PUSHCHAIRS • CAR SEATS • TRAVEL COTS • BABY CARRIERS • BABY MONITORS
Best Baby Buys YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE BEST PARENTING PRODUCTS, INCLUDING NEWS, REVIEWS AND TOP BUYING TIPS
Coast Effortless style and flexibility Coast is the ultra-stylish new travel system that grows with your family. By adding the optional tandem seat, a car seat or ride-on board, parents can choose from 27 smart configurations to carry one, two or three children. silvercrossbaby.com
Bababing Raffi
Best Baby Buys Editorial Director Maxine Briggs Editor Rebecca Moore Online Editor Jennifer Read-Dominguez Sub Editor Charlotte Methven Editorial Assistant Annie Quinton Creative Director Chloë Collyer Senior Designer Natalie Dourado Digital Publishing Director Paul Rayner Director of Media James Dobson Advertisement Director Lyndal Beeton Head of Market Julie Price Senior Sales Executive Miranda Gyamfi Ma Sales Executive Emma Cain Managing Director Paul Dobson Deputy Managing Director Steve Ross Chief Financial Officer Vicki Gavin Little London Guides are published by The Chelsea Magazine Company Ltd, Jubilee House, 2 Jubilee Place, London SW3 3TQ littlelondonmagazine.co.uk 020 7349 3700 editor@littlelondonmagazine.co.uk Distributed by Seymour Distribution Ltd. 2 East Poultry Avenue, London, EC1A 9PT | Tel: 020 7429 4000. Fax: 020 7429 4001 | Production All Points Media. Printed in England by William Gibbons. ©The Chelsea Magazine Company Ltd 2019. All rights reserved
Cover image: Nuna
F
inding out you’re pregnant is such a wonderful time: the delighted look on friends’ and family members’ faces when you deliver the happy news, the excitement as you discuss potential baby names and the first purchase of a teeny-tiny baby grow. But as many first-time parents know, becoming a mother or a father is like learning a new language. You suddenly start talking in weeks instead of months, discuss car-seat groups and ponder the benefits of a travel system, all the while googling like you’ve never googled before! To help you decipher the world of baby gadgetry, we’ve put together this handy go-to guide for advice on making those substantial purchases. Finally, enjoy it! The start of your parenting journey is so precious and exciting. And before you know it you’ll be making important decisions on uniforms and afterschool activities. Happy shopping! REBECCA MOORE, EDITOR
Contents
BE ST BABY BUYS 2019/2020
7 13 23 29 35 41 46
News Cool and clever updates on the baby-kit market
Pushchairs Advice for picking the perfect strolling system
Car seats We help to demystify car-seat category confusion
Travel cots Consult our comprehensive roundup to make an informed choice
Baby carriers Make the most out of wearing your baby with our helpful tips
Baby monitors Choose the right device to keep a close eye on your little one
Competition We have a Silver Cross Jet to give away, worth £275 BEST BABY BUYS | baby-magazine.co.uk | 5
Cam Cam Copenhagen is an Award Winning Danish children’s interior brand creating organic and poetic design for little loved ones. Combining a contemporary Scandinavian aesthetic with a classic architectural heritage, poetic prints and a delicate colour palette, Cam Cam Copenhagen creates enriching environments for families.
Sustainable production, enduring high-quality materials and timeless silhouettes are quintessential to the brand’s heartfelt philosophy of designing loved pieces that will be cherished for generations.
Find Cam Cam Copenhagen here: Liberty London, Regent Street London libertylondon.com, Pure Baby, 208 Fulham Road, London, Scandiborn scandiborn.co.uk, The Modern Nursery themodernnursery.com, Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly London, Natural Baby Shower naturalbabyshower.co.uk, Nubie nubie.co.uk Please visit camcamcopenhagen.com to find more retailers near you.
w w w.ca mca mco p en h a g en.com @camcam_cph
/camcamcopenhagen
Best baby buys
NEWS
UPDATING YOU ON ALL THINGS GR E AT AND SMALL
SNUG AS A BUG
-DATE, V I -TO
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KEEP U P
Tiba + Marl has collaborated with Binibamba to launch a capsule pram liner line. The two designs, inspired by Tiba + Marl’s monochromatic palette, include a black and greystriped style and a plain black version. Crafted in the UK from 100 per cent merino sheepskin, the liner will keep baby toasty in winter and cool come summer, and fits any buggy, car seat or Moses basket. From £95, tibaandmarl.com
YM A G A ZI N
IN JOHN LEWIS’ 2019 NURSERY TRENDS REPORT THE ICANDY PEACH PUSHCHAIR CAME IN AT NUMBER SIX ON PARENTS’ WISH LIST, WHILE THE MAXI-COSI PEBBLE PLUS I-SIZE CAR SEAT CAME IN AT NUMBER 10. JOHNLEWIS.COM BEST BABY BUYS | baby-magazine.co.uk | 7
Flower Power
Guaranteed to brighten your and baby’s day, Ergobaby has released a limited-edition print range, Flores, in collaboration with designer French Bull NYC. The range has a bold, colourful aesthetic with vivid floral prints and is available for the Adapt and hugely popular Omni 360 carriers, alongside sleep bags and a swaddle. ergobaby.co.uk
MOTHERCARE AND BABYZEN WILL SPONSOR TFL’S BABY ON BOARD BADGE; THE THREE-YEAR DEAL WILL GENERATE REVENUE FOR THE TRANSPORT NETWORK. THE BADGE REMAINS FREE AND WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE IN MOTHERCARE STORES.
Like a Pro
Hauck has released a new range of car seats in its iPro series. Both the iPro Baby (from birth) and iPro Kids (from 105cm – about four years old) are available separately or as a set with the iPro i-Size base, which cleverly houses both car seats. From £149.99, hauckuk.com
ALL STITCHED UP
Nuna had us weak at the knees with the Oxford range, and they’ve done it again with the new Threaded collection. Timelessly tailored for a sophisticated feel, its soft, breathable merino wool upholstery has temperature-regulating properties. Available exclusively at Mothercare in the MIXX pushchair, PIPA lite LX car seat, LEAF curv bouncer and SENA aire. nuna.eu 8 | baby-magazine.co.uk | BEST BABY BUYS
Get in and grow securely Give them space to keep growing securely—in their comfort zone. The MYTI™ car seat lets them ride first with a harness and then as a belt-positioning booster. All while being i-Size safe and seriously relaxed. With an on-thego three position recline and customizable growth system, it’s perfect from toddler to big kid— suitable from 15 months up to 12 years! Find out more at nunababy.com
Smart homes
GAME CHANGER
April sees a world first, as Maxi-Cosi launches its R129-approved car carrycot, Jade. A safe solution for newborns on longer road trips (standard car seats currently limit journeys to two hours), its lie-flat position ensures healthy sleep on the road, while the ISOFIX base is compliant with the highest safety regulations. £199, ISOFIX base sold separately, maxi-cosi.co.uk
BT has announced the launch of the UK’s first voicecontrolled Smart Baby Monitor, connecting with both Alexa and Google Assistant. The latest of BT Smart Home’s new products, it comes with either a 2.8” or 5” colour video screen. Ask Alexa or Google Assistant to play a lullaby, take the nursery’s temperature or turn motion detection on. From £129.99, shop.bt.com
TO CELEBRATE 20 YEARS SINCE ITS FIRST PUSHCHAIR WAS SEEN ON THE STREET, BUGABOO HAS LAUNCHED A LIMITED-EDITION TRACK COLLECTION; AVAILABLE FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY ON THE FOX AND BEE 5 MODELS. BUGABOO.COM 10 | baby-magazine.co.uk | BEST BABY BUYS
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Be ready for tomorrow You can’t control your destiny, but you can be ready for the stroll ahead. With an all-season seat, Custom dual suspension™, and the ability to expand to a double or even a twin—the DEMI™ grow really does have it all—no matter what fate may throw your way. Designed around your future you. Find out more at nunababy.com
PUSHCHAIRS
With so many innovative designs, you’re spoilt for choice. ead on to find the perfect strolling option for you
Silver Cross Coast BEST BABY BUYS | baby-magazine.co.uk | 13
BUYING GUIDE: The
pushchair
AS ONE OF THE MOST CRUCIAL BITS OF BABY KIT YOU’LL BUY, HER E’S HOW TO MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOU
W
ith the potential to be the most expensive set of wheels you’ll ever buy after a car, the pushchair can be one of your most daunting purchases. A product like this will get daily use, so try to see it as an investment, with many models built to see you through two, or even three, children. Particular styles and colours will go out of stock if they’re popular choices, so if you have your heart set on a particular brand, be safe and start your search around the 20-week mark – that way you’ll have plenty of time to get to grips with it, too. Finally, make sure you know what you’re getting for the price; some come with a car seat, carrycot and seat, whereas others only offer the chassis and seat, and you don’t want to be faced with lots of additional charges.
It’s important to choose a pushchair that fits your lifestyle and how you’ll be using it most days
Nuna Mixx from £400, nuna.eu
Things to consider • Do you want a travel system that you can attach the car seat to? • What kind of terrains will you be using the pushchair on? • Think about space restrictions – can you store it at home, and will it fit in your car? • If you’re planning on having children close in age, will it cater for a growing family? • Does it work with your height? Some handlebars extend to different lengths, and some don’t extend at all. • Does it sit within your budget? TIP: Visit a store for a demonstration on how to fold and adjust the seat position and handle.
14 | baby-magazine.co.uk | BEST BABY BUYS
Raffi pushchair £599.95, bababing.com
TIP: If you’re planning on using your pushchair for more than one baby, consider a neutral colour – although many now have interchangeable hoods.
Babyzen Yoyo+ £369, babyzen.com
TIP: Globetrotting families may want to look into getting a stroller, too. Some models fit into overhead cabins.
Silver Cross Wave £1,100, silvercrossbaby.com
GLOSSARY
TIP: Some carrycots are certified for overnight sleeping.
A carrycot is used from birth; this allows baby to lie down and sleep. The chassis is the framework of a pushchair. Doubles are for twins or babies close in age, with two seats or two carrycots. Parent-facing is when the seat is positioned facing the parent. Seat units are used at around six months, once baby can support herself. Note that many now have lie-flat positions, which means they can be used from birth. Tandem – also referred to as in-line pushchairs – means one seat behind the other. A travel system is a type of pushchair that’s compatible with a rear-facing car seat, which attaches to the chassis for ease of transportation when out of the car. World-facing is when the seat is looking out so baby can see the world go by as you stroll.
BEST BABY BUYS | baby-magazine.co.uk | 15
REVIEWS: The pushchair ERGOBABY METRO
SILVER CROSS JET
£299, ergobaby.co.uk Reviewer: Kate Henderson, mum to Wilfred
£275, silvercrossbaby.com Reviewer: Victoria Moore, mum to Sam, Sophie and Poppy
We had reached the stage where we were in need of a secondary stroller. Being fans of the Ergobaby brand, when we discovered they had released a buggy that appeared to tick all the boxes, we decided to give it a go.
With a summer holiday booked to Turkey, we needed something smaller that could be our go-to holiday buggy: one that would take up less boot space, be easy on public transport and that could be stowed overhead during flights.
GOOD LOOKING? We absolutely love the look of the Ergobaby Metro Stroller. Simple and compact but super stylish. The design of the sun shade really makes the stroller stand out from the crowd; we opted for the grey trim version, which looks lovely.
GOOD LOOKING? The Silver Cross Jet looks really smart and sleek, and not at all plasticky like the umbrella strollers I was used to when my older kids were young. It has a more premium look than some of the other compact strollers on the market.
USABILITY The compact nature of the Metro Stroller is brilliant. It fits easily into the car boot with our luggage, allowing us to leave the roof box at home! It is simple to unfold and easy to carry. My only observation would be that it doesn’t always stand up when folded. There is plenty of room in the storage area underneath the buggy and in the zip-up compartment behind the seat, perfect for those baby essentials. The seat cover is removable so can be washed too. The handle height cannot be adjusted, but this doesn’t seem to be an issue for us.
USABILITY I’m still amazed by how small the Jet is when folded away. And I love that it turns into a little suitcase, with the bumper bar doubling as a pull-along handle. Poppy’s siblings like pulling it, which will come in handy when we’re at the airport. It also comes with a protective cover, so it stays nicely folded and doesn’t get scuffed or dirty! Because it’s so lightweight (5.9kg), it performs best on smooth surfaces, and I’ve been impressed by the storage: the basket is a reasonable size and easy to access – we’ve managed to fit three coats underneath it.
COMFORT This buggy has so many features designed to ensure comfort. We love the brilliant sunshade, which fully protects Wilfred while still allowing him to see out. It also has a meshed flap that allows you to keep an eye on baby! The stroller has a nice amount of padding, ensuring a super comfy seat, and the meshed back allows sufficient air flow on hot, sunny days.
COMFORT Because you can lock the wheels at the front, the suspension allows a smooth ride, keeping Poppy comfy, plus the fivepoint safety harness means she’s nice and secure. You can easily recline with one hand, which is handy for on-the-move snoozing – the fact that she falls asleep in it must be a good sign! It’s comfortable to push, and I love its leatherette handle.
VERDICT The Ergobaby Metro Stroller is a great buggy. Its user-friendly, intelligent design makes it perfect, not just for trips away and urban use, but also as a replacement for heavy-duty prams.
VERDICT I’m really pleased with our choice. It looks good, is very compact and will be a godsend when dashing around the airport. I can’t wait to take the Jet on its first flight!
16 | baby-magazine.co.uk | BEST BABY BUYS
REVIEWS: The pushchair UPPABABY MINU
STOKKE SCOOT
From £429, thebabyroom.co.uk Reviewer: Caroline Dobson, mum to Bertie, expecting her second baby
£338, stokke.com Reviewer: Nina Finnerud, mum to Nico
As a New Zealand native living in London with my husband and toddler, I needed a stroller that would travel well, be easy to use and handle all surfaces. With another baby on the way, I wanted something that was light to push and could be used from birth with number two… we chose the Uppababy Minu.
We wanted a pushchair that was solid and sturdy, but still compact and agile enough to navigate London life. As we’re both quite tall, it was also important to have one that was positioned high enough – with an adjustable handlebar – so that it would be comfortable for both of us to use.
GOOD LOOKING? Practical and super chic: a winning combo in any parent’s eyes! The Uppababy Minu is the perfect blend of style and comfort and comes in three attractive shades. I opted for Charcoal, which, with its wipeable surfaces, passed the toddler test. The handlebar is the icing on the cake: made from 100 per cent full-grain leather, it’s hand-sewn and perforated for extra grip.
GOOD LOOKING? Though appearance was never our first priority, we feel that it has been a stylish choice.
USABILITY At just under 7kg, the Minu is a dream to use, carry and store. Its lightweight frame is great for travelling, while the easy one-hand, one-fold motion is a godsend when you’re juggling babies and bags. It also has a built-in strap that you can pop over your shoulder, making carrying a breeze. The easy-access basket is perfect for groceries and baby paraphernalia; and the SPF 50 sun shade has been especially useful over the summer! A very smooth ride – even over bumpy terrain. COMFORT Our toddler struggles with buggies – he simply hates going in them! But he was more than happy riding along in the Minu, which is high praise indeed. The multi-recline feature and spring-action wheels have been great for snoozy strolls. VERDICT The Minu is super easy to use. We’ve recently purchased the additional carrycot for when baby number two arrives, and I am sure it will be as good as the rest of the product.
USABILITY We found the Scoot very easy to drive; we’ve been particularly impressed with the build of the buggy and the smoothness of the ride. It’s very responsive to turns and has a solid suspension. We were worried that the size would be an issue when taking it into cafes and shops, but so far this hasn’t been a problem at all. What’s more, the Scoot’s very practical in its assembly and when folding away again – the bassinet comes on and off with one handy click. Another key benefit is its extended canopy, which at full extension includes a ventilated section that offers full air flow and shade protection during the hot summer months. COMFORT Nico seems to have found it a very comfortable space to lie in. She often naps in it while we are out for our daily walks. The generous dimensions of the bassinet provide ample space for her while also being snug enough to give her all the warmth and reassurance that she needs. We’ll soon be moving on to the seat unit, which I’m sure will impress just as much. VERDICT Our overall verdict is entirely positive, as the Scoot has delivered on all of our expectations. BEST BABY BUYS | baby-magazine.co.uk | 17
REVIEWS: The pushchair QUINNY ZAPP FLEX
BABABING RAFFI
£269, buggybaby.co.uk Reviewer: Sophie Lee, mum to Florence
£599.95, bababing.com Reviewer: Charlotte Veale, mum to Rosie and Elsie
In need of something lighter, we decided to make the Quinny Zapp Flex our stroller of choice.
With the arrival of our second daughter we wanted a pushchair that could handle a mix of terrains. We chose the Raffi by Bababing, and we’re so happy with our choice!
GOOD LOOKING? I like the unique handles and three-wheel in-line style. Plus there are a great selection of colours. I like that it’s comfy as well as being a practical lightweight stroller. USABILITY There are a couple of bits to assemble: the wheels need to clip on and the shopping basket needs attaching. It’s worth watching a YouTube video for this. Once it’s up and running, folding or unfolding it is a simple three-step process. It is a lovely stroller to push; the unique three-wheel design, makes it easy to manoeuvre, and the easy-access shopping basket has been a godsend. The rubber harness pads are easy to clean, the raincover is very simple to attach and the sun hood is extendable and big enough to block out the sun. My only quibble is that the handle height can’t be adjusted, as my husband and I are both quite tall. COMFORT Florence seems very comfortable in her new ride. I like that the seat can be either world-facing or parent-facing, and it’s easy to switch between the two, with three different sitting positions including lying down, although the chair cannot be in an upright position while it is parent-facing. It has a good foot rest and a five-point harness to keep her strapped in safely. VERDICT We are really pleased with the stroller, and it’s really fulfilling its role; it is lightweight and compact. It folds down in one piece and gives us much more space in our boot compared to our previous travel system. 18 | baby-magazine.co.uk | BEST BABY BUYS
GOOD LOOKING? The pushchair looks great; it’s ultra-modern and I love the colour and fabrics – we went for the grey, which is a cross between grey and blue. The leatherette handlebar looks refined too, adding a touch of luxury. USABILITY We love the ease of this product; it moves freely, is light to push and folds and unfolds with one hand. I also like that it collapses with the seat attached and is a good size for the car boot. It’s easy to adjust the height of the handlebar, and the brake is simple to use. I also love that it comes with adaptors that are compatible with all the major car seat brands; I have a BeSafe iZi car seat and enjoy using it as part of a travel system. COMFORT The carrycot is super comfy and padded and the mattress is great quality and breathable. Elsie seems very happy in there. There is also a great reflux adjustment, so if baby suffers with wind you can raise the head end slightly. My toddler had plenty of room in the seat; her feet rested well on the footrest and the recline for sleeping is brilliant. The hood provides both protection and sleep-inducing darkness. VERDICT I love the Raffi! For the price point and value for money, it’s excellent. A really well thought out pushchair with some great features that some other brands simply don’t have. It’s a great all-rounder – from newborn to toddler to small child. One very happy mum!
REVIEWS: The pushchair THULE URBAN GLIDE 2
NUNA DEMI GROW
£435, thule.com Reviewer: Annabella Ward, mum to William, Florence and Delphie
From £600, nuna.eu Reviewer: Laura Harris, mum to Evie and Mia
It’s taken me until baby number three to find my perfect chariot of choice – with the Urban Glide, they really have thought of everything.
Starting off as an excellent double buggy, the Nuna Demi Grow has been a fantastic pushchair for both of our daughters, performing in every category.
GOOD LOOKING? The Thule Urban Glide 2 is the Bugatti of buggies. A magnificent piece of Swedish design and engineering that is sleek, lightweight and sporty.
GOOD LOOKING? The Demi Grow looks super stylish in both double and single mode. I like that it doesn’t look like a monster of a buggy despite its double capacity; it’s still pretty slick and compact even with two seats in position. I love the colour – we went for Aspen, a shade close to dark denim, which seems to hide all the usual marks and spillages well.
USABILITY It’s been six years since I last assembled a buggy, and things really have moved on. The product has been very cleverly colour-coded so that every blue piece of plastic has a function: from lifting and lowering the height of the handle bar, to controlling the central brake, which is surprisingly useful for navigating hilly terrain or stopping suddenly on a jog, to collapsing the buggy with one hand and removing the rear wheels for storing or popping in the boot. It’s smooth as silk to drive, even one-handed, with terrific suspension – especially useful for country walks. The usual noisy velcro elements have been replaced with magnets, which not only have a satisfyingly gentle ‘clunk’ to them, but also help reduce the noise around a sleeping baby. There are well-positioned air vents and a large zipped storage area under the seat. COMFORT My seven-month-old couldn’t be happier with her new wheels. It’s extremely easy to adjust the seat from sitting to flat, where she’ll happily take long naps. THE VERDICT This really is a five-star buggy. I only wish it had been around eight years ago when we were starting our family, as I know it would have stood the test of time.
USABILITY The Demi Grow has performed brilliantly on all terrain – it is a little heavy when both children are in the seat and need lifting over a step or onto a pavement, but what double buggy wouldn’t be? It’s even been great in the snow! We’re using it now just as a single pushchair for our youngest daughter, and it’s lovely to push and easy to use – plus there’s ample storage when just one of the seats is in use. I love that it has been designed to go from a single pushchair to either a double or a twin – lessening the need for additional pushchairs when you’re in a world full of baby paraphernalia. COMFORT Both of my daughters love it! It looks really comfy, protective and safe. The all-season seat is plush and cosy, while the extendable and protective UPF 50+ canopy keeps them out of the sun – perfect for on-the-go snoozing. Plus, the generous suspension means it’s a smooth ride – even on bumpy terrain! VERDICT The Demi Grow really is the perfect pushchair for us; we’re absolutely loving it! BEST BABY BUYS | baby-magazine.co.uk | 19
REVIEWS: The pushchair MICRALITE SMARTFOLD
ICANDY RASPBERRY
From £690, micralite.com Reviewer: Antonia O’Brien mum to Gray
From £550, icandyworld.com Reviewer: Thomas Brendon, dad to Jack
I wanted something that would handle different terrains and see us through country walks too. We were recommended the Micralite Smartfold.
Having moved to London, we were looking for a pushchair that was light, nimble and would fit through our narrow front door. The iCandy Raspberry seemed an ideal choice.
GOOD LOOKING? The design is smart and modern, with large back wheels and wider front wheels giving it a sporty feel. Both the carrycot and stroller are stylish, simple and unfussy in design.
GOOD LOOKING? We picked out the Greenwich Grey colourway with matching carrycot – and we love the look of the two-tone style, especially for summer. The smart, subtle branding and matte metallic chassis definitely make this feel like a luxury product.
USABILITY The large wheels have great suspension and tread, meaning I can take on any park and path with ease. The leather handlebar and steering are smooth and a joy to push. When using the carrycot, I loved that my baby was right in front of me where I could keep a close eye on him. As the name suggests, the folding mechanism is brilliant, using just one movement! The stroller is best in large open spaces. Navigating it around London isn’t always easy because it’s quite a large pushchair. I’ve also struggled with the basket underneath, which is quite small and limited because of a slightly awkward strap in the middle. COMFORT The carrycot is lovely and roomy; Gray is as comfortable in it on long strolls as he is in his home cot. The bamboo liner is a lovely soft fabric, and the concealed mesh panel on the hood can be unzipped to allow more air in, which is great. VERDICT In terms of style, the stroller looks great, though it is a bit cumbersome when the carrycot is fitted, and offers a very smooth ride. I loved pushing it on uneven terrains because it could handle it so well. It is just perhaps not the right set of wheels if you’re nipping about in the capital. 20 | baby-magazine.co.uk | BEST BABY BUYS
USABILITY Hopping on and off buses and trains, navigating kerbs and even climbing the steps up to our flat is really easy with the Raspberry. Weighing in at 6.6kg, it’s lightweight yet robust, making it easy to manoeuvre, and the extendable handle means even I can push it in comfort (I’m 6ft 1in). The puncture-proof tyres lock with ease, which means it also handles well on grass, and the spacious shopping basket underneath will carry an impressive 5kg of baby gear without trouble. After watching a couple of videos, we’ve managed to nail the folding and unfolding too. It’s also helpful that it’s freestanding when stored and sits nicely in our car boot. COMFORT To keep our little one cocooned we decided to purchase the additional carrycot to use during the first few months. We liked that the carrycot can be used for overnight sleeping, which definitely makes it worth the extra £180. The padded mattress offers premium comfort; he’s spent hours snoozing in there already! VERDICT The iCandy Raspberry is a solid choice for city dwellers; our new set of wheels has fitted into our lives with ease!
Start Your Adventure Part of the
family
Go Anywhere... micralite.com
smoothest of swivels Share the joy at joiebaby.com
e spin with
ize i-S
An i-Size certified, 360° pivoting protector usable rearward from birth to 19kg, and forward facing from 15 months. Simple Swivel™ for one-hand smooth spins, auto-engaging Guard Surround Safety™ side impact protection and Smart Ride™ lock-off ensure the utmost safety and the easiest of function.
watch m
meet i-Spin 360™ i-Size 40-105cm, ≤19kg
CAR SEATS
This category is a minefield for parents. Let our buying guide and reviews help you make the right choice
Hauck iPro Series BEST BABY BUYS | baby-magazine.co.uk | 23
BUYING GUIDE: The
car seat
WHEN IT COMES TO CHOOSING AN INFANT CAR RIER SAFET Y IS KEY, BUT WHAT ELSE SHOULD YOU CONSIDER?
I
n the UK, children must use cars seat until they’re 12 years old or over 4ft 5in tall, so your relationship with car seats is long term. The first one you’ll need is a Group 0+ infant car seat, suitable from birth up to 15 months or when they weigh 13kg, whichever happens to come first.
You have many car-seatdependent road trips ahead of you with a little one on board
Things to consider • Are you hoping to use an ISOFIX base? The bases are quite bulky, so you may want to buy two if you’re moving from car to car. • Do you want one that rotates? It’s a useful feature, but it means you won’t be able to attach this car seat to your pushchair. • Sounds silly, but does it fit in your car? The majority of car seats do, but it’s always safest to check before you purchase! • Do you travel abroad a lot? If so, is it suitable for use on a plane?
Joie i-Level £199.99, joiebaby.com TIP: Many from-birth car seats have a lie-flat position, which is perfect for snoozes in the car.
24 | baby-magazine.co.uk | BEST BABY BUYS
TIP: All car seats must display an ECE R129/00, R44/03 or R44/04 certification label to indicate that they comply with the current minimum legal safety requirement.
Maxi-Cosi AxissFix Plus £399, kiddies-kingdom.com
Cybex Sirona S i-Size £349.95, naturalbabyshower.co.uk
TIP: There are multi-group seats, which cover different stages, alleviating the need to buy additional seats.
GLOSSARY
Nuna Rebl plus car seat £350, nuna.eu
TIP: Go along to your retailer for a fitting trial. Once you’ve made a purchase, make sure you ask an expert to show you how to fit the car seat first time around – then practise fitting it yourself afterwards: you want to be confident before baby arrives.
I-Size is the new regulation (ECE R129/00) for child car seats, which makes rear-facing travelling mandatory for babies up to 15 months. It uses ISOFIX as its primary method, so you’ll need a car with ISOFIX fixings. ISOFIX offers an alternative to securing your car seat with seat belts; instead, seats are secured by two attachments at the base of each side of the car seat embedded within the vehicle seat structure, usually combined with a third antirotational device (a top tether strap or load leg system). Forward-facing child seats provide impact protection and an integral five-point harness, with a vehicle three-point seat belt or an impact shield to hold the child in place. A rear-facing car seat is the safest way to protect your baby if your car is involved in a head-on collision. This is because the shell of the car seat will absorb most of the impact in an accident, reducing the chance of injury.
BEST BABY BUYS | baby-magazine.co.uk | 25
REVIEWS: The car seat JOIE I-SPIN 360
NUNA MYTI
£300, mothercare.com Reviewer: Vicky Moore, mum to Sam, Sophie, and Poppy
£275, nuna.eu Reviewer: Jane Laurence, mum to Charlie
When we needed to move on to a bigger car seat for our youngest, we opted for the all-singing, all-dancing Joie i-Spin 360; it was a real treat for us all to have a product that doesn’t compromise on anything!
I wanted a car seat that would last us through the years for my 18-month-old boy. The Nuna Myti is suitable for children aged 15 months to 12 years and full of features to keep them safe and comfortable.
GOOD LOOKING? The car seat blends into our car very well. We opted for coal colour, which is essentially black, meaning it should stay looking as good as new. But when things get really messy, thankfully the covers are machine-washable!
GOOD LOOKING? I love the smart look of this car seat; its plush fabrics and detailing make it look and feel like a premium product. The stitching on both sides adds a touch of style too.
USABILITY This product has been a joy to use. The initial set up was easy and the built-in ISOFIX connectors gave us the peace of mind of knowing the seat was installed correctly – this is particularly nice if you’re a nervous first-time mum. My favourite feature has to be the one-handed swivel function; initially I had no idea how useful this would be, but I wouldn’t be without it now! Being able to secure the straps to the side is also very handy when putting Poppy back in, as there’s no wrestling with the straps; these are easily adjusted too, and you can quite simply change the recline position (there are six positions in total) without having to reinstall the car seat. COMFORT The removable inserts are nice and cosy and come with the seat as standard. It has built-in side impact protection and safety panels that provide added security for the head, body and hips and extend as your little one grows – it’s great that comfort doesn’t compromise safety. VERDICT I absolutely love this product. It’s been a real game-changer for me, plus I know Poppy is safe and secure. 26 | baby-magazine.co.uk | BEST BABY BUYS
USABILITY This is a forward-facing only product, so in theory once it’s installed it doesn’t need to be done again. Having said that, we’ve used it in a couple of cars and the installation has been easy each time. As Charlie is only little, we’re using it with the five-point harness, which means it installs through ISOFIX and a top tether belt. The straps are easily adjusted by pressing the button at the bottom of the seat and pulling both together. The integrated harness holders keep the harness open while putting a wriggly child in. There are three recline positions adjusted through the lever underneath the seat and the headrest is adjusted by a lever behind. As the headrest gets higher, the shoulder width get wider for the perfect fit. COMFORT Charlie is currently in the most reclined position and seems very happy in his car seat – it’s lovely and padded with ventilation panels on the seat to let the air flow around him. There’s also an additional body insert, for extra snugness. VERDICT I love that this car seat not only has the longevity factor, but is comfortable and jam-packed with safety features. Nothing is compromised with the Nuna Myti!
REVIEWS: The car seat BRITAX DUALFIX I-SIZE
THE APRAMO ALL STAGE
£430, mothercare.com Reviewer: Lyndsay Russell, mum to Maddie and Archie
£389, halfords.com Reviewer: Sarah Osborne, mum to Darcie and Joel
When he became too big for his first car seat, it was time to invest in something that would keep up with my ever growing baby. We decided to go for the Britax Dualfix i-Size.
We needed a car seat that was built to last, and the Apramo All Stage delivers on safety, style and sturdiness!
GOOD LOOKING? It’s a very sleek-looking car seat. My initial impression was that it looked like a bucket seat in a sports car, and I wasn’t quite convinced my big baby would fit in it, but I was proved totally wrong. We went for black, as it hides a multitude of stains – the cover can also be removed for washing, which is great. USABILITY Once the seat was set up, actually installing it into the car was very easy, plus the instructions are clearly displayed on the side of the base, meaning I couldn’t lose them! The seat fit snuggly into the car and felt very secure once the support leg was put down into the foot well – this can also be heightadjusted. I also love the 360° rotational feature; it makes my life much easier! It’s a heavy piece of kit, though. COMFORT The bucket style seems very comfortable. It came with all the extra padding for smaller babies, but with my whopper of a child, these weren’t needed. Archie seemed to love the multirecline positions – which can be used in both the backwardand forward-facing positions. We had him backward-facing until he hit 16 months, when we turned him, because he’s so tall that his legs were starting to look squished. The V-shaped headrest kept his head comfortably in place and the neoprene chest pads are soft and reduce wriggling. VERDICT This is a very safe, comfortable car seat which ticked all the safety, comfort and style boxes for us.
GOOD LOOKING? The Apramo is a lovely looking car seat – it’s not too bulky and the fabric is luxe and good quality and definitely seems durable enough for a two-year-old! USABILITY It’s amazing to think that one car seat can last from birth up to 12 years, and this offers parents real longevity, basically like four car seats in one! It was very easy to install, although it’s worth noting that the instructions are stored in the compartment at the back of the seat. I like that it comes as one unit mounted on a fixed base, so once it’s installed, that’s it. It’s been very user-friendly when getting Joel in and out of the car; on some other models, I’ve found it tricky to tighten and loosen the straps, but with the Apramo it is super-easy! However, one slight niggle is when buckling Joel in, it can be a bit fiddly, as the two buckle parts have to be held together to fit into the clasp. There are four recline positions, which are easy to adjust and lock into place. As your child grows, you can also adjust the headrest in one easy step. COMFORT The seat itself is really comfortable: it’s soft to touch and there’s a generous amount of padding and support. Joel is extremely happy spending time in his new seat, on both shorter and longer journeys! VERDICT Overall, the Apramo All Stage is a great, stylish, durable product. It’s a sturdy car seat that suits all ages, so we shouldn’t need to buy anything else along the way. BEST BABY BUYS | baby-magazine.co.uk | 27
Face to Me
q +44 (0)1978 664362
E info@hauckuk.com
P www.hauckuk.com
TRAVEL COTS
Consult our comprehensive roundup to ensure that you’re making an informed choice
Nuna Sena Aire BEST BABY BUYS | baby-magazine.co.uk | 29
BUYING GUIDE: The
travel cot
A SR AIGHTFORWAR D PIECE OF KIT, BUT WHAT SHOULD YOU CONSIDER BEFOR E YOUR PURCHASE
A
s a new parent, you want to invest in products that will make your life and your baby’s life easier. And it’s likely that at some point in the early months you’ll find yourself needing a travel cot; whether that’s for baby’s first holiday or sleeping over at the grandparents or with friends. As with most baby products, there’s an abundance of choice, with most baby brands selling a travel cot. Costs can really vary. Travel cots go into the hold on flights, so you’ll want to bear in mind a cover and how heavy it is if you’re the one carrying it. If you are taking it away with you, and space permitting, it may be worth your baby taking her daytime naps in it, to familiarise herself before she’s away. Depending how often you’ll be using it, you’ll need to weigh up the benefits of a pop-up option versus one with a sturdier frame.
Nuna Sena Aire Travel Cot £180, johnlewis.com
Koo-di Sun and Sleep Pop-Up Travel Cot £59.99, jojomamanbebe.co.uk
30 | baby-magazine.co.uk | BEST BABY BUYS
A good travel cot should be easy to put up and take down and to transport on holidays
TIP: Some travel cots come with a built in bassinet, which is a perfect sleeping space for a younger baby
Hauck Sleep’n Play £70, uberkids.com
THINGS TO CONSIDER Excursion Change & Bounce Travel Cot £160, joiebaby.com TIP: Some travel cots go beyond a space for sleep with clip-in changing units, which may come in handy when you’re away from home
Sleep & Go travel cot £175, micralite.com
TIP: A product that is multifunctional will extend its lifespan giving a purpose way past the baby days
How often will you use it? Fabric covers that are removable and machinewashable can make keeping the travel cot clean much easier. So if you intend to use the cot a lot, then this is worth considering. Ease of use. If you’re buying from a store, ask for a demo! They’re designed to be put up in a flash, so make sure you’re shown how. How heavy is it? Check the weight of the travel cot, as this will affect how easy it is for you to put it up and down, and get it back into its bag. Carry-bag and wheels. A lightweight travel cot that comes with a carry-bag and wheels can make transporting, and positioning, a lot easier. Bassinet. Some travel cots come with a separate bassinet, which fits across the top, providing a smaller space for your newborn to sleep in; this is only really suitable for the first six months. Because of the position, a bassinet is higher up, making it easier to keep an eye on your baby or for lifting in or out. Worth considering if you’ve had a c-section. Multi-purpose. Some travel cots are designed to double up as playpens, with zips for easy access for a crawling baby. BEST BABY BUYS | baby-magazine.co.uk | 31
REVIEWS: The travel cot BABYBJORN TRAVEL CRIB EASY GO
JOIE KUBBIE
£219.99, babybjorn.co.uk Reviewer: Sophie Lee, mum to Florence
£60, joiebaby.com Reviewer: Emilia Cross, mum to Isla
My husband works away a lot, which has meant Florence and I are often on the road visiting friends and family. We found ourselves needing a travel cot, and I’m pleased to say we’ve made a great choice with BabyBjörn’s Travel Crib Easy Go.
Fed up with our rather clunky travel cot, we wanted something more compact for nights away and decided to go for the newly released Kubbie.
GOOD LOOKING? Definitely! I think that having angled sides sets it apart from the more common design, giving it a stylish look. We’ve used it in most rooms of the house, and it never looks unsightly! USABILITY I have used many travel cots over the years, and this is by far the best! It is very lightweight and can be put up and packed away in minutes. Even when the cot is assembled, it can be easily moved around the room due to its lightweight frame. Both the cot and mattress fold away in a compact travel bag, which also enables easy storage when not in use. The cot sides and the mattress cover are removable and machine washable too. We’ve been using it as a playpen during the day – Florence loves to sit in there with her favourite toys! COMFORT The soft and comfy mattress means Florence sleeps like a dream in there. Fortunately, you don’t need to add an extra mattress as the included one has a generous padded layer – unlike many other travel cots! It is very low to the ground, and as there isn’t a bassinet, I would have struggled to lift Florence in and out when she was a newborn. It is perfect for the age she is now, though, and will last us for quite some time. VERDICT I love it and would recommend it to all my friends. It does have a slightly higher price tag than others, but it is high quality and long lasting, so I think it is well worth the money. 32 | baby-magazine.co.uk | BEST BABY BUYS
GOOD LOOKING The cot’s simple design makes it look and feel really smart. The two wheels mean it’s easy to move around too, and the mesh sides allow Isla to look out if she’s using it for playtime, and they also keep the space well ventilated. USABILITY The Kubbie is really easy to use! It took a bit of muscle the first time to put it up, but now it’s easy and quick to assemble – which is perfect if arriving somewhere with a sleeping baby! My daughter is too big for the bassinet option now, but I’d have loved this feature when she was first born, as it would have been ideal to have a beside-the-bed travel option. The bassinet is easily removed. I also like the two built-in wheels, which make moving it from room to room a doddle. The only small downside is if you’re carrying it for some time it can become quite heavy; having said that, it’s nice and compact when stored in the included travel bag, and realistically, you’ll only be carrying it as far as the car boot; if you are flying, you can book it in as oversized luggage. COMFORT Isla was extremely comfortable and had a great night’s sleep. The cot has ample space and good mattress, and being raised off the floor, it's away from the cold or any draughts. VERDICT I really love this travel cot – it’s sleek and easy to use and was spacious and comfortable for my daughter. If we’re lucky enough to have another baby, I will definitely use the bassinet.
REVIEWS: The travel cot MICRALITE SLEEP&GO TRAVEL COT
NUNA SENA AIRE
£175, micralite.com Reviewer: Shakira Akabusi, mum to Rio and Ezra
£180, johnlewis.com Reviewer: Nina Finnerud, mum to Nico
I was eager to test the new Micralite Sleep&Go Travel Cot. Retailing at £175, this is a considered purchase; however, ensuring good sleep for a baby while travelling is important, and this product certainly does the job!
We’d reached the time where we needed a travel cot for Nico, our daughter, and after hearing good things, we went for the Nuna Sena Aire.
GOOD LOOKING? The Micralite Sleep&Go Travel Cot has a simple, sleek, Scandistyle appearance. The framework is sturdy and the mesh lining breathable and flexible. Great as a neutral option. USABILITY Catering for both newborns and toddlers, the Sleep&Go travel cot is easy to assemble and dismantle. The newborn insert is attached using a zip, and the mattress can be halved to fit this smaller frame. The newborn sling is suspended above the ground, keeping baby close to you and making it easy to reach him. When required, this attachment can be removed, revealing the toddler-sized area below. The mattress is reunited with the other half using a zip, which tucks neatly into the divider to avoid a gap in the mattress. All components can be slotted together and transferred into the compact carry case. The bag is long and requires some boot space, but weighing only 7kg, it is lightweight and easy to transport. COMFORT A stand-out component of this travel cot is the plush mattress and breathable mesh framework. Doubling up as a playpen, it has a zip on one side, which can be opened from the outside – perfect for crawlers who want more freedom. VERDICT The Micralite doubles as a travel cot and playpen and works brilliantly in both capacities; it is superb for maintaining comfort away from home.
GOOD LOOKING It makes a striking first impression with its solid zig-zag style frame, mesh cover and lapped fabric across the top sides of the cot. While looks weren’t our top priority, we appreciated the modern appearance of the Sena Aire. USABILITY The initial set-up, and subsequent ones, were easy and efficient, as it simply pops open, and can be refolded again with one hand. We’re currently using it in bassinet mode, which is clipped in using buckles on the corners. As you can imagine, due to the sturdy aluminium frame, it doesn’t quite fall into the lightweight category. It comes with a travel bag, which makes it compact, but at 11.5kg it’s still not something you’d want to be carrying around for long. COMFORT Nico is almost four months old, and in the time she has been using the cot she has seemed very comfortable. The fact that it comes with an organic cotton sheet and a triple-layered mesh mattress is a big bonus. This product is all about airflow, and the elevated base means that our baby is protected from any draughts, but also keeps it well ventilated. I like the padded edges that prevent little fingers from getting pinched. VERDICT Overall, the Sena Aire is a stylish, solid travel cot that’s only real shortcoming is its weight; for us, safety and comfort were always going to be the most important factors, and both of these are strong points for the Sena Aire. BEST BABY BUYS | baby-magazine.co.uk | 33
Keep them close You can’t hold your baby all the time. Even though you may want to. CUDL™ makes it easy to keep baby close and secure, all while keeping your hands free. It’s comfortable and customisible with breathable mesh fabric and padded shoulder and waist straps. Keep baby facing in and snuggled up starting with an integrated infant booster for newborns, which then easily unzips as your child grows. As baby wants to explore the world, have them face out or switch to backpack mode for growing toddlers. Find out more at nunababy.com
BABY CARRIERS
Want to get out and about with baby? Our shopping guide and product reviews will help you on your way
Nuna Cudl BEST BABY BUYS | baby-magazine.co.uk | 35
BUYING GUIDE: Baby
carriers
SLING LIBR ARIAN, CAR RYING CONSULTANT AND TR AINER EMILY WILLIAMSON TALKS YOU THROUGH THE OPTIONS
A
good sling or baby carrier has the potential to make your life – and your baby – calmer and easier. However, as a product that you wear, it’s important to remember that everyone is different! The best way to discover which sling or carrier feels easy and comfortable for you and your baby is to try things out for yourself.
A multi-position carrier allows you to carry your growing baby on your front and back
In all slings, wraps and carriers, check for these basic essentials: • Safe, comfortable support for her spine, head, and airways. Your baby should be held high and snug against your chest, with face visible. • Good fit for comfortable weight distribution. A sling or carrier will only be comfortable if it fits your shape. Wraps or less padded or structured options which contour to your body can offer excellent weight distribution. • If you don’t find your carrier easy to use, you won’t use it. Everyone finds different things easy, so check you can get your carrier safe, comfortable and hands-free by yourself. Get expert help if you need it.
TIP: Wraps and soft slings are good for those very early baby carrying days with a newborn.
Izmi Baby Wrap £45, cheekyrascals.co.uk
36 | baby-magazine.co.uk | BEST BABY BUYS
TIP: The International Hip Dysplasia Institute recommends that when carrying your baby, her hips should be in a natural position for the first six months.
Front carrier £79, stokke.com Ergobaby Omni 360 Baby Carrier £154.90, ergobaby.co.uk
THINGS TO CONSIDER:
Izmi Cotton Baby Carrier £80, cheekyrascals.co.uk
TIP: If two adults will be using your carrier, choose one which is easily adjustable.
How long do you want to be able to use it for? A newborn baby has different carrying needs to a one-yearold, so consider different options for different stages. Be aware that guideline age or weight ranges don’t always reflect a carrier’s true lifespan. Who’ll be the one doing the baby carrying? Tie-on options can be more easily shareable than buckled carriers, as you won’t need to change settings between users. How are you going to use your carrier? Carrying for short trips: You won’t necessarily need the most supportive option. Choose something quick and easy to use. Carrying for longer periods: A wrap or carrier that distributes your baby’s weight evenly around your torso and over both shoulders will support good posture and reduce pressure points. BEST BABY BUYS | baby-magazine.co.uk | 37
REVIEWS: The carrier DIONO CARUS COMPLETE
ERGOBABY 360 ALL POSITIONS
£199, uk.diono.com Reviewer: Diego Siqueira, dad to Sadhbh
£134.90, ergobaby.co.uk Reviewer: Lucy Cathcart, mum to Neve
As the weather warms up, I wanted a sturdy carrier and the Diono Carus has exceeded my expectations!
We’re constantly out on coastal walks, so I found myself looking for a reliable baby carrier that my husband and I could both use. We opted for the popular Ergobaby 360.
GOOD LOOKING? For me, the Diono Carus carrier resembles the style of backpack I would wear on a regular basis. I’m really happy with how it sits and looks, plus it comes in a range of colours. USABILITY As with all carriers, in the beginning it took time to work out which strap went where, but after a couple of practice runs, and re-adjusting of the straps, I was soon able to get my fivemonth-old daughter in and out of it with ease. The generously sized detachable backpack is very convenient, and the separate baby wipe compartment is a nice touch. The pouch at the front is perfect for keys and phones, so the storage element has been well thought out. COMFORT Once my daughter is in position, the way the Carus distributes her weight away from the lower back has allowed me to carry her for long periods without feeling any strain on my body. And Sadhbh appeared just as comfortable: our first expedition saw her fall asleep within minutes. Comfort is by far this carrier’s strongest selling point; even having a front pocket to rest your hands in is a winner – because even when you know your baby is secure, it’s natural to want to hold on. VERDICT You can tell the carrier is designed with the comfort of both parent and baby in mind. I feel proud to be carrying my daughter around in something so sturdy, and I can’t see her growing out of it anytime soon. I look forward to trying out all the different carrying positions. 38 | baby-magazine.co.uk | BEST BABY BUYS
GOOD LOOKING? The carrier is fuss-free and stylish in comparison to others, some of which look a bit over complicated. We chose the simple and gender-neutral black one. USABILITY Easily adaptable for each wearer, the straps are quick to adjust, with helpful looped pulley handles for getting the perfect fit. It doesn’t take long to get on and off, which is handy for a mum like me who walks a lot and is often in a rush. You can have baby sitting comfortably facing outwards, inwards, on the hip or on the back within minutes, with minimal faffing. COMFORT There are many features which make this super comfy for both parent and child. The cushioned carrier has thick padded shoulder straps and a wide lumbar support waist belt, which sits nicely above the hips and distributes the baby’s weight without putting strain on the back. The adjustable ergonomic seat is designed for babies weighing 12-45lbs. It has four carrying positions and a breathable mesh panel for keeping baby cool on sunny days, plus a handy tuck-away hood. VERDICT This is by far the best and most versatile carrier I have used. It has been a game-changer in terms of back support during long walks and family days out. I like that we will be able to keep readjusting it as the baby gets older and make good use of all four positions. This would definitely be my carrier of choice from here on out.
REVIEWS: The carrier NAJELL ORIGINAL IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BEABA £150, amazon.co.uk Reviewer: Christian Osborne, dad to Gray
It was time to invest in a baby carrier for summer strolls with our son. The Najell Original ticked all of our boxes. GOOD LOOKING? This carrier is good-looking with neat button fastenings, concealed zip pockets and sleek magnetic buckles. In a textured fabric and lined in cotton, it is stylish and soft – great for both mum and dad. USABILITY Initially, I didn’t understand why you had to put it on like a T-shirt, but now I see that it means there’s less fabric covering the back which makes it cooler! Both the shoulder and hip straps are generously padded, so it is comfortable to carry and easy to adjust. The front pocket is deep enough for a phone, keys, suncream and sunhat, plus there is a handy side pocket. The magnetic buckles are brilliant: you can get the baby out quickly with no fuss. My only gripe is that the buckle is right by Gray’s face, which caused him some discomfort, but as he grows that won’t be an issue, as he’ll be facing out. COMFORT Gray was very comfortable and I’m sure he will be as he grows and moves through the carrier’s four positions. For now, the newborn mode keeps him in the safe frog position, supporting his legs, hips and back; we’ll turn him to face outwards once he hits six months. With the shoulder and hip straps, you are able to share the weight distribution, which is great. VERDICT I really like the cool and breathable mesh style, the padded straps and the brilliant storage for all my stuff when I’m onthe-go. It is easy to put on and take off, plus the fabric is a nice soft cotton against my baby’s skin.
VOYAGER S5 CHILD CARRIER £219.99, littlelife.com Reviewer: Jack Freud, dad to Jago, Georgia and Willow
With our youngest daughter turning one, we were looking for a sturdy back carrier for longer family walks, and it seems the Voyager S5 Child Carrier by LittleLife is the crème de la crème. GOOD LOOKING? The carrier comes in classic black with a print on the face pad for Willow to look at. It’s suitable for six months to three years, so it’s big, but light at just 2.9kg, and with wipe-clean fabric, I imagine it will stay in good shape. USABILITY It’s always a joy to get a baby product that needs no assembly. The carrier is self-explanatory: put it on, adjust the straps for you and baby – I loved the side wings for easy ‘cockpit’ access – and you’re off. The anchor point added stability when I put Willow in. There’s a large pocket at the bottom for your essentials and a detachable backpack for baby’s kit. COMFORT The carrier comes with a wide adjustable lower back strap which spreads the baby’s weight and takes the pressure off you, so it’s very comfortable. Willow seemed content in the anatomically shaped child seat with neck support; it kept her upright enough to see all the action, but in a relaxed seated position. It also had an easy-to-do-up x-buckle harness for added security. VERDICT Despite Willow’s initial protestations, as soon as we put her into the carrier, she was happy to be carried for hours. Our first long walk was a dream for us both, as I had no back pain at all and her elevated position meant she didn’t miss a thing. A huge success all round, and with the sunshade, foot stirrups and rearview mirror, I couldn’t fault it for comfort or safety. BEST BABY BUYS | baby-magazine.co.uk | 39
BABY MONITORS
Keep a close eye on baby as she sleeps with our practical advice and coverage of the best devices on the market
Babymoov YOO-Moov BEST BABY BUYS | baby-magazine.co.uk | 41
BUYING GUIDE: The
monitor
HER E AR E A FEW POINTERS TO HELP YOU CHOOSE A SYSTEM WITH THE TECHNOLOGY THAT YOU NEED
M
onitors can go from basic audio recording, to all-singing, all-dancing pieces of kit which link up to your phone, play lullabies and tell you if your baby hasn’t moved in 20 seconds. They might not be a necessity, but using a baby monitor is as close as you can get to listening to or seeing your baby without actually being in the room. Try not to be too distracted by all the fancy extra technology; although it’s impressive, you’re ultimately buying this for peace of mind.
Whatever your budget, the main thing to remember is that a good baby monitor should give you peace of mind
Things to consider: • First, bear in mind how much you want to spend, the prices vary from around £20 all the way up to the £300 mark. • Where will you use the monitor and how far away are you likely to be from your baby? Each monitor has different ranges. • Do you just want a simple audio device? Or are you wanting to see your child too? • Do you want to be able to speak to your baby through the monitor if she’s crying?
VTech Safe & Sound 2.8 Video Monitor £99.99, argos.co.uk
42 | baby-magazine.co.uk | BEST BABY BUYS
TIP: If the monitor is mains powered, bear in mind where you’ll be able to position it in the room, and what you’d do in the event of a power cut.
Motorola MBP36XL Video Baby Monitor £159.95, uberkids.com TIP: Some baby monitors can double up as night lights, too.
Audio Baby Monitor 400 £29.98, shop.bt.com
YOO-Feel Baby Monitor £159.99, babymoov.co.uk
PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK
GLOSSARY
TIP: If you’re getting a monitor that links up to your phone through an app, remember that you’ll need to have decent WiFi to ensure it works smoothly.
The baby unit is the part that’s in the nursery or room where the baby’s sleeping... ... And the parent unit is the part that stays with the parent. The motion sensor or sensor pad is usually placed under the mattress on a flat surface, and will alert parents if no movement has been detected for 20 seconds. A temperature display lets you know how warm the room is. The recommended room temperature for a baby is between 16-20° celsius. Two-way talk back allows you to talk to your baby while in another room.
BEST BABY BUYS | baby-magazine.co.uk | 43
REVIEWS: The monitor MOTOROLA MBP845CONNECT
YOO-MOOV BY BABYMOOV
£257.77, amazon.co.uk Reviewer: Karen Wilkins, mum to Martha
£179.99, babymoov.co.uk Reviewer: Kate Freud, mum to Jago, Georgia and Willow
As a first-time mum, I was keen to make our first baby monitor purchase a good one. After seeking out recommendations from friends, Motorola was the brand that kept cropping up.
Our audio-only monitor had almost seen us through three children, until it recently retired. We decided to invest in something a little fancier with the YOO-Moov video monitor.
GOOD LOOKING? Yes, definitely. The portable parent unit is slim, has a five-inch screen and is white and grey in colour, so it doesn’t look out of place with the rest of our home. The camera is small and sleek, so it can be placed and angled anywhere the baby is, though it needs to be on a sturdy surface.
GOOD LOOKING? The YOO-Moov more than looks the part, with a large 4.3in screen on the monitor for clear visibility of your little one, and a modern motorised camera to place cot-side. The only downside is that the camera is considerably larger than many on the market, adding a slightly cumbersome hunk of plastic to baby’s good-looking nursery.
USABILITY Tech isn’t usually my forte, but this was super easy to set up. The instructions are simple, even with so many features to get to grips with. Once up and running (it’s recommended that you charge the product for 16 hours before use), the picture was clear and the high-quality, two-way communication meant that we could hear baby clearly, and vice versa. TECHNOLOGY I love that this monitor has so many features: two-way communication, infrared night vision, manual video recording and Image Snapshot (to capture photos of your snoozing tot). I was thankful for the room thermometer, which shows the temperature on the display. There’s a WiFi-connected app, allowing you to monitor baby via a live feed – we downloaded it onto our phones and iPad in minutes. There’s also a choice of five lullabies, but I found these a bit overwhelming and worried they might stop us from hearing baby. VERDICT I really like this product; it’s clean, stylish and user-friendly. I would recommend it to any parent who wants a monitor from an established brand name with lots of features. 44 | baby-magazine.co.uk | BEST BABY BUYS
USABILITY The monitor comes complete with two extra-long USB cables and a rechargeable battery. It is easy to assemble and has a wall-mounting kit, so you can drill it to the wall if you choose, which is a bonus, as many nurseries don’t have quite the right spot to place the camera. Once you’ve got it in position, you can control the camera remotely from your receiver, tilting it silently so you can see baby from every angle. TECHNOLOGY With five soothing lullabies, a temperature indicator, a talkback function, so you can comfort your baby from afar, and seven different coloured night light options, you really can put your baby to bed in the absolute knowledge that they are safe and will be suitably soothed to sleep. VERDICT This award-winning design is definitely the Rolls-Royce of baby monitors. The clarity of the picture, the 300m range and the lullabies and night lights set it apart from the competition. The only downside is that you’ll find yourself distracted from the TV whilst you’re watching your baby sleep instead!
REVIEWS: The monitor VTECH BM6000
BT SMART BABY MONITOR
£249.99, babymonitorsdirect.co.uk Reviewer: Jamie Barton, mum to Evie and Penny
£149.98, shop.bt.com Reviewer: Wayne Orchard, dad to Alicia, Rhys and Poppy
The audio-only monitor we had with our first daughter was reaching the end of its time, and it seemed the right time to try something a bit more modern, so we opted for wellknown brand VTech’s new BM6000 monitor.
We hadn’t had much luck with our baby monitor choices in the past, so this time we opted for the newly released BT Smart Baby Monitor.
GOOD LOOKING? Absolutely. This product is very stylish. The parent monitor has a nice big five-inch colour screen, which can be propped up on its own little stand, and the camera has a sleek shape, which makes them both feel very modern. USABILITY This monitor has been really easy to use. Due to its touchscreen technology, it’s similar to using a mobile phone or tablet – making it simple to pan, tilt or zoom the camera. Set-up was straightforward, and it was made even more simple by the on-screen instructions as well as the more oldschool paper instructions in the box. The picture is also very clear, and the built-in Infrared night vision means I can always see (or hear) what Penny is up to, even at night. TECHNOLOGY I love the ability to pan the camera using the parent unit alone, allowing me to get a good view of the whole room. The touchscreen usability really makes this an easy product to navigate. The fact that you can get remote WiFi access via smartphone or tablet with the free VTech Safe&Sound is great, as your phone turns into an on-the-go parent unit – plus gives access to family who aren’t around. VERDICT This monitor is such an all-rounder; it’s great looking, easy to set up, easy to use and has features I didn’t even know existed! Big thumbs up.
GOOD LOOKING? It’s a slim design, so it doesn’t look too clunky like some monitors I’ve seen. Both the camera and parent unit have purple detailing on them, which suits the colour scheme in Poppy’s girly nursery – but might clash in other rooms. USABILITY Setting it up was fairly straightforward when following the manual, but it does require 12 hours of battery charging first. For some reason, it took a couple of attempts to get the monitor to work using the app on my phone, but it’s now safely installed and a nice addition, although there are some features like zoom and pan that only work on the parent unit. And of course you are reliant on a good WiFi connection. The parent unit has a clear five-inch screen and the picture is sharp, although the speaker can be a bit crackly at times. The pan function is easy to use on the unit. TECHNOLOGY I didn’t realise how useful the five installed lullabies would be, but Poppy loves them. For techy types, you can link it up to Alexa or Google Assistant to turn on features like lullabies or ask for the temperature – which is also displayed on the unit and app. I like that you can use the app to take pictures, but the best part is being able to use the two-way talk back when I’m away from home and she just needs to hear my voice. VERDICT This monitor allows me to keep a close eye on Poppy, which is the most important thing, and it’s full of cool techy features. BEST BABY BUYS | baby-magazine.co.uk | 45
WIN a Silver Cross Jet
A
s the summer holidays are just around the corner, we’re celebrating by teaming up with Silver Cross to offer the perfect travel companion – the clever Jet stroller. This ultra-compact lightweight buggy – suitable from birth up to 15kg – folds up so small that it can be stowed away in an overhead locker, and its nifty design means you wheel it like a small suitcase! It also comes with a handy cover to keep things tidy. Mini globetrotters will love features like the soft, padded lieflat seat, multi-position recline and adjustable calf support, designed to keep them super comfortable. The lockable front swivel wheels and dynamic spring suspension provide a smooth ride, and the five-point safety harness keeps your precious one safe and secure. We love the fully extendable UPF50+ hood, which has an airflow ventilation system, pop-out sun visor and viewing window, while the flip-flop-friendly brakes are a doddle to use. Good luck!
SUITABLE FROM BIRTH
U LTR A - COM PAC T LI G HT W E I G HT STRO LLE R
TO ENTER VISIT,
baby-magazine.co.uk/competitions COMPETITION CLOSES AT 11:59PM ON 18 JUNE.
46 | baby-magazine.co.uk | BEST BABY BUYS
Providing more precious sleep for your baby Providing Providing more more precious precious sleep sleep for for your your baby baby
VOTED BEST BABY PRODUCT TWO YEARS RUNNING VOTED VOTED BEST BEST BABY BABY PRODUCT PRODUCT TWO TWO YEARS YEARS RUNNING RUNNING “One of Britain's best inventions ever!” “One “One of of Britain's Britain's best best inventions inventions ever!” ever!”
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