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

[CeriMumsnet]

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).

A bed mat to catch any stray liquids 💯

The MAM bottles and most crucially the dummies which could be sterilised in the microwave made life with a very fussy baby so much easier.

Wine. Lots of it.

Bouncy chairs
Neoprene bibs with sleeves
Feeding cushion

Muslin cloths. Forget bibs, muslin cloths for spit ups were a lifesaver.

A jumperoo as they get older. I kept in the kitchen so I could prepare meals hands free.

A really decent pram / pushchair system.
Bought one (a 3 wheeler), took it back before DS was born as realised it was too heavy and clunky. The 4 wheeler we replaced it with was amazing, I loved it! Lasted 2 children through their baby / toddler stage too. Totally good value for money and a lifesaver for getting out and about easily.

I white noise machine and Fred & Flo Baby Bedtime Bath would be my must-have — it makes bath time feel calm and relaxing before bed, helping little ones wind down and get ready for a peaceful night’s sleep. 🛁🌙💤

My godsend was Boba X Ergonomic Baby Carrier - I was able to have days out hands free, and it served us for nearly 4 years.

Nursery

Dummies

Having my weekly shop delivered. By Tesco funnily enough. I started with Asda but was always missing stuff so switched to tesco who were perfect.

After 7 kids, I have to say; a good quality pram. One that you're able to store away easily if you plan on having more kids, because trust me, you do not want a cheap quality one that will easily break on you.

Pampers. Honestly, after comparing so many brands, Pampers has been a lifesaver for leaks. That's not to say it's 100 leakproof, because you know, explosions lol. But it's definitely better than other brands I've found. Always buy in bulk during baby events.

Stretchy BOBA wrap for carrying The baby around the house to do chores or just eat when they want to be on you all the time in the early days!
Also the Shnuggle rubber change mat - slanted so wee pools at the bottom away from baby for those times when they wee whilst changing! Wipe clean too - just brilliant!

With a newborn, a CD of womb sounds. Sent her straight to sleep.

When she was a toddler, the Gro-Clock. Whoever invented that deserves a Nobel Prize.

A bumbo seat. God that was so handy for feeding, entertaining, going out. I used mine constantly.

Family support, but you can’t buy that 🤷🏻‍♀️

Ergo baby carrier... You can get cuddles with 2 free hands to do stuff... My baby loves it too sleep in our busy to look around once a bit older... We got so so much value out of it!

Big things: 3-wheel buggy that was really eaay to fold down and fit in my tiny car. It also allowed front or rear facing seat which I loved.
Cot with garage door style up-and-over side which was a huge deal for my back. I could never have managed a cot that you have to bend to.

Small things. Nail clippers, probably the most useful gift we had to help with ezcema.
Neals Yard basic moisturiser and Weleda bath oil. Ultra basic ingredients.
Flannels. I found them more convenient than muslins as they were a bit more substantial when mopping spills/faces.

A double buggy
Ready mixed / ready to use formula
Muslin squares
Toddker snack packs

Our Rockit - used this when I wanted to settle DS2 when DS1 was running around - also when we are eating in a restaurant, it helped settle DS2 when we scheduled our meals around around nap time.
Also muslins - and plenty of them.

Baby carrier definitely. Get a good quality one. I love the brand Momcozy. Honestly, you get so much done and it's just so practical and efficient.

I also second baby carrier. I have several. One where baby is against me at the front but able to look outwards so they're not as fussy as new sights still keep them entertained. This I find perfect for going outside especially when they reach the age where they do focus on things. I also like the type where the baby is at the back and this is ideal for getting things done around the house.

I would also say if your place tends to overheat easily, invest in a good fan. Doesn't need to be expensive. The UK is getting more and more heatwaves and sometimes babies get fussy as they're too hot even without any clothing on.

Woollen nappy wraps and Motherease boosters for my super heavy night wetter.