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Products & equipment

Any product mentioned in this section has been tried and tested by at least one member of the Parenting Without Tears panel. Their views do not necessarily represent those of the rest of the team.

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NETVUE Upgraded Baby Monitor

NETVUE Upgraded Baby Monitor offers peace of mind for parents and carers, writes Anne Coates.

Li'l Davinci EZ Store & Display Art Cabinet

The Li'l Davinci EZ Store & Display Art Cabinet made by dynamicFRAMES® is a picture frame with attitude – it stores up to 50 A4 Pictures and is a boon for parents, grandparents and all recipients of children's art.

b.box sippy cup

b.box sippy cup is perfect for older babies and toddlers who like to hold their cups – without spills! Anne Coates reviews.

Hoover Cordless Vacuum Cleaner – HF2

A great way to start the new year is with a super clean home but if, like me housework is not one of your favourite occupations, it's great to find a machine which makes vacuuming a pleasure which isn't time-consuming. Anne Coates puts the Hoover Cordless Vacuum Cleaner with Anti Hair Wrap & ULTRA COMPACT X3™, Red - HF2 through its paces.

Clawson Farms Cheeses

Whenever and whatever we are celebrating from family occasions to Christmas, it's always wonderful to share good food. I and my family and friends have been tasting some amazing cheeses from Clawson Farms, and highly recommend them, writes Anne Coates.

finamill® Pepper Mill & Spice Grinder in One

Anne Coates is wowed by the finamill® Pepper Mill & Spice Grinder in One.

NIO Cocktails

Anne Coates wasn't sure what to expect with these cocktails in a box but was completely won over when she tasted the NICO Negroni.

Mico Toastie from Morphy Richards

Anne Coates reviews the Mico Toastie from Morphy Richards, the Judges Choice in the The Big Christmas Wishlist Awards in the Tech & Gadget category, and it's a winner for her too.

smarTrike Traveler ActiveStroller (2)

We like to test equipment comprehensively, so after Anne Coates reviewed the smarTrike Traveler ActiveStroller, her daughter Olivia took it on holiday to Portugal to see how it faired on the flight. Here are her thoughts along with her husband's.

Bolt Backpack from Mountain Warehouse

Whether you're thinking of backpacking, day trips, commuting or school bags now is a great time to see what's on offer from Mountain Warehouse. Anne Coates tries out their Bolt Backpack.

smarTrike Traveler ActiveStroller.

The smarTrike Traveler is the ?rst convertible stroller that transforms into a trike with a simple push of a button. Anne Coates put it through its paces with Lizzie. And there will be a further review when the family goes on holiday accompanied by the smarTrike Traveler ActiveStroller. .

UV Protection Beach Shelter

Even in the UK we have to be careful of the sun's rays especially on the sensitive skin on babies, children teens and not to forget adults and older people. This UV Protection Beach Shelter from Mountain Warehouse is perfect for the beach, park and garden and is compact and light enough to pack for your holidays abroad writes Anne Coates.

Lora Williams Skater Dresses From Mountain Warehouse

The new range of women's clothes from Mountain Warehouse looks great for the summer and Anne Coates was delighted to try out their Laura Williams skater dresses.

Spoutless Training Rim Cup and Insulated Food Jar with Spork for Toddlers from b.box

b.box is the brainchild of Dannielle Michaels and Monique Filer, two Aussie mums on a mission to design products that make feeding challenges easier. Anne Coates reviews their Spoutless Training Rim Cup and Insulated Food Jar with Spork for Toddlers.

CleanCo Gin

On world Gin and Tonic Day (9 April) why not celebrate with a non-alcoholic spirit and see if you can taste the difference? Anne Coates is won over by CleanCo G.

Moisturise for Spring and Summer

No better time to prepare your skin for the spring and summer months and I've been trying out two moisturisers – one for face SOS H₂O and Aphrodites's Olive Oil Body Butter – both of which Anne Coates loves.

Buy a Casio Keyboard and Learn to Play for Free With Rhythm Warriors

Learning to play the keyboard just got a whole lot more fun thanks to a collaboration between Casio Music UK and the online musical education program Rhythm Warriors Piano Zone. Casio Music, one of the world’s most renowned producers of electronic keyboards and digital pianos, has announced that customers can now exclusively access the exciting Rhythm Warriors animated piano and keyboard lessons.

Bottle Warmer from Nanobébé

The nanobébé baby bottle insulated bag is a brilliant blend of fashion and function to add to your parenting essentials. This sleek and practical cooler saves space while storing everything from bottles to baby food. Olivia Coates puts it to the test.

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Latest Articles, News & Reviews

Splat! Goes on Tour

Playful, vibrant and language-free children’s theatre show SPLAT! Is delighted to be hitting the road on a UK tour from May to August 2025. SPLAT! is a high-energy physical comedy about art, creativity and collaboration and it’s heading to 25 destinations across the country in 2025.

Three Fun and Exciting Chapter Books

Anne Coates has chosen three fabulous new chapter books for confident readers or children who love to be read to: Small Fry by David Baddiel, The First Kid in Space by Tom Mitchell and The Kid Who Fell Through Time by Greg James & Chris Smith.

Exam Stress – How to Help

Between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, Childline delivered 1,647 counselling sessions where the young person mentioned exam/revision stress. Here is some advice to pass on to your children and things you can do to help them.

Competition to win a complete set of The Chronicles of Narnia

To celebrate the 75^th anniversary of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, HarperCollins Children's Books have reissued the paperback editions of C.S. Lewis’ classic adventure series, The Chronicles of Narnia, with cover art from illustrator Owen Richardson. Parenting Without Tears has a complete set to be won in our latest competition.

Aldi Baby Event

Aldi is returning its popular Baby Event from 21 April, 2025 in its stores nationwide. Canny shoppers can snap up savings of up to 60 per cent off recommended retail prices while stocks last. Anne Coates went along to her nearest store to find out more.

Unlimited Nacho Refills at Chiquito

The UK’s favourite Mexican restaurant Chiquito is offering unlimited standard nacho refills for 90 minutes, available every day from now until 30 April when you purchase two or more mains.

Fearless Characters – Two Perfect Picture Books

At Eastertide our thoughts turn to chocolate eggs – but picture books make great presents especially when they deal with eating – or being eaten! – by monsters. I'm Gonna Eat A Monster by Karl Tudor and Scott Wilson and A Good Night's Sleep by Emma Chichester Clark both offer a hilarious take on childhood fears, writes Anne Coates.

Photo _Creator Instant Camera from Canal Toys

Christine Mayle says she always looks forward to reviewing Canal Toys and this Photo_Creator Instant Camera was no exception when asked to try it out with her seven year old grandson.

BABY born Push Along Berta from Zapf Creations

BABY born Push Along Berta from Zapf Creations is perfect for toddlers who love their baby dolls, writes Anne Coates.

Look Out! Hungry Animals (2) by Paul Delaney

Following on from Look out! Hungry Lion and Look out! Hungry Snake comes the next two books in the Look Out! Hungry Animals series by Paul Delaney: Look Out! Hungry Spider and Look out! Hungry Shark. Review by Anne Coates.

Hot Cross Bun Pudding Recipe

Parker's Tavern, in the University Arms has just released its Easter Menu, which includes Easter Afternoon Tea available until 20 April as well as Good Friday and Easter Sunday specials. Chef Lee Clarke's shares his recipe for Hot Cross Bun Pudding.

NETVUE Upgraded Baby Monitor

NETVUE Upgraded Baby Monitor offers peace of mind for parents and carers, writes Anne Coates.

Kids Eat Free at Côte Brasseries this Easter

This Easter holidays from 4 to 21 April, families dining at Côte can treat their children (aged 12 and under) to a delicious, high-quality meal for free when spending a minimum of £20.

Happy Mother's Day from The Crayons

Published by HarperCollins Children's Books, Happy Mother's Day from The Crayons, created by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers is a funny and beautiful celebration of mothers in all their shapes, sizes and and variations. Reviewed by Anne Coates

Li'l Davinci EZ Store & Display Art Cabinet

b.box sippy cup

b.box sippy cup is perfect for older babies and toddlers who like to hold their cups – without spills! Anne Coates reviews.

The Detective Dog on Tour

The award-winning children’s book The Detective Dog, written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Sara Oglivie, first published by Macmillan Children’s Books in 2016 is now brought to life by Tiny and Tall Productions and is currently on tour in theatres around the UK.

How Long Is That Dog? by John Bond

Award-winning author and illustrator, John Bond has produced a fabulous tale to delight youngsters from three plus: How Long Is That Dog? Review by Anne Coates.

We are like Birds by Laila Ekboir

We are like Birds by Laila Ekboir is a stunning new picture book about family, friendship, identity and resilience reviewed by Anne Coates.

Ring of Truth – YA Novel

Adult thriller writer, Joanne Sefton has turned her creative hand to writing for young adults with Ring of Truth, a compelling novel about truth and lies, reviewed by Anne Coates.

Murray and Bun! Murray the Pirate by Adam Stower

Published by HarperCollins Children's Books, Murray the Pirate is the third book in the Murray and Bun series, written and illustrated by Adam Stower. Reviewed by Anne Coates

Inkbound Meticulous Jones and the Skull Tattoo

Inkbound Meticulous Jones and the Skull Tattoo by Phillippa Leathley is the first in a brand new series that will captivate readers who love magic in their books, writes Anne Coates.

Get Dressed, Belly Button! by Lucie Brunelière

Get Dressed, Belly Button! written and illustrated by Lucie Brunelière and translated by Linda Burgess is a perfectly designed board book for babies and toddler, encouraging naming of clothes and discussion, writes Anne Coates.