MFM Awards 2020 Winners - Nappies, changing and potty training products

Wipes were tested just as vigorously, from in-house monitoring of how well they hold their shape to how well they coped with wiping up solids. At home, our little judges and their parents tested each wipe to the limits, from dirty nappy changes to mucky hands and faces.

As well as these core items, our team of judges – at home and in house – put a range of useful accessories through their paces, including changing pads and bags, and nappy rash creams. While each group had different boxes to tick, we were always looking for value, effectiveness, usefulness and quality, whether that meant a well-designed wipes pocket or super-nourishing natural ingredients.

Newborn/infant nappies size 1 & 2

Key features we tested/judged: absorption, comfort, effectiveness, value for money, quality and feel of product, ease of use

GOLD – LIDL GB LUPILU NEWBORN NAPPIES 2-5KG (SIZE 1), 79p

Great value, soft and well-designed details like tubes and a navel recess

Why it’s a winner: Lidl’s Newborn Nappies are excellent value for money, at 79p per pack, without compromising on quality. Our home testers gave high praise to the handy and innovative details like the navel-friendly recess (helping to care for your newborn’s umbilical cord), and coloured tabs “making late night nappy changes seamless”. When it came to absorption, these also came out as one of the top contenders in MFM Labs testing, thanks to the tubes in the centre of the nappy, with our home testers noticing a lack of leaks when using these with their babies.

Tester Nicola, mum of 2, says: “No leaking with baby’s bottom, dry to touch when changing, soft to touch and I really like the cut-out for the cord - it’s by far the best I have seen.”

SILVER - LIDL GB LUPILU NEWBORN MINI NAPPIES 3-6KG (SIZE 2), £1.79

Why it’s a winner: Lidl’s size 2 nappies offer lots of handy features at great value for money. As well as praising the essential features like the wetness indicator, our home testers also noted useful details like the coloured tabs for night changes, also making these an easy to use option. In addition to offering extended dryness for your baby, with multiple absorbent tubes in the core of the nappy, our judges also noticed how soft they are, ensuring a super-comfortable fit for your baby.

Tester Nikki, mum of 1, says: “These work exactly as expected and are very easy to use. The wetness indicator is a big benefit and I feel like my baby could have been in the nappy for a long time without becoming too wet.”

JOINT BRONZE - ALDI MAMIA ULTRA DRY AIR SYSTEM NEWBORN NAPPY - SIZE 2, £1.79

Why it’s a winner: These are a super-affordable newborn nappy, offering quick absorption thanks to Aldi’s ‘Ultra Dry Air System’, which spreads liquid evenly across the nappy. Our home testers were also impressed with how dry they felt when changing, with one parent commenting how he preferred these to more expensive brands. We also loved how soft they felt, with flexible sides and secure fasteners, making for a snug yet comfortable fit for your baby which our home testers also praised.

Tester John, dad of 1, says: “Excellent quality, it has everything we want in a nappy. No chemical smell, comfortable for our baby and there’s indicators for wetness and fit. We had no leaks, even during long nights, and our baby always seemed comfortable.”

JOINT BRONZE - ASDA LITTLE ANGELS NEWBORN NAPPIES, 89p - £2.50

Why it’s a winner: “A must-have for all new mums and dads!” was one of the many high praises left by our home testers after using Asda’s newborn nappies. Starting from 89p per pack, these are a well-priced, high quality nappy with all of our home testers saying they’d happily continue using them with their babies. As well as a comfortable and flexible fit, with an elasticated leg cuff and stretchy waist, these supermarket brand nappies are easy to use with a useful guide on the front of the nappy which helps you to see when it’s time to move up a size.

Tester Penny, mum of 3, says: “Without a doubt a great price and definitely worth the money. We had no leaks and clearly great materials are used as we have had zero nappy rash with this nappy.”

Finalists: Aldi Mamia Ultra Dry Air System Newborn Nappy- Size 1 | Mum & You Nappychat Nappies Size 2

Baby nappies sizes 3 & 4

Key features we tested/judged: absorption, comfort, effectiveness, value for money, quality and feel of product, ease of use

GOLD - LIDL LUPILU NAPPIES SIZE 4, £2.89 for 48

Very effective and most definitely great value for money

Why it’s a winner: The Lupilu nappy was a clear winner thanks to its combination of super softness and quality, all at a great price. The brand promises up to 12 hours of dryness, and our home testers confirmed that the nappy was super effective at preventing leaks. Most importantly, it was judged to be super soft and gentle on little ones’ skin.

Tester Amy, mum of 1, says: “I was very pleasantly surprised. We have used A LOT of nappies in a search for some that don’t irritate my baby’s skin but that also don’t leak, and these are great. They also don’t break the bank.”

SILVER - ALDI MAMIA ULTRA DRY AIR SYSTEM NAPPY SIZE 4+, £2.89 for 44

Why it’s a winner: Also offering great value, testers found these nappies to be flexible, comfortable and ultra absorbent. We liked the fact it's dermatologically tested and hypoallergenic, which provided great reassurance to parents whose kids have sensitive skin.

Tester Amy, mum of 1, says: “This for me is the best positive about the nappy: they effectively do what they’re supposed to do. They don’t leak, and last up to 12 hours so our son is fine overnight. I have tried other brands of nappies that leak and don’t last as long as these.”

BRONZE - LIDL LUPILU MIDI NAPPIES SIZE 3, £2.89 for 56

Why it’s a winner: We were really impressed by the Lupilu Midi nappies' design, which has 3 absorbent channels in the core to give a longer feeling of dryness, and found their elasticated comfort waist gave a great fit. Our home testers loved the softness and flexibility of the Midi nappies and felt that they fit really well. They also reported that the Midi nappy was very good at absorbing a good amount of liquid.

Tester Gemma, mum of 3, says: “I was really impressed with these nappies. They felt so soft and flexible and we had no leaks or explosions while using them. I love the brand’s focus on sustainability and using less materials. The nappies are also extremely good value for money. Having 3 children under 3 in nappies means I get through a lot of nappies and I would definitely rate these above some of the other more expensive brands out there.”

Finalists: Asda Little Angels Comfort & Protect Nappies | Lidl Lupilu Maxi Nappies Plus Size 4+ | Aldi Mamia Ultra Dry Air System Nappy Size 3 | Aldi Mamia Ultra Dry Air System Nappy Size 4 | Co-op Maxi/Maxi Plus Nappies Active Size 4/4+ | Co-op Midi Nappies Active 3

Toddler nappies sizes 5 & 6

Key features we tested/judged: absorption, comfort, effectiveness, value for money, quality and feel of product, ease of use

GOLD – LIDL LUPILU JUNIOR NAPPIES 11-25KG (SIZE 5), £2.89

Fabulous nappy - soft, leak-free and my toddler was comfortable in them

Why it’s a winner: Lidl’s nappy range received high praise across the board from our judges and home testers thanks to a combination of high quality and excellent value for money, and its toddler nappies are a great example of this. With multiple absorbent tubes in the core they offer extended dryness, with one of our home testers calling them completely “leak-free”. Their flexible design and thin-feel also make these a super comfortable fit for an active toddler who's constantly on the move.

Tester Heather, mum of 2, adds: “Lovely design, didn’t experience any leaks and very soft material. They’re also easy to put on a wiggly toddler with the stretchy band!”

JOINT SILVER - ASDA LITTLE ANGELS COMFORT & PROTECT NAPPIES, £2.99 - £4.75

Why it’s a winner: A strong all-rounder when it comes to toddler nappies, combining a mid-range price point with great absorption and a comfortable fit for a toddler on the go. One of our mum testers says these were the “best supermarket nappies” she had ever tried. They offer extended dryness with features like gel beads that absorb up to 30 times their own weight, and come with a soft leg cuffs and a flexible waistband so are ideal for active toddlers.

Tester Samantha, mum of 2, says: “They are easy, convenient, a great price point and do exactly what you expect them to do; keep your baby dry, comfortable and happy. They lasted for several hours and I had no spills or overflows.”

JOINT SILVER - ALDI MAMIA ULTRA DRY AIR SYSTEM NAPPY - SIZE 6, £2.80

Why it’s a winner: A great option when it comes to toddler nappies, with both parent testers saying they were just as good as high-end brands they’d previously used. Like other nappies across Aldi’s range, these come with their ‘Ultra Dry Air System’ which distributes liquid evenly to ensure dryness. We also liked how these have been designed with the comfort of moving toddlers in mind with flexible leg cuffs, a slim design and extra secure tabs.

Tester Amy, mum of 3, says: “They do the job perfectly - they fit well with no leakage and work great throughout the night. They’re not too thin and the tabs worked well so they always pulled on and off without ever breaking or not sticking.”

JOINT BRONZE - CO-OP JUNIOR/JUNIOR PLUS NAPPIES ACTIVE 5/5+, £4

Why it’s a winner: With flexible leg cuffs and stretchy sides, these are brilliantly designed for toddlers. They were also strong contender when it came to absorption: during our MFM Labs testing, we found the nappy to be bone dry 5 minutes after pouring the liquid, thanks to their airflow tubing which distributes liquid evenly. As an extra touch, we also love the super-cute monkey design on these nappies, which can be handy to encourage reluctant toddlers.

Tester Victoria, mum of 1, says: “I tested these through the day and night and there were no leaks or rashes, and they held a large amount of liquid. They have a cute and fun design that I loved and my daughter also loved, calling them the Nanna nappy!”

JOINT BRONZE - LIDL LUPILU EXTRA LARGE NAPPIES PLUS 16+KG (SIZE 6+), £2.79

Why it’s a winner: Our parent testers loved how great value for money Lidl’s size 6+ nappies are, with one commenting how “they do exactly the same job” as high-end brands that can be double the price. Like other nappies across Lidl’s range, these come with multiple tubes within the core, plus an additional layer to draw liquid inside the nappy, which offer an extended feeling of dryness - perfect for night times which our home testers also praised.

Tester Jo, mum of 2, says: “They work really well throughout the night. Our daughter will wear these for 12-13 hours when she wears them at night and we’ve never had any problems with leaks. They’ve been brilliant, easy to use and definitely value for money.”

Finalists: Mamia Ultra Dry Air System Nappy- Size 5 | Aldi Mamia Ultra Dry Air System Nappy- Size 5+ | |Aldi Mamia Ultra Dry Air System Nappy- Size 6+ | Lidl Lupilu Junior Nappies Plus 13-27kg (Size 5+) | Lidl Lupilu Extra Large Nappies 15+kg (Size 6) | Co-op XL Nappies Active 6

Pants style nappy

Key features we tested/judged: absorption, comfort, effectiveness, value for money, quality and feel of product, ease of use

GOLD - ALDI MAMIA ULTRA DRY AIR SYSTEM NAPPY-PANTS SIZE 6, £2.04 for 18

These are by far the best nappies we have tried. They are affordable and very good quality

Why it’s a winner: The Mamia nappy pant secured the Gold award with its winning combination of softness and sturdiness. All testers valued the stretch and strength of the nappy’s sides, which makes it very easy for little ones to get off and on. They also loved the comfort the nappies provided and the superior absorbency - a great combination for a good value nappy.

Tester Amanda, mum of 2, says: “These were very absorbent, especially overnight. They were easy for my 2-year-old to pull up and down himself, and they’re great value for money. I loved that they were soft on my son’s skin but still made from sturdy material.”

SILVER - LIDL LUPILU JUNIOR ACTIVE PLUS PANTS SIZE 5, £1.99 for 20

Why it’s a winner: The Lidl Lupilu pants nappy won the judges over with its fantastic value for money. The overall quality and little details such as the disposal tape to keep soiled nappy in place particularly impressed our home testers. They loved their ease of use and absorbency too, and unanimously pledged to use and recommend them in the future.

Tester Victoria, mum of 1, says: “Fantastic product, great value for money, easy to use and a great fit! The product was great quality, very soft and looked comfortable.”

JOINT BRONZE - ASDA LITTLE ANGELS COMFORT & PROTECT NAPPY PANTS, £4 for 34

Why it’s a winner: Easy to use and absorbent, and the Peppa Pig tie-in delighted our home testers’ little ones. Other design features, such as ‘back’ printed on the back side of the nappy, were also judged really useful.

Tester Maeve, mum of 2, says: “The quality is good. It held a lot of fluid. It didn’t have a chemical smell either which was nice, it all felt very natural. We also enjoyed the Peppa Pig characters which made change time a little faster.”

• Buy now from Asda (£4)

JOINT BRONZE - LIDL LUPILU EXTRA LARGE ACTIVE PLUS PANTS SIZE 6, £2.04 for 18

Why it’s a winner: The extra large active plus pants from Lidl Lupilu amazed the home testers with the amount of liquid they hold. None reported any leakage, and they also liked how easy the nappies were to use. The little animal pictures were a hit with our testers’ kids too.

Tester Aly, mum of 1, says: “A really good value for money product. The nappies are generous in terms of room, not too tight or loose and protect my baby all through the night. Simple, colourful design, soft and causes no irritation or rash.”

Finalists: Aldi Mamia Ultra Dry Air System Nappy Pants Size 4 | Aldi Mamia Ultra Dry Air System Nappy Pants Size 5

Eco-friendly nappies

Key features we tested/judged: effectiveness of design, ease of use, value for money, style, comfort

GOLD - TOTSBOTS EASYFIT STAR, £17.99

Well made, gorgeous prints and soft material. They look lovely on and perform well

Why it’s a winner: Judges were really impressed with the Totsbot Easyfit Star's eco-credentials: it is not only reusable but made from waterproof fabric made out of recycled polyester yarn. Equally importantly, testers thought it was very easy to use, as it's fastened like a conventional disposable nappy. Our parents found it super soft and absorbent and were very impressed by its functionality.

Tester Amanda, mum of 3, says: “I absolutely love this nappy. The fit on my baby is perfect, the same as a reusable nappy. The patterns I tested were also very vibrant and colourful, and it has clear instructions on how to wash and use the product. Thank you to whoever invented this product as it's very suitable and could be the future of nappies.”

SILVER - BAMBINO MIO MIOSOLO ALL-IN-ONE REUSABLE NAPPY, £15.99

Why it’s a winner: Our home testers loved the quality and feel of this nappy, and were impressed by its absorbency. They found it to be easy to use and wash, and loved the range of appealing and stylish designs to choose from.

Tester Amanda, mum of 3, says: “This product is amazing and the product is so easy my other half can change this nappy. The pattern and colour are bright and trendy, the absorbent insert is easy to put in and the overall quality is very good."

Read full review of Bambino Mio Miosolo

Wet wipes

Key features we tested/judged: effectiveness, strength, ability to retain shape, value for money, quality and feel of product, ease of use, packaging

GOLD - ALDI MAMIA EXTRA SENSITIVE BABY WIPES, 59p for 60

These are an excellent product, with a competitive price point

Why it’s a winner: The sensitive wipes from Aldi are a welcome product from the excellent Mamia baby range. They are hypoallergenic and minimise the chance of reaction on extra-sensitive skin. Our home testers raved about the wipes and are all converts to the product, unanimously praising their effectiveness and value – making these a worthy Gold winner.

Tester Sarah, mum of 2, says: “I can’t fault the quality of the wipes. They’re thick enough, moist enough and seem to hold together better than some other wipes. They are 100% worth the money. They do everything that you need a wipe to do for a fraction of the price of other wipes.”

SILVER - MAMA BAMBOO BAMABOO BIODEGRADABLE WET WIPES, £2 for 60

Why it’s a winner: The biodegradable and vegan-friendly Bamaboo wipes held their own against more conventional brands in the category, securing a convincing Silver Award. Our home testers found them durable and very capable of cleaning up a variety of messes. They held their shape and strength through use and made a very welcome eco-friendly option in the category.

Tester Katie, mum of 2, says: “I had no issues with the wipes ripping and only used a minimal amount even in messy situations. Parents are always looking to reduce their environmental impact and this is a great option for eco-conscious parents.”

JOINT BRONZE - LIDL LUPILU BABY WIPES - SENSITIVE, 49p for 64

Why it’s a winner: A great wipe for sensitive skin, and our judges loved the handy packaging which allowed one-handed opening and dispensed one wipe at a time - quite a rarity among wet wipes. Made with organic olive oil and aloe vera, the sensitive wipes from Lupilu are also made with paper from sustainable sources and are free from alcohol, parabens, silicone and other unwelcome additives.

Tester Bethanie, mum of 1, says: “The product was great quality. The wipes were very durable and strong while sensitive on my son’s skin. The smell of the wipes was not offensive and the ability to use single wipes was perfect - no trying to squeeze them back into the packaging.”

JOINT BRONZE - ALDI MAMIA TODDLER WIPES, 55p for 60

Why it’s a winner: The Mamia toddler wipes are a great help to parents of potty training toddlers, as they contain lots of moisture so make little bums cleaner quicker. Our testers loved that they are biodegradable and flushable, which is a real help when you’re trying to clean wriggly children’s bottoms, or encourage them to wipe themselves properly.

Tester Zahrah, mum of 5, says: “The wipes are really good. They are great quality at a fab price. They are fragrance free so good for little ones’ bums. They are very moist so you use less, meaning they also last longer.”

Finalists: Aldi Mamia Fragranced Baby Wipes | Lidl Lupilu Baby Wipes - Comfort | Lidl Lupilu Baby Wipes Newborn | Lidl Lupilu Kids Moist Toilet Tissue | Aldi Mamia Sensitive Baby Wipes

Biodegradable wet wipes

Key features we tested/judged: effectiveness, sustainability, strength, ability to retain shape, value for money, quality and feel of product, ease of use, packaging

GOLD - MY HAPPY PLANET 100% BIODEGRADABLE PLASTIC-FREE ECO WIPES, £1.80 for 60

Great quality and effective product. Very easy to use and convenient

Why it’s a winner: The My Happy Planet biodegradable wipes impressed our testers by being home compostable, which make them very easy to use and dispose of, and we like the fact even their packaging is 100% recyclable. Our judges rated the brand’s approach of making environmentally friendly products more affordable, and they really appreciated the wipes’ high purified water content (99.9%) and the fact they were Allergy UK-approved. In our test for biodegradability, these scored particularly well, and our home testers reported that they did an excellent job, worthy of a Gold win.

Tester Hannah, mum of 1, says: “The individual wipes are really thick and soft. They are fragrance free and still smell lovely. The wipes do not tear or stretch either and the packaging is super cute. For only £1.80 these wipes are kind to the planet and the purse strings.”

JOINT SILVER - ALDI MAMIA BIODEGRADABLE BABY WIPES, 89p for 60

Why it’s a winner: Aldi continues to impress with its baby products, and these biodegradable wipes were no exception. They won over our judges with their fantastic value for money and by how well they cleaned even the muckiest of faces and highchair surfaces. They also performed well in our biodegradability spot test. Our home testers sang the praises of this product, praising the combination of strength, softness, effectiveness and eco-friendliness.

Tester Teri, mum of 1, says: “We loved this product so much that we've been out and bought more! This is such a great price for the product considering they are biodegradable and great for sensitive skin. They work really well.”

JOINT SILVER - KIT & KIN BIODEGRADABLE BABY WIPES, £2.50 for 60

Why it’s a winner: The soft Kit & Kin wipes use water and aloe vera to gently clean your baby’s skin. They are 100% plant-based and biodegradable, and for every pack sold the brand supports the World Land Trust. Our testers loved the brand’s eco credentials, but especially the way these wipes tackled dirty bottoms and high chairs.

Tester Nancy, mum of 1, says: “These are really lovely wipes and do such a great job cleaning baby‘s bottom. I also used them during a feed and wiped baby’s face and high chair with ease. I love that they are biodegradable and that there are no nasty chemicals to harm baby.”

JOINT BRONZE - AQUA WIPES 100% BIODEGRADABLE PLASTIC FREE BABY WIPES, £2.89 for 64

Why it’s a winner: Aqua Wipes has been at the vanguard of natural baby wipes, and was one of the first brand's to offer wipes without nasties. It is used in the NHS, and is trusted by many parents, and the wipes are biodegradable, vegan-friendly and according to our home testers very good at cleaning. Our judges also loved the fact that they were very strong for a biodegradable wipe, much more effective for big spills.

Tester Katherine, mum of 1, says: “These wipes were great quality. They are thick, a good size, feel nice and have good moisture. These wipes were very effective for nappy changes, weaning mess and everything in between.”

JOINT BRONZE - KINDER BY NATURE NATURAL UNSCENTED BABY WIPES, £2 for 56

Why it’s a winner: These impressive wipes are compostable and performed well with our home testers, who reported that they felt particularly kind to sore bottoms. They are also very strong and deal well with spills and muckiness of all sorts.

Tester Jessica, mum of 1, says: “I’ve given 10/10 all round because these wipes are the best I have ever used. I am converted! They feel beautiful, smell fresh, no chemicals or nasties, they are plastic free, no rash or issues caused and they are reasonably priced for wipes that are great for the environment as well as for baby.”

Finalists: Mama Bamboo Bamaboo Biodegradable Wet Wipes | Mum & You 100% Biodegradable Baby Wipes | Natracare Organic Baby Wipes

Cloth wipes

GOLD - CANNYMUM BAMBOO CLOTH BABY WIPES, £4.75 for 100

Fantastic biodegradable alternative to conventional wipes. Very useful that they can be used dry or wet

Why it’s a winner: We loved these 100% bamboo fibre baby wipes – a great option for eco-conscious parents. They are very practical, as they can be used dry, or just add a little water for more powerful cleaning. We found the bamboo fibres were super soft and our home testers noted that the wipes were very gentle on their little ones’ skin. These won for their versatility and easy of use, as well as being better for our planet.

Tester Nicol, mum of 1, says: “This is a very good product. It is soft and doesn't irritate my son's skin.”

SILVER - CHEEKY WIPES REUSABLE CLOTH BABY WIPES ALL-IN-ONE KIT, £45.95

Why it’s a winner: This all-in-one kit takes eco-friendly bottom wiping to a new level, with washable cloth wipes and sturdy containers providing all you need to clean your baby with minimal waste and damage to the environment. We rated the high quality of the kit, and like the fact you get everything included, from clean and mucky containers to waterproof out-and-about travel bags and essential oils. This natural approach is also kind to skin, and our home testers thought the kit was easy to use even when out and about.

Tester Kaye, mum of 1, says: “This kit was easy to use with straightforward instructions - just bang the wipes in the washing machine at the end of the day. The wipes were great quality and felt like they would last. This product is definitely worth the money as it should last a lifetime.”

BRONZE - BAMBINO MIO REUSABLE BABY WIPES, £7.49 for 10

Why it’s a winner: A simple alternative to conventional baby wipes, these cotton wipes can be used and washed repeatedly to minimise impact on the environment. We thought the different colours were not only pretty, but also very practical as you can have a different colour for different parts of the body. Very simple but effective.

Tester Anna, mum of 2, says: “These reusable wipes are super soft to the touch - I love the idea of not chucking out hundreds of single-use baby wipes.”

Changing mat/pad

Key features we tested/judged: effectiveness, ease of use, appeal to parents, value for money, quality of product, durability

GOLD – MAMA SHACK BABY CHANGING MAT, £19.99

Perfect for the job. Big size so room for bigger babies or extra messy nappies

Why it’s a winner: First off, our mums loved that this mat is bigger than average. Not only that – the higher edges mean baby won’t roll off. The fabric design makes this a stand-out product too: Mama Shack wanted designs that would blend in a home and not look too babyish, a goal our judges felt they'd totally achieved with their gorgeous muted-tone prints. And, to make sure those pretty designs stay pristine, this mat has a wipe-clean surface which our testers found oh-so-easy to clean. From your little one’s viewpoint, this product is really thick and spongy: so much so it could make nappy changing something to look forward to – even for babies who don’t relish the prospect at all. One last (very popular) feature: you can personalise it with your baby’s name. Extra swoon points for that.

Tester Sammy, mum of 2, says: “This changing mat is very competitively priced for the quality and design… Gorgeous fabric in a beautiful design, lovely quality also. I have only used this for a few weeks, but I can tell the quality will last a long time. Gorgeous, soft and spongy - so comfy for baby.”

Available from: Mama Shack

SILVER – BUMBO CHANGING PAD, £65.99

Why it’s a winner: This changing mat’s a bit of a multi-tasker: get the Bumbo Stages Safari play centre and you can attach this and use it as an activity gym – which one of our mum testers thought was brilliant. Judges thought the pad looked elegant, and loved the practical strap to keep baby still if they’re fidgety. We also liked its versatility – it can be used for tummy time, as a massage mat and for playtime – in part because it’s so smooth and therefore very kind indeed to delicate skin. Our mums also loved how sturdy and solid this pad is: combined with its generous size and simple cleanability, it will serve you well. We reckon you’ll appreciate the aesthetics, too. The range of colours - cool grey, aqua and a gorgeous dusky pink – are stunners.

Tester Wandana, mum of 3, says: “I am absolutely in love with the changing mat, it’s so soft, and comfortable and can be used from birth to 18 months. Depending on the size of your baby could be used a bit longer. I love how it’s comfortable, non-slip, and comes with a strap so you could use both hands without worrying baby will slip. As changing toddlers can be very challenging, I feel this product has been made considering all the aspects of parenting: this is why it’s just awesome.”

Read full review of the Bumbo changing pad

BRONZE – THE WRIGGLER, £35.99

Why it’s a winner: While you can use this changing mat on your newborn baby, it really comes into its own if you have a ‘wriggler’ child – hence the name. This changing mat stood out from the crown with its useful straps to make sure your baby simply can’t toddle, crawl or roll away half-way through one of the day’s (often numerous) nappy changes. Talk about time-saver! We also found it easy to clean and our mums felt it was of a quality that’ll last, too – exactly what you need from such an everyday product.

Tester Sharon, mum of 1, says: “When you're chasing a bare-bottomed baby across the living room floor for the third time in a day it's easy to see the appeal of The Wriggler!! I wasn't aware that such a product existed, but I had definitely been looking for a solution to 'pin down' my very own 10-month-old wriggler. This product is very appealing to parents of children from crawling age.”

• Buy now from The Wriggler (£35.99)

Changing bag

Key features we tested/judged: quality, design, ease of use, appeal to parents, usefulness, value for money

GOLD – PACAPOD SAUNTON, £99

This is the perfect, stylish changing bag for parents - male or female - and the quality of the materials is second to none

Why it’s a winner: This vegan-leather changing bag impressed us all with its sleek, modern look and its clever pod system. Inside the outer bag are 2 classy-looking 8-litre removable pods: an insulated feeder pod, for your baby’s food and drink, and a changing pod, with a changing mat, where you can stash nappies and wipes. Our testers loved how easy the pods made it to keep things separate and organised and quickly find what you are after. The bag itself is winningly unisex, can be worn messenger style or as a backpack, and there are straps for fitting it to your pram.

Tester Kate, mum of 1, says: “A great changing bag. It fits everything in in an organised way. It is easy to carry in the 2 different ways and it looks really good.”

SILVER – BUBBLE & POP BABY CHANGING BAG, £74.95

Why it’s a winner: This vibrantly patterned changing bag stood out from the greys and navys of the other bags in our judging pile – and our testers loved how colourful and different it looked (and how well the fabric wiped clean). And then there are the pockets: a whopping 11 of them, in different sizes, along with a labelling system you can set up, and change, to suit you. It’s a good, spacious bag and we like that there are stroller clips, a shoulder strap and a changing mat included.

Tester Jenna, mum of 2 says: “A great-quality, roomy bag with lots of compartments for everything. And the patterns are bright and gorgeous!”

Available to buy from Bubble & Pop

BRONZE – FACT + FICTION LEA BACKPACK, £159

Why it’s a winner: The stand-out features of this backpack-style, vegan-leather changing bag are the separate base compartment with anti-odour lining, for stowing dirty/smelly bits and pieces in, and the quick-access side pocket for wipes. Our testers were really impressed with both of these, as well as with the bag’s generous overall size – though some testers would have welcomed more internal storage pockets. We also really like the stylish look and the eminently wipe-able outer fabric.

Tester Anette Jane, mum of 3, says: “I really like this changing bag. It's highly appealing to parents who are trying to be conscious of our impact on the environment - it's made from recycled and vegan materials. After weeks of use, it has no marks at all. It also holds a lot but doesn’t feel bulky, and the wipes pocket is brilliant.”

Potty & toilet training product

Key features we tested/judged - quality, effectiveness, ease of use, value for money, appeal to parents

GOLD – POTETTE, £16.99- £24.99

Covers all ages from potty training to using the toilet and compact enough to use on the go

Why it’s a winner: Our judges raved about the Pottete, with testers loving its versatility and the fact it could be adapted for different environments. Parents found the function of being a standalone potty that can convert into a toilet-trainer seat so their little one could safely sit on an adult toilet super-handy. And the fact it folds down into a compact, portable size was an added bonus. Our judges felt this was great for travelling and a lifesaver for long journeys. And they thought the real plus side of the seat liners was no flushing, cleaning or wiping the remnants of those number ones or twos.

Judge Melanie, mum of 3, says:“Great that it can be used at home or on the go, and – long after your little one’s potty-trained – you can use it on those public toilet seats you’d rather they don’t sit on.”

SILVER – VENTURE UK POTE PLUS – MY FIRST WC, £19.99

Why it’s a winner: The Pote Plus had our testers and judges smiling. We simply love its miniature toilet design and its cute flush, and think this could persuade the most stubborn toddler to try it out. Our testers found it easy to use and felt it was the perfect height for a toddler. For our mini testers, it took the fear-factor out of going to the toilet and asking to go, instead of running away. One tester recalls her daughter saying, “now I can sit on (the toilet) like you, you not have to hold me.” Our judges felt it would look great in the bathroom or make a lovely addition to any other room.

Tester, Kathryn, Mum of 2 says: “My daughter really enjoyed the flush. It's a fun product so we go more times than she needs, but we’d rather that than she’s afraid”.

Available to buy from Amazon, Venture UK and eBay

BRONZE – SPLASH ABOUT SPLASH JAMMERS, £17.99

Why it’s a winner: These reusable swim shorts tick a lot of boxes for parents who want a no-stress, leak-free swim for their toddler. And our testers were quick to sing their praises. They loved how the soft neoprene fabric washes well, and the range of stylish prints available. They were impressed with how easy Splash Jammers are to put on and much better than squeezing into a swimming nappy. Above all, our testers loved the peace of mind you get with Splash Jammers knowing there won’t be any embarrassing leakages or poo-in-pool moments.

Tester Louise, mum of 5, says: “Fabulous product. They’ve kept their shape after numerous wears. And they make swimming far less stressful with recently toilet-trained children. Better value for money than swimming nappies. Highly recommended.”

Finalists: Bumbo Step 'n' Potty | Skip Hop Made For Me Potty

Nappy changing accessory

Key features we tested/judged: quality, effectiveness, appeal to parents, ease of use, value for money

GOLD – NIAMH'S NEVERLAND NAPPY WALLET, £20

This nappy wallet is absolutely beautiful in design and print, lightweight, well-made and water resistant

Why it's a winner: Our testers loved this handy, handmade nappy wallet that bring some organisation to the frenetic changing bag rummage, not least for its larger-than-average capacity. You can fit in a full packet of wipes, up to 5 nappies, plus creams and nappy sacks, and our testers found the popper loop handle feature useful as it can attach to any buggy handle. We also loved the bold prints, and water resistency. This is a product made to a high standard, and would make a lovely gift, particularly for first-time mums.

Tester Katie, mum of 1, says: “Very handy to organise changing bag and easy to use when changing baby.”

• Buy now from Niamh's Neverland, (£20)

SILVER – SKIP HOP NURSERY STYLE STEEL NAPPY PAIL, £75

Why it's a winner: We can’t argue, the Skip Hop Nappy Pail really does do what it says on the tin! It’s great for those with twins and triplets or siblings close in age wearing nappies. Our testers describe it as, ‘"quality, strong and sturdy", and the loved the fact it can hold so many nappies without releasing any of the smells that lurk within. Bonus points too for the built-in storage and compartments, which our parents found very handy for storing nappy essentials. But the big plus noted by our testers, is there’s no special bags needed. It fits standard-size bin bags so saves from the extra spend on refill bags.

Tester Jodie, mum of 1, says: “A good investment for parents. Worth the money as you would save a lot of money on refills if you chose another brand.”

BRONZE – TOMMEE TIPPEE TWIST AND CLICK ROOM SPRAY, £4.99

Why it's a winner: It works like a miracle. Our testers say it’s amazing the Tommee Tippee Twist and Click Room Spray has no scent but still gets rid of nappy change smells. Home or away, testers say a little spritz of this in the air works better than air fresheners. And as one bottle will last you ages, it’s also money well spent.

Tester Verity, mum of 2, says: “Can’t fault it. Gets rid of nappy smells without using another scent to mask it. 100% worth the money.”

Finalists: Tommee Tippee Twist and Click Advanced Nappy Disposal Sangenic | Lidl Lupilu Nappy Sacks | Vitalbaby HYGIENE Odour Trap Nappy Disposal System

Nappy rash product

Key features we tested/judged: quality of product, effectiveness, ease of use, appeal to parents, value for money

GOLD – BEPANTHEN NAPPY CARE OINTMENT, £3.99

Quality product. Well-known brand. Good size for price

Why it’s a winner: A number of our mums commented that, for them, this is just the one trusted nappy cream they use again and again over others. Testers found this ointment rubs into the skin easily – vital for those times when your baby is feeling the raw pain of nappy rash. And the fact it does blend into skin so well also means it won’t leave marks all over your little one’s clothes. This product helps create a barrier that stops the rash from spreading and getting worse, and our mums also agreed that the flip-top lid is brilliant - especially for those nappy changes on the go (and we’re guessing lots of you will have plenty of those!).

Tester Jenny, mum of 3, says: “Have always loved this product. Protects the bottom well and just does the job.”

SILVER – ALTEYA ORGANIC DIAPER RASH CREAM, £12.85

Why it’s a winner: This all-natural cream includes calendula and apricot oil, along with non-nano zinc oxide, a natural mineral that protects skin and supports healing. And our parent testers felt these ingredients definitely worked: the healing seemed to be effective using just the smallest amount of product. Add into the mix it’s paediatrician-approved, organic and not tested on animals – and all in all this daily-use cream got a big thumbs up from our judges.

Tester Elaine, mum of 1, says: “The nappy cream had a nice fragrance. Instructions advises to spread liberally. We found you didn’t need a large amount and it absorbed into the skin quickly. We only rubbed a small amount onto any redness during nappy changes: redness disappeared with a few applications.”

• Buy now from Love Lula (£12.85)

BRONZE – MY EXPERT MIDWIFE NO HARM BUM BALM, £16.50

Why it’s a winner: If you’ve tried various types of nappy rash creams and ointments already, and none have quite hit the mark, you might like to know that No Harm Bum Balm is a actually smooth serum - meaning there’s no drag on your baby’s delicate skin. Our testers really rated the pump bottle design – rather than a pot or tube – finding it perfect for one-handed use and hygienic dispensing. (Well, it was designed by midwives, so of course, they’d think of all those practical things!) And finally, our judges loved the luxury packaging this balm came in: a cute little bag with a logo, because – why not?!

Tester Shannon, mum of 2, says: “Very easy to use one handed…and can be used after every bum change. Very appealing as it’s all natural products.”

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