Buyer's Guide to Baby Products

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Buggys
Cots
Carseats

Buggies, Prams and Pushchairs

Buying your pram or pushchair is a big decision. Not only is it a major expense, but you'll be using it every day for at least two years - and maybe for more then one child. The choice is enormous. Before you hit the shops, it's worth taking time to think about what you really need, and how you'll be using it, whatever your budget or lifestyle. Read our tips and you'll be clued up in no time.

The main consideration when buying a pushchair is that it must be suitable from birth. This means the backrest can be reclined to support a newborn's back and keep her airways fully open. Some pushchairs, which don't recline so far, are only suitable from three or six months.

As your baby gets older, she'll want to be upright when she's awake, but still reclined for naps, so a choice of seat positions will come in handy. Also, think about which way you'd like your baby to face - towards you, or looking out at the world go by? If you want the choice of both, you'll need a five point harness and a good set of brakes.

Making a choice:
How you'll use your buggy and where you live should also help you to decide on what model to buy. All terrain buggies are great for country walks, but if you live in a town and need to catch a bus to the shops, then something light and easy to fold would probably be a better option. Would it fit in the boot of the car?

Before you make up your mind, have a look around at the amount of space around your home. Most people keep their pushchairs out all the time, so you need to have somewhere to store it on a day to day basis (along with a million other baby items).

Country dwellers should consider the benefits of a three wheeler or an all terrain buggy, while for townies, something with swivel wheels give better manoeuvrability, but fixed wheels give stability. For the best of both worlds, look for lockable swivel wheels. And if you need a side by side or double buggy, don't forget to check that it will fit through your front door. If you want traditional comfort for your newborn, plus the convenience of a pushchair later on, choose a 2 in 1, a pram which converts into a pushchair.

Little Offers Buggy Buying Tips:

1. If you and your partner are very different heights, choose a buggy with an adjustable handle.

2. If you're after a lightweight buggy, look for a model that weighs less then 8kg.

3. If you fancy a travel system, try the car seat in your car before you buy.

4. It's very hard to find one pram or pushchair that does everything you want, you'll probably find yourself buying a lightweight buggy to keep in the car or take on holiday.

5. Buy any matching accessories, such as a foot muff, when you buy your pushchair so if the design is discontinues, you'll still co-ordinate.

Choosing the right Baby Cotbed

Buying a Cotbed is one of the most important purchases when choosing baby equipment. It can be quite daunting with the amount of ranges and styles out there on the market. Your baby will spend some time during the day on its back in the cotbed, so safety and comfort is a key factor of style. At Little Offers safety is a big thing for us, so we felt it would be great to put together this cotbed buyers guide.

Adjustable Base.

Cotbeds can come in different settings to adjust the height of the mattress base, very rarely no more then 3. When your baby is ready to move from the mosses basket and into the cotbed, the height should be set to the top for easy access to your baby. As your baby grows and is standing freely, for safety it is advised then to lower the base to the lower point in prevention of your child falling out.

Cotbed Mattress.

Choosing a mattress for you newborn baby can be a worrying time, but really there is no need. You have have a range of three types. Foam, fibre or sprung. It is very important that it fits into position of the frame with a snug fit.
Air flow is also a key factor. There must be a constant stream of ventilation around the babys head when placed in the foot to foot position. Fibre mattress provide a great air flow and fantastic for being eco friendly.

Teething.

When your baby starts the teething stage, it is most likely going to start nibbling away on the edges of the cotbed. And if not protected could do some damage to your child's new teeth. Make sure that your cot has a protective cover on the edges to prevent damage.

Splat Spacing.

This is something that you must remember. A very important safety aspect when choosing your cotbed to ensure that your baby cant get their head stuck in the railings. UK recommendation is that the slats must be 45-65mm.

Feet to Foot.

This is very important for a new baby. You can protect your baby from cot death by placing them on their back in the sleeping position of feet to foot. This stops them from moving about under the covers and getting hot and stressed. All covers should be tucked in by the sides and no further then the shoulders.

Sleeping Safely.

Again it is important that your baby is kept to the right temperature. That you stop smoking in pregnancy, and yes, dads too. This applies to anyone. Don't let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby.

Place your Baby on their back

Do not let your baby get too hot

It is very dangerous to share a bed with your newborn baby. Not only in case you suffocate your child but do not share if you have been smoking or drunk alcohol or even any type of drug.

CAR SEATS

If you're taken your baby anywhere by car, she must be in a car seat. It is one of the most essential baby buys you'll make.

You must have a car seat if you intend taking your baby anywhere by car before the age of three - It's the law! Safety is paramount, which means buying new. Second hand seats may have damage you can't see, putting your child's life at risk.

Where do I start:
Car seats are built according to your baby's weight - not age. Five groups are available, which can be confusing, as they overlap.

Groups:
Group 0: Newborn to 10kg (22lb) or nine months.
Group 0+ Newborn to 13