Early years

Baby monitors are becoming more and more sophisticated and offer additional features for today's parent. New mum Oliva Coates now has peace of mind when she is in another room to baby Harriet, using the Tommy Digital Plus TD350 monitor.

The first time a mother expresses milk is often a strange experience but the Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump makes the process very easy and comes with everything you need for easy collection and storage, as Olivia Coates discovered.

Books about bringing up babies are two a penny, but Penelope Leach's The Essential First Year is in a class of its own and is highly recommended by Parenting Without Tears for all new parents.

No one likes the full blaze of lights if you have to get up during the night – and for some small children the reassuring glow of a nightlight keeps nightmares and fears at bay. Olivia Coates tried out OXO's Candela Tooli nightlights and was very impressed with their versatility.

Having a baby? So which buggy should you opt for? For baby Harriet, Oliva Coates is currently using the Graco Symbio Go carrycot with the Logico S Deluxe car seat – both using the same One-Click system Symbio frame. The package is stylish, easy to use and exudes safety.

The Nest Rock & Bounce Cradle from Mamas & Papas is a great piece of equipment for baby Harriet, writes Anne Coates.

Have baby – will travel and you will probably need a travel cot. The Tippitoes Cirrus Travel Cot is just the thing for holidays and visiting. Anne Coates tried one out for baby Harriet. 

The perfect answer to keeping a baby or toddler warm and safefly strapped in a car seat, buggy or supermarket trolley infant seats – the Morrck Baby Hoodie. Baby Harriet came home from hospital in her new wrap.

During Real Nappy Week, a new concept in reusable nappies – the Flip. Olivia Coates tried out the Flip on baby Harriet.

Nicole Burroughs, soon to begin potty training with daughter Eva, reviews The Potty Training Bible in which Jo Wiltshire offers realsitic and stress-free solutions and a range of approaches to potty and toilet training for both girls and boys.

The Family and Parenting Institute have put together their top ten tips for choosing the right childcare setting for you and your children.

Lucy Lloyd, from the Family and Parenting Institute, explains how parents can find quality childcare solutions.

The national charity, STEPS, is hoping their Baby Hip Health Week  13 to 19 March 2010 will help raise awareness amongst parents and health professionals of the vital need to check babies' hips during the first few weeks of life to prevent unnecessary pain and disability in later years – and they are asking you to help raise funds by hosting a tea party.

A new concept from Waterly Bottom Products means that potty-training is more comfortable for little bottoms and more hygienic for parent and toddler. Nicole Burroughs introduces daughter Eva to the Pourty Potty.

Baby equipment can tend to take over your home so Olivia Coates was keen to try out an new baby bath – FlexiBath – which folds flat for storage and can be used from birth to four years.

Innovative and stylish feeding products from Tomy that are ergonomically designed and PBA free.

As many parents know warming a bottle or heating up food for your baby or toddler whilst you're on the move can be a real problem. Australian company Make My Day have the answer with their great looking bottle warmer and Parenting Without Tears has six to give away.

Scope has launched a new free guide: Cerebral Palsy: Information, advice and support for parents during the early years.