The Top Five Feeder cups put to the test
When your child reaches five months, or when you decide to start weaning, you can introduce them to a feeder cup filled with cool boiled water or milk.
young babies ( before weaning) do not need extra fluids, but after weaning has started other fluids should be introduced.
(Your baby's main drink should still be milk, whether this be formula or breast.)
Encouraging your baby to drink from a cup as soon as they can is better for their teeth than feeding from a bottle and by one year your baby shouldn't need to feed from a bottle at all.
It's really important to encourage water (cool boiled for first 12 months) only and to avoid sugary drinks such as juice that damage young teeth and gums.
Choosing a feeder cup is tricky, so we've chosen what we think are the top five on the market with help from our childcare expert Fi Star-Stone and leading expert in drinking milk & water, Betsy Stone aged 9 months.
Able to feed herself from a cup since five months old, Betsy knows the ins-and outs of baby cups. With her help, we show you the cups that rock!
Born Free Feeder cups (suitable from 6 months)
What they say:
'BornFree® specializes in developing and manufacturing innovative baby feeding products that are 100% free of BPA, Phthalates and PVC.
The BornFree® trainer and drinking cup range for toddlers features the BornFree® venting system, allowing for a free flow of liquid and reducing the hard sucking that often leads to middle-ear infections in small children.
The soft and hard teething-friendly chewy spouts are a big favourite with toddlers and can be bought separately.'
What we think
The Good:
* 100% free of BPA, Phthalates and PVC.
*lovely soft spout that is interchangeable as baby grows
*The cup is very easy to wash and is dishwasher friendly
*Available in lots of colours (great for nursery or in large groups to identify your own cup!)
*Easy removable screw-top and teat change (for adults)
*Great design- fits more than the average feeder cup
*Easy grip handles- perfect too for chubbier hands
The not so good:
*Priced a little higher than it's competitors but worth the money.
Our Number 2
Tommy Tippie Explora Easy Drink cup (suitable from 6 months)
What they say:
*Easy to hold handles
*Non spill & leak proof
*BPA Free
What we thought:
The Good:
*The cup is very easy to wash and is dishwasher friendly (great for busy mums!)
*Available in lots of colours (great for nursery or in large groups to identify your own cup!)
*Easy removable screw-top (for adults)
*Fair price for a cup that is long lasting (£3.99)
The not so good:
*The 'Easy grip handle' is slightly tricky for chubbier hands (sorry Miss Betsy but your hands are a little bit chubby)
*The spout isn't spill proof, and when turned upside down goes everywhere!
Our Number 3
Tommy tippie Explora First sips cup (suitable from 6 months)
What they say:
*Advance-flo technology for easy drinking
*Unique soft-flex spout protects gums
*Easy to hold handles
*Non spill & leak proof
*BPA Free
What we think:
The Good:
*The 'Easy grip handle' is soft for little hands
*The cup is very easy to wash and is dishwasher friendly
*Available in lots of colours (great for nursery or in large groups to identify your own cup!)
*Easy removable screw-top (for adults)
*Fair price for a cup that is long lasting (£3.99)
The not so good:
*The spout is spill proof, and when turned upside down is leak proof, however, its very hard to get any water out unless sucked hard ( Miss Betsy tried, and so did we!)
*The spout joint gets dirty easily
*The spout is hard to match up with the handles!
*The lid is hard to snap into place.
Our Number 4
Annabel Karmel Feeder cup (suitable from 6 months)
What they say:
'This unique baby feedingcup offers both a ‘non spill’ and ‘free flow’ option thanks to a special valve. The non spill option is ideal for younger children. As they become more co-ordinated and less prone to spillages the valve can be removed allowing drinks to flow freely.'
*Spill proof or free flow option with removable valve
*Soft touch spout with hygienic cover
*Soft easy grip handles ideal for little hands
Replacement lids available
What we think
The Good:
*Love the option to remove the valve
*Spout is soft for gums
*Handles are easy grip, but again, a little small for chubbier hands
*nice bright colours available
The not so good:
*Handles are easy grip, but again, a little small for chubbier hands
Our Number 5
Brother Max 4 in 1 trainer cup (suitable from 6 months)
What they say:
'This cup can be used in 4 ways to ease the transition between bottle and cup.'
*It covers all the needs from weaning to training in 4 stages.
*Easy step by step transition from bottle to cup, encouraging learning.
*Lean-forward profile to make it easier for your child to use.
*Easy to assemble and easy to clean for great hygiene.
*Spout and handles are removable as confidence grows
What we think:
The Good:
*A funky looking cup -you'll never get it mixed up with others!
*Spout is soft for little gums
*spout and handles are removable
*Easily washed & dishwasher friendly
The not so good:
*Priced higher than its competitors
* Rather difficult for little hands to control
*The spout tips out too much too quickly
Learning to drink from a feeder cup takes time and patience and can create a whole lot of mess.
Don't worry if your baby rejects the cup first time, just keep trying and soon she'll get the hang of it.
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Changing bags!

Changing bags are essential to any new parent, but with so many bags available out there it's hard to know how to choose the right one.
Here at childcareisfun, we've taken the shopping nightmare onboard so you don't have to and have compiled a list of our top Ten favourites with help from our friends at Cath Kidston, Just Changing bags and Happy Bags.
So, where to start? A changing bag needs to be spacious, easy to carry and preferably look good, too. It needs to carry all of the essentials you need when out and about with your baby, so think about the size and space inside!
Saying this, keep in mind that a deep bag may hold lots,but if it has no compartments it may be hard to find the specific item you want if it gets lost at the bottom, and as every parent knows with a small baby, when you need something, you need it fast!
Changing bags come in different styles. Backpack or shoulder bag style, which keeps your hands free for carrying your baby or pushing the buggy are great, or changing bags that are more like a handbag or holdall can look stylish.
When choosing a bag, remember what it's for rather than how fashionable it is. Nowadays your'e lucky enough to have a wide selection so both can be achieved!
Whether you decide to go for top of the range to cheap and cheerful, here are a few key pointers to look out for.
*Does it have a changing mat included?
*Are there plenty of pockets and compartments for baby's bits and bobs?
*How big is it (will it fit everything you need)?
*Is it worth the money or are you paying just for the name?
*Is it washable?
*Is it hard wearing?
*Will it fit in your buggy basket or on your buggy handle safely without tipping the buggy over?
We've checked out some fantastic bags and put them in a top twenty list. Of course, this is only a rough guide and changing bags are like handbags and it all comes down to personal taste!
1.Cath Kidston Mother's bag in Briar Rose. (£60 www.cathkidston.co.uk)
The new print for Spring/Summer 2010 and a personal favourite of mine! With it's PVC lining it's easy to care for and comes with a bottle holder and changing mat which both fit inside the bag. The bag measures 36 x 27 x 13cm so is really roomy and has a long adjustable strap that can fit over the handle of a buggy easily. Made in oilcloth they are also wipe clean on the outside as well as the inside, so will stay looking great for longer! Also available in cowboy print, spots and spray flowers.

2.Caboodle changing bag range. (From £12 to £34 at www.justchangingbags.co.uk)
Each design of bag comes equipped with wonderful features like a dirty items bag, lots of pockets, pram loops, a design-matching changing mat and even an insulated compartment for stashing that ever important drink bottle!
3.Billy Bag Maternity Bag (£97 at www.happybag.co.uk.)

Designer brand Billy Bag have produced a truly eye-catching yet functional baby changing bag. A little pricey but has a very useful feature; The main compartment can be accessed either by opening the front messenger flap, or by a zip positioned at the top of the bag. Numerous pockets and a wealth of features including a water-resistant exterior make this a versatile baby bag that can cope with the typical British weather.
4.Wallaboo Shoulder bag. (£41.90 available for justchagningbags.co.uk)

Organisation is made easy with this Wallaboo baby bag- it has five handy pockets, a comfy padded handle and adjustable strap, plus a thermally insulated bottle holder compartment! Some additionally great features this bag includes are a removable and washable wet/dry bag with a closing zipper, plus a padded baby changing mat. Available in six colours.
5.The Girl About Town Bag. (£24.98 from www.justchangingbags.co.uk)

This bag has got everything you're going to want when heading out to town with your baby as it integrates a compact yet comfortable baby changing mat (matching pattern), a bottle holder built into it and of course pockets that provide ample room for baby and your important changing and shopping items.
6.Silvercross Halo (£35 from www.Mothercare.com)
Co
ordinates nicely with the silvercross pram range. Sterdy and spacious
yet compact, it's a great bag without the great big price tag!
7.The X2 by Babymel. (£63 from www.happybags.co.uk)

This bag is great as it is two separate changing bags that join together to become one. This makes it the ideal bag if you have twins, children of different ages or even if you use washable nappies and want to keep food and nappies away from each other. You could also have one side packed ready for nursery and just hand it over in one go and still have your own organised bag with you. The innovative buggy clip system and two sets of shoudler straps and changing mats make this a really versatile and useful bag.
8. Samsonite Nursery collection.
A Baby Boutique range of bags that are particularly well made and have quite unique designs. This one is the 'unisex changing bag' (£38.32 from www.justchangingbags.co.uk) which also comes in black.

The Samsonite Nursery Collection offers something very special to parents around the globe. Samsonite's three different ranges of baby bags include the 'Lady With a Baby' Range, the Unisex Range and the Blossom Range, each providing something quite unique to parents and at a price that doesnt break the bank.
9.Babymel Floral bag. (£49.99 from mothercare.)
With
it's funky design the Babymel bag has everything you need in a
changing bag. Five internal and two outer pockets, give you plenty of
space for your baby essentials. Also available in black.
10.Rucksack change bag (£29.99 from Mothercare)
It's
spacious and practical with room for all of your baby bits and bobs,
it's a great changing bag at a great price!
Includes a handy wipe holder which is easily accessable, changing mat and messy bag!
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Pushchair reviews
Phil & Ted's Sport 3-wheeler pushchair - Black
The good
Flexible style with adaptable seat, and option to form a double buggy system.
Suitable from birth to Five years.
Seat unit folds flat so when used for newborns with the carrycot (sold seperatley) you can keep an eye on your baby
Equipped with a handle mounted lock to switch easily between fixed or swivel front wheels
Full size pushchair weighs only 14kg
Folds quickly and easily
Unlocks from the handle for ease of use
Shopping basket stores shopping conveniently
The bad
While it is practical and aesthetically pleasing, this buggy comes at a price, at around £370
Without accessories its quite pricey in comparison to its rival Three wheelers.
The ugly
Nothing ugly about this beauty! A good looking pushchair that will last for years to come, but hard is a hard price on the wallet.
Bebe Comfort Loola Stroller

This super practical pushchair is ultra compact and easy to fold, making it perfect for trips out and about. The front wheels can be fixed into straight or swivel mode, and the seat can be reclined one handed! Loola comes in a selection of colours and is suitable from birth.
The good
Flexible style with reversible seat, and option to form a pram or travel system.
Use alone as a stroller, add the 'Windoo' carry cot to form a pram, or the 'Creatis' infant carrier (both sold separately) to form a travel system
Suitable from birth
Stroller has reversible seat unit, forward facing to see the world or rearward facing so you can keep an eye on your baby
The seat unit reclines easily to suit your child with a one-handed operation
Equipped with a handle mounted lock to switch easily between fixed or swivel front wheels
Full size pushchair weighs only 14kg
Ultra compact
Folds quickly and easily
Unlocks from the handle for ease of use
Shopping basket stores shopping conveniently
The bad
While it is practical and aesthetically pleasing, this buggy comes at a price, at around £240
Without accessories its quite pricey in comparison to its rival the Maclaren. (The accessories available are the carrycot at £199 and the car seat £100. )
The ugly
Nothing ugly about this beauty! A good looking pushchair but hard on the wallet.
Silver Cross 3D Complete Pram System Jet Sport

A lightweight pram system offering practicality and comfort from birth to toddler. The 3D offers a full lie flat position with a soft liner allowing face to face contact, something a lot of pushchairs these days don't allow.
The good
The price! At £299 it includes everything you need, so no added extras
It converts to a stylish forward facing pushchair for a toddler, so no added costs when baby has grown!
Suitable from birth
Soft wrap baby harness
Removable gate style bumper bar
Snug foot-muff with cosy fleece lining
Change bag with adjustable shoulder strap, removable insulated bottle pocket and wipe clean pocket
Hood converts to a summer canopy
Spacious basket
Compact telescopic fold Washable pram liner, apron and mattress rain cover
Converts to a travel system with the Ventura Car seat (sold separately)
Lightweight at 10.3 kg
The bad
Although it is a great price, it does feel a little flimsy on heavier terrains.
Quite chunky when folded so not suitable for smaller car boots.
The ugly
Not the most beautiful or funkiest looking, but a great price for a great pushchair.
Vermillion Atlan travel system package

Quite simply a fabulous value lightweight package including all the accessories you'll need. Includes cosytoe, Weathershield™, infant carrier, car seat base and change bag. Use pushchair alone or add the included infant carrier car seat to form a travel system.
The good
Suitable from birth
The price! At £160 it's a nice price that includes everything you need
Easy, one-handed folding mechanism provides convenient handling Lockable double front swivel wheels
Three-position seat suits baby sleeping or awake
Detachable play tray with cup holder
Easy access shopping basket
Includes Weathershield™, cosytoe and stylish baby change bag
Includes infant Carrier (car seat)
Group 0+ rear-facing car seat suitable from birth up to 13kg (29lbs) approx.
Level indicator for correct in-car positioning
Head support cushion for comfort and sun/wind canopy shield baby
Removable, washable seat pad Hood Sun/wind canopy
The bad
The chunky wheels are make rough terrain quite tricky
Not as light as other pushchairs ( 11.7 kg)
Quite bulky when folded
The ugly
Not as good looking as its rivals, but a great price for a birth to toddler pushchair.
Bugaboo Gecko pushchair

Available in a selection of funky colours this lightweight and comfortable pushchair is the top of the tots when it comes to making a fashion statement. Used by the rich and famous, the Bugaboo range has many claims to fame in his purchase history, such as Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow and hubby Chris Martin. Like all Bugaboo products, the Gecko is safe, comfortable and designed to adapt to you and your child's needs in almost any environment or climate.
The good
3-in-1 pushchair
Suitable from birth
Compact fold
Lightweight aluminium chassis
Aerosleep® mattress
Carrycot included: ideal for transporting a young baby until they are old enough to sit upright in a pushchair and can be used separately
Raincover and Mosquito net
Machine washable fabrics
CD demonstration included
Available in Green, Red and Black Co-ordinating accessories also available
Handle height adjustable
Seat can be front or rear facing allowing face to face contact
The bad
Tricky to collapse unlike its rivals, but gets easier with practice
Quite bulky when folded
The price! At £490 without accessories this is one expensive pushchair!
The ugly
Nothing ugly about this funky fashion accessory for a yummy mummy.
Quinny® Buzz 3-wheeler pushchair

A funky 3-wheeler which offers a unique automatic unfolding mechanism and a flexible seat unit which allows your baby to face either forwards or towards you.
The good
Available in more funky colours
Use 3 wheeler pushchair alone or add the Dreami carry cot (sold separately) to form a pram, or the Maxi-Cosi® Cabrio infant carrier car seat (sold separately) to form a travel system.
Suitable from birth
Contemporary design Super-compact, 2-D fold with unique gas-spring for 'automatic' unfolding
Adjustable multi-position front-facing and rear-facing seat adjusts to suit your baby
3 recline positions in forward-facing mode; 2 recline positions in rearward-facing mode Lockable.
Double front swivel wheel Large rear wheels with pneumatic tyres
Quick release wheels
All-round suspension Adjustable, soft-touch rubber handlebar
Adjustable leg rest for your child's comfort
Hood Clip-on baby changing bag
Raincover included
Sun canopy included
The bad
The price! At £329 it's a tough price for the purse!
Heavier than its rivals (12.8kg) it's a chunky buggy, not great for lifting in and out of the car boot.
Not as flat folding as its rivals
The ugly
Nothing ugly about the Buzz 3, a funky buggy that looks good and performs well
Petite Star Citybug Travel System - Red/Black
The Citybug is a compact and nippy stroller which converts to a travel system by simply locking the infant car seat in place
The good
Available in more funky colours
Use 4 wheeler pushchair alone or add the Cabrio infant carrier car seat (included) to form a travel system.
Suitable from birth
Adjustable multi-position seat adjusts to suit your baby
All-round suspension Adjustable, soft-touch rubber handlebar
Raincover included
The bad
A small compact buggy at an affordable price (£159) but a little lightweight and flimsy.
The ugly
Nothing ugly about this money saver! A funky buggy that looks good and performs well



