So many baby brands...help!

[CluelessFTM]

Hi there, I was hoping someone could help me!! I'm a FTM and so confused by all the different brands available for prams, cots/cribs etc...no idea which are reliable etc!...really hoping someone can shed some light on what brands are more high end and which are more affordable etc?? All help welcome...I'm so clueless!!

I am a FTM as well and I am totally with you on the confusion!! I have found reviews on mumsnet and babycentre the most helpful things so far, but no actual experience to offer so following with interest!

If you need a car seat, finding one that fits your budget and car is a good place to start. Then you can figure out of it comes as part of a travel system or if you need a separate pram.

I am a FTM and it is a complete minefield. We chose iCandy for a pram and this was based on reviews, discount pricing on their website and feedback from friends who have kids. We chose a Maxicosy car seat as it was compatible with the icandy. That was the right choice for us but someone I know has a Silver across and loves it.

I suppose it depends on your budget as there's a lot to buy. For something so small they tend to need a lot. Lol.

We bought our furniture half price from Mothercare when they had their expectant parent events. I made a mistake with buying the changing table as we barely use it. I bought clothes from all retailers when they were on sale and my friends sent me hand me downs and I've returned the favour to my friends as it helps.

I'd say get a list of things you need and tick them off with things you like. There are so many brands and everyone will have an opinion. If you are worried you could try independent comparison websites like Which.

I hope this helps but happy to help more if I can.

For prams and car seats I have been using which as my go to review site (a relative has a subscription but the amount I have used it recently I would probably get a trial next time if I don't have access to it) and then search for reviews on specific models elsewhere including YouTube which is really helpful to get an idea of how they fold etc. We are looking on eBay for second hand prams which I would recommend doing even if you don't want to buy second hand, it has helped me narrow down the prams I'm interested in because it was clear that some prams stood up the test of time better than others! I have been surprised by the quaof the second hand options out there too especially people selling prams that grandparents used so have very minimal wear.

What has helped me is to work out what I want from a pram a must for me is the ability to have it world and parent facing, this seems to rule out some of the cheap prams. I would prefer to be able to use the main stroller from birth without a carrycot so for that the seat more recline to more than 150 deg. Where you are planning on using the pushchair will determine how much you need to care about the tyres and suspension - air filled tyres and suspension tends to come with the pricier models,this might be worth it if you going to use it on surface other than pavements but if you aren't might be an unnecessary extra cost. How will you transport the pram around will affect your options, weight and handling will be important if you are using it on public transport and the foldability if you travel by car - I'm wary of prams that advise how easy the pram wheels come off to fit in the boot as when I look into reviews it often says they are bulky when folded.

I've mostly looked a prams so far and not moved on to other items yet!!

Thanks so much for the replies! So mind boggling, I will definitely check out Which etc. So many good ideas here... really appreciate all the help!

Just had a thought that once John Lewis opens they may have their sessions where they help parents with what they need. You don't need to buy anything but it's free and could guide you in the right direction. We used the Mothercare events in the same way.

In regards to car seats we originally thought about buying an Isofix with it but it turned out we didn't need it and we're told just to buy it when our DD got to the next size up. Saves about £130.

Might also be worth joint the parents club in Boots if you haven't done already as they give you 10 points for every pound and it comes in handy for things like breast pads, baby toiletries, etc.

@Decmum19 oh yes a JL session would be amazing, I'll keep an eye out. I didn't even know that Boots had a parents club...thanks so much!

Yes to John Lewis. Also think about if you know anyone with a pram/car seat and ask them what they think of it. I picked a pram I liked the look of, checked online reviews to make sure it was good. Checked measurements so see if it would fit in the car and then googled extensively until I found a bargain lol. It took a while.

Definitely set a budget and stick to it if you can - it’s very easy to go nuts.

YouTube have reviews for most things so if you have something in mind search there for a review.

I also really wanted iso fix for the car seat but didn’t bother in the end and glad I didn’t, she was in a bigger car seat by 6/7 months and saved us over £100.

Furniture I got a mamas and papas set from Argos during their 20% off nursery items event which comes around quite a bit so look out for that - saved over £200.

Honestly babies don’t care about brands but good quality is worth it for certain things. Also don’t discount second hand, our jumperoo was £20 off Facebook and I’m sure they are around £100, just make sure the car seat is new.

Good luck

My advice is that you don't need as much as you think, your baby doesn't care about the brand or colour.

Things that really matter- that the car seat fits your car, not all do (mine didn't fit into my mums car despite it being a people carrier). If you are tall check the height of the pushchair/buggy handles. Check your proposed pushchair fits in your boot, and boots in general if you don't drive but need to use cars sometimes. Buy half of what you think you need is my advice.

I know, bought a nice looking pram that didn't fit in the boot and was too heavy to take onto the bus (stairs back then)

@okiedokieme I bought a whole new car. That was after making sure it fitted in my tiny boot!

Thanks all some really helpful advice here! Really appreciate it!

I agree with buying the minimal amount. I didn’t and wasted money. First baby never went in a pram as we just used a sling which is much cheaper. Also, I stupidly bought ‘nursery’ furniture and should have just got Ikea children’s furniture for 1/4 of the cost. Having said that, the rear facing, isofix Britax car seat has lasted two children and is suitable from birth up to four so would get that again and the bugaboo pram/pushchair was used more as a pushchair and has proven excellent and no wear or tear after 5 years (though is muddy!).

Have a look at kinderkraft on precious little one. Everything is amazing and so affordable