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What were your absolute lifesavers during the baby and toddler years? Win a £200 Tesco voucher

91 replies

CeriMumsnet · 20/08/2026 16:36

The baby and toddler years can involve a lot of trial and error - but most parents eventually discover a few things they genuinely couldn’t do without.

Maybe it was the nappies that finally stopped those 3am leaks, a buggy you could actually fold one-handed, the snack your toddler would reliably eat, a cup that didn’t spill everywhere, or something small that simply made getting through the day that bit easier.
We’d love to know your baby and toddler must-haves - which products did you swear by, buy on repeat or find yourself recommending to other parents?

We’re working with Tesco to celebrate the relaunch of the Fred & Flo range, which has a fresh new look and product updates including improved leak protection on nappies.

Everyone who shares their baby and toddler lifesavers below by 18 September will be entered into a prize draw to win a £200 Tesco voucher (T&Cs).

OP posts:
ChateauProvence · 08/09/2026 13:43

UV quick steriliser

Iocanepowder · 08/09/2026 14:11

Baby bath and then a toddler bath. Still use them as they are great for saving time and also saving water :)

Nsmum14 · 08/09/2026 14:14

Manduca baby carrier made my life so much easier.

CarelessWimper · 08/09/2026 20:48

My tablet, being able to communicate with the outside world easily and apps like Tesco that meant I could easily order shopping and check banking and the news and read at times it was hard to move much or leave the house

NatNational · 10/09/2026 18:54

tantrai · 20/08/2026 16:50

A bed mat to catch any stray liquids 💯

Supermarket branded nappies turned out to be better than the well established brands so had to ditch buggies and pampers and saved so much money

Cotswoldmama · 10/09/2026 19:16

A sling because my youngest didn't want to be put down it meant I had two free hands to get things done!

Haleyscomets · 11/09/2026 09:42

A easy fold up pushchair - one where I could hold baby and fold up whilst getting on and off a train.

MayCottage · 11/09/2026 18:53

another vote for the sling - being hands free when out and about and going for walks and being close to my DC was just so liberating

TheKestralNextDoor · 12/09/2026 11:34

The free prem babygrows - my first DC came 6 weeks early and I was not prepared clothes wise - and muslins - lots of them.

UnintentionalArcher · 13/09/2026 23:01

Baby Bjorn carrier. So much better than the others we tried. A much cosier fit for the baby with better head and body support.

Bluewhite64 · 13/09/2026 23:11

Metanium nappy rash cream - the only thing that worked when it got sore and didn’t “waterproof” nappies too like others did

ILoveMyCaravan · 13/09/2026 23:27

Ice cube trays and freezer bags. For freezing and storing home made purées. And Annabel Karmel’s Baby and Toddler Meal Planner. This is the book that taught me how to cook from scratch. And I followed it religiously for weaning both DCs. They ate every page of it.

Hotandpointy · 13/09/2026 23:54

Another vote for muslin cloths. Absolutely essential for so many things, we still have one to hand now!

confusedonafriday · Yesterday 00:10

The Tesco baby wipes. Light blue packaging were my favourite closely followed by his jump too that we got him.

maybabymumma · Yesterday 00:13

Nuby rapid cool, reusable wipes for cleaning up hands and face when weaning and take away vouchers hidden away for when youre broke but far too exhausted to even think about cooking.

monkeybag123 · Yesterday 07:23

Little baby sleeping bag and my mum ! Xx

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