Buying advice
Buying a cot
A cot will probably be your baby's bed until he
is two or three years old. It should be strong
and sturdy without cracked or broken slats, with
no jagged points or edges. You can use your cot
from the day your baby is born if you like although
many parents choose a Moses basket, crib or carrycot
for the first few months, or have their babies
in the same bed as them; babies can look and feel
a little lost in a big cot. If this is the case,
you don't need to buy a cot straightaway.
Cots come in many shapes and sizes, including
corner shaped cots that sit neatly in the corner
of the room, oval shaped cots that can be converted
into a junior bed, chairs or even a sofa, later
on. You can also buy bedside cots which can be
useful for night-time feeds, as they have a removable
side so you can put your baby's cot right next
to your bed.
Most cots have drop sides, a railing which can
be lowered to make it easier to get your baby
in and out. They also have an adjustable base
height, which can be adjusted as your baby grows.
The base can be raised to the highest position
for a young baby, so that you can lift him in
and out of the cot easily. The base can then be
lowered when your baby is old enough to pull himself
up, so that he stays secure in the cot. Most cots
have two or three different base heights but two
is all you really need. Many cots also have a
teething rail: a protective plastic coating: around
the edges of the cot sides, to prevent your baby
chewing on the wooden slats of the cot when he
is older. Casters on a cot are also a useful feature
if you want to move it from one room to another.
Pros
• Will last your baby for two or even three
years
• Can use them for a newborn baby if you
like
• If you have twins, you can put them both
in the same cot for the first few months
Cons
• Not easily transportable from room to
room
• Newborn babies can look very lost in a
large co
Buying a cot bed
Cot beds are longer and wider than standard cots,
and their main advantage is that they can be converted
into a junior bed when your toddler outgrows his
cot. They do not usually have drop sides and not
all versions have different mattress positions.
Pros
• Cot beds provide spacious sleeping environment
for an older baby or toddler
Cons
• Not really a money saver if you plan to
have another baby, as you will need to buy
another cot.
• No drop sides means it can be more difficult
to get your baby in and out.
Buying a moses basket
Moses baskets provide a secure, lightweight and
cosy sleeping environment for your baby. Most
baskets are made from palm, although they can
be made from maize or the more expensive versions
from wicker. Wicker baskets tend to be the most
long lasting. They have carrying handles so that
you can move them easily from room to room. Moses
baskets usually come complete with a set of bedding
and a fabric-covered hood. They also usually come
with their own foam mattress.
Moses baskets can be used on the floor, or you
can buy a separate stand so that they can be placed
at a more convenient height next to your bed.
Pros
• Very portable: easy to move from room
to room
• Your baby may feel more secure in a Moses
basket than a cot
Cons
• Only used for the first three months or
so: an expensive purchase if you buy new
Check when buying a Moses basket that its handles
are sturdy and meet in the middle. Carry the basket
with the handles together and with one hand underneath
supporting your baby. If you're at all worried,
take your baby out of the basket before you move
it.
If you want to gradually get your baby used to
being in his cot, start by putting your baby to
sleep in his Moses basket inside the cot.
Buying a crib
Cribs are usually made of wood and can be bought
flat-packed. They provide a smaller sleeping environment
for a young baby and have the additional feature
of a rocking or gliding action, which may help
your baby settle to sleep.
Pros
• Rocking/gliding action may help your baby
to sleep in the first few weeks
• Usually lasts longer than a Moses basket:
up to four to six months
Cons
• Not portable like a Moses basket or carrycot
• More expensive than a Moses basket or
carrycot
• Not all babies like the rocking motion
• You may need to buy a mattress separately
Buying a carrycot
If your pram and pushchair has a carrycot, you
can also use this as your baby's first bed. Stand-alone
carrycots can also be found in specialist mail-order
catalogues and websites, although they are not
as widely available as Moses baskets.
Pros
• Handy if you already have a carrycot as
part of a pushchair or pram
Cons
• You may spend time taking the carrycot
on and off the pram base
• You may need to buy a separate mattress
(see below)
Although your pushchair carrycot is suitable
for night-time sleeping, your mattress may not
be, so check with your retailer or manufacturer
before you buy to see if you will need to buy
a separate mattress. A mattress which is suitable
for night-time sleeping needs to be 8-10 cms thick
and be firm, not soft, to support your baby while
she sleeps.
Buying baby bedding
Buying baby bedding can be a fun purchase to make
before your baby is born. Bedding can form part
of a layette, a mixture of clothing and bedding
for a new baby.
Sheets and blankets
Although you can now buy baby sleeping bags for
newborn babies, most parents start off with cotton
sheets and cotton cellular blankets. They are
easy to layer and keep your baby at the right
temperature: you can simply add or take away a
blanket if your baby is too hot or too cold. You
could also cut and hem sheets from an adult bed
if you don't want to buy sheets especially for
a cot.
If your baby starts off in a carrycot or Moses
basket, you can also buy special 'pram size' sheets
and blankets. Generally speaking, you will need
about four sheets and two or three blankets to
start with. Sheets are usually made of either
traditional woven cotton, brushed flannelette
which feels warm to the touch, stretch cotton
terry or cotton jersey. Stretch fitted sheets
are very useful as they are less likely to come
untucked while your baby sleeps and are quick
and easy to put on and take off.
If your baby's bedroom is very cold, you can
use acrylic cellular blankets rather than cotton
ones, which wash well. If you buy traditional
wool blankets, check to see if they can be machine-washed.
Polyester fleece blankets are widely available
too and are very useful for the pram on a cold
day but they may make your baby too hot.
Buying a sleeping bag
Sleeping bags are very popular with many parents
nowadays. The great thing about them is that your
baby can't kick them off, which means that he
is less likely to wake up because he's feeling
too cold. Although you can buy baby sleeping bags
for newborn babies, most parents start using them
when their baby is a few weeks or months old.
If you are using a sleeping bag for your baby,
you will only need a few bottom sheets for the
cot as well. Or, if it is a very cold day, you
may want to put a sheet or a blanket over the
sleeping bag.
The Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths
recommends that you should always use the right
size sleeping bag for your baby and not put him
in a sleeping bag which is too large, as he could
slide down inside the bag. Also they state that
you should never use a sleeping bag with a quilt
or duvet, as it will make your baby far too hot.
A 2.5 tog sleeping bag is all the warmth you
need, even in winter. If you buy anything higher
than this, it could make your baby too hot. See
our temperature chart below for more information.
Pros
• No covers to throw off means your baby
stays the same temperature all night
• If you're away from home and your baby
will be sleeping in an unfamiliar place,
the sleeping bag will be something
familiar to him
Cons
• Older babies and toddlers might find sleeping
bags too constricting and try and undo
the zip fastener
• Babies can't move around in bed as easily
as if they were using blankets and sheets.
Buying duvets and pillows
Duvets and pillows are not recommended for your
baby until he is a year old because they can restrict
your baby's movement and may make him too hot.
Once your baby is over a year old, you may wish
to use a duvet instead of blankets and sheets
or a sleeping bag. Quilts and duvets are available
with a variety of fillings including a hypoallergenic
version. If you buy a quilt, look for a cover
made of 100 per cent cotton and buy a spare one
so that you can have another to hand when the
dirty one is in the wash.
Pros
• Giving your baby a quilt may help him get
used to it when you eventually move to
a grown-up bed • Bed making
is easier and quicker than with blankets and sheets
Cons
• Not really a necessary purchase. You can
stick with blankets and sheets or a sleeping
bag until your baby moves to a "big
bed".
Buying a pushchair or
buggy
Buying a pushchair or buggy can be one of the
most important but confusing purchases a new parent
can make.
There is a wide choice of different prams and
pushchairs available. Most of them fit into the
following categories:
• Traditional coach-built prams
• Three-in-one and two-in-one pushchairs
/prams
• All terrain pushchairs / "three wheelers"
• Travel systems
• Flat folding pushchairs
• Umbrella folding pushchairs
• Double pushchairs
There are two factors to consider when buying
a pushchair: comfort and portability. Generally
speaking, traditional prams and expensive three-in-one
pushchairs and travel systems are sturdy and comfortable,
but are heavy and difficult to carry around. At
the other end of the scale, lightweight pushchairs
or strollers offer the ultimate in portability
but provide a less comfortable ride for your baby
and are usually not suitable for newborns. Newborns
need a lie-flat setting and a comfortable padded
seat, which not all pushchairs have.
Before buying a pushchair, you should also try
and think about your lifestyle and if possible,
your longer term plans. Ask yourself the following
questions:
Do you plan to use it
for more than one baby?
If you're planning to have more than one baby
you will need a robust model that will last well.
Would you rather buy an inexpensive buggy and
replace it when your family grows?
Do you use public transport
regularly?
If so, you will need a lightweight pushchair that
can be folded easily, ideally with one hand, and
is light to carry.
Do you use the car regularly?
Your pushchair should fit in the car boot easily
when collapsed and leave you enough space to get
your shopping in.
Will your baby be sleeping
in the pushchair during the day or will you just
use it for
short errands?
If you plan to let your baby nap for long periods
in the pushchair, you might like to consider a
pram-style pushchair with a carrycot. The carrycot
will let your baby lie flat while she sleeps comfortably.
All these factors will influence the type of
pushchair that you eventually buy. If you are
looking to buy a basic pushchair to carry one
child only, there are two types, umbrella folding
and flat folding.
Flat-folding pushchairs
Flat folding models of pushchairs are usually
sturdy and are suitable for newborn babies, if
their seats can recline to make them completely
flat. Newborn babies also need a padded, comfortable
seat, which many flat-folding models provide.
Depending on the price and type of pushchair you
buy, there are a number of extras to look out
for. More expensive models come with a folding
canopy, a multi-position seat and a good-sized
underseat shopping basket. Some have an adjustable
handle height, which is handy if one parent is
substantially taller than the other. The more
you pay, the more likely your buggy is likely
to have a tough frame which will give you years
of use.
Pros
• Flat-folding pushchairs can provide a
sturdy, comfortable ride for newborns
• Can be an economical purchase, compared
with the cost of a travel system or
three-in-one pushchair or conventional
pram
• Some pushchairs are compatible with a
newborn car seat, which can be handy if you
use the car often and don't want
to wake your sleeping baby when transferring her
to
a pushchair
Cons
• Bulkier than umbrella folding models and
more difficult to collapse
• You may well find yourself changing to
a more lightweight model when your baby is
older and able to sit up (at around
six months)
• Your baby usually lies facing away from
you
• Not as comfortable for long naps as a
pram which has a carrycot and mattress
Umbrella folding pushchairs
"Umbrella folding" pushchairs are so
called because they fold up into a long thin shape
like an umbrella. Umbrella folding buggies are
usually only suitable for babies from three or
six months onwards, depending on the model. The
pushchair seat may or may not have a recline feature,
but is unlikely to lay fully flat, and the seat
won't have much in the way of padding. Umbrella
folding pushchairs are very popular with older
babies and toddlers.
Pros
• Easy to collapse and re-assemble: usually
can be done one-handed
• Smaller than flat-folding models and easier
to manoeuvre
• Inexpensive
Cons
• Their lack of suspension means that your
older baby or toddler may be in for a bit of
a bumpy ride
• Shopping basket is usually fairly small
and they are less sturdy than other pushchairs,
so not suitable for carrying large
loads of shopping
• The simplest and cheapest models lack
features such as swivel wheels and padded
handles
The term "pram" is a confusing one.
Many people use the word to mean a pushchair or
buggy. In the past, a traditional, coach-style
pram was the means of transport for a new baby.
Nowadays most parents opt for a pushchair or buggy
which is more lightweight and can be used on public
transport and easily packed into the car boot.
However, traditional prams are still in existence
and are even making somewhat of a comeback.
Coach built prams
A traditional, "coach-built" pram has
a wide hood, a generous frame and large wheels.
Good suspension means a comfortable ride. Your
baby has plenty of room to lie flat, stretch out
and sleep whilst facing you. These prams are the
most expensive type of transport system you can
buy for a young baby. They were built to last
for generations and they frequently do. However
they are usually used only by people who do not
need them to be used on either public transport
or taken into cars.
Pros
• A strong, sturdy chassis and padded mattress
mean a very comfortable ride for your baby
• Easy to push: great for long walks in
the park
• Baby is well protected from the elements
in the deep, solid pram
Cons
• Very expensive: a top of the range pram
can cost up to £700
• Very large and bulky
• As your baby gets older, you are likely
to need a pushchair instead
Three-in-one/two-in-one
pram/pushchairs
Newer "pram-style pushchairs" are suitable
for newborns and often have a seat that can face
either towards or away from you. They often have
handy features such as swivel wheels or enclosed
carrycots, and fold up so that they can go in
and out of the car boot, unlike the traditional
models.
Three-in-one pram/pushchairs
Three-in-one prams/pushchairs consist of a chassis,
a "pram unit": e.g. a separate carrycot
which attaches to the chassis, and a separate
pushchair unit which can be locked onto the chassis.
Two-in-one pram/pushchairs
Two in one prams/pushchairs include a chassis
plus a seat unit with a hood, which can be made
into a "pram" when fully reclined, or
a "pushchair" when upright.
Pros
• Baby can lie facing you if you wish
• Pram-style chassis means a comfortable
ride for your baby
• Useful for daytime naps when you're out
and about, and your baby can sleep in
the carrycot at night-time too instead
of a Moses basket
Cons
• Expensive
• As with a traditional pram, your baby
will outgrow this fairly quickly and you may find
yourself buying a cheap lightweight
buggy when your baby is a few months old
• Bulky and heavy
• Large wheels are more difficult to manoeuvre
than small swivel ones on paved streets
and shopping centres
Buying an all-terrain pushchairs
The three large wheels on this type of buggy allow
you to move at a fast pace without worrying about
bumps in the road. Treaded tyres give more traction
on mud, grass, sand and gravel. Deep seats give
your baby a comfortable ride. Earlier models of
these "jogger buggies" were very large,
heavy and difficult to fold. You can now find models
that fold up to fit inside most car boots, but do
check the size and fit before you buy. You can also
buy three wheeled versions of double pushchairs.
Pros
• Great for walks out in the country
• Can be used at many places that are impossible
for standard pushchairs to travel on:
at the beach, for example, or in
muddy fields
• Single swivel wheel at the front makes
buggy easy to handle
Cons
• All terrain buggies can be quite expensive
• They are larger and heavier than their
"urban" relatives
• Some models are very wide, making it difficult
to get in and out of small shops
• If you live in a city or town, you don't
really need a three-wheeler and a conventional
pushchair is just as good
• The tyres can puncture: you'll need a
puncture repair kit.
Buying a travel system
A travel system is a type of pushchair which is
compatible with a rear facing car seat and usually
a carrycot. The car seat and carrycot can both
"click" in and out of the pushchair,
which can be very handy when you have a sleeping
baby that you don't want to wake up. Although
travel systems may seem expensive, buying a travel
system can be an economical way of buying both
a pushchair and separate car seat. The carrycot
can be used as an alternative to a Moses basket
for your baby to sleep in at night when she is
very young.
Pros
• You can move the baby from car to pushchair
without waking her up
• A convenient way of buying pushchair,
car seat and carrycot all in one go
• Baby will be facing you in the pushchair
Cons
• You will still need to buy another car
seat in another nine to twelve months or so when
your baby reaches 10kgs
Buying a pushchair for
two (double)
If you are expecting twins, or if you are expecting
your second child and your eldest still regularly
uses a buggy, you will probably need a double
pushchair.
There are two types of double pushchair - a twin
pushchair with two seats side by side, and a tandem
pushchair with one seat behind the other. To help
you decide which type to buy, first of all think
about whether you would prefer your children to
sit next to each other or one behind the other.
There are no hard and fast rules, but people with
twins or children born with a relatively short
space between them tend to choose twin buggies.
If, on the other hand, your older child has almost
outgrown his pushchair, you may be able to put
your new baby in a front carrier or sling and
put your toddler in a single pushchair. When your
baby is older you can then use the single pushchair
for your baby and put your toddler on a Buggy
Board or Kiddy Board on the back. The choice is
up to you.
Buying a twin pushchair
(side-by-side)
Pros
• Your children can sit next to each other
- avoids arguments about who gets the front seat!
• Many different models available: including
lightweight versions and three wheeled all terrain
versions
• Generally speaking, twin buggies are lighter
than tandem versions and more stable
• Good choice for twins or babies born relatively
close together
Cons
• Can be very tricky to get through narrow
doorways, difficult to steer on narrow pavements
• Seats can be narrow, especially for a
big baby or older toddler.
Buying a tandem pushchair
Tandem pushchairs have one seat in front of the
other. One seat is usually padded and reclines
fully, making it suitable for newborns. The other
seat is more upright and suitable for toddlers
aged up to three to five years old. There are
some newer three-wheeled versions now on the market,
which let your newborn baby lie flat whilst facing
you at the back of the pushchair, whilst your
toddler sits up in a seat on the front.
It is a good idea to measure your door and your
hallway before buying a pushchair and check its
dimensions.
Pros
• Easier to fit through narrow doorways
• Tandem style makes it more difficult for
toddler to disturb baby
• Seats are usually wider than those on
a twin pushchair
Cons
• Less stable than twin pushchair, especially
if older child is in front
• Heavy and difficult to steer
• Folding mechanism can be tricky
• Bulky even when folded
Buying a baby sling or
carrier
Slings and carriers let you keep your baby close
to you, but still have your hands free for other
activities. Many parents find that shopping, running
errands, even doing housework is easier when their
baby is carried along. If you have two children,
slings and carriers can save you the cost of buying
a double pushchair. Your young baby can be supported
in a baby carrier while the eldest child walks
or rides in a pushchair beside you. Small babies
often like the feel of being carried about in
a sling or carrier and will often happily go to
sleep in them.
Front carriers can be used from when your baby
is about a month old. A "drop-in" baby
carrier is a popular variety and is used facing
inwards for newborn babies and outwards for a
slightly older baby. Your baby's head is supported
with a padded headrest which is folded down for
an older baby. Carriers are usually suitable for
babies up to nine months old.
Pros
• Carriers have safety restraints, whereas
most slings do not
Cons
• Putting your baby in and taking the baby
out of the carrier can take some practice
• Older babies may not like being carried
in a carrier
Buying a highchair
There are lots of different types of highchair
to choose from but the most important features
are safety and functionality. When you buy a highchair
you need to make sure it's both sturdy and easy
to clean. Another thing to consider is how much
room you have in your house -- if space is at
a premium the highchair needs to fold up and store
away easily, and be simple to put back up again.
The cost of the highchair will depend on the extras
it comes with. Features to look out for include:
• Extra padding on the seats
• Reclining seats
• Adjustable seat heights
• Adjustable foot-rest
• Removable and easy-to-clean seat cover
• Removable tray for easy cleaning
• Compact when folded
• Divided tray to keep different foods separate
• Extra tray or double-layered tray so you
can use one for dinner and one for dessert or
wash one while the other is in use
• A multi-function highchair, which converts
into a separate low chair and table when your
baby is a toddler, or can be used
as your child grows up.
When choosing a highchair to buy, bear in mind
these tips to make sure you get a highchair that
will seat your baby safely and securely:
• Make sure the chair has a good wide base
for full stability
• If you intend to fold up and store the
highchair when not in use, make sure it is easy
to
fold, unfold and click back into
place ready for use again
• Check that a harness is included to keep
your baby seated securely in his highchair.
If not, you can buy one that can
be attached to the D rings but it must comply
with safety
standard BS 6684.
When in use, keep these safety points in mind:
• When your baby is sitting in his highchair,
make sure that he is properly restrained -
it's essential you get into the habit
of strapping your baby in the highchair every
time
you put him in.
• Always supervise your baby at all times
while he is in the highchair - don't ever leave
him
alone when he is eating in case he
chokes.
• Don't use a highchair on a raised or slippery
surface.
Buying a car seat
You need a car seat. Even if you don't own a car,
you'll need a seat if you plan to take lifts from
people. You'll also need a car seat if you're
having your baby away from home and will be travelling
back by car. Most hospitals won't let you leave
until they've seen your baby safely sitting in
his car seat.
A car seat is one piece of equipment you really
need before your baby is born. Choosing the right
car seat for your child's age and weight is very
important. You must also make completely sure
that it is properly installed. If a car seat doesn't
seem to fit your car perfectly, or if it seems
difficult to fasten in place, do not buy it. Some
child seats work better in some models of car
than others. Try before you buy. The seat should
be held tightly by the seatbelt with very little
sideways movement.
Get lots of practice by putting the empty seat
in and tightening up the seatbelt. If the seat
moves around, it's not safe.
Car seat sizes
Car seat sizes can seem confusing, as there are
several different systems used to categorise car
seats. Some people talk about Group 0 and 0+ car
seats, others refer to stage one or two. The retail
trade now refers to seats by Groups, to try and
avoid confusion. It's simpler and safer if you
think in terms of choosing the right seat for
your baby's weight.
From birth to 10 kg (Newborn
to 9 months) Group
0
From birth to 13 kg (Newborn
to 5-18 months) Group
0+
9 kg to 18 kg (9
months to 4 years) Group
1 (Stage 2)
15 kg to 25 kg (Up
to 6 years) Group
2 (Stage 3)
22 kg to 36 kg (Up
to 11 years)
Group
3 (Stage 4)
Infant carriers
Infant carrier If your baby weighs up to 10 kgs,
she needs to be in a rear-facing seat. These are
known as Group 0, Group 0+ or stage one car seats,
but they are most easily remembered as infant
carriers. Most infant carriers currently available
on the market are classified as Group 0+ (a good
option as your baby travels facing the rear of
the car for longer, giving his head and neck vital
support). As long as the crown of your baby's
head does not stick up above the top of his seat
and he doesn't weigh more than 10 kgs in a Group
0 seat, or 13 kgs in a Group 0+ seat, he should
stay facing backwards for as long as possible.
See our article for more information on the best
time to move your baby out of an infant carrier
and into a forward-facing seat.
As small babies sleep so much, you can often
move your baby in and out of the car whilst they
are sleeping without waking them up. Infant carriers
have a carrying handle to make this easier. Infant
carriers usually come with little pillows known
as 'headhuggers' which make sure that your newborn
baby's head doesn't wobble about in the car. You
will need to use these for the first three months
or so until your baby can hold his head up on
his own.
Pros
• You can carry your baby in and out of the
car without disturbing him too much
• Some infant car seats have a rocking motion
so that you can use it as a rocking chair at
home
• If your car seat is part of a travel system,
you can fit it straight onto your pushchair
or pram
Cons
• As your baby gets heavier it will be more
and more difficult to carry him in and out of
the
car in the seat
• Most car seats (with the exception of the
'lie-flat' carrycot style seat mentioned below)
leave your baby rather squashed up.
Do not let your baby sleep in his car seat for
long
periods of time, as it can place
a strain on your baby's developing spine.
• Your car seat will usually only last for
the first nine to twelve months until you need
to buy
a second stage or forward facing
seat.
Combination car seats
Combination car seats are seats that can be used
in both directions. They start travelling backwards:
classified as Group 0+ (up to 13kg, 29lbs) and
then convert to forward facing (Group 1) (up to
18kg, 40lbs), once your baby can sit unaided with
confidence. They are heavier than infant carriers
and have no handles, so they stay in the car.
It is very important to try this sort of car seat
before buying to make sure that it fits properly
in both directions. Many parents prefer to buy
two different seats, if they are having another
baby, so that the next baby can use the newborn
seat again and their toddler can use a forward-facing
or Group 1 car seat.
There is also a newer type of baby car seat,
which can be used like an infant carrier, facing
backward, or it can be adjusted to lie flat in
a carrycot position across the back seats of the
car. This means that baby travels sideways. Your
baby is held in place, not by a harness, as in
a rear-facing infant carrier, but by a single
broad strap across his chest. Carrycots occupy
all of the back seat and use both outer seat belts
to secure them.
