From teethers and dummies to bubble bath and postpartum products, this set of categories encompasses a whole range of products that will make life healthier, safer and simpler for the whole family. Our team of parent testers and their children tested and rated teething toys, bathtubs, toiletries, stair gates, humidifiers, reusable underwear and more. We've ensured all products have been tested on the relevant skin and hair types, and asked our testers to be honest about their feeling on scents, textures, value and effectiveness.

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Combining their feedback with our expert judges and the MFM team, we've found the perfect products to fill your bathroom cabinet, your bedside table and make your home safer.

See the winners in:

Family health, bathtime and skincare products_BABY BATH_Divider

Key features we tested/judged — Safety, comfort, shape and design, quality, value for money.

More like this

Gold – Angelcare 2 in 1 Baby Bathtub, £39.99

Angelcare 2 in 1 Baby Bathtub_Gold

Why it’s a winner: The Angelcare 2 in 1 Baby Bathtub is light yet strong and its small size means it’s easily transportable and fits in the main tub or inside a shower cubicle. That also means it isn’t heavy on water – great news for energy bills. Crucially though, it feels safe, keeping a baby supported as they splash around (although parents should always keep hold of their baby in the bath, even with the added support of a product like this). All our parent testers loved this product, with one saying that it was better than using a support seat in the big tub because of how much water she could save.

In the words of parent tester Bethany, who tested this with their 4 month old: “The positioning bump kept my baby in place and I felt reassured he wouldn’t slip down. He enjoyed sitting in the water and kicking his legs. It’s perfect for the frequent baths a little one needs to wind down for bedtime and they can still have fun splashing about.”

Buy from: Mamas & Papas

Silver – Badabulle Baby & Toddler Whale Bathtub, £24.99

Badabulle Baby & Toddler Whale Bathtub_Silver

Best for: Slowing the transition to the "big bath".

In the words of parent tester Katharine, who tested this with their 1 year old: “I love the plug hole – with the amount of water this bathtub holds it would be no mean feat to tip this over. It’s a good solution for parents with big 1 year olds who struggle with their little ones being too big for baby baths.”

Buy from: Very, Amazon and Kiddies Kingdom

Bronze – The Shnuggle Baby Bath with Plug, £25.95

TheShnuggleBabyBathwithPlug_Bronze

Best for: Older babies who like to sit up as they splash.

In the words of parent tester Rachel, who tested this with their 3 month old: “The Shnuggle definitely made my life easier and it’s very sturdy and well made. I’ve got a very strong baby so I was comfortable sitting her in position without having to hold her, and there was plenty of room for her to kick and splash.”

Buy from: Boots, Mamas & Papas and John Lewis


Bathtime and Skincare_ Baby bathtime product_Divider

Key features we tested/judged — Quality and design, safety, ease of use, fun for baby, value for money.

Gold – Matchstick Monkey White Bathtime Slide Set, £14.99

MatchstickMonkeyWhiteBathtimeSlideSet_Gold

Why it’s a winner: You get a lot of fun for your money with this. It’s a simple bath toy, tactile and perfectly sized for little hands. The slide attaches to the side of the bath or the wall so your little one can roll ‘rocks’ off it so they splash down in their bathwater. As well as adding a pop of colour to bath time, the rocks also feature the faces of a lion, giraffe and monkey. And the best bit – it’s antimicrobial, so no need to fear the dreaded bath toy gunge.

In the words of parent tester Brenna, who tested this with their 18 month old: “It’s made bathtime much more enjoyable for him. The first thing I noticed was that the balls didn’t have holes in, which means there was no need to worry about mould. I also loved the fact the slide could be twisted and altered to fit the bath better and you can place it under the tap for an added effect.”

Buy from: Boots, Amazon and Baby Mori

Silver – Cuddledry Original Handsfree Towel, £39.99

CuddledryOriginalHandsfreeTowel_Silver

Best for: Wrapping your baby up quickly while getting them out of the bath.

In the words of parent tester Tabasam, who tested this with their newborn: “As a new mum, I was really nervous to bath my baby, who hates being naked and wet. Since using this towel bathtime is a lot easier, as I can lift him easily and calm him down whilst drying him. It looks and feels luxurious in its design.”

Buy from: John Lewis, Boots and Cuddledry

Bronze – SilverGuard Organic Cotton Hooded Baby Towel, £26

SilverGuardOrganicCottonHoodedBabyTowel_Bronze

Best for: Babies with sensitive skin.

In the words of parent tester Annabel, who tested this with their 10 month old: “This towel is beautifully think and the perfect size for a newborn until well into toddlerhood. It feels exceptionally well made. It also offers the silver thread technology, which is another added positive. I love the sustainability credentials of this product too.”

Buy from: SilverGuard

Shortlisted: BabyDam Bathwater Barrier | Panda Kids Bamboo Hooded Towel | Playmobil 70635 Water Wheel with Baby Shark


Bathtime and Skincare_Baby & child bath & body wash_Divider

Key features we tested/judged — Smell, quality of bubbles, kindness to skin, ease of use, worth the money.

Gold – Mamia Bedtime Bath, 89p

AldiMamiaBedtimeBath_Gold_Winner

Why it’s a winner: With its budget price tag but quality, tear-free formula, these bedtime bubbles were a big hit with the babies and young children of our parent testers. The soothing aroma was a winner all round, with our testers commenting that it “smelt divine”, as well as creating “just the right amount of bubbles.” Not only is this irritation-free bubble bath calming and relaxing for little ones, the bottle is also easy to open and close – just what you need when you have your hands full.

In the words of parent tester Stephanie, who tested this with their 5 week old: “This is a premium-feel product on a budget. I love that it is easy to open one-handed, which is a must when navigating bathtime with a wriggly newborn.”

Buy from: Aldi

Silver – Nala’s Baby Bubble Bath, £5.50

NalasBabyBubbleBath_Silver

Best for: Natural ingredients and perfect bubbles.

In the words of parent tester Lorelle, who tested this with their 7 month old: “I was so happy to try a product that has natural ingredients. It smells amazing, provides the perfect amount of bubbles and leaves my son’s skin feeling soft.”

Buy from: Boots and Nala's Baby

Bronze – ASDA Little Angels Vapour Bath, £1.25

AsdaLittleAngelsVapourBath_Bronze

Best for: Menthol to soothe colds and congestion.

In the words of parent tester Alka, who tested this with their 7 month old: “It has a light, not overpowering, menthol smell that helped to clear my son’s airways when he had the sniffles. It is a good price for the size of the bottle, as you don’t need much at all to get lots of bubbles in the bath.”

Buy from: Asda

Shortlisted: Original Sprout Hair and Body Babywash


Bathtime and Skincare_Baby & child shampoo_hair care product_Divider

Key features we tested/judged — Smell, effectiveness, quality, ease of use, worth the money.

Gold – Nala’s Baby Bodywash & Shampoo, £5.50

NalasBabyBodyWash&Shampoo_Gold

Why it’s a winner: Made from 98% naturally derived ingredients, this versatile body wash and shampoo is approved by dermatologists and paediatricians. It is also hypoallergenic, making it a firm favourite with our parent testers. The bottle is easy to use, which is a huge plus when you are trying to juggle a young child and getting the product in the right place. Our parent testers felt that “it ticks all boxes” when it comes to a baby shampoo and that it “feels luxurious and looks a better quality than the price you pay.”

In the words of parent tester Tanya, who tested this with their 21 month old: “The product does more than you would expect it to. Not only does it clean the hair but it gave it a lovely feel and the most incredible curls.”

Buy from: Boots and Nala's Baby

Silver – Mamia Baby Shampoo, 89p

AldiMamiaBabyShampoo_Silver

Best for: Incredible value for money.

In the words of parent tester Beth, who tested this with their 2 year old: “This shampoo is very easy to use and doesn’t require any bottle squeezing. It is really good value as it is a large bottle, lathers up well without much effort and seems to give a good clean. It was also good at making bubbles in the bath!”

Buy from: Aldi

Bronze – Mini Mio Oh So Cleaning Foaming Wash, £8

MiniMioOhSoCleanFoamingWash_Bronze

Best for: Fun for toddlers with a fun foam consistency.

In the words of parent tester Abi, who tested this with their 7 month old, 3 year old and 4 year old: “I like that it is a pump rather than a squeeze bottle. When you are juggling young children and babies in the bath it is a lot easier to pump, rather than use 2 hands to turn a bottle upside down and squeeze some shampoo out.”

Buy from: Boots, Mama Mio and Cult Beauty

Shortlisted: Mini U Wild Blueberry Curl Activator


Bathtime and Skincare_ Baby & child skincare product_Divider

Key features we tested/judged — Ease of use, worth the money, effectiveness, quality/design, kindness to skin.

Gold – WELEDA Calendula All Purpose Balm, £7.95

WeledaCalendulaAllPurposeBalm_Gold

Why it's a winner: This is a real multi-purpose balm and suitable for all ages, including parents. Our testers loved that it was “so gentle on baby’s skin” and a really versatile product, with one commenting: “we used it as a lip balm, moisturiser, and around sore noses.” It comes in a robust tin that fits easily into your bag, so it can be used in the home and also when you’re out and about for soothing skin, rashes or dry lips. Our testers particularly liked that it is long-lasting and a little goes a long way.

In the words of parent tester Sarah, who tested this with their 6 month old and 3 year old: “I have used multi-purpose balms before but this one stood out for me as it really did work for a variety of uses. I found the balm long-lasting when used as a lip balm, which was good as other balms seem to disappear straight away.”

Buy from: Boots, Look Fantastic and Amazon

Silver – Kokoso Baby Baby-Soft Balm Stick, £8.99

KokosoBabyBabySoftBalmStick_Silver

Best for: Organic ingredients in a practical stick applicator.

In the words of parent tester Connie, who tested this with their 6 month old: “My daughter is teething and dribbling all the time, which is leaving her with rashes on her chin and neck. Since using this balm the rashes have disappeared and her skin is feeling super smooth once again.”

Buy from: Amazon and Kokoso

Bronze – Original Sprout Scrumptious Baby Cream, £15.95

OriginalSproutScrumptiousBabyCream_Bronze_Winner

Best for: Fast absorption.

In the words of parent tester Caitlin, who tested this with their 10 month old: "I applied this cream to my son's face and body and it left his skin feeling and smelling lovely. The cream absorbs fast and leaves no sticky residue on the skin, meaning no waiting around to put clothes on once applied – a definite positive in winter!"

Buy from: Amazon, Ocado and Original Sprout


Bathtime and Skincare_Baby & child skincare brand_Divider

Key features we tested/judged — Value for money, ease of use, kindness to skin, natural ingredients, range of products.

Joint Gold – Nala’s Baby

NalasBabyFullRange_Gold_Winner

Why it’s a winner: Offering good value products with a luxurious feel, the Nala’s Baby range was a huge hit with our parent testers who loved the natural ingredients and found that a little of the products go a long way. The packaging also impressed, as the attractive bottles are slim-line making them easy to store without taking up too much space. Feedback across the board highlighted value for money and good quality, with one tester saying the range is “very affordable" and “definitely worth the money for the quality.” Passing the all-important fragrance test, the collection “smells great without being too strong or overbearing,” and, best of all, the products really do work, with one of our testers saying "I instantly noticed a difference in my daughter’s skin softness.”

In the words of parent tester Shante, who tested this with their 2 year old: “It’s not often you come across products that are as natural as these. I would say for that reason alone it is worth the money.”

Buy from: Nala's Baby

Joint Gold – Mini U

MiniUFullRange_Gold_Winner

Why it’s a winner: Mini U's extensive range of products offers great value for money. Everything is free from gluten, soy, and dairy, giving parents peace of mind that what they are using will be kind to delicate skin. One parent tester commented: “The products tick all the boxes for us as well as being cruelty-free and delicate on my daughter’s eczema-prone skin.” We love that the range really helps to make bathtime fun; from bath bombs with a surprise inside and bubbles that change the colour of the water, to crayons that are easy to wash off the bath – and children! – our testers felt that Mini U definitely “added excitement to bathtime.”

In the words of parent tester Elizabeth, who tested this with their 1 year old and 3 year old: “Everything was easy to use with good packaging and instructions that were easy to follow. They are totally worth the money – the products are fun for the kids, smell good, are gentle on skin and make lovely gifts.”

Buy from: Mini U

Silver – Aldi Mamia

AldiMamia_Silver

Best for: Classic products that ate great value for money.

In the words of parent tester Bethany, who tested this with their 4 month old: “The Mamia baby lotion is made with coconut oil, and it does help to keep my baby's skin soft and moisturised for a long time. It is on the thicker side and goes a long way. The cap on the bottle is sturdy, opens easily and closes with a reassuring snap, so I would feel confident taking it out and about.”

Buy from: Aldi

Bronze – Mini Mio

MiniMioFullRange_Bronze

Best for: Clever formulations that are kind to the skin.

In the words of parent tester Amber, who tested this with their 9 month old: “The products are all of a high quality, from the packaging to the look and feel of the bubbles created from the bubble bath and the smooth moisturiser that is room temperature to the touch.”

Buy from: Mama Mio

Shortlisted: Baby Bare Bubbles Dandelion Dream Luxury Bath Set


Health and Wellbeing_Health product for babies & children_Divider

Key features we tested — Effectiveness, ease of use, quality/design, worth the money.

Gold — Bepanthen Nappy Care Ointment, £7.29 for 100mg

Bepanthen Nappy Care Ointment_Gold

Why it’s a winner: A tried-and-trusted classic that is a firm favourite of our experts, judges and parent testers alike, this cream is gentle enough for newborn skin and highly effective at protecting delicate skin from nappy rash. Our testers loved the water-in-oil formulation that “isn’t too thick, is easy to apply and sinks in,” so doesn’t restrict nappy absorbency, which could cause more nappy rash. It’s also affordable, readily available and non-staining.

In the words of MFM Expert Dr Philippa Kaye: “A classic for a reason, Bepanthen Nappy Care Ointment is simple, effective and easy to use. I recommend this as it cares for skin but doesn’t stain clothes.”

Buy from: Boots, Amazon and Tesco

Silver — Brush-Baby Toothpaste range for 0-10 year olds, £3.50 to £4.99

Brush-Baby Toothpaste range for 0-10 year olds_Silver

Best for: A great range of flavours for all dental developmental stages.

In the words of parent tester Hannah, who tested this with their 2 year old twins: “The variety of flavours and range of fluoride levels to suit different ages is great; my girls loved the taste as well as the pictures on the good-size tubes, which made brushing their teeth fun and exciting. I love that every flavour is paraben and sls-free.”

Buy from: Boots and Brush-Baby

Bronze — Crane Drop 2.0 4-in-1 Humidifier With Sound Machine, £110.00

Crane Drop 2.0 4 in 1 Humidifier With Sound Machine Clear White_Bronze

Best for: Relieving cough and cold symptoms.

In the words of parent tester Katherine, who tested this with their 4 month old: “Well made and sleekly designed, this gadget was very simple to set up and improved the air quality in my baby’s room, successfully alleviating cold symptoms. The option to have the mist setting on low, medium or high is useful. It has definitely made our lives better during cold and flu season.”

Buy from: Amazon, Kiddies Kingdom and Jo Jo Maman Bebe

Shortlisted: Babymoov 3-in-1 Hygro+ Baby Humidifier | Milton Antibacterial Hand Sanitiser | Wild Nutrition Vitamin D Gummies for Children | Yogi Power Games Box


Health and Wellbeing_Health product for parents & parents-to-be_Divider

Key features we tested/judged — Effectiveness, comfort, ease of use, worth the money, design, style.

Gold — Lola&Lykke Core Relief Pregnancy Support Band, £99

Lola&Lykke Core Relief Pregnancy Support Band_Gold

Why it’s a winner: Soft, comfortable and convenient, this support band is made from breathable bamboo viscose and features velcro tabs that allow you adjust for a perfect fit, as well as a pocket for the gel pack (provided) that can be used hot or cold. Our parent testers gave this product full marks, describing it as supportive, discreet and highly effective at removing pressure from their bumps and backs. One remarked: “The support belt has made my life easier by supporting my large baby bump, taking away the pulling sensation on the lower half of my bump and easing my back pain.”

In the words of parent tester Harriet, who tested this while 24-weeks pregnant: “This product is amazing! I felt instant relief wearing the belt, which has helped me keep up the pace and length of my regular walks despite a fast-growing baby bump. It’s high quality and absolutely worth the money.”

Buy from: Lola&Lykke and Baby Mori

Silver — Morphée, £89.95

Morphée_Silver

Best for: A screen-free sleep and relaxation aid.

In the words of parent tester Tina, mum of a 15 month old: “By not having bright lights or any other distracting features, this straightforward-to-use gadget allows you to really turn off from technology. I have used the various programmes and settings to complete a different meditation each night and have often fallen asleep and always relaxed. I have even used the outdoor sounds setting to play in the background whilst reading a story book to my little one.”

Buy from: Selfridges, Amazon and Morphee

Bronze — My Expert Midwife Pre-Conception + Pregnancy Supplement for Women, £19.50 for 30 day supply

My Expert Midwife pre-conception + pregnancy supplement for women_Bronze

Best for: A complete pre-conception and pregnancy supplement.

In the words of parent tester Evie, who is trying to conceive her second baby: “These supplements have made a noticeable difference to my daily health and it’s nice to have a pre-pregnancy formulation that does it all and can be continued into pregnancy. The supplements have also helped increase my iron levels, which is great, as is the option to open the capsules and sprinkle the contents onto food, which is something other brands don’t offer.”

Buy from: Boots and My Expert Midwife

Shortlisted: Dome Pregnancy and Prenatal | Wild Nutrition Pregnancy + New Mother Omega 3


Health and Wellbeing_New parent product & service_Divider

Key features we tested/judged – Quality of products or services, value for money, ease of use, innovative features.

Gold – The Postpartum Pack from The Positive Birth Company, £39

The Postpartum Pack_Gold

Why it’s a winner: The Postpartum Pack is a gold award winner in this category for being an inclusive antenatal and postnatal online course that’s also excellent value, with plenty of useful information. Our testers liked how easy it was to dip in and out when they needed, and also thought elements such as the Facebook group, baby massage course, and MP3 download of affirmations were all welcome additions. Our MFM judge Alissa Pemberton was impressed with the variety of topics included and noted that it was “great that they include mental health topics for parents.”

In the words of parent tester Jennifer, who tested this with their 1 month old baby: “Very useful with lots of content. I liked the ability to pick and choose what is relevant either at all or at any given time. It’s a great quality, informative package.”

Buy from: The Positive Birth Company and Boots

Silver – Postpartum Recovery Bundle from First Days Maternity, £45

Postpartum Recovery Bundle_Silver

Best for: Useful additions to your hospital bag.

In the words of parent tester Lizzie, who tested this from birth to 2 weeks postpartum: “Overall, I love this bundle. Although it is aimed at women who deliver naturally, I love how women who have had a c-section, like me, can still use these products. The company also lets you return the products if you didn't end up using them.”

Buy from: First Days Maternity

Joint Bronze – BABYGO® Postpartum Knickers, £15 single pack, £25 twin pack and £35 triple pack

BABYGO® Postpartum Knickers_Bronze

Best for: Mums looking for eco-friendly, reusable underwear for after birth.

In the words of parent tester Georgia, who tested then from birth to 2 weeks postpartum: “They have been extremely helpful and comfy to wear. I would persuade any pregnant women to invest in a couple pairs of these and would buy them again. I’m really impressed with the quality and sizing.”

Buy from: BABYGO

Joint Bronze – Lola&Lykke Core Restore Postpartum Support Band, £89

Lola&Lykke Core Restore Postpartum Support Band_Bronze

Best for: Comfortable support for your post-baby body.

In the words of parent tester Shakira, who tested this with their 4 week old: “The band was very easy to set up and use – the instructions were clear and straight forward. What I love about this product is that you can order accordingly to your size. I have a petite frame and the size small fitted perfectly.”

Buy from: Lola&Lykke and Baby Mori

Shortlisted: Just Chill Baby Sleep – Sleep Success Online Courses | Baby2Sleep Newborn Video Guide – ‘What to Expect in the First 6 Months’ | Okay Yako


Family health, bathtime and skincare products_new parent skincare & toiletries_DIVIDER

Key features we tested/judged — Texture, effectiveness, ease of use, formula, scent, worth the money.

Gold – My Expert Midwife Super Scar Recovery Oil, £16.50

My Expert Midwife Super Scar Recovery Oil_Gold

Why it’s a winner: Suitable for all kinds of scars including stretch marks, Caesarean and episiotomy scars, this oil has anti-inflammatory properties derived from fragrance-free onion extract, which has been shown to improve the appearance of scars. Our testers agreed it was “really easy to use and did exactly what it was expected to.” One parent tester commented that “it has been nice to use a pampering product designed for use after major surgery,” while another felt the oil “made the skin very soft surrounding the scar.” It includes lavender and geranium oils for a soothing fragrance and is made from 99.9% naturally-derived ingredients.

In the words of new-parent tester Samantha: “This was a product aimed at C-section recovery and so far, it has been lovely to massage into my scar to support reduction in scar tissue and inflammation. It has been a pleasure to use, it is affordable for all and supports recovery. I would recommend this to anyone who has recently had a C-section.”

Buy from: John Lewis, Boots and My Expert Midwife

Silver — The Goat Skincare Moisturising Cream, £10.49

The Goat Skincare Moisturising Cream_Silver

Best for: Supports skin using natural ingredients.

In the words of new-parent tester Elisa: “The consistency of the cream is perfect; not so runny that it runs off the skin and, equally, not so thick that it’s difficult to rub in. The smell is pleasant and I found the tube easy to open and use.”

Buy from: Amazon and Feel Unique


Health and Wellbeing_Home safety product_Divider

Key features we tested/judged — Worth the money, effectiveness, quality, design, ease of use.

Gold – Fred Pressure Fit Clear-View Stairgate, £172

Fred Pressure Fit Clear-View Stairgate_Gold_Winner

Why it's a winner: The modern design of this product turns one of the essential pieces of home safety kit into a stylish feature, with one parent tester commenting: “This is a high quality, stylish item for what can often be an ugly and awkward essential family home product.” It has a clear screen making it easy to see your child, and can be opened with one hand – great when you’ve got your hands full. Straightforward to fit, the design and the durability of this stairgate impressed our home testers who gave glowing comments about the product: One tester said “this baby gate is 100% fit for purpose,” while another added “it keeps my inquisitive climbing 11-month-old totally safe and I can be confident that it isn’t going to budge.”

In the words of parent tester Hannah, who tested this with their 12 month old and 3 year old: “I have never encountered such a sturdy baby safety gate before and have also had lots of comments from visitors about how good it looks. It clicks into place easily and opens and shuts with ease. It is very modern and isn’t an eye sore like other safety gates.”

Buy from: John Lewis, Amazon and Fred Safety

Silver – BABYGO® Baby Proofing Kit, £29.95

BABYGO Baby Proofing Kit_Silver_Winner

Best for: A wide range of safety products in a convenient kit.

In the words of parent tester Rachel, who tested this with their 1 year old: “This reliable product baby-proofed my kitchen in no time, and stopped my 1 year old pulling just about anything and everything out of the cupboards! I like the discreetness latches, and those that I did have to use the visible latches on, I was able to place in out-of-view places."

Buy from: BABYGO and Amazon

Joint Bronze – BeeGo Magnetic Safety Locks, £22.99

BeeGo Magnetic Safety Locks_Bronze_Winner

Best for: Quickly and discreetly childproofing the average kitchen.

In the words of parent tester Eloise, who tested these with their 19 month old: “They are fantastic value for money and do exactly as they should, keeping things locked safely away. Unlike other locks on the market, these look sleek and modern and there’s no sign they're there unless you look for the lock symbol. My child is 19 months old and exploring everything in the house. However, these have kept her out of places she shouldn't be and given me huge peace of mind as a parent.”

Buy from: Amazon

Joint Bronze - BABYGO Magnetic Child Safety Locks, £19.95

BABYGO Magnetic Child Safety Locks_Bronze_Winner

Best for: Easy to fit, discreet design with additional corner covers.

In the words of parent tester Carly, who tested these with their 1 year old and 4 year old: “They have definitely made meal time prep less stressful and my 1 year old can now pop in and out of the kitchen freely and safely (without me needing eyes everywhere). I also liked the transparent corner cushions which came with the set; we have sharp corners on our kitchen island and my taller, energetic 4 year old has worn through lots of previous sets! These are among the longest-serving ones we've had.”

Buy from: BABYGO and Amazon

Shortlisted: ClevaPure™ Air Purifier


Health and Wellbein_Soother & dummy_Divider

Key features we tested — Ease of use, quality, design, effectiveness, worth the money.

Joint Gold — MAM Perfect Soother Range, £9.40 for 2

MAM Perfect Soother Range_Gold

Why it’s a winner: These dummies have been developed with orthodontists and paediatric dentists to create a design that allows your baby to close their mouth naturally and helps reduce the risk of misaligned teeth. They also come in durable boxes that can be used as a steriliser in a microwave, which all our testers agreed was a very thoughtful and helpful touch. “I previously used the MAM Original Soothers and this teat is noticeably thinner and more flexible, allaying my husband’s concerns about a dummy negatively impacting our son’s emerging teeth,” said one tester. “I also really like the box, which makes sterilisation super quick."

In the words of parent tester Gemma, who tested this with their 11 month old: “I’ve always worried about teeth and dummies, but the difference between these teats and the older design is amazing; the thinness of the silicone that sits between the teeth is fantastic and won’t affect her teeth that are growing through. My daughter took to the soother really well and, as her teeth progress, it won't affect the shape of her teeth or jawline like some dummies can.”

Buy from: Boots, Amazon and MAM

Joint Gold — Nanobébé Flexy Active Soother, £11.99 for 4

Nanobébé Flexy Active Soother_Gold

Why it’s a winner: These soothers are aimed at babies over 4 months, with open side vents allowing more airflow to stop saliva building up and irritating delicate skin during the teething months. Like the original, this is also a one-piece silicone construction, making it lighter and softer than a dummy backed with plastic, with no separate parts. Our testers and experts thought it was brilliant, with midwife and MFM judge Alissa Pemberton noting that it might be particularly useful for breastfed babies. “This is a very good quality dummy made from flexible silicone that’s soft on baby’s face. It has plenty of ventilation to reduce the risk of dribble rash and a teat that supports good tongue posture for breastfeeding.”

In the words of parent tester Louisa, who tested this with their 5 month old: “This soother is strong, well made and looks and feels like a quality product that’s superior to others we’ve tried. The teat is a good shape for a baby’s mouth and with 4 in a pack, it’s worth the money.”

Buy from: Mama & Papas, Amazon and Nanobebe

Silver — NUK Space Soother, £5.99

NUK Space Soother_Silver

Best for: A sweet design that reduces the possibility of dribble rash.

In the words of parent tester Sophie, who tested this with their 2 month old: “These include several great and well-thought-out features packed into a little dummy, including a breathable design that reduces the risk of rashes from friction and moisture. I like that the angled teat mimics the shape that a nipple moulds to in a baby’s mouth, and that they come in a microwavable sterilising container that’s convenient and very easy to use.”

Buy from: Boots and Amazon

Bronze — MAM Original Pure Soother, £8.60 for 2

MAM Original Pure Soother_Bronze

Best for: A more sustainable option.

In the words of parent tester Cali, who tested this with their 13 month old: “I love the design and carbon neutral aspect – it’s great to see a brand develop a sustainable product at a reasonable price and these soothers are fantastic quality and value for money. The protective case is a great feature and means it only takes 3 minutes in a microwave to sterilise the soothers.”

Buy from: Boots and MAM

Shortlisted: NUK for Nature Soother


Health and Wellbein_Teether & teething toy_Divider

Key features we tested/judged — Effectiveness, appeal, quality, design, worth the money, ease of use.

Gold — Bibado Dawn The Dinosaur™ Multi-Sensory Teether, £9.95

Bibado Dawn The Dinosaur™ Multi-Sensory Teether_Gold

Why it’s a winner: Carefully designed by a dentist, this "mouth gym" introduces babies from 3 months to 5 different textures that each help strengthen the muscles required for eating. The cute dinosaur proved a huge hit with our testers and their babies, with one mum saying, “my little one loved to explore the different areas on the teether, which he could easily hold and rotate. It has improved his grip and coordination and strengthened his jaw in preparation for chewing food when weaning.”

In the words of parent tester Laura, who tested this with their 4 month old: “My daughter really enjoyed the different textures this dino offered and the teether is a great size and weight for her to easily grasp and play with. I particularly liked that this isn’t air-filled with a ventilation hole, so there’s no chance of mould growing inside. I think it’s a great quality teether for the price.”

Buy from: Bibado and Amazon

Silver — Everyday Baby Silicone Teether, £10

Everyday Baby Silicone Teether_Silver

Best for: A simple design for little hands to grasp.

In the words of parent tester Sarah, who tested this with their 9 month old: “The teether is fantastic as it has multiple textures for a baby to explore and a unique triangle shape that makes it easy for my baby to hold, resulting in her using it more instead of dropping it. My daughter is teething very badly at the moment and she enjoys biting down on it; it has kept her occupied and happy.”

Buy from: Everyday Baby

Bronze — Sophie la Girafe Teether, £15.99

Sophie la girafe Teether_Bronze

Best for: A classic teether and squeaky toy in one.

In the words of parent tester Amy, who tested this with their 5 month old: “I think as a teething toy for very young babies, this beautiful natural rubber hits the spot. My little girl has really enjoyed being able to hold it herself and chews on it quite easily, helping to soothe her teething gums. It's the first toy that she's really been able to hold herself and interact with, and she loves when the giraffe squeaks.”

Buy from: John Lewis, Boots and Mamas & Papas

Shortlisted: Ashtons and Parsons Teething Gel


See all our MFM Award winners:

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The MadeForMums Awards editorial team is led by Group Digital Editor Gemma Cartwright and Head of Consumer Content Christy McGhee and comprises Janet Mtima, Emily Longman Wall, Chloe Brightwell, Hazelann Williams, Sarah Dawson, Sarah Reid, Gabrielle Nathan, Janet Martin, Gillian Crawshaw, Sally J. Hall and Suzy Stanton who have created, written and edited these pages after rigorous testing and judging by our panel of home testers, experts and editorial judges. Images by Emma Winchester. With thanks to Jenny Yu, Danielle Graph, Emma Onuma, Pranesha Patel, Helen Brown, Helen Salter and Susie Boone.
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