The best garden and outdoor toys for babies and toddlers

garden and outdoor toys for babies and toddlers

by Samantha Ball |
Updated on

Investing in the best garden and outdoor toys for your babies and toddlers is a great way of helping to keep them entertained in the garden, without having to carry all their toys from the living room outside. Garden and outdoor toys are a staple of the summer season, so if your little ones want some fun in the sun, some fun garden activities will definitely make their day.

No matter how old your little one is, creating a garden space for them to enjoy is a great way to encourage them to be outside and entertained, whilst also helping to reduce any screen time (such as watching nursery rhymes on TV). You just have to pick an outdoor activity that they'll love, and the garden fun can start.

Best outdoor toys for kids at a glance:
Best overall garden toy: Plum, My First Play Centre, £249.99
Best sand pit garden toy: Store-it Wooden Sand Pit, £44.99
Best garden play tent: Kids Play Tent and Tunnel Set, £45.99
Best outdoor mud kitchen toy: TP Toys Junior chef mud kitchen, £94.99
Best outdoor rope ladder garden toy: Bigjigs kids rope ladder, £18.49

Children love to learn and explore and the garden is the perfect place to do that. Garden and outdoor toys don't have to be big play areas that take up the whole space, they could be something simple like a mud kitchen, bubble machine, or even just a ride-on toy. They should also fit within your budget and child's interests. Even if it's a bit chilly outside, just wrap you and your little one up warm with the best toddler wellies and a good waterproof coat, and you can still have fun with some garden activities.

These toys can be truly versatile, so to help you find the right one for your little one, we've put together a list of the best garden and outdoor toys for babies and toddlers. We've considered price, design, and features when selecting our favourites below.

The best outdoor toys and garden toys 2024

Best overall garden toy

The Plum My First Play Centre provides hours of fun! Made from high quality materials, it's perfect for helping little ones to develop skills, such as gross and fine motor, and they are encouraged to use their imaginations. With a climbing frame, ladder, climbing rock wall and hidden den, the fun is endless.

One reviewer loved the climbing frame, saying, "The natural wood looks lovely in the garden, it’s hard wearing and good quality." Their kids loved it too, of course, and they said it provided the right amount of challenge for their three-year-old, and was still fun for their six-year-old! The kids' favourite thing was the den underneath. Reviewers found the Plum My First Play Centre to be good quality in general, saying it felt solid. Some mentioned it was tricky to assemble, with one reviewer saying, "The majority of the screw holes needed drilling and it would be helpful to have clamps which most households do not have." Others have said the instructions were clear.

Pros

  • Encourages developmental skills with endless play opportunities
  • Suitable for a range of ages so will last longer
  • Kids love the hidden den
  • Natural wood looks great in the garden
  • Clear instructions are provided

Cons

  • Some mentioned it was tricky to assemble
Dimensions:260 x 143 x 100cm
Suitable for ages:18 months - 12 years
  • Fabric netted den with Velcro door
  • Low wooden platform
  • Soft-feel scramble ned
  • 4ft slide

Best sandpit garden toy

Encouraging sensory outdoor play and hours of natural creativity, the Plum Store-it Wooden Sand Pit comes with a handy storage box for toys and a protective cover. It's ideal for building, digging and playing while enjoying an afternoon outdoors.

We like the practical design a lot, and one reviewer agrees saying, "It looks nicer than the plastic ones in the garden. Seems sturdy and the little seats and storage are great for allowing him to sit and play and also store sandy toys neatly once playtime is over." We also like that with the protective cover and storage box there's no need to empty the pit and refill it next time your kids want to play. Just put the toys into the storage box and cover the sandpit, and it's ready to go next time.

One reviewer does point out that the only downside to this sandpit is that there isn't a solid base as part of the frame, instead there's a base mat, which this reviewer describes as "thin" and says, "the frame can move easily meaning your sand goes everywhere, it would be so much better if this sandpit had a base."

Pros

  • Includes protective cover and storage box for toys
  • Set it up ready for play, no need to keep emptying and refilling
  • A good size for hours of creative sensory fun
  • Looks nicer in the garden than other plastic sandpits
  • Sturdy design with integrated seats to sit on

Cons

  • Sand is sold separately
  • The frame has no base, just the thin base mat
Dimensions:102 x 96 x 15cm
Suitable for ages:18 months+
  • Protective cover and groundsheet included
  • Attached storage box

Best garden play tent

Babies will love crawling through the play tunnel or laying in the play tent to keep cool. The Kids Play Tent and Tunnel set is easy to assemble and pop away - you can even use it in your house for indoor fun on those rainy days. We like that each component can be used together or separately, so you can adapt the size to suit your space. The variety also makes it a great option if your little one gets bored easily, and it's fun to take to the beach too, with one customer saying, "It’s amazing to see it all fits back in the small carry bag." There's also a section you can add balls to for extra play, which could be a great otion for indoors or in the garden.

One reviewer said: "What a lovely and huge toy for our baby. He loves it. He is so excited when sitting inside. Also, my dogs like to play in the tent. Very big. When it's summer, I will put the tent in our garden. Lovely colours. Perfect for small adventures." Overall, customers think it's good value for money, and appreciate the collapsible structure, which makes it super easy to assemble, with istructions that come in the bag. However, opinions are mixed when it comes to folding it back up again. One customer said, "It takes a while to put it away and is a bit fiddly, no instructions for this!"

Pros

  • Easy to assemble pop up design
  • Easy to clean, just wipe down
  • Adapt to suit the size of your space
  • Folds down to fit in a small bag for portability

Cons

  • Ball-pit balls not included
  • Instructions to assemble but none to disassemble
  • Putting it away is fiddly
Dimensions:313 x 92 x 225cm
Suitable for ages:3 - 8 years
  • Pop up assembly
  • Crawl through tunnels
  • Big capacity ball pit

Best outdoor mud kitchen toy

If your little one loves mud and some messy fun, then this TP Toys Junior Chef Wooden Mud Kitchen might just be the perfect thing to keep them entertained. We like the removable splash tub, which is ideal for mixing mud during play and then taking to the garden hose tap to wash out afterwards. It also has a dry area where little ones can cook up a (muddy) storm.

One customer who purchased this for their five and two year olds said, "they both love it! It has had a lot of use already. Great quality." Another reviewer said, "This was a great build. Could feel the good quality as it was being built. Took around a hour to complete. Lovely smart looking kitchen. Bigger than we thought."

Overall, buyers are impressed by the quality and found it easy to assemble, saying it's well made and straightforward to put together with easy to follow instructions. One reviewers points out that it's much easier to assemble with two people. Customers especially like how the playstation looks in the garden and think it's well worth the money.

Pros

  • Compact design but enough space for siblings to play together
  • Accessories included to get you started without added expense
  • High quality materials and sturdy build make this a long lasting garden toy
  • Removable water tub makes it easy to clean out mud and other garden debris

Cons

  • Need two people to assemble it more easily
Dimensions:95 x 38 x 88cm
Suitable for ages:36 months - 12 years
  • Two station kitchen
  • Removable splash tub
  • Four pans included

Best rope ladder garden toy

Bigjigs rope ladderAmazon
Price: £24.99

If your little one loves climbing, they will love this traditional climbing rope ladder with 6 wooden rungs. It is 2.1m long with weight limit of 60kg and ideal for climbing frames, tree houses, dens & play houses. It can be used indoors and outdoors and will help improve climbing skills and balance.

One reviewer who bought this for their kids who were two and seven years at the time, and are now four and nine, says; "Hours for fun, builds core strength, my boys are not allowed to sit watching TV often so I have to constantly find new activities to keep them interested in being physically active." They have found it to be extremely versatile, attaching it to all the tress in their garden, laying it on the ground fo the kids to walk over and stringing it from tree to tree to use as monkey bars. They say, "If you want healthy children buy this. It encourages natural play."

Overall customers are impressed by the quality and strength of the ladder strength, saying it's durability and well-made, with some reporting it to have lasted for a couple of years. One reviewer said they has to adjust the spacing of the rungs a bit, but that it was fairly easy to do so by moving the knots. However, they do point out; "My main criticism is that the wood appears to be plain pine, without any dip or pressure treatment. I suspect it will rot pretty quickly if left outdoors for long (which is surely the point of it). I've treated mine with a coat of outdoor varnish, which I'm hoping will make it last a bit longer."

Pros

  • Sturdy and well made, easy to adjust
  • Versatile, can be used indoors and outdoors
  • Encourages natural play, imagination and healthy, active kids

Cons

  • Some reviewers didn't think it was very weather proof
Dimensions: 2.2 x 30 x 210 cm
Recommended age: 6 - 10 years
Material: Wood
Max weight: 60kg
  • Made of sustainable wood
  • Sturdy and durable
  • 6 wooden rungs
  • Suitable for up to 60kg

Best fountain water table toy for the garden

The Little Tikes Fountain Factory Water Table provides hours of fun. It's easy to assemble, and we like that it even has a convenient plug that helps to empty the water after use. It has loads of features that little ones can keep discovering, including adjustable plumbing pipes, different water filter spray settings and even a pump water fountain that splashes!

Our Mother and Baby Senior Digital Writer and mum of two, Samantha, tested this product and said; "This water table was really easy to build, my six year old pretty much took over the whole assembly of it! The only tricky part was adding in the plug, but using plyers (as mentioned in the instructions) made it easier." She found this to be a great feature as she didn't have to tip the table over to empty the water, and said, "It literally provided hours of fun and kept discovering new features, such as the tap filter positions."

Pros

  • Provides hours of fun with new features to keep discovering
  • Easy to assemble with the help of your kids
  • Helps teach cause and effect
  • Handy plug makes it easy to empty the water

Cons

  • The fountain can empty pretty quick if you don't remember to close the taps
Suitable for:3+ years
Dimensions:74.93 x 95.25 x 74.93
  • 3 x accessories including boat, and two cups
  • Water plumbing pipes
  • Peek-a-boo character
  • Water fountain tower

Best garden four in a row game

This giant wooden 4 in a row puzzle is not only great for children to play with, but the whole family can get involved with playing too. It's easy to use and helps children develop their critical thinking skills as they play the game. Our Mother and Baby Writer said, "This four in a row game provided a lot of fun for my son. It helped us to encourage him on how to think tactfully and not rush. It's a lovely design and is not too big either, so it's easy to store away. You can also sit it on the floor or on a table to play." One reviewer points out, "Kept 4 of them entertained for a good part of the day with shouts of ‘get it out’ when all the pieces were in as they can’t tip them out themselves."

Pros

  • Ideal size for playing with and storing away
  • Helps encourage thinking skills

Cons

  • Difficult for small kids to tip the discs out
Suitable for ages:3+ years
Dimensions: 75 x 20 x 54cm
  • 42 piece set
  • Easy to use
  • Two players or more
  • Suitable for indoor and outdoor use

Best living world garden toy

best-garden-and-outdoor-toys-for-babies-and-toddlers-living-world
Price: £35.48

This My Living Ant World is a great garden activity for younger children! Not only will it provide hours of fun, it's also an educational toy. Once the ant home is set up, all you need to do is find and add in the ants and you can watch them build their little homes and embrace nature.

One reviewer said: "This product is definitely child friendly. It’s easy to assemble and comes with a little booklet to tell you exactly what to do and how to do it. The book has basic instructions and then instructions in more detail which really helped. My ants and my tiny human love it, the other half who is 28 years old loves it too. It’s a nice kit for a beginner!"

Overall customers found it easy to construct, with clear instructions and everything you need included in the kit. One buyer says,"It can be a bit hard to get the ants in if you put them in the top but if you use the little dish that’s connected to the tube it’s a bit easier." Another customer advises you to collect ants from the same colony, saying, "warning here if you don't want your kids to be traumatised by carnage.... COLLECT THE ANTS FROM THE SAME COLONY! A lesson learnt here after what we witnessed to be an ant version of game of thrones! It wasn't pretty, there were heads flying off all over the place, and little bodies laying still whilst being trampled on.. it was an event we will relive forever !"

Pros

  • Everything you need is included
  • Clear and easy to follow instructions
  • Education fun to engage kids of different ages

Cons

  • You will need to find and safely collect ants from outside and the same colony
  • It may be difficult to get the ants into the ant world.
Dimensions:20 x 30 x 7cm
Suitable for ages:4 years+
  • Plastic ant housing
  • Two shades
  • Scene stickers
  • Magnify bowl
  • Clear tubing
  • Feeding pipette
  • Tunnelling sand
  • Instruction booklet

Best flat garden water table

best garden and outdoor toys play table
Price: £74.99
Alternative retailers
Target$74.99View offer
Walmart$74.99View offer

This Little Tikes Splash Beach Water Table lays flat on the ground so it's easy for little ones to get in and out, plus, it's even big enough for a child to sit in, so you don't need to worry about a paddling pool! It has lots of features that can be moved, and has a hose attachment so that you can make a water fountain.

Our Mother and Baby Writer says, "My kids love anything to do with water. This water play table is absolutely brilliant because it lays completely flat on the floor, meaning they can sit or stand on the tray as well as play next to it! My daughter absolutely loved standing and splashing in the tray, and my son loved using all the accessories, and rolling the boat down the slide."

Others like that it's sturdy with the kids jumping in and out of it. They also like how it folds up easily for storage, and said it's easy to assemble, with one customer saying; "Takes up about as much space as a suitcase once folded up. It's two pieces, so you could just use the one piece if you wanted. "

Pros

  • Sits flat on the floor for easy access
  • Big enough to sit in like a paddling pool
  • Easy to fold up and store

Cons

  • Some features won't work without a hose pipe
Dimensions:73.66 x 58.42 x 22.86cm
Suitable for ages:2+ years
  • Waterfall lighthouse
  • 6 x accessories
  • 1 x slide
  • Lays flat
  • Hose attachment

Best outdoor playhouse

With the adorable Smoby Nature Playhouse with Kitchen, little ones will love using their imaginations to play at house and kitchens. They can also stay sheltered from the sun when they're playing and it's made from sturdy plastic, so it won't blow over in the wind and get damaged, lasting summer after summer.

One reviewer who bought it for their grandchildren to play with when they visit said, "The design is excellent, and they play with it happily. The assembly instructions are a little tricky to understand, but with a little patience and resolve, they can be followed. Overall, very happy with this purchase." Another customer shares that they wished the manufacturer made it easier to put together as "It took ages to assemble and is not for the fainthearted."

Pros

  • Kitchen accessories included
  • Suitable for indoor and outdoor use with a shelter
  • Made from sturdy plastic so it won't blow over in the wind

Cons

  • Some felt inside the house was a little small
  • Assembly instructions may be a little tricky to understand
Dimensions:127 x 110 x 145cm
Suitable for ages:2 years+
  • Half door that opens and closes
  • Sliding window
  • 2 glasses
  • 2 plates
  • Cutlery

Best outdoor playmat

This lovely Chad Valley Numbers and Letters Foam Mats jigsaw is ideal for you to lay outside with your little ones as they enjoy tummy time or as a fun activity for toddlers. Help teach them the alphabet and numbers by fitting the letters in the correct position, then join the squares up.

One customer bought this prodict so that their daughter could play safely in the yard. They said, "Doubled up, it's perfect and protects her from banging her head or cutting herself." Another customer who bought it for their granddaughter said she loved helping her to assemble it and also used individual tiles to play run & stand still. "Lovely product for small ones" she said.

We like that this product is ideal for easy packing up and storage, but some warn that the individual pieces can also unlock and move udring play, which may be a safety concern and require some supervision.

Pros

  • Soft flooring alternate to blankets
  • Easy to store away

Cons

  • The pieces can unlock and move during play
Dimensions:Individual squares 25 x 25cm
Suitable for ages:1 years+
  • 36 pieces
  • Helps teach the alphabet
  • Helps teach numbers

Best ride-on toy for the garden

Bring soft play home with this national treasure that has been enjoyed by children for generations. The Little Tikes Cozy Coupe will provide hours of fun and they'll get many years of use out of it - they’ll still be trying to squeeze into it aged seven! We are loving the nostalgia that this toy gives us.

One customer said their grandson loves his little Tykes car, but said, "a
After being driven by many other children the time came for changing to a newer model once the door fell off. We ordered one from Smyths Friday afternoon and it was very promptly delivered the following morning! Our grandson is absolutely thrilled with his new car, he loves it!"

There are loads of positive reviews from customers who describe it as their kids' favourite toy. There are mixed opinions on how easy it is to build, but most aghree that once assembled, the toy car is robust and great quality.

Pros

  • Push-along safely with the safety floor-board fitted for feet up
  • 360 degree front wheel swivel

Cons

  • Difficult to build
Dimensions:75 x 42 x 85cm
Suitable for ages:18 months+
  • Removable floor and parent push handle
  • High seat back
  • Working horn and open-close fuel cap

Best reusable water balloon toy for the garden

best-garden-and-outdoor-toys-for-babies-and-toddlers-reusable-water-balloons
Price: £18.99

These Reusable Water Balloons really change the game! All you need is a bucket of water, drop your water ball in and close with the magnetic closure. No more picking up little plastic balloons from all over your garden! We like that these are better for the environment, not to mention suitable and easier for smaller children to use. One customer says, "These have been great fun and have held up to daily use the last few weeks. No tap needed, just a bucket of water. They are even fun to play with in a bath tub to trap/ catch toys. Would definitely buy again. So much better than water balloons!"

Overall customers like the quality and strength of the water balloons and say they are super easy to use and that the magnets are nice and strong. They also like the fact that these are less wasteful than water balloons, being reusable. One customer who was a bit nervous about whether they would actually work as advertised thought they were brilliant after trying them, confirming; "My four and six year olds mastered it very quickly. They don’t hurt when they hit you, they do break open when they hit something and make a good splash."

Pros

  • No taps needed to fill the water balloons
  • Easy magnetic closure is strong
  • They don't hurt when they hit you
  • Perfect for garden or bath play
  • Better for the environment for eco-conscious parents

Cons

  • The clear one might be hard to spot
Suitable for:3 to 10 years
Dimensions:7.1 x 7.1 x 7.1cm
  • 1 x mesh bag for storing
  • Easy to fill and clean
  • 6 x pack
  • Magnetic closure

Best toddler climber outdoor toy

This amazing 4-in-1 Toddler Climber and Swing Set features a widened slide, safe swing, basketball hoop and easy-to-climb ladder. The set is interesting and fun for little ones and also helps with development. We like that it's also a non-slip design to help support little ones. One customer said, "Easy to assemble and quite sturdy for up to 24 months I would say. Haven’t tried to take it down but can’t imagine an issue. Would be better if it came with a cover for outside - would pay extra." Another customer thought the instrustcions weren't very clea, but agree that it was straightford to assemble.

Pros

  • 4-in-1 design offers a variety of play and development opportunities
  • Easy to assemble
  • Stable to play on but light enought to move around if needed

Cons

  • Cover not included
  • Instructions not very clear
Dimensions:84 x 49.5 x 35cm
Suitable for ages:10 months+
  • Extended and widened slide
  • Non-slip design steps
  • Basketball net
  • T-shaped safety protection swing

Best outdoor toy for balance and motor skills

While this can't be left outside, it's a great toy to let your child play with in the garden! They can use it as a bridge, a mini slide and can even practise their balancing skills. Alternatively, they can relax on it with their teddies. The Size M Balance and Motor Skills Board is such a simple toy, but we like that the play possibilities are only limite4d by the imagination. One customer who bought it for their three-year-ol and their five-year-old say they both love it and that it offers endless play opportunities with so many different ways to use it. However, one customer didn't recommend it for heavy-handed kids.

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Help psychomotor development

Cons

  • Can't be left outside
Dimensions:93 x 30 x 19cm
Suitable for:1 to 6 years
  • Easy to use
  • Help psychomotor development

Best ring toss outdoor toy

The Wooden Hoop Ring Toss is a fun fairground-inspired game that provides hours of fun for children, and is great at helping them to learn to aim. It meets the need of being able to throw, but gives them a target to work towards. It comes with a combination of rope and plastic rings to toss, and we like that it can be played independently or with other family members to make it extra fun – it's great entertainment for kids if you're having a BBQ!

One customer said "We got this as a garden game for visiting children to play - it's really sturdy and easy to put together, and quickly and easily goes away again in the plastic carry bag. The bag itself is waterproof so it should be fine to leave in the garden shed over winter when we won't use it." Another custoemr points out, "The only thing to mention is that there aren't instructions - but then the kids made up their own games and rules and had great fun anyway!"

Pros

  • Sturdy design
  • Easy to set up and quick to take down too
  • Fun to play independently or in a group
  • Comes with a waterproof plastic carry bag for handy, protective storage

Cons

  • No game instructions
Dimensions:51 x 21 x 8.5 cm
Suitable for:Not stated
Number of hoops: 13
  • 5 x rope hoops
  • 8 x plastic rings
  • Easy to assemble
  • Comes with clear waterproof storage case

Benefits of outdoor play

Outdoor play is essential for kids of all ages, and thankfully there is a great range of outdoor toys to enrich their play experience in the garden.

Here are some of the different benefits of outdoor play:

  • Fresh air and vitamin D from the sun

  • Opportinity to get exercise and burn excess energy

  • Encourage creativity and use of the imagination

  • Lets kids connect with nature for wellbeing and education

  • Physical activity warms kids up when it's cold

  • Water toys help cool kids down when it's hot

  • Outdoor toys help to educate and entertain kids

  • Many outdoor toys also help with physical toddler development

  • Some outdoor toys can be left outdoors under a cover

Types of garden and outdoor toys

There are all sorts of different outdoor toys to choose from, so you're bound to find something within your budget that suits your outdoor space.

here are some ideas for garden and outdoor toys:

What should you consider when buying garden or outdoor toys?

Design Features: Are there any added safety elements? Does it come with any fun accessories? Is it easy to pack away? Will it be easy for your child to use and enjoy?

The Size: Bigger isn't always better, especially if you have limited outdoor space. Consider what can easily fit into your garden and if it will fit into your storage space too.

Their Preferences: What kind of colours or patterns do they like? What do they typically like to play with? Can you get them involved in the choosing process?

The Cost: A quality garden or outdoor toy doesn't have to break the bank. There are lots of affordable options out there, so stick to your budget when you shop.

Can outdoor toys be left outside all the time?

This of course depends on the type of toy, but most outdoor toys, particularly playhouses, swing sets, and climbers are built with durability in mind. However, with the uncontrollable outdoor elements, constant exposure can lead to colour fading and damage, so investing in outdoor toy storage is worthwhile.

Keeping outdoor toys covered or indoors in the home or shed when not in use is for sure the best way to ensure you get the most out of your purchase.

How do you keep outside toys clean?

With summer only so long, the harsh and unpredictable weather conditions we get here in the UK are not the best for outdoor toys to stay clean outside. Here are some of our top tips to ensure you get the most out of your little one’s outdoor toys:

Cover up - The best way to ensure your outdoor toys stay clean when not in use is by covering them up. Garden furniture covers are a great way to ensure your toys are kept clean and dry in even the worst weather conditions. If you’ve got the space, then of course bringing toys inside or placing them in a shed, playhouse, or garage is perfect until the weather warms up again.

Cleaning solution - Are toys already dirty and in a state that's too stubborn to hose down? No problem, baking soda is your best friend – so handy for almost any cleaning task, even cleaning wooden toys. Baking soda is great for removing grime, dirt, and even odour. Create a paste with baking soda and water, scrub the mixture onto the surface of the outdoor toys, and let it sit for a couple of hours. Then, using a clean cloth, wipe the residue and rinse with a hose – as easy as that, and works on the toughest of stains.

Do outdoor toys require maintenance?

Outdoor toys are built to be weather resistant for the most part and so require minimum maintenance. Basic maintenance could be oiling swing sets to avoid any squeaking and checking any nuts and bolts from time to time, to ensure the utmost safety for your little one.

Garden and outdoor toy safety

When playing in the garden your child is likely to be more active or playing on a variety of toys that they could potentially fall off or hurt themselves with. This is especially true for certain types of toys, like water toys that create slippery surfaces, rid-on toys where movement could lead to collision and younger tots may fall off, and the same goes for climbing frames. Supervision may be required for these toys and outdoor play in general, particularly with babies and toddlers who are still a little wobbly. It's important to choose age-appropriate toys as well, for example, younger toddlers should never be left alone at all when playing in an outdoor paddling pool, even if it's shallow.

Aside from the toys and play, another safety consideration is making sure that your little one is in suitable clothing and protected from the sun. This may include ensuring that little ones are wearing sun hats and are playing in the shade, but it also extends to topping up sunscreen and ensuring everyone stays hydrated. Likewise, if your kids are playing in the garden when the weather is wet or cold, their clothing should ensure that they are kept warm and dry.

Finally, don't forget to child-proof your garden. This means assessing their play space for hazards like, holes in the lawn, ponds, toxic plants, pet faeces etc.

How we test and choose recommended products

Our product recommendations are based on a combination of real-world testing from our burgeoning army of mum testers and the extensive knowledge of our experienced editorial team and product specialists. Where we can, we also consult experts who specialise in that field to ensure you get the right advice along with the right product, and we listen to what you say as well.

Our thriving mum community on our Facebook group #mumtribe consistently provides great insights into which products mums like best and why, helping us highlight the products that will meet your needs.

For essential products, our annual Mother&Baby Awards shortlist the top products tested. Full reviews from our mum testers can be found on our product pages. The winners and runners-up for each category will also appear in our top picks article for that product, along with other products that were rated highly by our team.

Samantha Ball is a Product & Lifestyle Writer for Mother&Baby and freelanced for the website for two years before joining the team full time. She's a mum of two and loves browsing for the best products and cute outfits.

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