Early years

Breast is best and Medela have come up with a solution for breastfeeding mothers who need to leave a bottle of expressed milk: Calma the bottle with a teat which makes a baby replicate the action of breastfeeding. Anne Coates was impressed when she fed Harriet using the Calma bottle while Olivia was working.

For children who are too young to count sheep to get off to sleep, easidream has the answer: ewan™ the dream sheep. Olivia Coates put his expertise to the test.

From Close Parent, the makers of The Pop-in reusable birth-to-potty nappy, a changing mat with a difference which gets a glowing review from Anne Coates.

Oliva Coates has been trying out the Britax B-Lite stroller described as the perfect pushchair for city-dwellers and public transport.

The transition from nappies to pants can be time-consuming so Alex Bell was happy to try out Close Parents training pants on Pippa and was delighted with the product.

Baby gyms have come a long way since Anne Coates had one for her own daughter. Here she – and Harriet – test out the Silver Cross Homefrown 3 in 1 Playmat and Gym. Harriet's appreciation is shown by the smile on her face!

Mamas and Papas have solved the problem of one parent carrying the baby in a sling and then wanting to pass to the other parent: one baby pod, two harnesses and you have the Morph Baby Carrier. Olivia Coates tried it out for Parenting Without Tears.

Baby monitors are becoming more and more sophisticated and offer additional features for today's parent. New mum Oliva Coates now has peace of mind when she is in another room to baby Harriet, using the Tommy Digital Plus TD350 monitor.

The first time a mother expresses milk is often a strange experience but the Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump makes the process very easy and comes with everything you need for easy collection and storage, as Olivia Coates discovered.

Books about bringing up babies are two a penny, but Penelope Leach's The Essential First Year is in a class of its own and is highly recommended by Parenting Without Tears for all new parents.

No one likes the full blaze of lights if you have to get up during the night – and for some small children the reassuring glow of a nightlight keeps nightmares and fears at bay. Olivia Coates tried out OXO's Candela Tooli nightlights and was very impressed with their versatility.

Having a baby? So which buggy should you opt for? For baby Harriet, Oliva Coates is currently using the Graco Symbio Go carrycot with the Logico S Deluxe car seat – both using the same One-Click system Symbio frame. The package is stylish, easy to use and exudes safety.

The Nest Rock & Bounce Cradle from Mamas & Papas is a great piece of equipment for baby Harriet, writes Anne Coates.

Have baby – will travel and you will probably need a travel cot. The Tippitoes Cirrus Travel Cot is just the thing for holidays and visiting. Anne Coates tried one out for baby Harriet. 

The perfect answer to keeping a baby or toddler warm and safefly strapped in a car seat, buggy or supermarket trolley infant seats – the Morrck Baby Hoodie. Baby Harriet came home from hospital in her new wrap.

During Real Nappy Week, a new concept in reusable nappies – the Flip. Olivia Coates tried out the Flip on baby Harriet.

Nicole Burroughs, soon to begin potty training with daughter Eva, reviews The Potty Training Bible in which Jo Wiltshire offers realsitic and stress-free solutions and a range of approaches to potty and toilet training for both girls and boys.

The Family and Parenting Institute have put together their top ten tips for choosing the right childcare setting for you and your children.