Cradle Fox

Your baby is getting stronger and rolling may start. Sleep advice stays the same, and thoughts turn to food, a cot and maybe going back to work.

Now

  • A cot, if the basket is getting small

    Move on when your baby outgrows the maker's limit for the basket or crib. Same rules: firm, flat, clear.

  • Childcare, if you're going back

    Coram found 58% of English councils answering have enough places for most under-2s without funded hours, so it can pay to compare a nursery, a childminder and a nanny early.

Soon

  • Getting ready for solids

    The NHS says around 6 months is the time to start. It doesn't take much kit.

  • A highchair

    Look for a securely fitted harness and a stable, free-standing base.

Can wait
  • A bigger car seat

    Stay in the infant seat until your child reaches its height or weight limit.

  • Stair gates

    RoSPA says to fit them before your baby is mobile, so look ahead.

This is general information from public sources, not medical advice. For anything about your child's health or development, speak to your doctor or health visitor.

Reading for 3–6 months

Drawing of a fox beside a pushchair, for the article: Babymore Yara vs Bugaboo Butterfly 2

Babymore Yara vs Bugaboo Butterfly 2

The Yara is for when your baby can sit, because the NHS says young babies need a seat that lies flat. Bugaboo calls the Butterfly 2's recline fully flat, and it weighs 1kg less. The folds are about the same.

3 November 2026

Drawing of a fox beside a monitor, for the article: Do you need a baby monitor?

Do you need a baby monitor?

A monitor isn't on the Lullaby Trust's list of essentials, and it says there is no research evidence that monitors prevent sudden infant death syndrome. Here's when one still helps.

3 November 2026

Drawing of a fox beside a sling, for the article: BabyBjörn Harmony carrier review

BabyBjörn Harmony carrier review

Rated from 3.2 to 15kg, with padded back support and four carrying positions. Mumsnet's tester gave it 5 out of 5 for comfort and 3 out of 5 for adjustability.

3 November 2026

Drawing of a fox beside a sling, for the article: Baby carriers and slings, by budget

Baby carriers and slings, by budget

Five carriers ranked by price. All take a newborn by their makers' figures, though the BabyBjörn Mini stops at 11kg and the others run to about 15kg.

3 November 2026

Where these lanes come from