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Early years

Look Out! Hungry Animals (2) by Paul Delaney

Following on from Look out! Hungry Lion and Look out! Hungry Snake comes the next two books in the Look Out! Hungry Animals series by Paul Delaney: Look Out! Hungry Spider and Look out! Hungry Shark. Review by Anne Coates.

NETVUE Upgraded Baby Monitor

NETVUE Upgraded Baby Monitor offers peace of mind for parents and carers, writes Anne Coates.

b.box sippy cup

b.box sippy cup is perfect for older babies and toddlers who like to hold their cups – without spills! Anne Coates reviews.

WHAT MATTERS? for family wellbeing

Rosemary Roberts discusses her book, WHAT MATTERS? for family wellbeing: Babies, young children, and their companions’ mental health and happiness.

Toilet Training in time for Starting School

All aboard the Toilet Train: Children's charity ERIC launches a summer campaign to support children about to enter reception class who are not yet toilet trained.

Pop Up Hammer Game

The Pop Up Hammer Game was an instant success! The green casing instantly drew my nine month old granddaughter's attention and she couldn't wait to play. She's a little younger than the recommended one to three years but she'd already been doing some of the activities on another toy, writes Anne Coates.

Holle Baby Formula: Nurturing Healthy Beginnings

Welcome to the world of parenting, where sleep is elusive, and baby giggles are the ultimate reward. In this whirlwind of diapers and baby talk, one thing's sure: your little one deserves the best start in life. That's where Holle Baby Formula steps in, like a culinary superhero for your baby's taste buds and tummy, writes Jonathan Gallant.

Glow Perfect Sleep Sensor

Olivia Coates puts the Glow Perfect Sleep Sensor to the test and the team at Glow Dreaming give some top tips on keeping your baby cool or warm according to the weather.

SIDS - Reducing the Risks

SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is a major worry for new parents, naturally. With this in mind (and following a lot of misinformation on social channels such as TikTok) Jilly Blankenship, a Baby Sleep Consultant at Baby Sleep Made Simple, Neonatal Nurse, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and Mom of two offers some expert advice around the topic.

There's No Such Thing As Naughty by Kate Silverton

In There's No Such Thing As Naughty, Kate Silverton provides a new blueprint for parenting under-fives that will make life easier and much more fun for the whole family. Reviewed by Anne Coates.

Everything You Need to Know About Baby Formula

If you are currently breastfeeding but want to transition to formula for whatever reason, you’re probably wondering whether some are better than others, and therefore which you should choose for your baby. There are so many different brands out there, all at different price points. As well as this, you may be wondering whether switching is a good idea, and what you need to know before you start. Here is Emily Roberts' short guide to answering those questions.

Doddl Educational Children's Cutlery

Doddl Educational Children's Cutlery is put to the test by Joanna Roberts and her 13 month old son.

Piccolo’s Top 7 Weaning Tips

Making the switch to solid foods is an exciting time. Piccolo know weaning can be somewhat daunting – from knowing what to feed them and when to wondering whether they’re getting the right balance of nutrients they need to grow. They pulled together their favourite tips and insights to help you along the way on your little one’s weaning adventure.

Graceful Changes – Ethical Baby & Toddler Clothes Rental Subscription Service

Graceful Changes – Ethical Baby & Toddler Clothes Rental Subscription Service tried out by Hannah Smith-Hughes.

The Starting School Book by Sarah Ockwell-Smith

The Starting School Book by Sarah Ockwell-Smith reviewed by Anne Coates.

The Baby Feeding Book by Vanessa Christie

The Baby Feeding Book by Vanessa Christie reviewed by Joanna Roberts.

Tips to Support your Child's Learning at Home

As part of the Department for Education's next phase of its Hungry Little Minds campaign, child physchologist Dr Elizabeth Kilbey gives her top ten tips on supporting children’s learning at home to give your child the best start in life.

Alteya Organics for Infants

Alteya Organics for Infants reviewed by Joanna Robertson.

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Latest Articles, News & Reviews

Helping Your Teen With ADHD Revise For Exams

With GCSEs and A levels imminent, families across the UK facing one of the most stressful times of year. Many parents of teenagers with ADHD feel at a loss when it comes to supporting their child during the revision phase. Here The ADHD Centre offers ten simple and effective ways to support your teen.

Mumgaroo Baby Sling

The Mumgaroo Baby Sling is lightweight and easy to wear making carrying a child a lot more comfortable and convenient than some other brands. Anne Coates and granddaughter Lizzie tried out the sling – and both are delighted with it!

Splat! Goes on Tour

Playful, vibrant and language-free children’s theatre show SPLAT! Is delighted to be hitting the road on a UK tour from May to August 2025. SPLAT! is a high-energy physical comedy about art, creativity and collaboration and it’s heading to 25 destinations across the country in 2025.

Three Fun and Exciting Chapter Books

Anne Coates has chosen three fabulous new chapter books for confident readers or children who love to be read to: Small Fry by David Baddiel, The First Kid in Space by Tom Mitchell and The Kid Who Fell Through Time by Greg James & Chris Smith.

Exam Stress – How to Help

Between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, Childline delivered 1,647 counselling sessions where the young person mentioned exam/revision stress. Here is some advice to pass on to your children and things you can do to help them.

Competition to win a complete set of The Chronicles of Narnia

To celebrate the 75^th anniversary of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, HarperCollins Children's Books have reissued the paperback editions of C.S. Lewis’ classic adventure series, The Chronicles of Narnia, with cover art from illustrator Owen Richardson. Parenting Without Tears has a complete set to be won in our latest competition.

Aldi Baby Event

Aldi is returning its popular Baby Event from 21 April, 2025 in its stores nationwide. Canny shoppers can snap up savings of up to 60 per cent off recommended retail prices while stocks last. Anne Coates went along to her nearest store to find out more.

Unlimited Nacho Refills at Chiquito

The UK’s favourite Mexican restaurant Chiquito is offering unlimited standard nacho refills for 90 minutes, available every day from now until 30 April when you purchase two or more mains.

Fearless Characters – Two Perfect Picture Books

At Eastertide our thoughts turn to chocolate eggs – but picture books make great presents especially when they deal with eating – or being eaten! – by monsters. I'm Gonna Eat A Monster by Karl Tudor and Scott Wilson and A Good Night's Sleep by Emma Chichester Clark both offer a hilarious take on childhood fears, writes Anne Coates.

Photo _Creator Instant Camera from Canal Toys

Christine Mayle says she always looks forward to reviewing Canal Toys and this Photo_Creator Instant Camera was no exception when asked to try it out with her seven year old grandson.

BABY born Push Along Berta from Zapf Creations

BABY born Push Along Berta from Zapf Creations is perfect for toddlers who love their baby dolls, writes Anne Coates.

Look Out! Hungry Animals (2) by Paul Delaney

Hot Cross Bun Pudding Recipe

Parker's Tavern, in the University Arms has just released its Easter Menu, which includes Easter Afternoon Tea available until 20 April as well as Good Friday and Easter Sunday specials. Chef Lee Clarke's shares his recipe for Hot Cross Bun Pudding.

NETVUE Upgraded Baby Monitor

NETVUE Upgraded Baby Monitor offers peace of mind for parents and carers, writes Anne Coates.

Kids Eat Free at Côte Brasseries this Easter

This Easter holidays from 4 to 21 April, families dining at Côte can treat their children (aged 12 and under) to a delicious, high-quality meal for free when spending a minimum of £20.

Happy Mother's Day from The Crayons

Published by HarperCollins Children's Books, Happy Mother's Day from The Crayons, created by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers is a funny and beautiful celebration of mothers in all their shapes, sizes and and variations. Reviewed by Anne Coates

Li'l Davinci EZ Store & Display Art Cabinet

The Li'l Davinci EZ Store & Display Art Cabinet made by dynamicFRAMES® is a picture frame with attitude – it stores up to 50 A4 Pictures and is a boon for parents, grandparents and all recipients of children's art.

b.box sippy cup

b.box sippy cup is perfect for older babies and toddlers who like to hold their cups – without spills! Anne Coates reviews.

The Detective Dog on Tour

The award-winning children’s book The Detective Dog, written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Sara Oglivie, first published by Macmillan Children’s Books in 2016 is now brought to life by Tiny and Tall Productions and is currently on tour in theatres around the UK.

How Long Is That Dog? by John Bond

Award-winning author and illustrator, John Bond has produced a fabulous tale to delight youngsters from three plus: How Long Is That Dog? Review by Anne Coates.

We are like Birds by Laila Ekboir

We are like Birds by Laila Ekboir is a stunning new picture book about family, friendship, identity and resilience reviewed by Anne Coates.

Ring of Truth – YA Novel

Adult thriller writer, Joanne Sefton has turned her creative hand to writing for young adults with Ring of Truth, a compelling novel about truth and lies, reviewed by Anne Coates.

Murray and Bun! Murray the Pirate by Adam Stower

Published by HarperCollins Children's Books, Murray the Pirate is the third book in the Murray and Bun series, written and illustrated by Adam Stower. Reviewed by Anne Coates