The essential products you'll need everyday as a parent - as rated by mum and dads
It's not often we think about the unsung heroes of our daily lives, but thousands of us (when asked to vote) agree that things would be just that little bit harder without these essential everyday items
1. Bamboo bamboo baby suction bowl and spoon, £14.99
To the uninitiated it may look like just a bowl, but to those in the know, the Bamboo bamboo baby suction bowl and spoon is a saver of carpets and a triumph in design.
It's suction base is unmatched in strength, which is a mean feat, and the bowl and spoon are made from natural, eco-friendly bamboo.
The attention to function hasn’t compromised on style; we’re big fans of the colour range and the spoon’s soft silicone tip has proved a hit with teething babies.
Tester Alexis says: “Love love love this product. This has saved so much mess. I have tried numerous suction bowls and this is the best by far.”
More like this
Available from: Bamboo Bamboo and Amazon
2. The Little Green Sheep Twist Mattress, £179
Your baby’s sleep is so important in the first few years of life and a good quality mattress is an essential for your nursery.
The Little Green Sheep Twist Mattress is made from just 4 natural ingredients: coconut coir, natural latex, wool and cotton and is free from harmful chemicals and toxins.
The dual-sided design means it has a firm side for babies aged up to 1, and for toddlers, it can be flipped over to reveal a softer latex side. Its lengthy lifespan means it really works hard for its mid to high price.
The mattress hit the market over 8 years ago and its popularity with parents shows no signs of slowing. Tester Alexis says: “Absolutely love this mattress! It’s comfortable and very well made. My daughter sleeps great. Definitely worth the price tag.”
Available from: The Little Green Sheep, Amazon and Wayfair
3. Kokoso Baby Premium Organic Coconut Oil, £5.49 for 70g
At a time when green products are everything, an all-singing all-dancing balm like Kokoso Baby Premium Organic Coconut Oil, which is 100% natural and organic, is a welcome addition to your bathroom cabinet and changing bag.
Its uses are many: a calming solution for flaky newborn skin, baby acne, dribble rash, dry skin, scaly scalps, chapped cheeks, sore bums and sweaty baby rolls, it can also be used to pamper yourself with, as a hair mask, nipple cream, tummy rub, lip balm, make-up remover and more. Now that’s what we call truly multi-talented!
With so many applications rolled into one, mums adore these little pots of genius, which are also ethically produced and have a soft, silky, rather than greasy, finish on the skin.
Available from: Kokoso, Amazon and Boots
4. Nibbling Teething Products, £12–£29
Teething can be a difficult time for everyone involved and equipping yourself with the tools to manage is half the battle; the vast range of Nibbling Teething Products available will ease your baby’s sore gums and your stress.
Blending stunning designs with ethical materials, all the brand’s teething jewellery and accessories are made from 100% food-grade silicone, which is safe, non-toxic and soft for babies to chew on. There are over 160 on-trend, plastic-free designs with different shapes and textures to get your baby working those gums.
We adore the cute Forest Friend teethers, £14, and the Havana teething necklace, £18, which look great and will keep little ones busy.
Tester Deanna says: “Absolutely love this product – highly recommended and wish I’d discovered it sooner!”
Available from: nibbling, Amazon and Baby Lurve
5. Bambino Mio swaddling blankets, £19.99
Many parents credit the age-old practice of swaddling for helping their little one’s sleep longer and deeper and the super-soft Bambino Mio swaddling blankets are a gorgeous way to make them feel snug and secure.
Made from bouncy, plush bamboo fabric that’s light and breathable, they also double up as extra-large muslins that will mop up all ills and spills going; an essential for any new parent.
A slightly higher price bracket in the market, the quality is undeniable – the blankets are designed to withstand a serious amount of wear and tear and we’ve fallen hard for the adorable gender-neutral koala print!
Available from: Bambino Mio, Amazon and Wayfair
6. Tommee Tippee Perfect Prep Day & Night, £130
Anyone who’s had to make a bottle at 3am knows it can be a monotonous, lengthy task.
This popular gadget streamlines the process to make the perfect bottle of formula, at the perfect temperature, in just 2 minutes flat – a major score when a hungry baby and a better night’s sleep hang in the balance.
It has a gentle nightlight and a digital display, both of which are easy to use and helpful during night feeds, plus you can even turn down the volume of the beeps.
When it comes to must-have gadgets, this one has risen to the top of most parents’ wish-lists.
Available from: Amazon and Argos
7. Pampers Pure Protection Nappies, £8 for 35
Pampers are practically legends in the nappy arena and the brand’s Pure Protection Nappies have proven their credentials yet again.
The first-ever nappy made from premium cotton, cellulose and plant-based materials, the company’s eco-friendly designs still have the Pampers trusted level of absorbency – up to 12 hours to keep you baby dry overnight.
They have a wetness indicator, they’re certified by the British Skin Foundation for sensitive skin and they’re made with renewable energy; all brilliant reasons to add them to your baby shopping list.
MFM tester and mum of 2 Magda says: “Amazing absorbency and really cute designs. Great nappy and good sustainability.”
Available from: Amazon, Boots and Ocado
8. Bepanthen Nappy Care Ointment 30g, £3.99
Celebrated for its good-value and healing powers of even the angriest nappy rash, many a parent would recommend Bepanthen Nappy Care Ointment for protecting their babies’ bottoms.
The Provitamin B5 formula is free from perfumes, colourants, preservatives, and parabens and helps to effectively soothe sore bums and form a breathable barrier to protect from the causes of nappy rash and parents are passionate about its almost magical ability to alleviate their baby’s discomfort.
Tester Rachel says: “My wee one has very sensitive skin and this is one nappy cream she doesn’t react to.”
Available from: Amazon, Boots and Superdrug
9. Onco Melody changing bag, £65
There’s no such thing as too much space in a baby bag – trusted to hold all your baby essentials while out and about, from nappies to formula, wipes to snacks – serious space is a must, all while offering easy access and a stylish look.
Onco Melody changing bag delivers on all fronts; with 10 compartments, a large zipped front pocket, internal bottle holders and easy access side pockets, it’s practical to the extreme and it looks great too.
We’d even go as far as to say when your little one no longer needs the kitchen sink to leave the house (a major turning point), it’d work great as an overnight or gym bag.
Tester Laura says: “This bag is excellent. Very stylish, comfortable to wear and well designed. The way it opens up is great and makes it easy to get at everything.”
Available from: Onco and Amazon
10. BabyStyle Oyster3, £499
Buying your first car is said to be a major moment in life and the same is true for your first pushchair. The good news is you can’t go far wrong with the Oyster3 – the latest evolution in the Oyster series.
The company has it nailed on many levels; bigger and taller than its award-winning predecessor, it actually folds smaller with the seat unit still in place. It’s easy to carry, store and transport, has puncture-proof tyres and suspension that will handle all terrain.
The Oyster3’s selling points are numerous, but the most convincing is the crowds of parents who are shouting its name from the rooftops. Tester Kim says: “This pushchair really is as good as it looks – and it looks awesome. It is a superb all-rounder. Love it!”
Available from: Amazon and Winstanleys Pramworld
Read more...
Authors
Create the perfect wishlist for your baby with MyCrib
Are you expecting and don't know where to start? Discover how MyCrib can help you build your dream wishlist. You can add products from any site with just one click and even use MyCrib's buying assistant to help get you started.