Best Baby Buys 2018

PUSHCHAIRS • CAR SEATS • COTS • BABY CARRIERS • BABY MONITORS

Best Baby Buys YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE BEST PARENTING PRODUCTS, INCLUDING REVIEWS, NEWS AND TOP BUYING TIPS

Jet The Global Traveller Jet, our ultra compact stroller transforms into a cabin approved piece of hand luggage for carefree family getaways. It folds so small it can be taken on board an aircraft as a piece of hand cabin baggage and stored in the overhead locker. Suitable from birth and weighing just 5.9kg, it’s really light too!

By adding a Simplicity car seat, Jet becomes a full travel system.

Jet, the perfect choice for carefree travel with little passengers. silvercrossbaby.com

Uppababy Cruz

Best Baby Buys Editorial Director Maxine Briggs Acting Editor Rebecca Moore Online Editor Jennifer Read-Dominguez Sub Editors Laura Sutherland, Natalie Keeler Editorial Assistant Annie Quinton Creative Director Chloë Collyer Senior Designer Natalie Dourado Freelance Designer Gino Tambini Publishing Director Paul Rayner Director of Media James Dobson Advertisement Director Lyndal Beeton Head of Market Julie Price Sales Executive Katie Amps Digital and Creative Solutions Manager Ben Leek 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 2018.

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Cover image: Bugaboo

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!

Contents

REBECCA MOORE, ACTING EDITOR

BE ST BABY BUYS 201 8/2019

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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

Cots How to make your biggest nursery purchase the right one

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 an iCandy Ultimate MiChair to give away, worth £465 BEST BABY BUYS | baby-magazine.co.uk | 5

Caring for your family Caring for your family Thoughtfully designed baby products to make parenting easier, safer and fun Caring for your family Thoughtfully designed baby products to make parenting easier, safer and fun Thoughtfully designed baby products to make parenting easier, safer and fun

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Best baby buys

NEWS

UPDATING YOU ON ALL THINGS GR E AT AND SMALL

AMERICAN DREAM

-DATE, V I -TO

E .C

• BA

O.U K

• SIT

KEEP U P

Make way for an American superbrand – Pottery Barn Kids has at last come to the UK, bringing with it an exclusive collection of nursery furnishings, created in association with sister brand, West Elm. We’re going particularly potty for their handsome cot offerings! potterybarnkids.co.uk

B

YM A G A ZI N

TWO ICONIC BRITISH BRANDS JOIN FORCES AGAIN, AS THE SILVER CROSS REFLEX ASTON MARTIN EDITION ROLLS EXCLUSIVELY INTO HARRODS. THIS STROLLER TRULY EMBODIES LUXURY CRAFTSMANSHIP AND CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY. £2,000, HARRODS.COM BEST BABY BUYS | baby-magazine.co.uk | 7

Joolz power

The popular Joolz Day is now in its third edition. With many updates. the Day3 is smarter, easier and better with style, comfort and improved ergonomics combined in one design. The Day3 will be available in five new looks and comes with a lifetime warranty. £849, my-joolz.co.uk

SAY HELLO TO NUNA’S SWISH NEW CAR SEAT, THE NORR. SUITABLE FROM BIRTH TO FOUR YEARS, IT’S BEEN CREATED USING STEEL-STRENGTH TECHNOLOGY. COMBINING A SERIOUSLY STRONG FRAME WITH ULTRA-RESILIENT PLASTICS. £350, NUNA.EU

Riding smart

There’ll come a day when baby decides she’s fed up with strolls in the pushchair. The compact smarTfold 300 PlusFolding Trike by smarTrike, combines the comfort of a pushchair with the fun of a trike. This nifty little product is suitable for little ones over 10 months! £99.99, argos.co.uk

TAKE CHARGE

Set to launch in January 2019, the Didofy Lotus is nothing short of brilliant. Using the latest technology, this three-in-one travel system is set to revolutionise the market. The pushchair folds at the touch of a button and self-charges from seven-and-a-half minutes of strolling – allowing for 30 opens and closes. £950, didofy.com 8 | baby-magazine.co.uk | BEST BABY BUYS

Fashion forward

GLOBETROTTING

Say hello to Ickle Bubba’s latest nifty innovation, the Globe Stroller! On-the-go parents will love the one-handed seat recline, front-and-rear suspension, spacious shopping basket and storage pouch. If you’re lucky enough to catch some winter sun, the extendable UPF50 hood is a godsend. From £199, icklebubba.com 10 | baby-magazine.co.uk | BEST BABY BUYS

A bold new fashion range inspired by the latest designs from Gucci, Versace and Kenzo is adorning Cybex’s Platinum range of products, including the Mios and Priam pushchairs.

The new Rebellious Fashion line has been created for modern parents that want to make a cutting-edge fashion statement with their travel-system style. cybex-online.com

Go Places, Big and Small.

Designed for your daily adventures and exciting excursions, the MINU offers modern conveniences in a portable, lightweight stroller. Go where you want, how you want – there’s nothing extra holding you back.

uppababy.com/uk

PUSHCHAIRS

With so many innovative designs, you’re spoilt for choice.

Read 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

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.

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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

Joolz HUB From £549, my-joolz.co.uk

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 inline 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 BUGABOO FOX

CYBEX PRIAM

From £979, bugaboo.com Reviewer: Kate Freud, mum to Jago, six, Georgia, three, and Willow six months

From £775, naturalbabyshower.co.uk Reviewer: Joanna Ellner, mum to Noah, three months

Combining the best design details of the dependable Cameleon and the lightweight Bee with some brilliant new features, when Willow arrived it seemed like the one for us.

I’ll be honest: as a first time mum, I didn’t know what to look for on the pushchair front. Seduced by the cool look of the Cybex Priam, I decided to give it a spin.

GOOD LOOKING? You can make it totally your own by customising the fabric colours, handlebar grips, wheel caps and even the chassis. We opted for the gender-neutral grey melange hood, bassinet and seat. The waterproof extendable shade looked swish and offered UPF 50+ protection.

GOOD LOOKING? I was first drawn to the Cybex Priam because it’s about as far away as you can get from those twee dolly prams. Clean lines, a modern silhouette and with a gender-neutral, grownup appeal, it’s the pram version of an iPhone X, with a perfect balance between chassis and carrycot.

USABILITY Despite its size, it’s light, easy to manoeuvre and with its big front wheels, it can tackle anything. The mesh basket and hidden pockets provide ample storage, and as the bassinet and seat sit so much higher, it’s at table height in restaurants.

The footbrake is easy to use, and the handle extends to accommodate taller users. The press-and-pull mechanism makes it easy to put up and down and it fits easily into the car boot. Swapping the bassinet for the seat has been the only tricky bit.

USABILITY The full Priam travel system comes with a car seat (strong and comfy, if a little heavy), carrycot, and a chair which can be reclined. The carrycot can be lifted off when a button on each side is pressed, which requires a certain amount of strength – fine for my husband, but tricky for a post c-section mum like me. It’s also somewhat cumbersome when trying to nestle into busy buses and trains. Collapsing the chassis to stow safely away into the boot is, admittedly, a two-hand job, but after a few tries, it becomes second nature.

COMFORT With its large wheel base and solid suspension it handles all terrains, navigating shops and buses with ease. Little Willow was snug in the bassinet and the variable recline positions in the seat have proved very comfortable.

COMFORT Noah has slept soundly in it since she was born. The carrycot is large enough for her to splay her arms above her head and now that she’s bigger, the chair’s a comfortable alternative, enabling her to sit up and engage with her surroundings.

VERDICT The Bugaboo Fox is a joy to use. It glides seamlessly from pavement to park, while both the bassinet and seat are extremely comfortable for growing babies. It’s a good-looking ride, and as all the fabric parts are removable and washable, I’m sure it will look swanky for years to come.

VERDICT The Priam is, in two words, slick and sturdy. Which means that in theory, it should last beyond one baby, but also that it can be a tad unwieldy. For negotiating shop aisles, it’s not as nimble as other models. Still, its robustness of lends a sense of security when traversing city streets.

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REVIEWS: The pushchair PHIL & TEDS DASH

SILVER CROSS JET

£499, philandteds.com Reviewer: Mum-of-five, Chloe Thurston

Price £275, silvercrossbaby.com Reviewer: Sonali Shah, mum to Ariana, five, and son Rafi two

Set to go on plenty of adventures, both in cities and remote coastal spots, I needed a pushchair to support my youngest, who’s 18 months old. We chose the Phil & Teds Dash.

In need of something lightweight and compact for my two year old, I decided to give Silver Cross’s new Jet model a go.

GOOD LOOKING? I love the look of the Dash, with its sleek lines and grey marl fabric seat and hood. I particularly like the way it looks folded too and that it’s self-standing so it actually manages to fit slimly in the hallway without looking too bad either!

USABILITY We have taken the Dash everywhere with us over the holidays.

It’s light and fits in the boot of our car (unlike some of the bigger two-piece pushchairs). As advertised, the big wheels are amazing for all terrain. We really felt the benefits when going to the beach and for bumpy woodland walks – I think they made a pretty smooth ride for the toddler too! A few other features I really liked were the hand-operated brake next to the handle, the big storage basket and the strap’s fivepoint clip mechanism which was surprisingly easy to use when dealing with a wriggly toddler.

COMFORT My 18 month old certainly seemed to find it very comfortable, as demonstrated by quite a few reclining two-hour naps, and now the four year old has started demanding that he should be allowed to ride along in it when there are two adults available to push it!

VERDICT I really like the Dash, it’s lightweight and compact. I think the biggest bonus for families is that not only can it be used for all stages, it can even be transformed into a double buggy. I’d highly recommend it for first time parents.

GOOD LOOKING? The Jet is very stylish, and I love how slim line it is when folded up in its protective cover.

USABILITY As it weighs less than 6kg, I was worried about it feeling unstable but its surprisingly sturdy for a lightweight stroller – just be mindful of how much shopping you weigh the handles down with! The Jet is very simple to fold and unfold again; I found it easy to manoeuvre with one hand, even over bumpy pavements. For me, the UPF50 extendable hood and viewing window are so useful, and often missing from other buggies.

And because of its compactness, it folds so small you can carry it on board as a piece of cabin baggage!

COMFORT A full lie-flat seat makes this product great for on-the-go naps.

My toddler loves the bumper bar but does keep using it to pull himself more upright than the seat’s final position, so I wonder if he would like it to have a further upright position.

Of course a year or more ago this wouldn’t even have been a problem!

VERDICT Silver Cross has thought of almost everything with this product and it’s a stylish travel buggy option. The amount it folds down is very impressive, and being able to wheel it like a small suitcase, as well as it being freestanding when folded up, are both genius design features. If you need a stroller that doesn’t take up much space in your car boot and is light to carry when navigating airports, this is the buggy for you!

BEST BABY BUYS | baby-magazine.co.uk | 17

REVIEWS: The pushchair EGG

JOOLZ HUB

From £769, johnlewis.com Reviewer: Sophie Lee, mum to six-week-old Florence

From £549, my-joolz.co.uk Reviewer: Vicky Orchard, mum to Sam, 11, Sophie, nine, and Poppy three months

As this is our first baby, we were really conscious of making the right choice when it came to our pushchair. After many trips to different retailers, we opted for the stylish Egg.

As I fell pregnant with my third last year, after a rather big gap – my eldest Sam is now 11, and Sophie is nine – my knowledge of parenting gadgetry is a little rusty. So when Joolz announced it was releasing a smaller Hub pushchair around Poppy’s due date, I knew it would be a great option for us.

GOOD LOOKING? Both the carrycot and seat are designed around the shape of an egg, with smart curves. I’ve not had it long and there have already been lots of compliments! The leatherette handle and embossed logo make it look like a luxury travel system.

USABILITY The Egg is extremely user friendly. The carrycot is lightweight and clicks in and out easily, while the hood also doubles up as a handle so you can lift a sleeping baby without disturbance. It collapses easily and fits inside a good-sized boot, but with the carrycot as well it can be a snug fit. However, the front two wheels of the frame are removable if needed. The handlebar can be adjusted and there’s also a great shopping basket.

Not only is it comfortable for Florence, it’s also lovely to push – even one-handed. My only small niggle is the handle scrapes on the floor whenever the frame is collapsed, so it’s impossible not to scuff the middle of it.

COMFORT My six week old seems extremely comfy and often falls asleep in it! We’ve used the carrycot overnight while away from home as it’s safe for overnight sleeping. I’m looking forward to using the seat as we also bought the fleece liner, which feels so soft and luxurious!

VERDICT I absolutely love it and would highly recommend! It’s a luxe pushchair that’s functional and looks the part. It’s easy to use, comfortable, stylish and a real eye-catcher!

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GOOD LOOKING? If, like me, you prefer neutral tones then definitely. The Hippo Grey colourway is nicely complemented by the tan leather handle and bumper bar and the silver chassis. The branding is very smart and subtle, too. We’ve had so many compliments on it too, so it can’t be just us!

USABILITY I was quite surprised at how compact it is – and after a couple of attempts the folding comes pretty naturally. The carry strap is also a welcome feature. It’s passed the test in train stations, country walks, dashes around the shop, and even on the beach! The lovely leatherette handlebar can be pushed with one hand – and handily, it can be adjusted up and down for the varying heights of adults and kids pushing it!

COMFORT Over these last few months Poppy seems her most content when she’s being pushed in the Hub, which must be a good sign. We decided to opt for the carrycot, its breathable mattress and large sun hood seems to keep Poppy comfy, but in hindsight I think we should have opted for the cocoon as it’s less bulky, can be folded with the pushchair and has a bit more longevity.

VERDICT We really love our Joolz Hub, it’s the perfect companion for us. A big thumbs up from us, Joolz.

REVIEWS: The pushchair ICANDY PEACH DOUBLE

NUNA DEMI GROW

£1,245, icandyworld.com Reviewer: Sophie Mazrekaj, mum to Otis two and a half, and Esme four months

From £600, nuna.eu Reviewer: Laura Harris, mum to Evie two and a half, and Mia six months

With the arrival of our daughter, we needed a pushchair that could accommodate both her and her brother for public-transport dashes. We decided to invest in the ultimate tandem buggy; the new iCandy Peach Double.

Having recently had my second child and moved out of London, a double was the way forward. I didn’t want a bulky side-by-side model, but I still wanted lots of handy design features. The Nuna Demi Grow seemed to tick all the boxes!

GOOD LOOKING? You can customise it, choosing your favourite chassis and fabric combination. We chose Chrome Beluga; a muted, neutral colourway that coordinates with any changing bag, footmuff or other accessory. The overall look is high-end, sleek and very stylish.

GOOD LOOKING? The Demi Grow looks super stylish and I love the colour – we went for Aspen, a shade close to dark denim – it seems to hide all the usual marks and spillages well and 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.

USABILITY With its lightweight aluminium frame and wide wheel base, it’s very easy to manoeuvre. The tyres and suspension cope with country walks and the ample shopping basket is great. The seat and carrycot need to be removed before folding, but the process is still relatively easy. The chassis is freestanding when folded, however, if you live in a particularly bijou flat this may not be the one for you, as it takes up a lot of room. It was time consuming to set up, but it’s definitely worth the effort.

USABILITY So far it has performed brilliantly on all terrain – it is a little heavy when both children are in the seat and lifting over a step or onto a pavement, but what buggy wouldn’t be? One slight annoyance is there isn’t really anywhere for bags when the two seats are being used, as the bottom seat effectively takes up the space of the usual storage basket at the base, although there’s ample storage when just one of the seats is in use.

COMFORT Our son takes his two-hour naps in the seat; testament to how comfy it is! It’s cushioned, so there’s no need for a liner. It has a huge hood which shields Otis from whatever the British weather throws at us: it even has a handy zipped pocket on it.

The roomy carrycot is lined with a super-soft, quilted fabric.

COMFORT My daughters love it! It looks really comfy, protective and safe. My youngest gets a good view when she’s world facing, as the handlebar and frame is minimal. On the bottom seat my oldest can see out to the side and through the front and doesn’t look like she’s crammed in. She can also check on her baby sister above while pretending to be in a go kart!

Somehow it feels like she’s still got her independence and her own space in the bottom seat too.

VERDICT The Peach is a dream, offering a smooth ride for both baby and toddler. A robust-yet-beautiful tandem buggy that combines cutting-edge design with functionality; it’s clear to see why it’s at the top end of the market.

VERDICT The Demi Grow is perfect for us, we’re absolutely loving it!

BEST BABY BUYS | baby-magazine.co.uk | 19

REVIEWS: The pushchair UPPABABY MINU

GB POCKIT

From £429, thebabyroom.co.uk Reviewer: Caroline Dobson, mum to two-year-old Bertie

£150, naturalbabyshower.co.uk Reviewer: Samantha Ford, mum to Remy, 17 months

As New Zealand native living in London with my husband and toddler, I need a stroller that travels well, is easy to use and can handle all surfaces, so we chose the Uppababy Minu.

I really needed something lightweight that’s easy to open up for the nursery run. The GB Pockit – weighing in at just 4.3kg and boasts a nifty two-step fold – seemed like just the ticket.

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? It might not be to everyone’s taste, but I really like the standout-in-a-crowd green Laguna Blue shade. It really pops against the black chassis and hood, and looks super modern.

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 which makes carrying a breeze. The easyaccess basket is perfect for groceries and baby paraphernalia but the SPF 50 sun shade has been a particular hit with our toddler over the summer! A very smooth ride – bumpy terrain is no match for this easy-to-use buggy.

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. In hindsight, I only wish we’d got it with the additional carrycot when Bertie was small. I really couldn’t recommend it enough. We look forward to using it on our next long-haul trip to New Zealand!

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USABILITY You really can’t fault the Pockit when it comes to compact design and it’s self-standing when folded, so it really doesn’t take up much space at all. Many pushchairs claim to be light but when it comes to the Pockit, this really is no exaggeration.

That said, because of its extra-lightweight nature it’s a little on the flimsy side, so it’s not a stroller you’d perhaps want to use for a long, leisurely walk – but the nursery drop-off it does the job perfectly. It also conveniently fits into the overhead cabin of a plane when flying. The stroller handles well on smooth, even surfaces so it’s great for city living, but tends to struggle on anything rougher, like grass and gravel.

COMFORT Remy seems to genuinely enjoy his time in the Pockit, he even requests to go in it! I like that the seat’s easily adjustable, so when he falls asleep I can recline it without having to disturb him. In terms of my own comfort, I’d prefer for the handles to extend higher, I’m 5ft 6in and do feel like I’m having to bend forward slightly to push it.

VERDICT The Pockit ticks all the boxes for an easy-to-use lightweight stroller. It excels at the nursery drop off, and is a great option for on-the-go families that travel a lot.

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Group ll / lll (15-36 kg)

+44 (0)1978 664362

www.hauckuk.com

info@hauckuk.com

CAR SEATS

This category is a minefield for parents. Let our buying guide and reviews help you make the right choice

Maxi-Cosi AxissFix 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 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 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 the purchase!

• Do you travel abroad a lot? If so, is it suitable for use on a plane?

Nuna Pipa Lite £149, nuna.eu

Joie i-Level £199.99, joiebaby.com

TIP: If you’re planning to use your pushchair for more than one baby, consider a neutral colour – although many now come with interchangeable hoods.

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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 Group 1 £275, maxi-cosi.co.uk

TIP: There are multi-group seats, which cover from birth to 12 (Group 1/2/3).

Hauck Varioguard Plus ISOFIX Car Seat £279.99, hauckuk.com

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.

GLOSSARY

I-Size is the new regulation (ECE R129/00) for child car seats, which makes rear-facing travelling mandatory up to 15 months old. It uses Isofix as its primary method, so you’ll need a vehicle 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 means that the shell of the car seat will absorb most of the impact in an accident, meaning that the chance of injury is reduced.

BEST BABY BUYS | baby-magazine.co.uk | 25

REVIEWS: The car seat BRITAX DUALFIX ISIZE

CYBEX SIRONA S I-SIZE CAR SEAT

£430, mothercare.com Reviewer: Lyndsay Russell, mum to Maddie, six and Archie, 17 months

£249.99, uberkids.com Reviewer: Hannah Bellamy, mum to Harri, 12 months

Now he’s 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 Isize.

Soon to be too big for his 0+ car seat, the time had come to start looking at new models. I wanted something that would cover the next few years, but still keep him nice and safe now.

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 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.

GOOD LOOKING? I personally love the style, although some might find the Autumn Gold – a pretty bright orange – a little bold. It’s very sturdy and has lots of plush padding, so it looks super comfy.

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 if using from newborn, but with my whopper these weren’t required. Archie seems to love the multi- recline positions, particularly when he was back facing, but once he hit 16 months we turned him because he’s so tall his legs were starting to look squished. This feature can be used both rearward and forward facing. The V-shaped headrest also keeps his head comfortably in place. The neoprene chest pads are also soft and reduce wriggling.

VERDICT This is a very safe, comfortable car seat which ticked all the safety, comfort and style boxes for us.

26 | baby-magazine.co.uk | BEST BABY BUYS

USABILITY The Sirona was so easy to install into the car. The 360° swivel makes life a lot easier too, as I can take Harri in and out so effortlessly – a feature I couldn’t live without now. The Sirona goes all out with safety. The driving-direction control technology means you can’t forward-face the seat until your child is at least 16 months old – good for parents confused by all the different recommendations. There’s also increased safety in forward-facing mode, as the energy-reduction technology reduces the strain on the neck in case of a front impact. So far the only downside is that because it comes on a base it’s quite bulky if you have to move it between cars.

COMFORT My little boy definitely seems very snug in the Sirona. This specific car seat can be used rear-facing up to four years, which is by far the safest way to travel. Harri might get too tall for that and we’ll need to turn him to forward facing, but for now he’s very comfortable, and more importantly, safe.

VERDICT Easy to install, and with lots of extra padding, it’s very comfortable. Plus, the safety features go above and beyond others on the market. Of course it doesn’t come cheap, but I would definitely recommend this car seat.

REVIEWS: The car seat MAXI-COSI ROCK

JOIE EVERY STAGE FX SIGNATURE

Seat £165, 2way fix base £199, maxi-cosi.com Reviewer: Caroline Scott, mum to Rupert, three years, and Alexander, three months

£200, mothercare.com Reviewer: Anna Williamson, mum to two-yearold Enzo

The Rock is a new car seat by well-known brand, Maxi-Cosi.

This model replaces the Pebble, and is suitable from birth up to 12 months, and so will see us through the first year. After that, the 2wayPearl seat can be used on the same base.

I wanted a car seat that would see my now two year old, through his childhood years. The new collection from Joie is plush and practical, with the Every Stage FX Signature rolling four seats into one.

GOOD LOOKING? The Rock comes in six different colour combinations; we chose Nomad Black as it looked smart and contemporary.

GOOD LOOKING? Absolutely! Chic colour, looks very stylish and complements my car interior perfectly. This looks like a really sophisticated car seat, and if they made an adult one I would sit in it!

USABILITY The Rock couldn’t be easier to use, and this assessment is based on our car-seat experiences with our first baby. It slips in and out of the 2wayFix base (which is sold separately) seamlessly. The Isofix base itself is easy to install and, thankfully, it doesn’t require endless faffing around with the seat, as the green lights signal correct installation. The seat’s a manageable weight for carrying long distance, and a real plus for us is how easy it is to adjust the straps on the Rock – we’ve struggled in the past.

COMFORT The baby-hugg inlay looks as cosy as it sounds – providing safety and extra cushioned comfort for a newborn. I felt reassured that he was safe when placing him in it just six hours after he was born! Leaving the hospital is a nerve-racking experience and I really felt he was safe in it. The clever, curvaceous design means that baby’s head and neck appear fully supported and the seat boasts outstanding side impact protection. He certainly looks comfy as he snoozes in it.

VERDICT Overall, it’s intuitive to use, baby looks happy and safe and the ease with which you can take baby in and out of the car means one less thing to stress and worry about!

USABILITY I’m not usually great at following instructions, however, it was so easy to set this up and choose the right setting for my toddler. It’s such a well-designed product with so many settings to suit each age stage. The different stages allow rear facing, forward facing, reclining, and the height adjustments mean it can genuinely be used all the way up to 12 years. I love how sturdy it feels, and the straps have shoulder grips so even my wriggly boy can’t get himself loose! It’s pretty weighty, but once it’s in the car it’s simple.

COMFORT My son’s rather partial to a car nap, and this car seat is so well supported and cosy that I’d love to fall asleep in it too! Well cushioned with good neck and head support for when they ‘drop off’ mid journey. The adjustable height of the back rest is really helpful for longevity of use and ultimate comfort.

VERDICT The car seat of all car seats! As a parent you only really want to invest in one product a) because of the expense and b) for storage space, and expect it to do the job from birth right up until nursery age. This goes way beyond that. I only wish they’d launched this when Enzo was a newborn.

BEST BABY BUYS | baby-magazine.co.uk | 27

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COTS

Consult our comprehensive roundup to ensure that your biggest nursery investment is an informed choice

Oliver Furniture Wood Mini+ Cot Bed BEST BABY BUYS | baby-magazine.co.uk | 29

BUYING GUIDE: The

cot

OVERWHELMED BY CHOICE? HER E’S WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN SHOPPING FOR THIS NURSERY ESSENTIAL

I

t’s a known fact that for the first two years of a baby’s life, they’ll spend more time sleeping than not, so finding the right cot is crucial. The safest place for your baby to sleep is on their own surface, in the same room as you, for the first six months. Many parents choose to use a small crib or Moses basket for the first four to six months, before moving baby into a cot.

In the UK, all cots must meet European Safety Standards, this means the cot needs to be deep enough to be safe, the bars must be the correct distance (no more than 6.5cm) apart, and the cot shouldn’t have any potentially harmful cut-outs.

Obviously, space has an influence. If your home’s on the bijou side, it may be best to buy a cot, as the dimensions are often smaller than those of a cot bed. If you have space, cot beds are a better investment, as they grow with the child. Style’s high up on the list too. Scandi-look design is a big trend, but there are also heritage brands offering more traditional options.

Finally, don’t leave it to the last minute!

Delivery times for cots can alter depending on the company, with some taking more than four weeks to arrive.

Things to consider • How much space do you have?

• How close do you want baby to be to you at night?

• Would you prefer to use the cot past the baby stage?

• Does it come with a mattress or do you want to buy a separate one?

Katie Cot Bed £249, tuttibambini.co.uk 30 | baby-magazine.co.uk | BEST BABY BUYS

TIP: Natural fibre mattresses provide better breathability than foam mattresses, helping to regulate baby’s body temperature.

TIP: In the UK, all cots must meet carry the British Standards Institution (BSI) number BS EN 716:2008.

Kidsmill Nikki Cot £619, naturalbabyshower.co.uk

Mokee Mini Cot £79, mokee.eu

GLOSSARY Scandi-inspired design is a popular trend for cots and nursery accessories that shows no sign of abating

SnuzKot Mode Cot Bed £349, snuz.co.uk

TIP: Adjustable base heights and drop-sides are useful in those early days, particularly if you’ve had a c-section.

Co-sleeping cots attach to the side of an adult bed, keeping the baby close to you but in her own little space.

Cot beds are transitional pieces that grow with your child.

They’re longer and wider than standard cots.

A Moses basket or bassinet is a stand-alone crib, which is a good bed for the early days.

A drop-side – as the name suggests – means that one of the sides drops down – however, this isn’t usually an option with cot beds.

Adjustable base height changes the height of the mattress. Start with the base high, so you can easily take her in and out. As she grows, lower the base so the mattress is further from the top.

A teething rail protects the cot as many toddlers make a habit of chewing on it! Some cots come with one fitted, or you can buy them separately from cot manufacturers.

BEST BABY BUYS | baby-magazine.co.uk | 31

REVIEWS: The cot PEMBROKE ADJUSTABLE COT TO TODDLER BED

SILVER CROSS NOSTALGIA IVORY SLEIGH COT BED

£729, mamasandpapas.com Reviewer: Kathryn Moore, mum to Ruby, two

£650, silvercrossbaby.com Reviewer: Jamelia Davis, mum of three

My daughter’s been sleeping in a handed-down cot but it’s seen better days, so I felt it was time for an upgrade. I wanted something that started as a cot for familiarity for Ruby, but would be converting it into a toddler bed quite soon.

Having just decorated True’s nursery, we needed a cot that ticks all the boxes. The three-stage design with a cot, day bed and toddler bed all in one made the Nostalgia Ivory Sleigh Cot Bed from Silver Cross a strong choice.

GOOD LOOKING? The cot fits perfectly in Ruby’s nursery. We live in a converted barn, and her bedroom is a mix of old and new, so this retro Danish style really fits in. I love the curved edges and conicalshaped legs – you only need to touch this cot to get a sense of the quality; it’s made from oak and wipe-clean oak veneer.

GOOD LOOKING? The Nostalgia cot bed gets top marks for looks: it’s a really well-designed and classically beautiful cot. I love the size, it’s quite large and very sturdy and because of this, I have no doubt it’ll last our daughter a good few years. This beautiful cot bed has now become the centrepiece of the freshly decorated nursery.

USABILITY Putting the cot together was straightforward, and the instructions were clear. One thing I must say, and this pays homage to the quality, be prepared for how heavy it is – it took three of us to get it into my house! It has three base heights, because of Ruby’s age and size she started on the lowest, but my three-month-old niece took a nap in it and it was easy to convert to the top height and back again. Having used it for a few months, we’re now in the toddler bed stage.

Converting it took about 30 minutes, and wasn’t difficult task – I love that this will now last her until she’s four or older.

COMFORT Fortunately Ruby has always been a great sleeper but it’s always a worry changing routine. I have to say I needn’t have worried, as Ruby seems to love it. She was very content in the cot, and we’re now into our third week of the toddler bed which she’s happy in – even if she does look very grown up!

VERDICT This has become the focal point of Ruby’s nursery. It’s easy on the eyes and she sleeps like a dream in it. A truly fantastic cot.

32 | baby-magazine.co.uk | BEST BABY BUYS

USABILITY While the cot looks beautiful, in terms of usability there are a few things I’d slightly adjust. Whilst I love the sturdiness of the cot, and the first bassinet stage before True was old enough to sit up was a dream, once we had to lower the bed for stage two – the intermediate setting – the addition of a drop-side mechanism would have been handy, as it would make it much easier for parents when taking baby in and out. However, once it’s in day-bed mode the side is removed, so it’s not really a deal breaker.

COMFORT In terms of comfort, True has plenty of space, and snoozes very soundly for both daytime naps and night sleeps.

VERDICT My overall verdict for the Silver Cross Nostalgia is that it has both style and substance. It’s a beautiful cot, which is both robust and practical. With the addition of ample storage for bedding, I’d highly recommend this gorgeous piece of furniture for a nursery with classic-yet-contemporary décor.

REVIEWS: The cot SNUZKOT MODE COT BED

STOKKE SLEEPI BED

£349, snuz.co.uk Reviewer: Vicky Orchard, mum to Sam 11, Sophie nine and Poppy three months

£575, stokke.com Reviewer: Ellie Fairman, mum to Kitty, three months old

We’ve been using the SnuzPod since Poppy’s first day at home, and absolutely love it. But we’ve just moved and have started sorting Poppy’s nursery, so naturally we needed to get a cot!

We decided to stick with the brand, investing in a SnuzKot.

Welcoming Kitty three months ago has meant we’ve embraced a plethora of baby paraphenelia. We wanted a cot that’s stylish but practical, so opted for the Stokke Sleepi Bed.

GOOD LOOKING? There’s a huge choice of colours and styles to choose from with this product, but we’re trying to go neutral, so this white cot works perfectly with our envisaged look for the nursery.

I like the stylish modern design, with curved edges and quite chunky bars.

USABILITY Putting the cot together wasn’t too complicated, as we followed the instructions with precision! Having two kids already, I just wanted one piece of furniture to last us for some time. The SnuzKot does just that, with the cot transforming to a toddler bed that lasts up until the age of four. However, an additional purchase of the Junior Extension Kit will mean that Poppy’s sorted until she’s 10!

COMFORT The cot has three mattress height settings, which you lower as your baby grows. We’re currently on the highest position so it’s nice and easy to lift Poppy in and out. For the time being we’re just using it during the day until Poppy is a bit older, so that she gets used to it, but she seems quite settled in it.

VERDICT I love the longevity of this product and we’re really happy with this so far. I guess the real test will be when Poppy spends her first night in it, but she seems content taking naps in her SnuzKot, so fingers crossed for a smooth transition. She’s a lucky girl to be sleeping in such a lovely piece of furniture.

GOOD LOOKING? The Stokke Sleepi Bed is unlike any cot I’ve seen before. Its oval design is beautifully elegant and timeless, making it ideal for both modern and period properties – it fits perfectly in our Victorian home. The shape also means it takes up less room. The white colourway has a lovely eggshell sheen.

USABILITY Easy to set up, this cot’s definitely a one-man job; it took me just half an hour to put together. The Stokke Sleepi Bed is designed to last until your child is three, but you can purchase an additional Junior Extension Set (£70) meaning it can be used from newborn to 10 years of age! You can also buy attachable wheels (£44) making it easy to move between rooms without having to dismantle. We chose not to attach the wheels for now, but it’s a great optional feature.

COMFORT The rounded corners make the bed feel so much cosier than a conventional rectangular cot, great for making the big step of transitioning from a bedside crib. The mattress height is adjustable, meaning less strain on my back when bending and lifting Kitty out, and safe for when she gets to the stage of pulling herself up to standing.

VERDICT I absolutely adore the the Stokke Sleepi’s original design, it’s both pretty and practical and has really become the star feature of Kitty’s nursery. I just know this cot will be in the family for many years to come!

BEST BABY BUYS | baby-magazine.co.uk | 33

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BABY CARRIERS

Want to get out and about with baby? Our shopping guide and product reviews will help you on your way

Close Parent Caboo +Organic Baby Carrier 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 wrap option is great for family walks, as the only extra weight you’ll be carrying is your little one!

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.

Tula Free to Grow baby carrier £139.90, tulababy.co.uk 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 year old, 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 sharable 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 carriers BABYBJÖRN BABY CARRIER ONE AIR

CLOSE PARENT CABOO +ORGANIC

£159, babybjorn.co.uk Reviewer: Lucy Dartford, mum to seven-monthold Zuri

£70, closeparent.com Reviewer: Charlotte Watson, mum to three-monthold Thea

With lots of trips on the agenda, I wanted a baby carrier that could handle different humidity levels and felt safe. The Babybjörn Baby Carrier One Air ticked all of my boxes.

I’d heard good things about the wrap style carriers, so I decided to try out the Caboo +Organic by Close Parent.

GOOD LOOKING? This has to be one of the most attractive carriers I’ve seen.

Neutral in colour, elegant in design, it blends in stylishly with everyday life. The breathable mesh fabric not only looks good, but makes babywearing significantly cooler for us both.

GOOD LOOKING? For me, I think the Caboo is as stylish as baby carriers come.

The range of colours available aren’t your usual garish choices.

With a host of cool blues or greys available, I opted for the lighter striped Titanium Grey. It’s also form fitting, so as carriers go, it’s a slender, dare I say, sleek look.

USABILITY Very easy to use. I’ve travelled to various destinations abroad with it, and at times have had to pull it on at speed: in all weather conditions, at all times of days, and while my baby is screaming! Luckily, once it’s set to fit your body, it’s very easy to get on. The easy-to-use straps make securing Zuri a cinch.

I love the fastenings too: they have a satisfactory glide-andclick motion. The only issue I faced was when positioning her front facing the flap kept popping up, but I just improvised and twisted the straps to stop this from happening.

USABILITY After a false start – which included a hot flush and what looked like a novice gymnastics routine – the Caboo now slips on and off with ease. Fitting my little girl into place was simply a matter of remembering which leg to put in first, and a few simple adjustments to make her feel snug. Once on the move, it can be worn in both hot and cold conditions with the breathable organic cotton. I must also pay homage to the large pocket on the front, as well as the small zipped one, meaning you can leave your changing bag at home.

COMFORT Zuri often falls asleep in it, even at seven months and frontfacing, she’s so content that she drifts off. She’s very happy to be close to me, and because of the fabric she can stay cool too. I’ve been in busy, bright and noisy airports and she’ll still fall asleep. The shoulder straps are padded and comfortable, I’ve walked miles in this carrier with no back complaints!

COMFORT The organic cotton is heavenly to touch, and coupled with the natural flex in material, the carrier has no pinch points and moulds around Thea so comfortably. The weight is well distributed over your shoulders by the wider straps. With the added support of the additional wrap, any swinging motion is reduced, relieving achy lower backs. This is first carrier that she’s not spent the first 10 minutes grizzling in!

VERDICT Hands down, the Babybjörn Baby Carrier One Air is a fantastic all rounder. I’m a single mum, and only having one set of hands meant that this carrier was a real on-the-go godsend. I now take it everywhere with me!

38 | baby-magazine.co.uk | BEST BABY BUYS

VERDICT I’d recommend the Caboo to other parents, as it’s the best carrier I’ve used to date. It’s comfy, easy to use and as close as you can get to trendy with a baby strapped to your chest!

REVIEWS: The carriers ERGOBABY OMNI 360 ALL POSITIONS

LITTLE LIFE RANGER S2 CHILD CARRIER

£154.90, ergobaby.co.uk Reviewer: Adam Murphy, dad to four-monthold Sophie

£99.99, littlelife.com Reviewer: Emilia Cross, mum to Isla, 14 months

Weekend walks mean using our pushchair isn’t always practical, so finding a sturdy carrier that’s both comfortable and safe for Sophie was important to us.

We were keen to do more walking now that Isla’s a little older, so decided to give the Little Life Ranger S2 Child Carrier a go.

GOOD LOOKING? The carrier itself is high quality, hardwearing and in the pearl grey version fits in with any outfit.

USABILITY After a few minutes setting up the carrier it’s easy to use and quick to take on and off, which means we get a lot of use from it. While Sophie’s young we only use it on our fronts, but once she’s a bit older she’ll be carried on our back or hip too.

COMFORT Comfort is obviously a big one when it comes to a carrier. I can happily say that wearing the carrier is very comfortable: it takes all the strain away from my back without diverting it on to my shoulders. Long walks in the New Forest are easy, as is carrying Sophie around the house so she can join me doing the housework. But most importantly for us was the position it held Sophie in. Her hips were well supported rather than dangling freely and there was plenty of neck support for the early months. We also bought the infant carrier insert (an extra £19.90) which has allowed us to use the carrier from nearly newborn, perfect for when Sophie would only sleep when close to us. The only real downside is that the high quality padded construction means it can get very warm for both of us, particularly during the summer. A cool air mesh version is available to solve this problem though.

VERDICT It’s certainly not the cheapest baby carrier on the market but it’s absolutely a worthwhile investment.

GOOD LOOKING? The carrier looks stylish and elegant, especially in comparison to some of the bulkier back-pack carriers on the market. It also doesn’t scream ‘baby product’ but still has a fun, genderneutral patterned face panel for the child.

USABILITY It’s the lightest back carrier out there at only 1.7kg and for popping on quick trips to the shops this carrier is easy, but there are a few minor alterations that would make the user experience a little better. My main gripe is that the two side pockets are very small, meaning you need another separate change bag, which is fine if you’re not alone. Also the kickstand isn’t free-standing, again making it tricky if you’re alone with baby and need to take the carrier off. The way the strap goes over baby’s head means you have to reach through and down to clip it into place which takes a bit practice. It’s got a height-adjustable system meaning you can interchange the settings quickly if different people are using it.

COMFORT Because this carrier is so lightweight you’re barely carrying any weight other than baby. It’s got a big comfy waistband, hip pads and wide shoulder straps that disperses the weight.

Although Isla wasn’t keen on the straps initially, she seemed very comfortable once in place.

VERDICT It’s an attractive carrier that’s extremely comfortable and light, but for me the lack of pockets is a little impractical.

However, if you’re on a family holiday, it’s a great option.

BEST BABY BUYS | baby-magazine.co.uk | 39

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Babymoov YOO-Feel 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 by using a baby monitor it’s as close as you can get to listening to or seeing your baby without 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: • Firstly, 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 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 charged, 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 MBP485 Video Baby Monitor £109.99, argos.co.uk

TIP: Some baby monitors can double up as a night light, too.

Audio Baby Monitor 400 £29.98, shop.bt.com

Avent Smart Baby Monitor £163.95, preciouslittleone.com

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 the part that stays with the parent.

The motion sensor or sensor pad is usually placed under the mattress on a flat surface, they’ll 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 ANGELCARE AC315 MONITOR

BABYMOOV YOO-FEEL

£229.99, angelcare-baby.com Reviewer: Shakira Akabusi, mum to Rio, three years and Ezra, four months

£159.99, babymoov.co.uk Reviewer: Beth Osborne, mum to Olivia, 16 months

The Angelcare monitor comes with a viewing screen, sound monitor and a motion sensor. Personally, I was a bit anxious about the motion sensor as I’ve heard mixed reviews on its reliability, but was keen to give it a go.

We wanted to upgrade our audio-only monitor for a bit more reassurance. A friend recommended Babymoov to me, so I decided to give the Yoo-Feel model a go, as it looked like a good all-rounder.

GOOD LOOKING? There are quite a few components to this system, but all in all the design is sleek and attractive. The video screen is much like an iPad and can stand alone on most surfaces. The colours are neutral and can fit into most homes without distracting from your interior design.

GOOD LOOKING? I’d say so. The camera itself is discreet, it’s white with subtle accents of grey and green, so doesn’t look out of place with any nursery themes or home interiors. The monitor is slim and modern with a stylish finish, and most importantly has a goodsized 3.5in screen.

USABILITY Although the initial set up is easy, the parent unit requires up to nine hours of charging before use. Once together, the product works well and sound quality is great. The sensory pad can fit into a Moses basket, which we’re using for the first few months. The video quality is good and along with the motion pad, allows an added level of reassurance.

USABILITY The touch screen receiver is so easy to use, despite having multiple functions (talk back, night light, lullabies, two times zoom etc). The setting up of the camera was also very simple due to the camera stand, allowing the camera to sit unaided, and can simply be moved to whatever angle’s needed to get the best view.

TECHNOLOGY The technology of this product really is second to none.

However, getting to grips with how it works can take time.

There’s a basic factory setting which is easy to navigate but to personalise the monitor takes a slightly longer commitment.

The motion pad works well once you set up to the correct sensitivity level for your child’s bed.

TECHNOLOGY This product has a fantastic selection of techy features.

A particular favourite is the lullabies, which can be played to help send your baby off to sleep, as well as the nightlight function which allowed us to enter the room without disturbing our baby’s sleep. For me, the one thing that’s missing is a temperature facility, which would come in handy.

VERDICT This monitor is expensive but it’s worth it. Whether this much detail is necessary depends on your perspective and how much reassurance you want as a parent. The viewing monitor is great and as well as being very informative, it’s amusing to watch your little one moving around on their own.

VERDICT Overall, this monitor has some great aspects, but most importantly it’s simple and reliable to use. The ability to connect more than one camera to the receiver is also a great feature, and one we would hope to use in the future. I would highly recommend this product for any parents.

44 | baby-magazine.co.uk | BEST BABY BUYS

REVIEWS: The monitor MOTOROLA MBP36XL

THE LIV CAM

£179.99, motorolastore.com Reviewer: Samantha Ford, mum to Remy, 17 months

£99.99, summerinfant.co.uk Reviewer: Katie Shea, mum to Martha, two, and Neevie, five months

We’re in the middle of a house move and my much-loved monitor has broken. Wanting an upgrade for his new nursery, I decided to invest in a Motorola video monitor to keep an eye and ear on my son, Remy.

We wanted a compact monitor that didn’t take up too much suitcase space when we’re travelling. After a bit of research, the Liv Cam seemed to be a good on-the-go option.

GOOD LOOKING? I think so. The portable parent unit is nice and slim, hardly taking up any space, while the big five-inch diagonal colour screen means I get a good view of Remy. I like that there’s no bright colours so it doesn’t look out of place anywhere.

Ultimately, it serves a purpose as a monitor but at least it’s subtle in design.

USABILITY It was super easy to set this up. The unit’s so easy to use, and you can remotely pan, tilt, and zoom which is handy if Remy has wriggled around in his sleep. It also has an impressive 1,000ft range which means I can keep an eye on him, even from the bottom of the garden. Remy likes it really dark for his naps so the infrared night vision is brilliant for keeping an eye on him, even with no light in the room.

TECHNOLOGY This product really is bursting with techy features. For me though, the most useful has to be the integrated thermometer, which shows on the display. It just means I can make a quick decision on what to dress Remy in for his afternoon nap or bedtime. The battery life is great, and the high sensitivity microphone means I can hear him clearly, too.

VERDICT I really do love this monitor, it does everything I need it to do.

I’m excited to try the star grip mounting system to attach it to the shelves in his new bedroom.

GOOD LOOKING? Definitely! The Liv Cam is small, sleek and very smart. With it all connecting through an app, you only have one monitor.

USABILITY It’s not quite as easy to set up as the instructions state, but once up and running the picture’s very clear and night vision is good. It’s tricky to position the camera, as we like it looking into the cot, but there’s a handy hole in the suction base, so you could perhaps hang it upside down – one to try! The suction base is a good idea but is limited to smooth surfaces.

Although clear, the picture and sound only work when the app’s open, so if you take a call or use the internet you have no visibility or sound. It might be better to use an iPad or another device that you don’t use frequently for other things.

TECHNOLOGY The technology works well, but – as it says on the box – works best when there’s a clear line of sight between camera and smart device which isn’t always possible, especially when the bedroom’s on a different floor. The photo, video and playback feature is a lovely way to share memories with loved ones.

VERDICT It’s ideal for travelling as you only need the camera and charger. During these early days, I prefer to have the sound on constantly, even if the screen’s on standby, so I’d have to use on a device other than my phone. If you’re happy to just check in occasionally on your phone then it’s a great choice for you, and definitely ticks the box for a travel monitor.

BEST BABY BUYS | baby-magazine.co.uk | 45

WIN iCandy MiChair

C

ould you get a more stylish highchair? The MiChair from British brand iCandy is a beautifully crafted timeless piece of furniture. Starting life with the cosy pod, the highchair is suitable from birth, simply docking on to the highchair to bring baby to parent height for feeding and interaction.

The pod can also be used as a lovely little rocker on the floor with two height positions, depending on whether baby is playing or just chilling out.

The full-size highchair comes with a removable hygienic tray which is nice and simple to clean. And as baby gets older and no longer needs a highchair, it simply transforms into a child’s chair or rocking chair that can be used up to the age of six.

The lucky winner can choose from one of three stylish shades: green, blue and grey.

Good luck!

WORTH £465

IT TR A N S FO R M S A S YO U R BA BY G ROWS

TO ENTER VISIT,

baby-magazine.co.uk/competitions COMPETITION CLOSES 11:59PM 4 DECEMBER 2018. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT ICANDYWORLD.COM

46 | baby-magazine.co.uk | BEST BABY BUYS

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