Essentials

Great for shaking and exploring and for chewing on,these types of toys seem to be perenially popular.

Generally start of rear-facing for little ones, though you can get some that lie flat across the back of the car which is good for sleeping newborns. Many double as a baby-carrier as part of a pushchair/carseat combo.

Good for getting from A to B, though if you have a light car seat, or are using a sling, or have a moses basket, or have a pushchair suitable from birth, you may not need one.

Lightweight, collapsible strollers are a great choice if you use public transport regularly and don't take up much space in the car. "Umbrella strollers" collapse in two dimensions very neatly and tidily. Generally only suitable for babies over 3 months as they don't lie flat.

Prams allow your baby to lie flat as they get some fresh air, indulge in a bit of shopping or are gently rocked to sleep. Many convert into strollers for when your little one gets older. Many are part of a "travel system", combining a pushchair with a car seat. Today's prams are oh-so-much-smaller than the ones we grew up in, and not a patch on the sweeping elegance of 1950's style ones - but you don't need a mansion to keep one in.

Although it's hard to do without them if you're living in Cambridge, the rest of the country seems somehow to survive without Ergos, Mai Tais, ring slings and large pieces of cloth. Great for keeping your little one close to you and great for transport when a pushchair is cumbersome. Experts cleverly breastfeed using them.