovers, cook from frozen, toast bagels, even bake cupcakes.

One such air fryer that I’ve been using is the COSORI Smart Air Fryer TwinFry, 10L Grandzone & Dual Zone, and after several weeks of testing, I feel well-equipped to share an honest review highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses.

Price & availability

At the time of writing the COSORI Smart Air Fryer TwinFry retails for approximately £289.99 and is available on various online platforms, including Amazon, Walmart, and the official COSORI website. Prices may vary based on sales or promotions, so it’s worth checking multiple sources for the best deal.

Good value for money? Well, I think so yes. The sleek design and look of the machine, despite being bigger than expected, at 51.7cm wide and 31.2 cm deep, ticked a lot of boxes for me visually. It was simple to set up and was really easy to navigate, particularly down to the touchscreen digital display and handy leaflet on cooking times. Everything I cooked came out wonderfully with no burnt fish finger in sight.

Design & features

Capacity: 10L (x2 5.L) | Dimensions: 33.3H x 31.2D x 51.7cmW | Wattage: 2800W | Colour: Black | Functions: Air Fry, roast, bake, reheat, grill | Style: Basket | Max temp: 240 degrees Celcius | Dishwasher safe parts: yes

The COSORI Smart Air Fryer TwinFry is pretty big, I can't, so counter space is a must. One of the first things you’ll notice about the COSORI TwinFry is its sleek, modern design. The appliance is available in a sophisticated black and silver finish that fits seamlessly into any kitchen décor. Here are some of its standout features:

• 10L Capacity: This generous capacity is ideal for large families or meal prepping, allowing you to cook multiple servings at once.
• Dual Zone Technology: The TwinFry features two independent cooking zones, enabling you to prepare different dishes simultaneously. Each zone can be set to different temperatures and cooking times, which is a game-changer for busy cooks.
• Dual Blaze Technology: This feature enhances heating efficiency and ensures even cooking, delivering perfectly crispy results every time.
• Smart Controls: The air fryer is equipped with a user-friendly touchscreen interface, making it easy to select cooking modes, set timers, and adjust temperatures.
• Recipe App Integration: COSORI’s app provides a plethora of recipes tailored for the TwinFry, allowing you to explore new culinary adventures right from your smartphone.

Cooking capabilities

• Chicken Wings: Crispy and juicy, just like fried but without the guilt.
• French Fries: Perfectly golden and crispy, a family favourite.
• Vegetables: Roast or air fry your favourite veggies for a delicious, healthy side.
• Fish: Achieve a flaky, moist interior with a crispy exterior.
• Baked Goods: From cookies to muffins, the TwinFry can handle various baking tasks.
• Reheating Leftovers: Revitalize last night's dinner without making it soggy.

Performance

Whilst cooking, both the time and temperature flash at the top of the machine on a digital display panel, alternating between the two. The time counts down in seconds so you can keep a close eye on cooking - especially if you want to stop halfway through cooking to check on or shake the food. But then you can also rely on the wi-fi smart angle to keep an eye on it - great for when my kid needed me in the living room.

Having tested the COSORI TwinFry extensively, I can confidently say that it delivers on its promises. The dual zone technology allows you to prepare meals in record time. For instance, I cooked chicken wings in one basket while air frying sweet potato fries in the other. Both came out perfectly cooked, with the wings being delightfully crispy and the fries just the right amount of tender.

The dual blaze technology plays a crucial role in ensuring even cooking, eliminating the common issue of hot spots found in some air fryers. Moreover, the preheat feature is a handy addition, allowing the appliance to reach the desired temperature before cooking begins, which further enhances cooking efficiency.

From potato wedges to chicken nuggets, from cupcakes to cookies, this machine has delivered the goodies. One of my favourite things about the Cosori air fryer is the auto-off function, which means that as soon as the timer is up, the machine beeps several times and then switches itself off. Not only does it make this appliance even more energy efficient, but it also means your food won’t continue cooking or dry out while you're dealing with the usual family dinner juggles. A simple, yet effective function.

How we tested

• Skin on potatoes, tossed in a tablespoon of oil, and cooked on the ‘Fresh Fries’ pre-set function.
• Cooked frozen chips, fish fingers, and mini pizzas using the air fryer guide book, which accompanies this machine
• Homemade chicken goujons and breaded fish cooked using the manual function where you can set the temperature and cooking time yourself
• A trio of cupcakes or chocolate chip cookies baked on the ‘Baked Goods’ pre-set function; great if you want to bake only a few cupcakes or cookies at a time, not so good for bulk baking
• Roasting vegetables such as peppers, garlic, onion, carrot, broccoli and more
• Reheating leftovers like nuggets, pizza, and bubble and squeak from roast dinner scraps - using the manual setting to adjust the temperature and time accordingly

Things you wouldn’t find on the box

Before purchasing the COSORI Smart Air Fryer TwinFry, here are some practical insights that might not be evident on the box:

Cleaning: The removable baskets and trays are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze. However, the larger size may require some rearranging in the dishwasher.

Power Consumption: It operates at 1800W, which may impact energy costs if used frequently.

Caution with Cooking Times: Some users have noted that the recommended cooking times in the recipe app can sometimes be a bit off, so it’s best to monitor your food closely during the first few uses.

Who is it best for?

The range of pre-set functions on this model makes it a great choice for family cooking - particularly for smaller families, or those with younger kids who don’t eat someone out of the house and home.

• Large Families: Its 10L capacity makes it perfect for feeding multiple people.
• Busy Individuals: The dual-zone feature allows you to prepare two different dishes simultaneously, saving time in meal preparation.
• Health-Conscious Cooks: If you enjoy fried foods but want a healthier option, this air fryer is a fantastic choice.
• Culinary Explorers: With the app providing endless recipes, it’s perfect for those looking to try new dishes and techniques.

In summary, the COSORI Smart Air Fryer TwinFry is a robust and versatile appliance that can significantly enhance your cooking experience. Its dual zones, large capacity, and advanced technology make it a worthy investment for families looking to prepare healthier meals without sacrificing flavor. While it may require some initial learning, the benefits it offers far outweigh any drawbacks. Whether you're frying, baking, or reheating, the TwinFry is ready to make your cooking more efficient and enjoyable.

Looking for more? Discover the best air fryer cookbooks as well as the best air fryer recipes.

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

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!"

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.

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.

GoodtoKnow's Deputy Editor and mum of three Heid Scrimgeour tested the Smart Ball Kick Tracker with the help of her 10-year-old daughter Alba. Here she shares her experience and verdict on whether this toy is worth buying.

Touted as one of the best toys of 2024 by industry experts, the Smart Ball Kick Tracker is designed to help budding footie fans practice their keepie-uppie skills and track their progress.

Here Heidi and Alba give you all you need to know about this new toy, and highlight why it made it on to our list of the top Christmas toys.

What is the Smart Ball Kick Tracker?

"The Smart Ball Kick Tracker is a mini football with a built-in counter that tracks the number of keepie uppies you can do. It provides instant feedback which motivates kids to keep improving and try to beat their previous score," explains Heidi. "One of the best things about it is its simplicity. The counter is clearly displayed, and the ball itself is lightweight, durable, and easy to handle."

When it comes to age suitability, this toy is aimed at kids from the age of six, and Heidi thinks there is a sweet spot: "It's an entertaining and motivating item for younger players. It’s perfect for kids who are just getting into football and want a fun way to practice their skills."

When it comes to setting up the tracker, it's definitely child-friendly: "Set up is super easy and minimal set up and, yes, a kid could do it by themselves although it's more fun with an adult acting impressed at their keepie uppies."

What's the Kick Tracker like to play with?

"It's super appealing because kids can clearly see the item and the track counter, it's not all hidden away in packaging, plus most football-loving kids have seen YouTubers play with this so it has got kudos," says Heidi. "The play experience is really fun, you just clip it to your clothing and start your keepie uppies while the counter ticks away. It's really motivational, the determination to beat your previous score is high!"

However, older children who are more skilled ball players may find the kick tracker has some limitations. Heidi adds: "It's not perfectly accurate in counting each touch, which gets frustrating, and means the novelty wears off quite quickly, especially for older children or more experienced players who aren't challenged enough. Also, it’s worth noting that the ball is slightly smaller than a standard football, which might not appeal to everyone - confident players would prefer to just practice with a real ball and count for themselves."

Does it offer good value for money?

In Heidi's opinion, the Smart Ball Kick Tracker definitely offers good value for money: "It's tricky to find a football gift or toy for less then £20, so this is the perfect birthday or Christmas pressie for a footie-loving kid." As well as the affordable price tag, this kick tracker is great for encouraging an active lifestyle for kids from a young age, a habit that they can take with them into adulthood. Ten-year-old Alba also added that the smaller sized football is actually really helpful for developing better ball control.

If you are looking for a gift for an older, more confident player, this might be a little too simplistic and the novelty might wear off quite soon, especially that the tracker isn't may miscount. Heidi says: "It’s a little bit disappointing because it's not perfectly accurate and will still count it as a keepie uppie if it just hits off your leg or the furniture.

We expected it to be great fun but a bit short lived because our tester is 10 and a confident player, so we think it's definitely better suited to a younger kid or less experienced player." Resetting the counter also seemed to take a while. It should take 10 seconds, but according to Heidi and Alba's testing, they found it took longer.

However, for younger kids building their skills from scratch, this is a really fun way for them to build their skills, track their success, and improve on previous scores.

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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.

I tested out StoryPhones, the storytelling headphones for kids, with the help of a four-year-old. Here's what they were like to use, how they work and ultimately whether they are worth your money.

Screen-free audio players for kids are having a moment right now - from the Toniebox to the Yoto audio player - and for good reason. These devices are designed to be used by kids from the age of three, promoting independent learning and play, and so have super simple controls that are perfect for little hands.

But with more than one option to choose from - how do you know which is right for your child? Fortunately, I've tested them all with the help of my four-year-old nephew Max - here's how we got on when testing the newest option on the market - StoryPhones.

What are Storyphones?

Suitable for kids aged three and over, Storyphones are essentially an all-on-one storytelling headphone audio player.

They offer a screen-free (and hands-free) way for kids to enjoy stories, allowing them to learn and play independently. The headphones offer a great audio player solution for when you're on the go. Audio is played via 'shields' which are thin discs that are slotted into the headphones.

There are different kinds of shields that you can use with the StoryPhones:

• StoryShields - children's stories from the likes of Disney and Pixar
• PlayShields - these offer the option to record your own stories or songs. Your headphones should come with a PlayShield in the box, and you can record your own audio using the Storyphones app.
• ZenShields - these are also included with your headphones, and offers soothing sounds, like rainfall, waves and classical piano, to help kids calm down and unwind, and even fall asleep.

The headphones are available in different colours - grey or white, or you can choose a Disney-themed pair, in either blue or pink. I tested a grey pair. There are three listening modes too - Story, Bluetooth and Wired.

Packaging and set up

The StoryPhones come in attractive and compact packaging, so they'd make a lovely gift for a child. Not only does the packaging include all of the instructions to need to set up the headphones, there is also a picture to colour in, which I thought was a really nice touch, especially considering these headphones are aimed at kids.

It doesn't take long to set up the StoryPhones, but you will need to download the StoryPhones app on to your smartphone, and register in order to complete the set up. This was relatively simple, although it took a couple of attempts for me to set the language and link the StoryPhones - not that it was difficult, just that the first attempt failed. The process was complete in about five minutes.

What you get in the box

• StoryPhones
• PlayShield, with customisable stickers
• ZenShield (already attached to the StoryPhones)
• Travel bag
• Audio cable
• USB-C charger

What you get in the pack ultimately depends on the package you buy. If you buy one of the Disney-themed sets, instead of a PlayShield and ZenShield, you will get two Disney StoryShields instead.

What are StoryPhones like to use?

When you first add a StoryShield to the headphones, you need to be connected to WiFi and you have to wait a minute or so (depending on your WiFi connection) for the content to download, before you can listen to the story. However, you should only need to do this once. Once the story has been downloaded, you should be able to listen to the StoryShield anywhere at any time, without being connected to WiFi.

Attaching and switching a shield: I found it really easy to attach a shield - they are magnetic - but I definitely had to show Max how to make sure the shield was attached properly - it needs to sit flush over the grooves on the outside of the headphones. The grooves and ridges are there so that when the shield is twisted, you can move through chapters of the story.

Controls: The shield fits on the outside of one ear cover, while on the other, you'll find simple volume and skipping controls. These are really easy to use, although when Max was having a listen, he was so engrossed in the story that he didn't use the controls at all. But older children may be more inclined, especially as they grow in independence and start to want control their own listening experience.

Volume: When it comes to volume, I think the default setting does have too high a maximum volume that could be damaging for younger ears. However, parents can choose from three volume limits (depending on the age of their child) in the app, so make sure you do this before giving the StoryPhones to a child for the first time.

Auto switch off and battery life: After 15 minutes of being idle, the StoryPhones will switch off, (you can just pop a shield on to start playback again) and with one full charge, you can get up to 20 hours of playtime. This is close to the battery life of the Yoto, and significantly higher than the battery life of the Toniebox, which is about seven hours.

Comfort: When it comes to comfort, the StoryPhones have very soft cushioning, which means they won't hurt your little one's ears. or their head, and they are adjustable - at their biggest, even I could wear them comfortably.

StoryPhones listening modes

A real plus of the StoryPhones is that they can act as regular headphones too. There are three different listening modes with StoryPhones:

• StoryMode - This is when you attach a shield and listen to the stories or sounds determined by your choice of shield
• BluetoothMode - Connect your StoryPhones to your smartphone via bluetooth, and your little one can listen to music or audio books that may be on your phone.
• WiredMode - Your StoryPhones come with a 3.5mm jack audio cable, which means that you can physically connect the headphones to another device and listen via a wired connection.

How do Storyphones compare to Yoto and Tonies?

Storyphones offer quite a different listening experience compared to a Toniebox or Yoto player. While the other players have the option to listen with headphones or on a speaker, StoryPhones are 100 per cent headphones, which means they can be particularly suitable for children who may share rooms (while wanting to listen to different things), or for kids who want to sit with friends or family while they listen to their own stories, instead of boring grown up conversations or TV programmes.

StoryPhones can also be particularly useful when travelling, especially if you are trying to keep a child calm and entertained at the same time. If you already have a Yoto Mini, then you've probably already sussed a travel-friendly audio player option, but if you have a Toniebox or a larger Yoto playet, you may find them too bulky to take on holiday.

The shields themselves are circular (they almost feel like a badge, but without the pin). These are smaller that Tonies or Yoto cards, but while that might be good from a storage point of view, it does make them easier to lose, especially if you have a growing collection. There is no official storage option available as yet, like the Yoto card wallet, but if you only have a few shields, they will easily fit in the carry back along with the StoryPhones for the time being.

Are StoryPhones worth the money?

StoryPhones have a price tag of £80-90, depending on which StoryPhones you buy and where you buy them from, and shields cost about £13 if you buy them individually. Shield bundles are available, with four shields for about £38, which works out at about £9.50 per shield. Price-wise, this is pretty much on par with Yoto and Tonies.

But what really adds to the value of these headphones is that they can also be used as regular headphones, which means they can grow with your child, even as their tastes change. The headphones are neutral enough that they won't feel too childish as your kid grows, and they are adjustable so will always offer a comfortable fit.

Should you buy StoryPhones if you already have a Yoto or Toniebox?

Whether you should buy StoryPhones if you already have another audio player in your collection will depend on a few factors.

If you want something suitable for travel, then StoryPhones are a great option as they are more compact that the Toniebox or larger Yoto player. However, if you already have a Yoto Mini, they you might find you already have your travel needs covered.

If you want your child to enjoy their audio player through headphones, then you can buy player specific headphones. Yoto headphones are wireless and cost about £35, while Tonies headphones are wired and cost about £25. But if you want headphones that can also act as an audio player in their own right, then StoryPhones will also work with the Toniebox and Yoto player, via a wired connection.

For more toy news, Yoto has launched new Harry Potter cards in response to huge demand, and we round up this year's top Christmas toys based on our hands-on testing.

I tried the brand new Connetix Magnetic Tiles Roads Creative Pack with my four year old nephew. Here's our verdict on what they are like to play with, and if they are worth the £135 price tag.

Magnetic tiles are hugely popular with kids, so it'll come as no surprise that toys like this make it on to our list of the top Christmas toys for this year. My nephew Max, age four, is a big fan of construction toys, and has has a set of magnetic tiles since his third birthday. As well as building vertical structures, he's also used his existing set to make tracks and trails for his array of car and tractor toys. But while these tracks were colourful, they were lacking any real complexity.

Enter the new Roads Creative Pack from Connetix, a collection of 48 black tiles that enable kids aged three and over to build more exciting tracks, including ramps, roundabouts, tunnels and more.

What is it?

The Roads Creative pack is one of two sets in Connetix's new Road range, offering road-based construction play for kids. The first set contains 48 pieces and will give you everything you need to create a fun road set up. The second set extends the scope of play - the Roads, Ramps & Intersections Pack features 16 pieces, including sturdy ramps of different lengths, extra intersection pieces, and more turns.

The tiles don't have any road marking on them, so there's no restriction on play and your little one's imagination can literally run wild when it comes to their creations. At the same time, the tiles will help their developmental skills, like hand-eye coordination and problem-solving, while also broadening their knowledge of STEAM learning concepts, like magnetism, gravity, motion, shape and light refractions.

While the tiles are perfect for independent and collaborative play from the age of three, this toy will grow with your child as the learn how to create more complex structures and layouts. This means repetitive play is easy, and there'll be something new to create every time.

Packaging and set up

The tiles come neatly packaged in a sturdy cardboard box, along with a little booklet of road inspiration, that shows you lots of different ways to configure the tiles. The 48 tiles are organised by their shape in the box, which means you can clearly see the different shapes (all the tiles are black so this is really useful). They are ready to play with straight away.

The magnets are quite strong with these tiles, so younger kids might need a bit of help separating them from each other, especially on the larger tiles. But apart from one instance, Max managed to separate the tiles himself.

What do you get in the box?

• 4 x ramps
• 4 x turns (curved tiles)
• 4 x T-intersections
• 4 x R-intersections
• 20 x squares
• 2 x rectangles (the size of two squares)
• 2 x rectangles (the size of three squares)
• 4 x quarter circles
• 4 x small rectangles (the size of half a square)

What's it like to play with?

The tiles are really fun to play with, and there are endless possibilities when it comes to configurations you can make. The magnets are strong enough that any construction can hold its shape well, but as with any toys of this nature, the structures are not indestructible.

Familiar with the tiles and how they work, Max was straight in there making tracks, but was really excited when he saw he could make ramps for his cars. It took him a couple of goes to understand that he needed some kind of support under the ramp to make it sturdier as he drove his toy bus over it.

While we worked on the first layout together, Max was keen to take over and come up with his own. I really enjoyed seeing his imagination really lighting up, and once he'd built a road, he wanted to incorporate other toys, like the trees from his farmyard set, into the mix to make it more real.

Beyond building a road, he also used the tiles to create a tower and for a version of the floor is lava using his stuffed toy. It's great that he didn't feel limited in what the shapes could be used for. Max was also super excited to show his dad the tiles, as they quite often play together building really fun structures with his other magnetic tiles.

Is it good value for money?

While some magnetic tiles are cheaper than others, Connetix are often at the more expensive end of the scale. The Roads Creative set has a RRP of £135 so they aren't cheap. That price works out at £2.81 per tile, whereas other sets of magnetic tiles, like these from Amazon, could be closer to 0.61p per tile.

However, Connetix tiles are known for their signature strong magnets and are more durable than some other cheaper tiles on the market that may not be able to stand up to enthusiastic hands.

If your budget will stretch, then the Connetix tiles are a lovely high-quality option, and a great companion set for other Connetix tile sets you may have (or have on your wishlist). But if the price tag is just too high, we've listed some fun alternatives below.

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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.

Mum Punteha tested the new Freezy Cakez Fridge playset from Cookeez Makery with her eight year old daughter Amelia - here's how they got on and whether they think this toy is worth the money.

You might already be familiar with the Cookeez Makery Baked Treats Oven that's taken the toy market by storm, and now there is a new addition to the brand's mix and make toys - the Freezy Cakez set.

Suitable for children age five and over and with a price tag of £40, we predict this being hugely popular, and have even touted it as one of the top Christmas toys of the year. Read on to find out why it's worth your money.

What is the Freezy Cakez Fridge?

The Freezy Cakes playset is a mix and make toy that is great for promoting curiosity and wonder, and teaching kids about patience and delayed gratification. The idea is you mix up and make a cake mix complete with ice cream decoration and a plastic wafer, mold it, then pop it in the magic fridge for 20 seconds.

When the timer pings, your cake has magically transformed into a interactive and scented plushie. When you first take it out of the freezer, your plush pet will be shivering so you'll need to cuddle it to warm it up.

There are different pets to collect, Strawberry Unicake, Minty Polar Bear and Tiger Berry Ripple and it's a surprise as to which one you will create.

Packaging and set up

The playset comes in a partially open cardboard box that showcases the mint green fridge. The box is recyclable. When you open the fridge, you'll find all of the ingredients you need inside, including the instructions. There are also some plastic transit screws that an adult will need to remove before you can play with it.

What you get in the box

• Fridge
• Interactive plush (this is hidden to start with)
• Toy cake mix
• Toy ice cream
• Plastic wafer decoration
• Dough mold
• Scoop
• Measuring jug
• (You will also need some water and a mixing bowl, and towel or wet cloth might be handy to wipe off any messy hands)

Once you have removed the transit screws and got your ingredients ready, you are ready to go. However, our tester Punteha did flag that she found the instructions a little unclear: "It was a little confusing as the instructions say to turn it on but there is no visible button on the fridge and the image in the instructions is just a close up of the on/off button." The on-off button (and the battery compartment) are actually located on the plush toy and not the fridge, and you won't need to turn anything on before the initial reveal (but more on when you might need to, when we cover repeat play later in the review).

What's the Freezy Cakez Fridge like to play with?

"It is very cute and looks almost like a retro Smeg fridge. It's very nice to look at and Amelia was straight to the door to see if it opened, which it did. She immediately talked about what she was going to do with the fridge when the set up was done so she was definitely engaged and excited about that.

"My daughter needed a little supervision with the dough-making parts of the setup so it’s worth keeping in mind to do this when you have time to supervise. It was messy too as the toy cake mix is powdery and light and can go flying off. We also ended up adding more water than instructed to the dough as it didn't feel like it was coming together as it should."

When it comes to the magical reveal, once the molded dough is placed in the fridge and the door is closed, you turn the temperature dial on the fridge, which triggers a hidden platform to drop down, revealing the plush toy. The original platform, where you place the dough, also drops down so it doesn't get squished and make an doughy mess.

After the initial reveal, the playset effectively becomes two toys in their own right - an interactive pet and a fun fridge. Punteha adds: "Amelia has really enjoyed both the interactive plushie, taking it to bed with her and cuddling it because it purrs and chitters when cuddled, as well the fridge itself which has become the daily focus of different imaginative games she’s been inspired to play, such as Amelia’s kitchen and Amelia’s takeaway and cafe.

"Amelia has always loved kitchen, baking and role-play inspiring games, playing with them since she was two and always returning to them for many months at a time and this little fridge has lots of potential for continued play. We've had kids' microwaves and ovens before but none had the interactive 'ding' battery-led functions so that's been a lovely novelty for Amelia and makes it seem more 'real' and therefore enjoyable for her."

How easy is repeat play?

While mixing the dough using the ingredients from the playset is a one-time thing, you can repeat the reveal time and again. You get a little resealable plastic bag in the set which can help you to keep the dough from drying out (worst case scenario, or if you want to repeat the full experience, you could make your own play dough).

To repeat the magic reveal, you'll need to open the Velcro flap on the underside of the plush toy and set the switch back to fridge mode. Then you place the plushie back in the fridge, facing the side, and lift the platform up and push it until you hear the click that secures it in place. That action will reveal your dough on the lower platform, which you can take out and remold to start again.

Is the Freezy Cakez Fridge good value for money?

With an RRP of £40, the Freezy Cakez playset, isn't a budget buy, but as Punteha explains, it's well worth the money: "Overall, I think the Cookeez Makery fridge is worth the spend as it’s two toys and a nice activity rolled into one. It’s not been a novelty toy that gets put aside within a couple of days and looks to have quite a bit of longevity.

"As her mum, I really love hearing that little tiger plushie being activated by Amelia when she's playing by herself. It's been especially soothing at bed time after she's on her own and before she falls asleep. She plays calmly with the plushie and really enjoys the responsiveness of it. If it's not being held, it shivers and when you press it close to you, it purrs and stops shivering. It's a really lovely toy.

However it might not be the toy for everybody: "If your child has some sensory sensitivities in play, the powder and water mix might not be quite right for them as it’s either quite crumbly and messy, or a bit sticky," says Punteha.

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Calling all Yoto users - your prayers have been answered, as the Harry Potter series has been added to the card offering.

We're sure we don't need to explain the enduring appeal of Harry Potter - the books were bestsellers, the films blockbusters, and there's also a new TV series in the works. Harry and friends have also been keeping kids learning over the school holidays.

And now, all 124 hours of the beloved magical saga, narrated by the legendary Stephen Fry are now available for the Yoto player. Released on 29 August 2024, the Harry Potter series is available to buy on the Yoto website, with individual cards starting at £17.99, and bundles starting at £47.99.

Suitable for kids aged seven and above, the cards were released in response to huge demand from parents and kids. Ben Drury, Co-Founder and CEO of Yoto, says: "Ever since Yoto’s launch in 2020, we’ve received a constant stream of emails, DMs, letters and comments, crying out for the Harry Potter series on Yoto. Our vision for Yoto has always been to be the best children’s audio platform in the world, so having Harry’s iconic adventures in our catalogue is a huge moment for us. We know that incredible audio has the ability to unlock children’s imaginations, much like the Harry Potter series has done for nearly three decades.”

Individual cards

• Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, £17.99, run time 8hrs 26mins 
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, £17.99, run time 9hrs 43mins 
• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, £17.99, run time 12hrs 3mins 
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, £32.99, run time 20hrs 55mins 
• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, £32.99, run time 29hrs 2mins 
• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, £32.99, run time 20hrs 31mins 
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, £32.99, run time 24hrs 

Bundles

• Harry Potter: The Complete Collection, £164.99, run time 124hrs 40mins (7 cards)
• Harry Potter: Books 1-3, £47.99, run time 30hrs 12mins (3 cards)
• Harry Potter: Books 4-7, £119.99, run time 94hrs 28mins (4 cards)
  
  

To make the launch feel even more special, the Harry Potter cards are the first Yoto cards to feature foil and texture effects in their design - I was sent a sneaky peek of the first three cards and they are stunning - the images of the cards on the website look pretty cool, but after seeing them in person, those pictures don't do these cards justice. The illustrations are incredible detailed, instantly recognisable and the foiled lettering makes them feel really special. I showed my Potter-mad Goddaughters, Ella (nine) and Mara (six), and they thought they were amazing and 'our favourite cards out of all our cards'.

Jessica Tarrant, Content Director at Yoto, adds: “As our biggest and most-requested launch to date, we’ve worked magic touches into every part of this much-anticipated release, including creating over 200 custom chapter pixel images and introducing our first-ever embossed and foiled cards, adding a tactile element that will make the experience even more special for Harry Potter fans. These beautifully crafted cards are not only a gateway to spellbinding adventures but are also cherished collectibles that children will treasure.”

The cards are designed to work seamlessly with the Yoto Player 3rd Generation and Yoto Mini (2024 Edition), as well as through the free Yoto app.

For more on popular audio players, we also reviewed the Toniebox, and did a thorough comparison of the Yoto and Tonie audio players to help you choose the right one for your family.

I tested the Little Live Pets Really Real Puppy - here's how I got on, and why it was a big hit with my four year old nephew.

The Really Real Puppy is an interactive pet for kids that moves and makes noises when it's petted or fed. There are two breeds available: Patches the Beagle (which I tested) and Luna the Samoyed. While there might only be a couple of options, each one has a different combination of eye colours, collar colours and birthmarks. The Really Real Puppy is suitable for children from the age of four upwards and are priced at £59.99.

Whether you are looking for a birthday present, or a great toy for Christmas, this is definitely a worthwhile option to consider.

Packaging and set up

The Really Real Puppy toy is securely packaged in a cardboard half sleeve, which is great from a recycling point of view. There were only six pieces of plastic - including two plastic ties on the carrier, and four small plastic tags securing the plush toy's paws to the cardboard. All other ties were paper.

You'll need scissors to cut through the ties, and some are easier to get the scissors through than others.

Once the packaging is removed, you'll need to open the Velcro slot on the puppy's stomach, which is where the battery compartment is located and flip the switch from 0 to I.

What's included in the packaging?

• Puppy with batteries included
• A carrier, with handle, that converts into a bed when the upper part is removed
• Bottle
• Adoption certificate
• Instruction manual.

What's the Really Real Puppy like to play with?

As soon as you flip the switch into the on position, the puppy starts to make realistic noises and opens and closes it's eyes. The toy has two sensors (one in the head and one in the back) and two buttons (one in the nose and one on the mouth) that prompt any number of the 60+ realistic sound effects. For example, when you use the bottle to press the mouth button, the puppy will close its eyes and you'll hear suction sounds, and when you stroke its back, you'll hear cute little whimpers and barks. Lie the puppy on its side, and after a few seconds, it'll close its eyes and make little snoring sounds.

I especially loved how the puppy has slightly weighted paws and head - it makes it feel much more substantial that a standard stuffed animal. This weight further adds to the realistic features, which kids will love.

The puppy is really soft to stroke, and I really liked that, while it's predominantly fluffy, there are a couple of other textures for little hands to explore - including velvety ears, and plastic pads on the paws.

When I first showed it to my four year old nephew, Max, he wasn't immediately enamoured, but once I turned it on and he heard the realistic sound effects he was really engaged. He was instantly curious about what actions of his would trigger which noises and he loved passing it around the rest of the family to encourage them to cuddle it. When the puppy closed its eyes, he also instructed us to all talk quietly so we wouldn't wake it up and he gently put it in its bed. For a little boy who loves dinosaurs and sharks, it was lovely to see his nurturing side come to the fore.

While I found it a little distracting that you can hear the mechanics of the eyes opening and closing, this didn't phase Max in the slightest. The only other thing that would make this toy even better, would be the inclusion of a few more accessories to play with, like a food bowl or brush, to extend the play options.

Is the Really Real Puppy worth the money?

With a price tag of £60, this is definitely not a budget buy, however I think the price tag is justified for the interactivity possibilities on offer here. While it's suitable for kids age four and older, I think this is a toy that will hold appeal for older ages too - in fact, my nine year old goddaughter spotted it in my 'to be reviewed' pile on a visit to my house, and she was besotted too.

Every part of this toy set feels like good quality too - there's also nothing flimsy about the carrier, especially the connections where the lid attaches to the bed base. Although a couple of additional accessories would be a brilliant bonus.

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Working out what to buy for university? As a shopping editor and mum of three, with my firstborn having just embarked on their university journey last September, I've learned a thing or two about what really matters on a university packing list. I’m here to help you get your university essentials checklist sorted without unnecessary stress or overspending.

Sending your teen off to university is one of life’s most exciting milestones—for both them and you. But it can also feel like a whirlwind. One moment, you're nervously awaiting A-level results, maybe celebrating with some results day freebies, and the next, you’re faced with the daunting task of packing for their move into student accommodation.

So, what do you need for university? Trust me, a lot of the items on those typical university shopping lists are a huge waste of money. I learned this the hard way, after spending hundreds of pounds on my son’s first-year essentials, only to find that 50% of it either went unused or was brought back home throughout the year and dumped in my garage.

The ultimate Uni essentials checklist for September 2024

• Tried-and-tested experience: Note that everything on this list has been personally bought or used by me, so you can trust that when I recommend an item, it's based on firsthand experience.

After my experience learning the hard way, countless hours of research, and endless chats with fellow mums of first-year students, I’ve discovered the best-kept secret about university packing: less is more.

To help you streamline your list, here are the essentials you should definitely pack—and a few items you can confidently skip to avoid wasting money.

Bedroom essentials

Let's start with the most obvious things. Your teen will need a duvet and pillows, a set of bedlinen and a favourite cushion or cuddly toy from home to make the place feel familiar. I think the Teddy Bear High Back Cuddle Cushion from Dunelm is an absolutely brilliant gift for a student heading away from home for the first time - perfect for snuggly moments when they're missing home but also ideal for study sessions from every student's favourite place - their bed. Command strips and over-the-door hooks are also handy for hanging pictures and belongings without taking up precious storage space.

Top tip: check the dimensions of the bed in your teen's student accommodation before you pack any bedding. My son's bed in his first-year student accommodation was what's called a 'small double' but a double duvet and set of linen worked just fine with a bit of clever tucking in - which saved us buying a whole batch of new bedding in a random size that we'll probably never use after this year.

And some things you don't need for the bedroom

A mattress protector is listed on almost every 'essential things for Uni' list I've ever read but these are almost always supplied new for each student by the accommodation provider. Instead, consider a mattress topper for extra comfort. Don't bother with door stoppers unless you're sure they're allowed. They're usually not permitted in student accommodation for fire safety reasons and some halls even fine students caught using them.

Bathroom essentials

Don't forget their toothbrush - an electrical one is a good idea and you can always post them new brush heads every few months - or their bath-robe and bath mat. Stock up on your teen's favourite toiletries but don't go mad - they won't have space for six months' supply of shower gel. Sliders are a must, especially if they're sharing a kitchen or bathroom - I used to shower with my flip flops on back when I was a student. *Shudder*

And some things you don't need for the bathroom

Don't send them with millions of loo rolls. Believe it or not, part of the fun of being a student is shopping for those essentials with your fellow students. They might feel silly if you overload them with more than enough to get through the first week or two, plus storage space is limited and they won't want to waste it on toilet paper. It pains me to say this but a toilet brush and loo cleaner probably won't be used as much as you'd like to imagine either - send them anyway and live in hope.

Study must-haves

And some study gear you don't need

Resist the temptation to send them off with a new pencil case stuffed full of brand new everything - they're adults now, and they'll want to make their own mark on their study space. A laptop or tablet is probably the most important study essential they'll need - so shop carefully for that together and do check if their uni has provided a list of course essentials that they need too.

Kitchen necessities

Don't forget plates, bowls, cutlery, mugs and glasses - it's a good idea to send them with enough for two people as they probably won't have space for much more than that. They'll also need knives, chopping boards, kitchen utensils (including a tin opener, pizza slice and bottle opener) plus tea towels, oven gloves, and items for washing up. I love this Joseph Joseph Refillable Washing Up Brush for minimising the chances of housemates nicking your stash of washing-up liquid! Finally, factor in a coffee maker (if your teen partakes) and baking and dining essentials like mixing bowls and weighing scales, plus table mats and serving dishes for when your student hosts their housemates. Oh, and a cocktail shaker is probably an essential too.

And some kitchen essentials you don't need

I think an air fryer is a must-have for any student and we're big fans of the Ultenic K20 Dual Basket Air Fryer but I've heard so many parents say their teens ended up sharing kitchens with housemates who all brought air fryers too. Remember that most retailers offer next-day delivery so if your teen turns up to uni without something they later need, you can have it in their hands within 24 hours. But trying to cook in a kitchen crammed with 7 air fryers is no fun.

Looking for more student-themed content to ponder? Check out Is a university degree worth the money or So your teen wants to take a gap year or go travelling... now what?

LEGO has shared four new sets inspired by Fortnite, and they’re available for pre-order now.

If you're already looking for the top Christmas toys to get some ideas ahead of the big day, it’s no surprise that LEGO makes the cut – it’s great for kids’ development and it has been a firm favourite for generations of children ever since it was invented almost a century ago, in 1932.

And now, LEGO has announced four new sets, all inspired by the popular video game Fortnite, which are sure to excite LEGO and Fortnite fans alike - exclusively available to preorder from the official Lego store. 

The four new sets in the collection are the LEGO Fortnite Durrr Burger, LEGO Fortnite Supply Llama, LEGO Fortnite Peely Bone, and the LEGO Fortnite Battle Bus.

The Durrr Burger is a recreation of the restaurant mascot found in LEGO Fortnite, released in December 2023 and accessed through the Fortnite game application. It’s suitable for those aged nine and above, with 193 pieces altogether. It’s priced at £12.99.

The Supply Llama is a 691-piece set suitable for those aged 12 and older, and lets fans create the character with accessories including a Grappler, Slurp Juice, Rough Ruby and Slap Juice, coming in at £34.99. Meanwhile, Peely Bone has 1,414 pieces and is best suited to adult LEGO fans – it features moveable arms and accessories including Peely Pick Pickaxe, Paint Launcher, and Banana Bag Back Bling. It’ll cost £89.99.

Then there’s the Battle Bus, which is set to appear in LEGO Fortnite in the coming weeks and arrives as a LEGO set too. It’s suitable for those aged 10 and above, and comes with nine LEGO Minifigures too. Like the Peely Bone, it will cost £89.99.

You can pre-order all four now, while they’ll be available for purchase from 1 October, exclusively from LEGO stores and on the LEGO website.

For more great new toys, these are the best kids toys 2024 according to industry experts, and the best toys for eight-year-olds. Meanwhile, they’re all the rage at the moment, so here are nine Tonies starter bundles to kickstart your collection.

I tested the Casdon De'longhi Barista Coffee Machine toy with my four-year-old nephew - here's how we got on.

If you're not familiar with Casdon, they are renowned for creating toy versions of products from household names including Dyson, Joseph Joseph, and Morphy Richards. From cleaning toys to pizza ovens, Casdon's offering is perfect for encouraging pretend play with kids. Casdon's De'longhi Barista Coffee Machine is a toy version of the De'longhi la Specialista Coffee Machine that you may have at home, and is designed for kids from three years who love to role play what they have seen their parents or other adults doing, whether at home or out and about.

To test it, I roped in my four-year-old nephew Max (and got major cool auntie points at the same time) - who also helped me review another Casdon product - the mini Dyson - with great success.

Setting up the Casdon De'longhi Barista Coffee Machine

Setting up the coffee machine is quick and easy, although you will need a little screwdriver to hand to open the battery cover, and two AAA batteries, if you want the sound effects to work. There's no assembly required and it comes easily out of the cardboard packaging. I also love how the packaging is plastic free so it can all go in the recycling bin.

All of the accessories are stored neatly and securely on the back of the coffee machine which is really handy - although Max did need my help to get a couple of them out of their slots. And when you put them back in, you need to give them a little push until you hear a click to ensure they are securely stored.

In the box, you get:

• The coffee machine unit
• A portafilter
• 2 x plastic cups
• An americano coffee pod
• A cappuccino pod, which comes in two parts - one coffee, one milk
• A milk jug.

Design

As with all Casdon toys, the design is impeccable - they look just like the real things and the coffee machine is no exception. As I was testing it with Max, I realised that he might not have ever seen a coffee machine before, and I thought he might be a bit non-plussed. But he was really excited to play with it as soon as I showed it to him.

The various parts slot together to make the drinks and there are little dials to click, a lever to pull on the main coffee machine unit and a lid to lift and drop the pods in to. While Max loved exploring what all the different parts and accessories did, I especially appreciated the slots on the back of the coffee machine that allow you to securely store all the accessories when playtime is over. This is really handy, especially if you have a little one who tends to misplace crucial parts of toys (and expects you to find them when they want to play).

However, it was a bit tricky to get the portafilter out (who knew the little scoop-esque contraption was called a portafilter!), even for me, and I made the mistake of putting one of the cups away with the coffee and milk pod in it, which made that a bit difficult to get out again afterwards - but now I make sure to put the milk pod in the milk jug when packing away, which helped.

What's it like to play with?

Max adored playing with the coffee machine, and fetching drinks for me. It was adorable to see him role play taking my order, and telling me to be careful as it might be hot. Although he did try to charge me £100 for a cappuccino, so I'm not sure what kind of coffee shops he's frequented recently.

The toy comes with clear instructions that tell you the process to follow, from dropping the pod in the coffee bean pot on the top, using the portafilter and pulling the lever to collect the pod, then moving it to the next slot on the machine to drop the coffee into the plastic cup. You can also use the milk frother by turning the dial on the side. Max wasn't necessarily interested in following the exact process, preferring to figure it out by himself. He really enjoyed dropping the pods into top and the plastic cups, and 'pouring' the pod from the milk jug.

While Max and I played with this toy together, it can easily be played with independently or with other children. Playing independently can help kids work on their problem-solving skills while engaging in pretend play, while their social skills, sharing and turn-taking get a look in when playing with their peers.

You can totally play with this toy without adding batteries, and get a very similar play experience. But adding the batteries means kiddies can enjoy realistic sound effects as they play. In terms of volume, I found that I could hear and recognise the sounds, but they weren't too loud or grating, which will be good news for parents (and kids) who might be sensitive to noise.

I think also some of the movements required to follow the instructions, like slotting the portafilter into the grooves, or packing the accessories away, were a bit beyond where Max's fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination are at, but it's great practice for him to hone those skills.

Value for money

With an RRP of £25, I think the De'longhi Barista Coffee Machine offers good value for money - it's a well designed and relatively compact toy, and while it's suitable for kids from the age of three, it holds appeal for older children too. There's nothing flimsy about this toy either, so it's definitely robust enough to cope with enthusiastic little hands putting it through it's paces.

In terms of role play, this coffee machine nails the brief, offering kids a realistic and detailed replica to really get their imaginations going. This is only improved by the fun sound effects.

Or try these alternatives

For more toy ideas and reviews, check out our picks of the top Christmas toys, the best toys for six year olds, and our review of the Pati-School Party Creations Starter Kit.

I roped in my Goddaughters Ella, age nine and Mara, age six, to help me test out the Pati-School Party Creations Starter Kit - here's how we got on.

Touted as one of the best kids toys of 2024 by industry experts, the Pati-School Party Creations Starter Kit is part of a range of Pati-School sets that involve using modellable paste to decorate a a selection of items (like keyrings and trinket pots) to look like sweet treats.

What is the Pati-School Party Creations Starter Kit?

The Party Creations Starter Kit is a crafting set that encourages kids to decorate a selection of bases (including a trinket box, picture holders and keyrings) to look like delicious frosted cupcakes and macarons using modellable paste 'frosting' and a selection of beads, gems and other accessories.

Suitable for kids from the age of six, this craft set is a great way to foster your kid's creativity and help them enjoy some screen-free play time. In case you miss it on the packaging, and just to be super-clear - this is an arts and crafts kit and no part of it is edible.

Ella and Mara had a great time testing it out and were thrilled with the end result, and so this set got a spot on our pick of the top Christmas toys for this year too.

The set comes with:

• two 'frostings' (one pink, one blue)
• two piping attachments
• a plastic trinket pot, with lid
• two picture holder bases
• three sweet-treat-shaped keyrings
• a selection of decorations.

A quick word on the packaging - it's eye catching and you get a really good sense as to what you can create with the kit. However I found it a bit confusing that the different sets in the range are distinguished by a number rather than a set name. For example, the Party Creations Starter Kit doesn't actually say Party Creations Starter Kit on the packaging - which could make it very difficult to find a specific set, in store (we've actually seen this set referred to by a couple of different names online too). If you want to make sure you get the correct one from the range, you'll need to look out for set number 32331.

What age is Pati-School suitable for?

Pati-School products are aimed at kids from the age of six. There are quite a few small parts in the set, and kids need to have decent fine motor skills to be table to squeeze the frosting paste out of the tube, and avoid the temptation to give it a taste.

What's it like to play with?

The Pati-School set we tested managed to keep my Goddaughters entertained for a good hour. They were really curious to see all the bits they could use and enjoyed planning who was going to decorate what and with which colour frosting and decorations.

To get the kids up and running, they definitely needed some adult input to make sure the piping nozzles were attached. You get a set of picture instructions in the kit that are pretty self explanatory, but if you need more guidance, there is a QR code you can scan with a smartphone to watch a video tutorial. Once we'd explained how it worked, then it was over to the girls! They loved sharing the piping bags between them (they both preferred the bevelled nozzle), and while they needed an occasional hand to just squeeze the frosting down the bag, they managed to do it all themselves.

When it came to the decorations, the girls got really into decorating their first creation and used almost all of the beads and gems, before realising this would leave them short for decorating the trinket box. It would have been even better if there were more decorations like this in the pack so the girls could really go to town.

Once everything is decorated, you have to wait for them to dry. It takes a good two days for them to dry fully, so you will need to find somewhere out of the way where the paste can dry out. But once dry, the paste is rock solid. It might not survive a drop from a height, but you're definitely not going to find paste-like smears anywhere.

As with any crafting project with kids, make sure you pop mats or a wipeable tablecloth down before they start. We did have one instance of some paste missing the mat and landing on my dining table, but thankfully you have a long time before the paste sets, so I managed to wipe it up quickly. For that reason, I'd recommend keeping an eye on the kids as they play, just in case you need to do a quick clean up.

Can you play with Pati-School more than once?

Pati-School is designed to be played with once, and you'll likely use all of the frosting and accessories during the decorating process. But the creations themselves will last and the trinket box can be used to store all manner of little treasures, the picture holders will look great on display in a child's bedroom, and the key rings could definitely jazz-up a school bag or two.

Where can you buy Pati-School?

Pati-School is available at a number of retailers, including:

• Amazon
• eBay
• The Entertainer
• Smyths

Is Pati-School good value for money?

For an hour of crafting time, sister bonding and some pretty impressive decorating skills, I definitely think the Pati-School Party Creations Starter Set is worth the money. The girls were really proud of how pretty their designs turned out, and it was great to see them step away from creating a carbon copy of what was on the box, and letting their creative instincts take over.

The only thing that would improve this set is if there were a few more beads and rhinestones in the set for the girls to really bedazzle the bases.

For more toy reviews, check out our Toniebox review, Yoto player review, and Beast Lab review to see if they are the toys for the kids in your life.

If you have any of these vintage LEGO sets knocking around in the loft, they could be worth thousands of pounds.

Like with most things, if you have something old, rare and in good condition, then it could be worth some serious cash. And toys are no exception. While the best toys of the 90s are possibly not yet old enough to be worth much, it's highly likely that they could grow in value over the coming years. If you have any rare toys, like certain Happy Meal toys or Power Rangers, in decent condition, and if you have space and can store them effectively, they could be worth holding on to.

When it comes to Lego, the story is no different - certain sets can be worth a big chunk of cash too. Lego expert Ant Robinson from Madbricks, shares the sought-after vintage Lego sets that could hold serious value, saying: "Vintage Lego sets hold a special place in the hearts of collectors and can be worth a substantial amount of money. By understanding the factors that influence their value and identifying key vintage sets, you can uncover the hidden treasures in your collection. Whether you decide to keep them for sentimental reasons or sell them for a profit, the world of vintage Lego offers endless opportunities for discovery and investment."

Vintage Lego sets and how much they are worth

1. Town Plan (1955): This is one of the earliest Lego sets ever. Complete sets in good condition can fetch several thousand pounds. Estimated value: £3,000-5,000.
2. Castle (1978): The first Lego Castle set, often referred to as the "Yellow Castle," is a highly sought-after collector's item. Estimated value: £1,200-1,800.
3. Galaxy Explorer (1979): This iconic space-themed set is highly sought-after by vintage Lego collectors. Estimated value: £800-1,200.
4. Monorail Transport System (1987): This rare set is a favourite amongst enthusiasts. Estimated value: around £1,500.
5. Legoland Train (1966): This is one of the earliest train sets produced by Lego. Estimated value: £2,500-3,500.

Why is vintage Lego so popular?

The rarity and exclusivity of a vintage Lego set is a large portion of its appeal, especially for collectors who pride themselves on owning scarce and sought-after items. Some can also hold particular historical significance, as Lego expert Ant Robinson, explains: "Early Lego sets mark the evolution of the brand and showcase the ingenuity of Lego designs from decades past."

There's also the nostalgia factor. For many, Lego reminds them of their childhood, and can make people long for a simpler time, or moments spent with loved ones who may no longer be here.

What influences the value of vintage Lego?

• Condition: Complete sets, including manuals are more valuable than those that may be missing key pieces. Unopened sets in original packaging are especially valuable as they are incredibly rare.
• Age: in general, the older the set (especially if it is in good condition), the more valuable it is.
• Rarity: Sets that were released as limited editions or those with unique pieces are worth more than other sets.
• Theme: Sets from popular themes or significant series tend to be more sought after by collectors.
• Historical Importance: Sets that represent milestones in Lego’s history or are firsts in their category (the first Technic set, for example) can be highly valuable.

What to do if you think you have some rare Lego at home

If you think you might have some valuable vintage Lego at home, then you might want to find out how much it's worth. You can use sites like BrickLink, BrickPicker and eBay to have a look and see what similar sets are selling for to get a sense of their current market value. It's also worth inspecting the condition of your sets too. If there are pieces missing or damaged, then the value will likely be reduced.

If you're considering selling your vintage Lego, then it's worth making contact with collectors or forums (you can try social media too) to speak with collectors to gather more information. You could also ask collectors to point you in the right direction of getting a professional appraisal if you think you might have something especially valuable on your hands.

For more Lego news and advice, you can check out our articles on the most expensive Lego set ever, find out when Lego was invented, and find out where you land in the Lego versus Playmobil debate.

I write about toys for a living, and as part of my job, I rope in the kids in my life to help me test them out - I'm not going to lie, it makes me very popular.

When I find a toy that I highly rate and that the kids love, it's even more exciting to find it in the sale so that you, dear readers, can snap it up for a fraction of the usual price. I've spent weeks scouring for the best Prime Day toy deals that you need to know about, and was thrilled to spot that one of my favourite toys I've tested in 2024, is currently at its lowest ever price in the Prime Day sale.

The Cookeez Makery play oven is, frankly, fantastic. It comes in two versions - Baked Treatz or Cinnamon Treatz (both are in the Prime Day sale for the same lowest-ever price). The idea is that you have to mix a special dough, which you then pop in the play oven, and 90 seconds later, a sweet-smelling plush toy is magically revealed.

Each playset contains one of three interactive pets and it's a complete surprise which one you get. But to be honest, they are all adorable so it doesn't feel like a huge gamble.

When I tested this out with my six-year-old goddaughter, Mara, it was a massive hit (Mara's older sister, and my other goddaughter, Ella, was also super keen to get in on the action when she got wind of what we were testing). Mixing the dough and forming it using the mold was a bit of messy fun, but the real fun started when we popped it into the toy oven. Having to wait 90 seconds for the interactive pet to 'bake' is a great lesson in delayed gratification, and my goddaughters were beside themselves with excitement (and I could happily watch that scene again and again).

But my favourite part was when the timer went off, and the girls could hear little mews coming from inside the oven. They opened the oven door to see that their little doughball had miraculously turned into a cute little plush - they couldn't figure out how it happened and the wonder on their faces was absolutely priceless. It got better too - when they got the plushie out of the oven, it smelled like cake and was warm to the touch. Talk about a brilliant sensory experience!

If you're worried that this toy is a bit of a one-and-done experience, I hear you. But in my experience, repeat play is not only possible, it's also sought after by the kiddos. They wanted to repeat the play scenario again to see if they could create the plush toy again and then, after a few goes, they wanted to understand the mechanism behind the surprise reveal. Once they discovered how they could reset the play oven, they were really excited to show their friends. You even get a little resealable bag to put the dough in to keep it fresh, which I thought was a really nice touch.

Want more toys with surprise reveals? Check out our full Cookeez Makery review, our Magic Mixies Pixlings review or our Beast Lab review for in-depth information.

Although Prime Day may be over, Prime Day toy deals are still live so you have a little bit more time to bag a bargain. If you have kids' birthdays coming up, or want to get a head start on (dare I say it?) Christmas shopping, then now is the time to shop.

If you find the thought of scouring pages and pages of deals completely overwhelming, you're in luck. We've been scouring Amazon (so you don't have to) to find the best toys and games deals that you can snap up right now. We've been eagle-eyed to see if any of the toys we've loved, tested, recommended, or have on our own wish lists, have had their prices slashed.

Take a look at our curated list of the best Prime Day toy deals that are still available.

Best Amazon Prime Day toys and games deals

• Up to 32% off LEGO, including Minecraft, LEGO Friends and Harry Potter sets
• Up to 48% off Barbie, including dolls, accessories and playsets
• Up to 40% off Mattel games including Uno, Scrabble and Pictionary Air
• Save up to 30% on Melissa & Doug wooden toys
• Up to 29% off classic Little Tikes toys, including slides, play houses and Cozy Coupe
• Get up to 46% off Play Doh tubs and playsets
• Up to 50% off Polly Pocket, including bestselling playsets
• Up to 35% off Bluey toys, including puzzles, playsets and plushes

Best toy deals out there from ELC, Argos, The Entertainer and more

• The Entertainer has up to 75% off OMG dolls, board games, Barbie Play Doh and more
• Very has up to £200 off outdoor toys, slides, swing sets and trampolines
• The Early Learning Centre has up to 60% off toddler stacking toys, dolls houses and activity tables
• Argos has 25% off toys with special TOYS25 code, including Hot Wheels, LeapFrog and Fisher-Price

Mix and make toys

Baby walkers

Interactive toys

Birthday gift ideas under £20

Board Games

LEGO & construction toys

Dolls & Figures

Outdoor toys and games

Playsets

Books

When is Amazon Prime Day?

Amazon Prime Day technically ended at 11.59pm on Wednesday 17th July 2024, after 48 hours of discounts and offers galore. But there are still deals available right now. The discounts are exclusive to Prime members - but the good news is, if you're not already a member, you still have time to sign up for a 30 day free trial, to take advantage.

For the last couple of years, Amazon has also held a Prime Day-esque event in October, but it has not yet been confirmed whether that will happen in 2024.

Do you have to be a Prime member to shop Amazon Prime Day?

Yes you do need to be an Amazon Prime member to take advantage of any Prime Day deals. Exclusive access to the sale events throughout the year is one of the main perks of being a Prime member. But on top of that, there are a load of other hidden benefits of Prime that make the membership fee worth it.

You can get a 30-day free trial, even while the sale is on, and when that expires, membership will cost £8.99 a month. If you want to save a bit of cash, you can opt for an annual membership, which costs £95.

How to spot a good toy deal on Prime Day

The best way to spot a good toy deal on Amazon Prime Day is to check the price against other retailers, factoring in any delivery costs that you might incur. You can also use a website called CamelCamelCamel, to check the historic prices of Amazon products to see whether it tends to be the cheapest on Prime Day. If it is, then make sure you snap it up quickly as you might not be able to get it for this price again.

It's also worth remembering that Prime Day deals change all the time and may not be around for the whole 48-hours, so if you spot something you want, it's worth checking out asap to secure that price, rather than leaving it in your basket and hoping to come back to it later.

We share the hidden benefits of Prime to help you make the most of your membership.

When I agreed to review the Cricut Joy Xtra I had no idea just how quickly it would turn me into a bone-fide crafty mum.

As a mum of three who reviews family-friendly products for a living, I've fancied owning a Cricut Joy Xtra for a while. I love the idea of rustling up some easy crafts for kids to entertain my daughter on a rainy day. So when Cricut got in touch with GoodtoKnow and asked me if I'd like to put a Cricut Joy Xtra machine to the test, they didn't have to ask me twice. 

Cricut makes smart cutting machines that work with an easy-to-use app to help you create all sorts of personalised craft creations, from cards to custom clothing. Cricut says their dream has always been to help people lead creative lives by providing the tools to make do-it-yourself projects beautiful, fun, and easy. 

Whether you're new to crafting or an experienced maker, and whether you want to craft all the design elements of your dream wedding or just get prepped for labelling everything for back-to-school season, a Cricut smart cutting machine can help make the magic happen. 

As a relative newbie to the world of crafting, my relationship with Cricut has been a bit rocky. A few years back I was gifted a Cricut Joy which I initially loved, although I never ventured beyond the beginner's stage of making my own Christmas cards. Things were ticking along nicely — and I was getting lots of compliments about my cards — but the machine soon started tearing my card stock instead of cutting it precisely. Despite replacing the needle, the issue persisted, and the machine ended up gathering dust. 

So, when Cricut asked me to try out the Cricut Joy Xtra, I was torn (no pun intended). I suspect my previous issues were down to user error but I was desperate to try again and give my dream of being a crafty mum one last shot. I'm pleased to report that my first evening with the Cricut Joy Xtra was a roaring success, resulting in a beautiful custom T-shirt that my daughter proclaimed to be her pride and joy.

Here's everything you need to know about how the Cricut Joy Xtra fared when I put it through its paces with my daughter.

Value for money

The Cricut Joy Xtra Starter Bundle can be yours for £249.99 at Amazon so it's definitely not an impulse purchase. Let's be honest, if I had that kind of cash burning a hole in my pocket, there are lots of other things I'd probably spend it on before I splurged on a cutting machine.

That said, once I got to grips with the capabilities of this clever little machine, I quickly realised its potential to save me money in the long run. From making our own personalised teacher gifts to creating custom-designed clothing for my kids, I can already see lots of ways that owning a Cricut Joy Xtra is going to save me a few quid. I say that as someone with zero crafting know-how, so if you're already a seasoned crafter, the Cricut Joy Xtra is likely to be a worthwhile investment that will help you seriously level up your crafting skills. 

More importantly, I can see the Cricut Joy Xtra opening up a whole new world of crafty quality time for me and my daughter. We loved having a project to work on together and as we get to grips with what the Cricut Joy Xtra can do, I hope we'll crafter lots of lovely creations and memories together.

It's no exaggeration to say that the results we achieved during testing were professional level — the T-shirt we customised looks shop-bought — and that's after just one evening spent getting to grips with the Cricut Joy Xtra. Imagine what we'll be able to do with a bit more time!

Design and features

Dimensions: 12.5" x 6" x 5.5" | Weight: 6 lbs / 2.7 kg | Connections: Bluetooth | OS Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Software: Cricut Design Space

The Cricut Joy Xtra boasts all the capabilities of the original Cricut Joy, with additional features such as a larger cutting area and a 'Print then Cut' function. This allows you to print your designs on an inkjet printer and then cut them out using the Cricut Joy Xtra machine.

The Cricut Joy Xtra can be used with more than 50 different materials, including vinyl, iron-on, and cardstock, and is compatible with iOS, Android, Apple, and Windows through the Cricut Design Space app, which allows you to design and send projects to the machine for cutting.

Setting up the Cricut Joy Xtra was straightforward. You simply plug it in, download the Cricut Design Space app, and follow the instructions to sync your cutting machine to the app via Bluetooth. The app is user-friendly, but there is a learning curve with lots of lingo to get to grips with, from terms like Smart Materials (the crafting materials you load into the Cricut Joy Xtra) to tools like the weeder (the tool you use to remove excess material from your cut).

The Cricut Joy Starter Bundle is a brilliant buy if you're new to cutting machines and includes absolutely everything you need to get started:

• Cricut Joy Xtra machine
• 3x Smart Vinyl sheets (Black, Gold, Silver)
• 3x Smart Iron-On Sheets (Black, White, Red)
• 5x Printable Iron-On A4 sheets
• 6x Printable Waterproof Sticker A4 sheets
• LightGrip Machine Cutting Mat
• Starter Tool Set
• Transfer Tape (0.9m)

Our first project involved making custom stickers and then we attempted an iron-on T-shirt decal. Although we had some teething troubles and my daughter’s initial enthusiasm waned as I read and re-read the instructions for various projects, we managed to print a personalised decal for her bedroom wall which reignited her excitement. Watching my daughter's delight as the machine cut the Smart Material was a joy, and using the weeding tool was immensely satisfying for her. Despite some minor mistakes, our first project was a success, and we went on to complete a custom iron-on design for a T-shirt — and even successfully applied it — to squeals of delight from my daughter.

The Cricut Joy Xtra made a competent crafter out of me within just a couple of hours. Despite the initial learning curve and some teething issues, I couldn't be more pleased with my crafty achievements. The joy and satisfaction of creating personalised items with my daughter made it an evening truly well spent. We both look forward to many more crafting sessions and can’t wait to explore the machine's full capabilities.

How we tested

• Unboxed and set up the Cricut Joy Xtra cutting machine.
• Used the Design Space app and the Cricut Joy Xtra to make a personalised vinyl decal for my daughter's bedroom wall.  
• Completed an iron-on project using the Design Space app, the Cricut Joy Xtra plus Smart Materials, appropriate Cricut tools and a household iron to create a custom T-shirt for my daughter.

Things you wouldn't find on the box

The Cricut Joy Xtra is not a gadget you can give to a child to use independently —Cricut advises 12+ as it requires time and patience, as well as a bit of practice to get things right. However, the quality of the finished products is exceptional, making the effort worthwhile.

One downside is the cost of materials and the subscription (if you wish to pay beyond free access) for the Cricut Design Space library, which can add up. However, the ability to create custom gifts, cards, and stickers is priceless, especially in the eyes of a crafty, creative ten-year-old.

The machine’s compact size makes it easy to store away too and its lightweight design is a plus, making tidy-up time a breeze after a crafting session. I can say this with confidence because my kitchen table looked like a bombsite during our crafty evening!

Who's it best for?

The Cricut Joy Xtra is a brilliant buy for both total newbies (like me) and experienced crafters. It's the kind of machine that gives back according to the time you're willing to invest getting to grips with all it can do. If you just want to create simple creations like precision-cut greeting cards, it won't feel like you're under-using it. But, equally, if you get bitten by the crafting bug and decide to go to town creating all the decorations and invitations (plus personalised party bags) for a big bash, that's also well within the Cricut Joy Xtra's capabilities. 

If you're short on space for creative endeavours, this machine is perfect because at around the size of a computer keyboard, it's so compact and easy to pop away on a shelf. It's also ideal for quick projects and small to medium-sized creative endeavours because you can whip it out and then pack it all away pretty effortlessly, without requiring loads of storage space or room to craft.

Need an alternative?

If you're a very experienced crafter or if you have plenty of space for a more sizeable cutting machine, consider investing in the Cricut Explore 3 or Cricut Maker 3. These models offer a wider cutting area, greater material versatility, and enhanced capabilities for more intricate craft projects.

For more crafty, creative inspiration, check out 70 things to do with kids and how to make your own glitter jar.

We put the Yoto audio player (3rd generation) through its paces to see if it's worth the money, and how it stands up against other audio players out there.

If you have kids, you might already be familiar with the audio players available and even have picked a side in the Yoto vs Tonie debate. Similarly to the Toniebox (read our Toniebox review if you want to know more), the Yoto is an audio player that is designed to be operated by kids from the age of three, and encourages independent play and learning.

Stories are played via cards (about the size of a credit card), and it's got bags of extra features including a nightlight (which can double as an ok-to-wake alarm) and a room thermometer.

But with a price tag of £99.99 for the player alone - is it worth the money? Read our review to find out.

Setting up the Yoto Player

Setting up the Yoto player is really easy - it took me less than five minutes, which is very handy if you have a very eager child wanting to get the paws on it. You'll need to download the Yoto app (available on App Store and Google Play), and if you have that downloaded before you take the player out of the box, you'll be guided through the entire set up process.

You will need a plug (you get a USB charging cable in the box, but not the plug itself) and you need to connect your player to power before you start the set up process. For super fuss-free set up, it's helpful to have your WiFi password to hand too. As you're guided through the set up process, you're also asked to set up a family account (it's free) and you can add multiple players to your family account if you want. All you need is an email address and password. There is a subscription model that you can take advantage of - £9.99 per month and you can get two cards every month - but it's not a requirement in order to be able to use the player. You can buy cards individually or in sets as and when you need.

What do you get in the box?

In the recyclable box, you get the Yoto player, a charging cable and a welcome Yoto card. which can be used to point you in the right direction if you get stuck with the set-up.

Any cards or accessories, such as a protective 'adventure jacket', wireless charging dock or card case are sold separately.

Yoto Player design

Although audio players of this nature are relatively new, the design of the Yoto feels quite retro - almost the shape of an old Apple Mac computer. It's simply designed, with the main body and two orange knobs to control volume and chapter skipping. It's really intuitive where and how you add the cards, and while you do have to hold the card vertically, it doesn't matter which way round you put it in - which makes it very kid-friendly. The sound is crisp and clear, even when you reach maximum volume levels (which isn't deafeningly loud, thank goodness).

The Yoto's grey and orange colourway is eye catching, but it's worth pointing out that the Yoto only comes in one colour, unlike the Toniebox, which is available in broader range of shades. But if you are keen for some customisation, then you do have a choice of 'adventure jackets' that you can buy for your Yoto (but this is an added cost). These are flexible silicone cases that you put over the Yoto to protect it from bumps and knocks - you can choose from orange, pink, blue or mint green. I like that you can buy this additional protection, but would have liked it to have been integrated into the main unit to protect it from enthusiastic and possibly clumsy fingers.

While it doesn't have a traditional screen so to speak - you can't watch anything on it - it does have a display that, when active, shows the time and a weather graphic, or a pixel drawing of a themed character when you pop a card in. This style of graphic adds to the retro feel. I was initially concerned that this would make the Yoto unsuitable for light sensitive children when it came to bedtime, but you can tip the player forward, lying it display side down, which hides the display from view, and also activated the nightlight function (if you want it). You can turn off the nightlight in the app settings if you don't want it. You can choose the colour of nightlight, and even set it to show one colour at night and another colour in the day - a really useful feature if you are trying to teach your tiny human to stay in bed until a particular time.

It also has an integrated room thermometer which allows the parent to gauge the temperature of room the Yoto is in via the app, without having to step inside. I can see this feature being particularly useful during clammier summer nights.

You can also use the app to set volume limits for both day and night usage so you can be sure no-one is keeping anyone awake into the wee hours.

What's the best age for a Yoto Player?

The Yoto is aimed at kids between three and 12 years old, but I can see it being particularly appealing to kids from the age of six and older, as the retro design feels it holds longer lasting appeal. My Goddaughters, who are aged six and nine, both prefer the Yoto to the Toniebox. They both thought the Toniebox was a bit young for them, and they love being able to organise their card collections. They each have a card case that holds up to 64 Yoto cards.

However, my four-year-old nephew prefers the Toniebox - he loves that it comes in his favourite colour, red, and adores exploring the textures of the the Tonie audio figures.

How easy is the Yoto to use?

After a super-simple set-up process the Yoto is really easy to use. To wake the Yoto, You simply press the power button on the side of the player, and you'll hear a little chime and see a smiley face appear on the display. Then it's ready for the cards. You can have the card facing in any direction, which means younger children can play their favourite stories without worrying about orienting the card in a particular way.

To stop playback, you simply take the card out or it'll turn off automatically when the story ends (and if there is no activity).

To adjust the volume, you just turn the left hand orange knob, and you'll see a colour coded volume bar appear on the display. The right hand knob allows you to scroll through and skip to particular chapters on the cards - turn the knob to select the chapter you want, then press the knob to jump to that chapter. A detail I particularly liked when skipping through the chapters was that it's really clear whether you are skipping to a story or a song. As you scroll through the chapters, you'll see a character on the display for story chapters and musical notes for a song.

Once the cards are downloaded, (which happens automatically when they are played when you are connected to WiFi), you can listen to them anywhere without having to be connected to the internet.

You can also use blank or digital cards in order to create your own audio for your kiddos to enjoy.

What's the battery life like?

Once fully charged, you can get about 24 hours use out of the Yoto Player before it needs charging again. If a long battery life is particularly important to you, definitely opt for a Yoto - in comparison, the Toniebox battery lasts about seven hours.

How does it compare to a Toniebox?

Ultimately, the Yoto and Toniebox work in a very similar way, but they have a few key differences.

• Size: The Yoto is more compact than the Toniebox, which might be appealing if you want something a little more subtle.
• Cards versus characters. With the Yoto, stories are played via cards, which can be easier to store. The Toniebox uses Tonie audio characters that can look great on display.
• Lights: The Yoto has more lights than the Toniebox, thanks to its display, but you can place the Yoto display face down to activate the nightlight should you want it. The Toniebox doesn't have a nightlight, and any lights on it are completely covered when a Tonie character is places on top.

• Bonus features: The Yoto has a clock, nightlight and thermostat, and you can set alarms, which are really useful features - but if you don't need that, then the Toniebox may have all you need.
• Durability: To boost the durability of the Yoto player, you can buy an 'adventure jacket' to help protect it from bumps when you're on the move. Conversely, the Toniebox is covered in a layer of padding.
• Price: The Yoto has an RRP of £99.99, while the Toniebox has an RRP of £79.95. Yoto cards cost around £9.99, while Tonie characters cost around £14.99.

Is a Yoto Player worth the money?

If you want to jump aboard the audio player train, then a Yoto is definitely worth the money. It has a range of bonus features that set it apart from other players, so it does feel like you get good value for money. Its easily incorporated into a daily routine too, so cost per use is low too.

With the Yoto, there are also a broad range of extras you can buy - from the card case to the adventure jacket and wireless headphones. But this does add to the cost. However, if you buy via the Yoto website, you can add an activity jacket and wireless charging bad to your order, which works out more cost effective than purchasing them separately at a later date. You can also keep your eyes peeled for bundles, which include the player and a selection of cards, as you'll make a saving that way too.

If you want something more travel friendly, and at a cheaper price point, then you can always consider the Yoto Mini, which sells for £59.99.

Want to read more toy reviews to see what's worth spending your money on? Check out our Magic Mixies Pixlings review, or our Beast Lab Shark Beast Creator review.

With Create Week (1-7 July 2024) encouraging kids to engage with their creative side, we share some great messy play ideas and dig a little deeper into how it can aid your child's development.

Toys that allow your child to tap into their creative side are nothing new, but they are still hugely popular with kids of all ages - there's even a couple of the best kids toys of 2024 that fit the bill. Arts and crafts cover a broad spectrum of toys too - from a piece of paper and some crayons or simple colouring books to messier versions including slime toys, clay modelling, and mud kitchens.

When it comes to constructive play, crafting is a great idea, and the messier it gets, the more you can take advantage of the benefits of sensory play at the same time. Messy play is the perfect time for your child to explore and interact with a variety of materials and boost their development at the same time.

What are the benefits of messy play?

Engaging in messy play can have serious benefits when it comes to your child's development. It not only stimulates their senses and imaginations, but can also help them develop their processing and fine motor skills and aid with their language development too.

• Messy play stimulates imagination and creativity. Toy experts at The Entertainer, say:“Parents could see numerous advantages by letting their children engage in messy play. These activities can help children improve various skills and are a great way of stimulating their imaginations and creativity."
• Messy play engages your child's senses. "Messy play is also a great way of developing sensory processing skills. The activity involves several senses including touch, sight and smell - allowing children to learn more about materials and textures while expressing themselves artistically."
• It's good for boosting fine motor skills. “Actions such as squeezing, scooping and pouring materials can improve hand-eye coordination while also being a form of entertainment. Fine motor skills are crucial for writing and drawing - highlighting how beneficial and educational messy play can be for children’s development."
• Messy play aids language development. As your child encounters new sensations and materials, it's a perfect opportunity for them to expand their vocabulary as they try to articulate themselves. You can encourage this by talking to your child as they play, commenting on sticky, rough or gloopy textures, any scents they might be picking up on, and any sounds that they might be making. All of this can help foster a better understanding of the world around them and boost their cognitive development at the same time.
• It can help ease feelings of anxiety. Messy play encourages kids to focus on their five senses, which can promote mindfulness and act as a grounding activity to help reduce anxious feelings.

But while messy play may offer loads of benefits, it's still, well, messy, which can be mega-stressful for parents. If you are looking for messy play toy ideas that keep the actual mess to a minimum, we've found some brilliant options below:

With any kind of messy play, make sure your kids are supervised at all times.

For more expert advice on how to make the most out of your child's play time, child development expert and GoodtoKnow panellist Dr Amanda Gummer explains the three stages of play all parents should know, and shares the idea of the balanced play diet.

If you've got a kid's birthday coming up, or want to grab some games to see your family through the summer holidays, then The Entertainer's flash sale this weekend could be right up your street.

Whether you're looking to save some money on the best kids toys of 2024, or the outdoor toys you have are in dire need of updating, any opportunity to save some money before keeping the kids entertained all summer will be welcomed by parents. After all, according to recent research, school holidays cost parents more than £3,000 a year. Yikes.

To help, toy retailer The Entertainer has announced a flash summer sale for savvy bargain hunters. From now until 11.59pm on Monday 1 July, parents can save £10 when they spend £60, or £20 when they spend £100, by using the code SAVEMORE when shopping online. The offer is available online only, and can't be used in conjunction with any other offer. LEGO playsets and gift cards are also excluded.

Need some inspo? These are the toys we've got our eye on in the sale:

If you need more ideas for toys to look for in The Entertainer's sale, take a look at our picks of the best dinosaur toys, interactive pets for kids and the slime toys that they will love (and that they can play with outside over the summer). Want more discounts? Check out our picks of the best early Amazon Prime Day toy deals.

Dreaming of a family holiday but wondering how you’ll ever afford it? Three magic words: free child places.

Did you know there’s a way to make your perfect family holiday a whole lot cheaper? Possibly the travel industry’s best-kept secret, free child places are a savvy marketing tactic used by holiday operators to lure in families, but they're also a fantastic way to save serious money on a family holiday.

In this article, we’re spilling the tea on how to uncover the best holiday deals where kids go free, plus any sneaky restrictions to watch out for, so you can finally make that family getaway of your dreams an affordable reality.

What are free child places?

Free Child Places are family-friendly deals that are designed to make holidays more affordable for those travelling with children. When you book a qualifying holiday for two paying adults, one child goes free. The exact details vary from one provider to the next but it's usual to get the child's flight and accommodation completely free of charge.

Free child places: where to find the deals

Many UK travel companies offer Free Child Places deals but working out where to find them isn’t easy, so we've rounded up details of some of the top providers:

TUI

TUI offers Free Child Places (one standard flight ticket and free accommodation for one child per two paying adults) on all sorts of holidays, from all-inclusive holidays to package deals. Look out for their Blue Price Tags which indicate kids-go-free offers, or use the Free Kids Place Finder on their website to search for relevant holiday deals.

Jet2holidays

When two full-paying passengers book a package holiday through Jet2holidays, one child gets their flight, return hotel transfers, and accommodation free of charge. Use the search tool on their website to find qualifying offers. The deal is available across all destinations (including Italy, Turkey, Malta, Bulgaria and the Balearics) as well as all seasons and all months, including school holidays.

First Choice

First Choice allows one child to stay free per two full-paying adults. The deal applies to selected hotel rooms, apartments and villas and cover the child's food and drink too on the same board basis as the two full-paying adults. Destinations with free child places include the Canary Islands, Greece, Spain and Turkey.

EasyJet

EasyJet offers thousands of holidays with Free Child Places. The deal applies to selected 4-, 7-, 10-, 11- and 14-night holidays. Look out for the Free Child Place label for deals where one child can share a room with two paying adults - and pay nothing. Destinations include Turkey, Spain, Greece and Egypt.

Hays Travel

Hays Travel offers Free Child Places holidays to a range of family-friendly destinations including Menorca, Majorca, and Ibiza. Children must be aged between two and 12 years old on departure and upon return to the UK, and a minimum of two adults need to stay in the same room as the child.

Free Child Places: are they worth it?

There's some debate among parents as to whether Free Child Places holidays offer any real savings. Critics argue that the cost is simply absorbed by the full-paying adults. 'My husband thinks the base price for the paying adults gets inflated to soak up the cost of the child so they can claim they go free,' says our Family Editor, Stephanie Lowe. 'And a friend says every time she looks at Free Child Places holidays, the dates are outside school holidays which defeats the purpose for most people.'

It's a valid point and one to factor in when you're pricing up the cost of a family holiday. To check if a deal is genuinely saving you money or not before you book, compare the total cost of the holiday against similar packages without the Free Child Places offer to be sure it's a genuine saving and not a marketing trick.

For mum of two, Aileen Farrell, booking a Free Child Places holiday for her family of four meant they could afford a holiday in a destination that would otherwise have been beyond their budget. They went to a four-star resort in Lanzarote and price-checked with friends before they booked to confirm that they had paid the same rate for a half-board holiday without a child - so their daughter was definitely going free. 'Decent places seemed to cost about £900 per person minimum which was way beyond our budget so when a resort that our neighbour had recommended came up on the Free Child Places list, we booked it,' Aileen says. 'We got good accommodation in a lovely location and good food, so it was well worth it. Lots of Free Child Places apply to basic holidays with nothing fancy but this Free Child deal made a more expensive resort possible for us.'

Tips for booking free child places holidays

If you've never booked a family holiday with a Free Child Places offer it can be tricky to work out when is the best time to do it. Use these tips to time it just right:

• Book early - Holidays with Free Child Places are super-popular with parents and competition is fierce. For your best chance of bagging a cracking holiday where kids go free, be prepared to book well in advance - by even a year or more.
• During school holidays - it's widely assumed that Free Child Places only apply to term-time holidays but that's not true so check with each provider. Places are limited during the peak summer season and tend to get booked up far in advance but if you're prepared to plan far ahead you could save during school summer holidays too.
• Stay flexible - If you can be flexible on your destination and travel dates and are willing to travel at the last minute, you can sometimes get lucky with companies offering last-minute deals with Free Child Places included.

Free Child Places: what about restrictions?

Always read the small print before you book a holiday with a Free Child Places deal because restrictions usually apply. These vary between providers and travel companies but typical terms and conditions include age restrictions (e.g children must be under two or over 12 years old) and room occupancy rules (e.g there must be two full-paying adults per room). Make sure you know exactly what's included and what additional costs you might have to pay, such as excursions or transfers.

Looking for more family-friendly travel inspiration? Check out Eurocamp - is it worth it? or Are you worried about school fines for holidays?

Squishmallows have cemented themselves in the hearts of kids around the world, but could Hug-A-Lumps take their place? I tried Hug-A-Lumps with a couple of Squishmallow stans to find out.

It's official, Squishmallows were the biggest selling toy of 2023 - and for good reason. They are super-satisfying to squish, cuddle, and use as a makeshift pillow, and there are hundreds of different characters to collect, including Stitch from Lilo and Stitch and Tigger from Winnie the Pooh. They even appear in our guide to the best toys for six-year-olds. And my Goddaughters, Ella, nine and Mara, six, are obsessed - they each have a Squishmallow collection underway, including a range of sizes and styles. Last Christmas, they were very keen to tell me that they'd written to Santa asking for a Fuzz-A-Mallow (a fuzzy version of a Squishmallow) to add to their hoard. But could Hug-A-Lumps usurp the Squishmallow crown?

What actually are Hug-A-Lumps?

Hug-A-Lumps are a new range of plush toys - they are super-soft and squishy, with multiple characters to collect, but in a major difference to Squishmallows, Hug-A-Lumps are weighted. When placed on the body, the weighted pressure can provide an instant hug, promote relaxation and offer an overall calming effect.

Suitable for those age three and over, including teens and adults who might want to get in on the stress-busting benefits, Hug-A-Lumps weigh 1.5 kilograms (3.3lbs) and are about 60 centimetres long. This means they are the perfect size for a really good cuddle.

They cost £19.99 each, available from the likes of Smyths, The Entertainer and Amazon and there are eight Hug-A-Lumps to collect. Take your pick from Sydney the Sloth, Delilah the Dinosaur, Olly the Dog, Luna the Cat, Bailey the Duck, Hazel the Rabbit, Maverick the Goose and Rocky the Crocodile.

What did our hardcore Squishmallow fans think of Hug-A-Lumps?

My Goddaughters made a beeline for the Hug-A-Lumps when they saw them on my kitchen table - instantly drawn in by their cute faces. (I had Bailey the Duck and Rocky the Crocodile ready to show them). They loved having a good squish of the Hug-A-Lumps while they were on the table, showing that sensory exploration is so important when it comes to play.

But the real surprise for them came when they picked the Hug-A-Lumps up to go in for a proper hug. Both girls were even more intrigued when they realised that these didn't feel like other plush toys they had - they had some heft to them. (The weighting is in the body of the Hug-A-Lumps - the heads aren't weighted.) After that discovery, the girls' didn't want to put them down - they hoofed them everywhere, even choosing to have them on their laps, even while playing with other toys.

Having that bit of extra weight not only has wonderful calming benefit, but the girls also said that it made them feel like they were holding a real animal - so there's benefits when it comes to pretend play too.

I asked them how the Hug-A-Lumps compared to their beloved Squishmallows - and it was a very close call. They were convinced that Squishmallows were just a little bit squishier, but when I did a side by side comparison - I genuinely could not tell a difference in the squish factor. But Hug-A-Lumps got a big tick in the pro column for being so satisfying to cuddle.

From a cost point of view - Hug-A-Lumps might come out on top for me - you could pay north of £50 for a 50 centimetre Squishmallow, but 60 centimetre Hug-A-Lumps are £19.99.

Hug-A-Lumps could be great for anxious teens and adults too

From an adult's perspective, Hug-A-Lumps could be a great aid for anyone, regardless of age, who might feel a bit stressed or anxious - the weight feels like a hug, which can promote feelings of calm and relaxation. The softness and squeeze-ability can also help to engage the senses and encourage mindfulness, which is a grounding technique used to alleviate stress and anxiety. The nostalgia of having a plush toy in your possession could bring some comforting childhood memories back to the forefront too.

If you have a teen who might be a bit anxious about the thought of leaving school, or maybe heading off to university, sneak a Hug-A-Lump into their luggage.

For more toys news and ideas, check out the best kids toys 2024, the best interactive pets for kids, and our pick of some brilliant toys to support your child's mental health and wellbeing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. Ultrasun UV Face & Scalp Mist SPF50

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How we tested the best sunscreen for your face

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

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

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

How to choose the best sunscreen for your face

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

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

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