We know first-hand how overwhelming it can be to choose the right products for your baby. Which is why the 2016 Mother & Baby awards, sponsored by Babies “R” Us, seek to make it easier, helping Aussie mums find the best buys for their bubs.
Now in their fifth year, the awards highlight the best products in the baby care industry, from nappies and wipes, to big ticket items such as cots, cars and family holidays.
The Mother & Baby award rosette signals that a product has been given the tick of approval from the experts and other mums. Click through the gallery to check out the finalists in the home tested categories.
Brought to you by Babies “R” Us
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BABY BATH. The BPM Baby Dam valued at $59.95 turns your family-sized bath into a baby bath in seconds and seals perfectly.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BABY BATH. The Charli Chair Baby Shower and Bath Chair valued at $189.95 is both a baby shower and bath in one. It can be used with newborns up to 17kg toddlers.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BABY BATH. The Ergo Grouper Bath & Stand valued at $99.95 features a large and deep size with a non-slip ripple and easy-grip handles.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BABY BATH. The Stokke Flexibath valued at $65 is a foldable baby bath tub that features optional newborn support. Lightweight and portable, it’s great for travel.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BABY BATH. The Roger Armstrong Aqua Scale Bath valued at $119.95 includes a digital scale which weighs the baby and tells the bath water temperature.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BABY FOOD. Only Organic Dooley Crighton features a delicious organic menu suitable for babies from the age of eight months. Certified Organic Pouch Meals $2, Finger Foods $4.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BABY FOOD. The Rafferty’s Garden range valued at $2.09 each is designed as a progression from the Smooth range and introduces protein and a wider range of savoury flavours.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BABY FOOD. ALDI Mamia Baby Food Desserts valued at $1.19 are made with full cream milk, have no artificial colours or flavours and no added preservatives.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BABY FOOD. The Vaalia Kids Immune Defence pouches valued at $5.89 are packed with added vitamins and minerals, like vitamin A and vitamin D to support immunity.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BABY FOOD. Baby Mum-Mum Rice Rusks valued at $2.95 are free from the 10 most common allergens, mess-free and packed in convenient individual packs of two.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BABY HAIRCARE PRODUCT. The Bubba Blue Baby Shampoo valued at $19.95 is certified organic, contains aloe vera and jojoba oil and is sulphate and soap-free.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BABY HAIRCARE PRODUCT. Curash 2 in 1 Shampoo & Conditioner valued at $6.89 features chamomile extracts and silk proteins for shiny, tangle-free hair and a healthy scalp.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BABY HAIRCARE PRODUCT. GAIA Natural Baby Baby Shampoo valued at $11.50 is gentle and nourishing on little scalps and cleanses without stripping natural protective oils.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BABY HAIRCARE PRODUCT. Earth Friendly Baby Shampoo valued at $10.95 is formulated with no parabens, no SL/SLES, no artificial fragrances and no harsh detergents.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BABY HAIRCARE PRODUCT. Baby U Goat Milk Shampoo valued at $8.99 is enriched with goat’s milk and oatmeal extract to give hair strength and shine and relieve dryness.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BABY MONITOR. The Uniden Pan and Tilt Dual Baby Monitor with Smartphone App valued at $349.95 performs as a standalone baby monitor and provides interactive opportunities with the Baby Watch app.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BABY MONITOR. The Roger Armstrong Crystal Clear Baby Video Monitor valued at $149.95 features a large colour screen, two-way communication, room temperature display and night light function.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BABY MONITOR. The VTech BM4500 Safe ‘n’ Sound Pan & Tilt Video and Audio Baby Monitor valued at $269 has a 4.3 high resolution colour LCD screen, temperature sensor, lullabies and two-way communication.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BABY MONITOR. The Oricom SC870 valued at $359 features a touchscreen, night vision and motorised pan-tilt camera.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BABY MONITOR. The Luvion Prestige Touch 2 valued at $349 has a large seven inch screen, remote-controlled cameras and you can record footage onto an SD card.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BABY SKINCARE PRODUCT. The Mater Baby Moisturiser valued at $14.99 is pH balanced, dermatologically tested and comes in packaged in a bottle with a stable base so you can use it one-handed.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BABY SKINCARE PRODUCT. Kelapa Organics Baby Lotion valued at $24.95 uses coconut oil, almond oil, shea butter, aloe vera and coco butter, to protect and hydrate.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BABY SKINCARE PRODUCT. Johnson’s Baby Lotion valued at $4.99 is an ultra-gentle lotion designed to soften and nourish, moisturising for 24 hours.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BABY SKINCARE PRODUCT. *Aveeno Soothing Relief Moisture Cream valued at $10.99 features colloidal oatmeal and rich emollients to help relieve dry and itchy skin.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BABY SKINCARE PRODUCT. QV Baby Moisturising Cream valued at $13.20 offers gentle but effective dryness relief dryness. It’s non-greasy, easily absorbed and long-lasting.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BABY THERMOMETER. The Roger Armstrong Mobi Digital Thermometer Pulse and Heart Rate valued at $74.95 is a 2-in-1 ear and forehead thermometer, plus fingertip pulse reader.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BABY THERMOMETER. The NUK Flash Baby Thermometer valued at $74.99 measures temperature by infrared sensor in one second. The measurement can be taken at a distance of 3cm.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BABY THERMOMETER. The Braun ThermoScan 5 Ear Thermometer valued at $134.95 has separate power and start buttons, a large LCD display and an inbuilt night light.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BABY THERMOMETER. The Oricom FS300 valued at $99.95 offers hygienic, no-touch operation and is versatile, measuring body, bottle or bath temperatures and storing up to 32 records.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BABY THERMOMETER. The Cherub Baby 4-in-1 Infrared Digital Ear And Forehead Thermometer valued at $59.95 works without probe covers and is easy to operate, hygienic and comfortable.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BABY WASH. Jurlique Baby’s Gentle Shampoo & Body Wash valued at $25 is gentle, calming and hydrating..
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BABY WASH. Mater Baby Wash valued at $13.99 is a lightly foaming cleanser developed for daily use. Gentle, soap-free and free of parabens and petrochemicals.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BABY WASH. Soothe For Baby valued at $14.95 is a soap-free cleanser made from 100% organic oat milk, French lavender and vitamin E.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BABY WASH. Eco Store Sleepytime Bath valued at $7.99 is a soothing, plant-based infusion with a gentle blend of lavender and geranium oils to help your baby get ready for sleep.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BABY WASH QV Baby Gentle Wash valued at $10.65 is lightly foaming, pH balanced and free from soap, fragrance and common irritants.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BABY WIPES (FRAGRANCE-FREE). Curash Fragrance Free Baby Wipes valued at $4.99 are pH balanced, alcohol-free, soap-free and fragrance-free. Thick and soft, they come in a clip seal pack.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BABY WIPES (FRAGRANCE-FREE). ALDI Mamia Baby Wipes Fragrance Free valued at $2.49 are extra soft and formulated with aloe vera and vitamin E to help keep baby’s skin soft and smooth.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BABY WIPES (FRAGRANCE-FREE). Platinum Retail Brands Baby Bumkins valued at $3.99 have a moisture-locking flip top and come out one at a time.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BABY WIPES (FRAGRANCE-FREE). Nice Pak Baby U Goat Milk Baby Wipes valued at $12.99 are enriched with soothing goats milk, aloe vera, vitamin E and are 100% biodegradable.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BABY WIPES (FRAGRANCE-FREE). Aussie Wipes Red Nose Baby Wipes valued at $5.59 are designed to come out of the pack individually and to strike the right balance between too wet and too dry.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BABY WIPES (FRAGRANCE). The Baby Bumpkins Lightly Fragranced Premium Baby Wipes valued at $4.29 are formulated with aloe vera and vitamin E for softness and have a baby-soft scent.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BABY WIPES (FRAGRANCE). Curash Soothing Baby Wipes valued at $4.99 are pH balanced, alcohol-free and soap-free. They are formulated with chamomile and aloe vera and come in a clip seal pack.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BABY WIPES (FRAGRANCE). Baby U Bamboo Baby Wipes valued at $12.99 are made from natural bamboo fibres and are 100% biodegradable. They contain soothing lavender and natural antiseptic honeysuckle.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BABY WIPES (FRAGRANCE. Huggies Cucumber & Aloe Baby Wipes valued at $5.30 are safe and gentle with their unique thick and soft texture.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BABY WIPES (FRAGRANCE). ALDI Mamia Baby Wipes Fragrance valued at $2.49 are extra soft and contain aloe vera and vitamin E to help keep baby’s skin soft and smooth. They’re dermatologically tested and alcohol-free.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BREAST PADS. Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Disposable Breast Pads valued at $10 are twin-wrapped, ultra absorbent, contoured to fit and thin and discreet.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BREAST PADS. The [Pigeon Honeycomb Breast Pads](https://www.pigeonbaby.com.au/|target=”_blank” |target=”_blank”) valued at $18.95 for 50 come with an absorbent polymer and stay-dry honeycomb lining.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BREAST PADS. The [Babies”R”Us Disposable Nursing Pads](https://www.babiesrus.com.au/|target=”_blank” |target=”_blank”) valued at $14.95 for 140 have a contoured design. With super-absorbent polymers for maximum dryness, they are individually packaged.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BREAST PADS. [Medela Disposable Nursing Pads](https://www.medela.com.au /|target=”_blank” |target=”_blank”) valued at $9.95 are made of a super absorbent material and have a soft lining. They are individually wrapped.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BREAST PADS. The [Philips AVENT Breast Pads](https://www.philips.com.au/Avent/|target=”_blank” |target=”_blank”) valued at $8.95 have a wider shape and thicker core for added absorbency. They are designed with double adhesive strips and an all-round leakage barrier.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BREAST PUMP. The [Tommee Tippee closer to nature Breast Pump](https://www.tommeetippee.com.au/|target=”_blank” |target=”_blank”) valued at $200 is an eletric pump that’s easy to assemble, use and sterilise. It’s portable and lightweight and has four expression phases.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BREAST PUMP. The [NUK Luna Electric Breast Pump](https://www.nuk.com.au/|target=”_blank” |target=”_blank”) valued at $149.00 features a textured silicone cushion that moulds to the breast and offers a two-phase rhythm to simulates a baby’s natural suction when breastfeeding.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BREAST PUMP. The [Difrax BtoB Breast Pump](https://www.exquira.com.au/|target=”_blank” |target=”_blank”) valued at $279.95 is a 100% hands-free breast pump that is silent and discreet.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BREAST PUMP. The [Philips AVENT Comfort Single Electric Breast Pump](https://www.philips.com.au/Avent/|target=”_blank” |target=”_blank”) valued at $249.95 offers comfortable, easy expressing with adjustable speed and suction settings.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR BREAST PUMP. The [Medela Swing Maxi Double Electric Breast Pump](https://www.medela.com.au/|target=”_blank” |target=”_blank”) valued at $449.95 supports milk supply, is time-saving and offers a range of vacuum levels and settings.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR DEVELOPMENTAL TOY (12+ MONTHS). The [BRIO My First Railway Starter Pack](https://www.childsmart.com.au/|target=”_blank” |target=”_blank”) valued at $39.95 features a train, tunnel and clever connection magnets making it perfect for inquisitive toddlers.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR DEVELOPMENTAL TOY (12+ MONTHS). The [Little Tikes Cozy Coupe](https://www.headstartint.com/|target=”_blank” |target=”_blank”) valued at $129.95 mixes classic design and easy manoeuvrability. Used indoors or out, it encourages imagination and the development of large motor skills.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR DEVELOPMENTAL TOY (12+ MONTHS). The [Playgro Flowing Bath Tap and Cups](https://www.playgro.com/|target=”_blank” |target=”_blank”) valued at $29.99 makes bath time fun. Use the seahorse a variety of ways for endless splish splash fun.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR DEVELOPMENTAL TOY (12+ MONTHS). The [Globber My Free 5-in-1](https://www.globber.com.au/|target=”_blank” |target=”_blank”) valued at $199.00 is a great value-for-money scooter that comes equipped with a seat, footrest and handle to last through the ages.
CATEGORY: MOST POPULAR DEVELOPMENTAL TOY (12+ MONTHS). The [Imaginarium 5 Way Giant Bead Maze Giant Cube](https://www.babiesrus.com.au/|target=”_blank” |target=”_blank”) valued at $89.95 features five different sides of play including spinning gears, tracking maze and peek-a-boo counting circles.
