Early years

Giving children's early art attempts a new edge, Doodle Copy from Canal toys provides reusable templates for young artists to create pictures – and then print them off to be coloured in. 

Foldable Baby Standing Shower Support from Orzbow fits into walk-in showers perfectly, offering safer washing – especially useful if you don't have a conventional bath, writes Anne Coates.

Mud play offers freedom, creativity, and a connection to the natural world. Activities such as mud kitchens can encourage skill development, problem-solving, and cooperation. 

These HECCEI sunglasses are perfect for toddlers – a lightweight nylon frame which is ergonomically designed  for small faces and which changes colour in the sunshine while offering protection from both UVA and UVB rays. 

Anne Coates had been impressed by the quality of the Sofia Grainge Collection at Amazon Essentials. Here she reviews a two piece swimsuit with factor 50 sun protection.

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 offers peace of mind for parents and carers, writes Anne Coates.

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

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

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. 

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.

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.

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 (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.

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.

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 is put to the test by Joanna Roberts and her 13 month old son.

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.