Expert Reviews Parent and Baby awards 2021: Essential parenting products, tested by experts

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Welcoming a new baby is one of the most significant financial commitments any of us will undertake. This is partly because there is a vast array of equipment you need to acquire—especially during those initial months and years—but also because there are thousands of potential choices within every category.

Given the high costs associated with many of these products, it is vital that you make the correct choice. After all, once you have committed to such a substantial purchase, it is not always simple to change your mind.

With this in mind, we have conducted rigorous testing to assist you in making these once-in-a-lifetime decisions. From car seats to prams, and cots to bottles, we have identified the standout items across a wide range of categories to help remove the stress from spending your hard-earned money.

Welcome to the Expert Reviews Parent and Baby awards.

Expert Reviews Parent and Baby awards 2021

Engineered with the comfort and safety of both you and your child in mind, the Nuna Prym car seat spares your back from the awkward lifting and twisting often required with standard seats. As the name implies, 360-degree seats like this one can rotate fully, allowing you to transition easily from rear-facing to forward-facing once your child is old enough. They also allow you to swivel the seat toward the car door, making it much simpler to secure your baby or toddler.

The seat is reinforced with a steel frame and EPS energy-absorbing foam, while the cushion features memory foam for superior comfort. It includes inserts for newborns that can be removed as your child grows, and the wide seat provides your little one with extra space.

Perhaps most impressively, the Nuna Prym features built-in magnets in the arm cushions; you can use these to hold the straps aside while you place your child in the seat. It is a small but highly thoughtful feature, and in our view, it is the perfect finishing touch.

Highly commended | Maxi-Cosi Coral | £239

Not only does the Maxi-Cosi Coral car seat provide the safety and comfort features parents expect from the brand, but it is also the first “modular” seat. This innovative design allows you to either remove the entire car seat or lift your child out in the soft carrier, leaving the safety shell in the vehicle. It makes transferring your baby to and from the car remarkably easy, even while they are sleeping, and it is much gentler on your back.

This car seat is also compatible with all Maxi-Cosi stroller frames. It is not inexpensive, and it will only be suitable until your baby reaches one year of age (or 12kg), but we believe it is a worthwhile investment: we have yet to find a more effective car seat for those vital first months.

Winner | Stokke Xplory | £864

From its luxurious woven fabrics to its excellent one-hand steering and plush, ergonomic seat, the Stokke Xplory is a superb all-around pram and pushchair.

The seat on the Stokke Xplory reclines to help your child sleep or observe their surroundings, and it is also height-adjustable—a feature that is rare even on more premium pushchairs. This has the added benefit of keeping your child closer to you, or closer to the table during mealtimes, should you choose to face the seat forward.

Because of the height-adjustable design, there is plenty of room under the pushchair for shopping; rather than a fixed basket, the Stokke Xplory includes a convenient bag capable of holding up to 9kg. As a pushchair, the Stokke Xplory is suitable for children from six months to three years, though you can purchase a carrycot if you wish to use it from birth.

Highly commended | Cybex Priam | From £829

The Cybex Priam is an exceptionally well-constructed, customizable pram and stroller hybrid, featuring rubber wheels and advanced suspension on a sturdy frame. It is suitable from birth (when paired with a carrycot) up to four years of age or a maximum weight of 17kg, whichever comes first.

Despite its luxurious styling—available in 17 colors—the Priam is ideal for both urban and off-road use. You can even purchase an extension pack that swaps the front wheels for skis, if that suits your needs, or exchange them for different tires depending on the terrain. The Priam lacks the height-adjustable seat found on the Stokke, but its seat sits at a standard table height, allowing it to function as a temporary highchair.

Winner | Silver Cross Pop | £160

The Silver Cross Pop is the UK’s most popular stroller, and for good reason. Beyond its remarkably low price, it is slim, lightweight, and comfortable for your child. Do not be misled by the cost: it is supportive and durable enough to serve as your primary pushchair.

It features an excellent, fully extendable sun hood that pulls well over the front to shield the baby from the sun, along with multiple recline settings and calf support for the dangling legs of older babies. Most importantly, the Pop folds to just 31cm wide, making it ideal for storage in tight spaces.

Highly commended | Hauck SLX Trio Travel System | £270

While £270 might seem significant, this price includes a complete three-piece travel system, featuring a pushchair, carrycot, and car seat. It also comes with a rain cover, a drink holder (which are not always standard), and a large shopping basket.

The main seat includes an adjustable footrest and a removable safety bar to accommodate your child until they are roughly three years old (or up to 15kg). Despite having plastic wheels, this system is smooth to maneuver and operate.

Winner | Bugaboo Stardust | £199

Bugaboo recently expanded beyond its highly regarded pushchair line with the introduction of the Bugaboo Stardust, its first travel cot. The Stardust’s primary selling point, which sets it apart from the competition, is its “pop-up” design. Much like pop-up tents or windbreakers, this travel cot can be set up in seconds. It folds down just as quickly with the press of a button.

While one might assume this pop-up mechanism would make the Stardust less stable than other cots, that is certainly not the case. Furthermore, the Stardust can be folded and unfolded with the mattress inside. When you consider these features, along with the included bassinet insert and shoulder bag, the £199 price tag seems reasonable, which is why it earned the top spot for best travel cot.

Highly commended | Joie Excursion Change and Bounce | £160

It is not the most compact, lightweight, or easily assembled travel cot, but what the Joie Excursion Change and Bounce lacks in convenience, it compensates for with its features. In addition to being a sturdy, well-made travel cot, it includes a full-size clip-on bassinet, a changing table, and a bouncer. Furthermore, the bouncing seat can be used on top of the cot or as a standalone bouncer, as can the changing mat.

On the side of the cot is a “sound and light” module that activates a nightlight, provides gentle vibrations, and plays music or natural sounds. The bouncing seat includes a toy bar with two soft toys and a five-point harness, making the Joie Excursion a fantastic value in our estimation.

Winner | BT Smart Baby Monitor | £130

We have evaluated numerous baby monitors and have yet to find one that satisfies as many requirements as this impressive model from BT. The only notable drawback is the price, but it is well worth the investment.

Not only is it the UK’s first voice-controlled baby monitor, but it also allows you to view the camera feed on your phone from anywhere—even while abroad on vacation. You do not need to be on the same network or within a specific range to utilize these smart features, unlike many competing products.

These remarkable capabilities, combined with all-night battery life, two-way audio, and built-in lullabies, make this the best baby monitor we have tested.

Highly commended | Nanit Plus Baby Monitor | £299

Narrowly missing the top position due to its high cost, the Nanit Plus baby monitor offers superb features, including some that are entirely unique.

Rather than sitting on the side of the cot or on furniture, the Nanit is designed to be mounted directly above the cot on the wall, without any visible cables. This provides a clear, high-definition view of your child regardless of how much they move.

It includes a monitor and connects to an app, allowing you to view the footage at any time. You can use both the monitor and the app to speak to your child and monitor the temperature and humidity in their room.

What truly distinguishes the Nanit system, however, is its integrated Personal Sleep Coach. Nanit tracks and analyzes your child’s specific sleep patterns and provides tailored sleep advice, along with daily reports. For some parents, this might feel excessive, but for others, it is incredibly helpful for understanding how your baby or toddler is sleeping.

Winner | Braun ThermoScan 7 | £60

Endorsed by GPs across Europe, the Braun ThermoScan 7 is our top choice for a thermometer because it is fast, reliable, and accurate. It offers three age-based settings—0-3 months, 3-36 months, and 36 months plus—and provides a reading in one second, which is ideal for a restless toddler. Additionally, the ThermoScan includes a pre-warmed tip and spare covers. We have owned this thermometer for about a year and have not yet needed to replace the two AA batteries it came with, despite daily use in recent months due to the pandemic. It is a fantastic, affordable, and essential tool.

Highly commended | Tommee Tippee Digital Ear thermometer | £38

The Tommee Tippee Digital Ear Thermometer is the most straightforward in-ear baby thermometer we have used and offers a solid range of features. It provides an accurate reading in just one second and stores the previous nine results, making it easy to track whether a fever is rising or falling. The reading appears on an LCD screen, and the thermometer sounds an alarm if a fever is detected. It is equally suitable for newborns and adults thanks to its small tip.

It lacks the age-specific features of the Braun models despite being similarly priced, which is why it did not take the top spot. However, this simplicity makes it easier to use.

Winner | Joie Multiply 6-in-1 | £130

Our two-year-old has used this highchair since they were six months old, and we have yet to find another model that is as versatile and makes weaning so simple. Thanks to its reclining seat—which includes a cushioned insert for younger babies—height-adjustable base, and detachable tray, this chair can be used for weaning, as a booster seat, and as a play table. These features help justify the initial cost; the Joie Multiply 6-in-1 is an investment, but one that will last.

Highly commended | Ikea Antilop | £19

The Antilop lacks the extra features and adjustments of the winning Joie highchair, but it provides a cheap, functional, comfortable, and simple way to begin weaning and beyond. If you are looking for something practical on a budget, you cannot go wrong with this excellent value model.

Winner | Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Complete Feeding Set | £70

With a generous collection of eight bottles (four small, four large), a sterilizer that handles five bottles at once, bottle warmers, tongs, and a cleaning brush, the Tommee Tippee set is an affordable and convenient way to get all your feeding equipment in one package. Unusually, the Closer To Nature teat is designed to mimic the shape and feel of a natural breast. For these reasons, it is a popular brand among many parents we know, which is as strong an endorsement as you could ask for.

Highly commended | NUK First Choice+ | £22

We are big fans of the NUK First Choice+ range overall. Its unique teat design, featuring a flat side and a curved lip, can be easier for babies to accept. With built-in temperature control, you can quickly see when the feed is at the correct temperature. This set does not include the extra accessories found in the Tommee Tippee kit, but it costs a third of the price, which is why it earned our highly commended award.

Winner | Babylo Combo 3-in-1 | £65

Combining the best features of sit-in walkers and push-along models, the Babylo Combo is three products in one. It functions as a static rocker, a seated walker, and a push-along, all for a relatively affordable £65. We appreciate its versatility and style. Furthermore, it folds down when not in use, making it ideal for homes where space is limited.

Highly commended | Red Kite Baby Go Round Twist 2-in-1 Walker | £50

Featuring a cheerful array of gender-neutral colors, the Baby Go Round Twist is Red Kite’s flagship height-adjustable baby walker. It earns its name from the collection of interactive toys on the removable electronic play tray. The primary selling point here is its ability to convert between a static rocker and a walker, similar to the Babylo Combo, making it a worthy inclusion in these awards.

Winner | MAM Electric Baby Bottle Sterilizer and Express Bottle Warmer | £90

If you are unsure which type of sterilizer you require, the MAM Electric Baby Bottle Sterilizer and Express Bottle Warmer offers impressive versatility. It can function as an electric, microwave, or cold-water sterilizer for up to six 130ml bottles, and it includes a food and bottle warmer, as well as a breast milk defroster. This kit also comes with one of MAM’s Easy Start Anti-Colic Baby Bottles and a 0-2-month dummy. MAM has managed to pack a lot of functionality into a compact space, and this kit has proven invaluable.

Highly commended | Tommee Tippee Super Steam Advanced Electric Sterilizer | £70

The Tommee Tippee Super Steam Advanced Electric Sterilizer is on the larger side and will occupy more kitchen space than the MAM model, but it offers greater capacity as a result. It has enough room to accommodate a variety of baby bottles (up to six), soothers, breast pumps, teethers, and other accessories, cleaning them in just five minutes. It is available in black or white to match your kitchen decor and includes tongs and a dummy.

Winner | Ergobaby Omni 360 | £155

Ergobaby’s award-winning 360 range is lightweight and constructed from breathable synthetic mesh, with a rigid structure that can handle active hikes and allows you to carry your child in four positions. The Omni 360—our favorite in this range—supports newborns without needing a separate insert, and it includes a detachable pouch for dummies, keys, or your phone. As a high-tech baby carrier, the Omni 360 has a more complex arrangement of buttons, belts, and straps, but these only enhance its versatility.

Highly commended | Ergobaby Embrace | £75

Offering all the quality and comfort of the Ergobaby Omni 360, but without the complex buckles, buttons, and high price, our highly commended carrier is the Ergobaby Embrace. It is more affordable because it has a shorter lifespan—it is suitable for babies from birth (or 3.2kg/7lb) up to 11.3kg (24lbs), rather than 3.2kg-15kg—and because it offers three positions instead of four. Nevertheless, it fits perfectly, supports the smallest babies, and looks stylish.

Winner | BabyDan Multidan Metal Extending Safety Gate | £30

BabyDan’s Multidan extending safety gate meets many requirements for the best stair gate. It is step-free and features a screw-fit, wall-mounted design that opens in both directions. It includes a double-lock mechanism—one at the top and one at the bottom—but can be opened easily with one hand, and you can adjust its width to fit your chosen location. All of this for just £30.

Highly commended | Fred Screw Fit Clear-View Safety Stair Gate | £150

No, that is not a typo. This stairgate does cost £150, but it is an exceptional piece of equipment—though its price is the main reason it did not surpass the BabyDan model. If you dislike the cage-like appearance of standard stair gates and do not trust the stability of fabric gates, the Fred Clear-View Safety Stair Gate offers a great compromise. It is also screw-fit and step-free. We love that it can be used inside door frames or mounted to walls on either side, and thanks to its 180-degree mount, it can even be installed at an angle.

myHummy products are at the higher end of the white noise machine market, but with Bluetooth connectivity—allowing you to control the device remotely via your phone—and sleep sensors, they are well-featured. Each one is filled with firm stuffing, making them soft enough to play with without posing a suffocation risk. Inside, there is a removable “Humming Heart” that uses three AAA batteries and can be taken out for standalone use or to wash the teddy. Some of the more expensive bears can even send a notification to your phone if the baby begins to cry—a useful alternative to a baby monitor when traveling.

Highly commended | Munchkin Shhh Sleep Machine | £20

This white noise machine resembles a colorful smart speaker and plays three sounds: shushing, heartbeat, and white noise. A soft integrated nightlight mimics the womb by emitting either a pulsing or steady glow, and to preserve battery life, a timer shuts off the machine when it is no longer needed. It lacks the advanced features of some other white noise machines, but for £20, it is hard to complain.

Winner | Pampers Premium Protection New Baby | From £4

There is a reason Pampers are priced as they are, and it is because they are ideal for all ages. The British Skin Foundation endorses these nappies for newborns specifically: they contain aloe extract to soothe your baby’s delicate skin.

Soft and impressively absorbent, the New Baby nappies keep moisture from urine and soft stools away from your baby’s skin. They even feature a built-in wetness indicator so you can see exactly when it is time for a change—before irritation occurs.

Highly commended | Aldi Mamia New-Born | From £0.79

No, that is not a typo. You really can purchase 24 nappies for less than £1 at Aldi, and they provide much more expensive brands with serious competition.

For most babies, the fit of these highly affordable nappies is snug and effective at preventing leaks at the waist or legs. They do not have the same level of backing from official bodies as the Pampers range, but they also cost significantly less.

The best nappy choice if you are on a budget or if your child goes through a large number of nappies!