There’s a lot to take in when you’re about to become a parent for the first time. From prams and baby carriers to bouncers and car seats, there’s such a wide range of baby-related products to choose from that it can be hard to know what to spend your money on. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide to the best product in every possible category.
We know it can be more than just a little overwhelming to choose the right baby products for you and your little one, so we’ve selected the top models from our collection of baby product reviews to make your journey through parenthood a little simpler. If our top picks don’t quite fit the bill, then don’t abandon hope – you’ll find a link to our alternative choices beneath each category, and you can also jump straight to the product type you’re most interested in using the menu on the left.
The best baby products to buy
Best pram: Bugaboo Cameleon3
If you can afford it, the Bugaboo Cameleon3 is Dutch design at its best. With a 15-year legacy, the Cameleon offers nearly every feature you could want: a reclinable and reversible seat, a detachable carrycot, height-adjustable handlebar and two-wheel position to make steering easy whatever ground you cover.
Best baby carrier: Close Caboo Plus
If you’re looking for a carrier that’s easy to use and won’t waste precious time to slip on, look no further than the Close Caboo Plus. It’s suitable for newborns and younger babies, keeping your little one nice and snug so they’ll feel safe and comforted wherever you go. We gave the Close Caboo top marks for its winning combination of wide shoulder straps, which spread weight evenly, and the lightweight yet supportive material.
See all of the best baby carriers
Best baby monitor: Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Video Sensor Monitor
A baby monitor is an essential piece of equipment that’s worth investing in. The Tommee Tippee combines both audio and video monitoring, and even includes a microphone so your little one can be reassured by your voice from afar. Unlike some video monitors, the Tommee Tippee maintains a solid signal and has a decent battery life of just over 8 hours. If you’re looking for a reliable baby monitor for under the £150-mark, you can’t go wrong with this one.
See all of the best baby monitors
Best changing bag: Babymel Changing Bag
A changing bag can cost as little or as much as you’re willing to pay - but you’ll nearly always get what you pay when it comes to style. There’s one brand that’s proving that doesn’t have to be the case, however, and that brand is Babymel. Their affordable bags combine practicality with simple but stylish designs, so you won’t have to lug an unattractive bag around with you. They offer a range of colours that both sexes will be happy to carry, too, which is why they’re our first choice for changing bags.
See all the best changing bags
Best breast pump: Nuby Natural Touch
The type of breast pump you choose will depend largely on personal circumstances such as whether you work and how often you’ll be using it, but the Nuby is one of the best all-round pumps and will suit most women. It’s quiet, discreet and comes with the widest range of adjustability. We gave it top marks for both comfort and convenience, so it’s no wonder it won silver in the Prima Baby & Pregnancy awards last year. It won’t set you back more than £100, either.
Best baby bouncer: Babybjörn Bouncer Balance Soft Babysitter
Sometimes the simplest things are the best, and that seems to be true when it comes to baby bouncers. Our winning choice isn’t much to look at (although it does come in three different neutral shades) but trumps all other baby bouncers when it comes to functionality. It’s supportive, strong and ergonomically designed for little ones up to two years of age. If you want a simple but reliable baby bouncer that will keep your baby happy and will last for years, look no further.
See all the best baby bouncers
Best high chair: Stokke Tripp Trapp
It’s harder to justify splashing out on a high-end high chair when you’ll probably get a year and a half’s usage out of it at most. That’s why we love Stokke’s thoughtfully designed high chair, which can be used right up until adulthood. This clever chair is fully adjustable and converts from a newborn bed to high chair to toddler seat and finally a full-sized chair suitable for adults. It’s simple on the eye and you can buy a range of colourful covers to suit any room.
Best car seat: Graco Milestone
The Graco Milestone is an all-in-one seat that offers great value for money at just under £150. It’s suitable for all ages from birth right up until the age of 12, meaning you’ll never need to buy another car seat - so that’s one less expense to worry about as they grow up. It’s just as versatile as you’d expect, with its four-position recline and three convertible riding modes, offering a comfortable ride for your baby or child whatever their age
See more of the best car seats
Best baby walker: Jojo Maman Bebe Baby Walker
Jojo Maman Bebe has put on a modern twist on the classic baby walker, with 30 blocks and shapes to keep little ones entertained as they begin to ‘cruise’ around. It’s colourful enough to attract and keep your baby’s attention, but tasteful enough to not look too out of place in your living room. With rounded corners and rubber-lined wheels, it’s also one of the safest baby walkers we’ve reviewed.