MadeForMums 2026-10-16T11:20:59.000Z https://www.madeformums.com/feed/atom MadeForMums <![CDATA[Vogue Williams says she wishes she'd found these maternity bras sooner, and prices start at £29]]> https://www.madeformums.com/news/product-news/vogue-williams-seraphine-maternity-nursing-bras-leggings/ 2026-10-16T11:20:59.000Z 2026-10-15T15:26:19.000Z Finding a maternity bra that's comfortable, supportive and actually makes you feel good can be surprisingly tricky, especially when your body seems to change size every other week. But Vogue Williams has discovered a new lingerie collection she wishes she'd had much sooner.
The presenter and mum-of-four has teamed up with British maternity brand Seraphine for its new campaign, photographed during her fourth pregnancy. Featuring 25 pieces designed for pregnancy, breastfeeding and beyond, the collection includes everything from soft nursing bras to matching underwear sets.
And with individual bras starting at £29 and twin-packs priced at £49, there are some tempting options if you're looking to refresh your maternity wardrobe.
Vogue Williams reveals the maternity bras she wishes she'd discovered sooner
Vogue says the collection has made a real difference to how she feels during pregnancy, particularly when it comes to finding underwear that combines comfort with a little confidence boost.
And if you've ever struggled to find a bra that feels comfortable as your body changes, you'll probably understand the appeal.
5 Seraphine maternity essentials to shop at NEXT
From practical nursing bras to bump-friendly leggings and matching underwear, here are five pieces from the range worth exploring.
1. Seraphine x Vogue Williams Black & Praline Plunge Nursing Bras, 2 Pack, £49
A comfortable nursing bra is one of those pregnancy purchases you'll probably reach for long after your baby arrives.
This two-pack features classic black and praline shades, making it a versatile option for everyday wear. The plunge design offers a more contemporary look, while the collection's nursing functionality is designed to make breastfeeding easier.
2. Seraphine x Vogue Williams Black Maternity Overbump Leggings, £29
If there's one wardrobe staple many expectant mums find themselves reaching for repeatedly, it's a comfortable pair of maternity leggings.
These black overbump leggings offer a versatile option for everyday outfits, whether you're pairing them with an oversized jumper, a maternity top or your favourite trainers.
The overbump style is particularly worth considering if you prefer the feeling of fabric covering your growing bump.
3. Seraphine Bone & Blush Overbump Second Skin Briefs, 2 Pack, £29
When your usual knickers start feeling uncomfortable, maternity underwear with a little extra coverage can be a welcome addition to your drawer.
This two-pack of Second Skin briefs comes in soft bone and blush shades, with an overbump silhouette designed to sit above your growing bump.
They're worth considering if you prefer fuller coverage during pregnancy.
4. Seraphine Black & Almond Boyshort Second Skin Briefs, 2 Pack, £25
If you prefer a little more coverage around your hips and bottom, boyshort-style underwear could be just what you're looking for.
This black and almond two-pack offers a practical alternative to traditional briefs, with a simple design that can be worn beneath your everyday maternity outfits.
The neutral colours also make them easy to mix and match with your existing bras.
5. Seraphine Black & Almond Underbump Second Skin Briefs, 2 Pack, £29
Not everyone loves overbump underwear, particularly if you're feeling warm or prefer less fabric around your tummy.
These underbump Second Skin briefs are designed to sit beneath your bump, offering an alternative to higher-waisted maternity styles.
Available in black and almond, the two-pack could be a useful everyday option if you're building a maternity underwear collection.
What makes Seraphine's new maternity collection different?
The collection has been designed to accommodate some of the physical changes that come with pregnancy and breastfeeding, from fluctuating breast sizes to an expanding rib cage and increasingly sensitive skin.
Across the range, features include flexible non-wired support, adjustable back fastenings, soft stretch fabrics and nursing bras with drop-down cups for easier feeding access.
There are also crossover styles designed for sleeping and night feeds, plus moisture-wicking bamboo options and smooth T-shirt bras.
Seraphine, which was founded in London in 2002, has previously been worn by the Princess of Wales during her pregnancies, including for her first official family portrait with Prince George.
Where can you buy the Seraphine x Vogue Williams collection?
The new Seraphine maternity and nursing lingerie collection launches this week, and is available at NEXT.
The lingerie range is complemented by postpartum shapewear and activewear, with further maternity essentials planned for later in the year.
Whether you're expecting your first baby, preparing your hospital bag or looking for comfortable underwear for breastfeeding, it's a collection worth browsing if you want practical maternity essentials that still feel stylish.
Shop the Seraphine x Vogue Williams collection at NEXT
Read more:
- Vogue Williams hits back at comment saying mums ‘should not be out with her baby at all’ at one month
- Tommee Tippee launches clever new baby bottle kit to help take the guesswork out of feeding
- The hidden cost of motherhood: Why mums are retiring with 33% less pension wealth than men
]]> Ruairidh Pritchard <![CDATA[Real parents confess: Experts share what to do if you make these common parenting mistakes]]> https://www.madeformums.com/features/parenting-mistakes-regret/ 2026-10-08T16:01:07.000Z 2026-10-15T13:22:05.000Z This feature was first published on our Apple News channel.
Follow us on Apple News to see content like this first.
Modern parenting can feel like a never-ending audition. Gentle enough, but not permissive. Firm, but not authoritarian. Involved, but not hovering.
At any given moment, someone on Instagram, in the school WhatsApp group or in the comments section is ready to tell you that the way you are raising your child is either ruining them, or setting them up for a lifetime of therapy.
It is no surprise, then, that more than 90% of parents say they feel judged for their parenting, with almost half feeling scrutinised most or all of the time.
Parenting has always been emotionally charged, but today it is also hyper-analysed, branded and categorised, leaving many mums quietly wondering whether their best is good enough.
Behind the noise, however, there is a quieter and more useful conversation happening in psychology labs and living rooms alike. Research increasingly shows that parenting styles do influence children’s mental health, emotional resilience and even brain development. But it also shows something more hopeful, that parenting is not fixed, mistakes are repairable, and balance matters far more than labels.
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Why parenting style matters more than we think
Parenting does not just shape how children behave, it shapes how they feel. The way adults respond to distress, frustration and joy becomes the blueprint for how children learn to regulate their emotions and make sense of the world.
“Children learn how to manage their emotions by watching the adults around them. That’s why the way we parent, day in and day out, has a profound impact on their mental and emotional development,” says child and educational psychologist and founder of Psychologyflows, Dr Kayleigh Sumner.
She explains that early experiences and attachments act as the foundation for future wellbeing. Consistent warmth, clear boundaries and emotional attunement help children feel safe. Chronic unpredictability, harshness or emotional distance can activate stress responses that affect mental health long term.
Large-scale studies have found that children raised with supportive, consistent parenting are less likely to develop anxiety, depression and behavioural difficulties, while harsh or chaotic parenting increases those risks. Crucially, these effects are seen even when parents are acting from love and good intentions.
When being “too involved” tips into anxiety
For many parents, especially those raising children in an uncertain world, hyper-vigilance can feel like care. Matt, a dad of two, recognised this in himself early on.
“I realised my over-protectiveness could hurt my child,” he said, after noticing how often he hovered, anticipating every possible risk, from sharp corners to uncut grapes.
Research backs up his instinct. Overbearing or helicopter parenting has been linked to higher levels of anxiety, lower self-confidence and weaker coping skills in children. When adults rush in to remove every obstacle, children lose opportunities to practise problem-solving and emotional regulation.
Matt began stepping back in small, deliberate ways, letting his five-year-old try new tasks independently while staying nearby. Over time, he noticed a shift.
The tumbles still happened, but so did the learning. His children became more confident, more resilient and less fearful of making mistakes.
When gentle parenting slides into permissive parenting
Gentle parenting has gained traction among millennial parents keen to raise emotionally literate children and break cycles of fear-based discipline. But warmth without structure can leave children feeling unmoored.
Jaclyn, a mum of two who practised gentle parenting for a decade, later reflected that she had drifted into permissive territory. With few firm boundaries, one child became a people-pleaser, suppressing emotions to avoid conflict. The other struggled with anxiety and emotional dysregulation.
“My kids were longing for structure, a leader,” she said.
After shifting to a more authoritative approach, combining empathy with clear limits, she saw striking changes.
Her children became calmer, more confident and better able to manage big feelings. The lesson was not to abandon gentleness, but to anchor it in predictability.
In therapy rooms, these distinctions are not theoretical. They show up in how children talk about safety, autonomy and whether mistakes feel survivable.
Janee Young, children's mental health expert and Clinical Director of Wellness Detox of LA, says the four main parenting styles tend to appear as emotional patterns rather than labels.
“Authoritarian homes usually involve control and fear of mistakes,” she explains.
Over time, Young says, that tension often resurfaces as anxiety, people-pleasing, perfectionism or sudden, disproportionate bursts of anger.
Permissive parenting, by contrast, creates a different kind of stress. “When limits are unclear, children feel free for a while, but unsettled because they’re not sure who is steering this ship,” she says. “That uncertainty can lead to impulsive behaviour, frequent power struggles and difficulty tolerating frustration.”
The emotional cost of very strict parenting
At the opposite end of the spectrum lies authoritarian or tiger parenting, where obedience and achievement are prioritised above emotional expression.
Emma, a mum of two, believed strict discipline was necessary to raise respectful children, until she noticed her eldest becoming withdrawn and anxious.
“I saw my daughter becoming terrified of messing up,” she said, after a paediatrician observed that the child was “walking on eggshells” at home.
Research shows that harsh, punitive parenting is associated with higher risks of anxiety, low self-esteem and depression, and can affect brain areas involved in emotional regulation and fear. When Emma softened her approach, reduced criticism and involved her daughter in small decisions, the change was profound.
The parenting styles you keep hearing about
Authoritative
High warmth, high structure. Clear boundaries combined with empathy and responsiveness. Consistently linked to positive mental health outcomes.
Authoritarian
Low warmth, high control. Strict rules, little emotional dialogue. Associated with anxiety and low self-esteem.
Permissive
High warmth, low structure. Loving but few boundaries. Can lead to emotional insecurity and poor self-regulation.
Uninvolved
Low warmth, low structure. Minimal emotional or practical engagement. Linked to the poorest mental health outcomes.
Helicopter, tiger, gentle and free-range
These sit along the spectrum above, often blending elements of the main styles rather than existing as fixed categories.
So is there a “best” way to parent?
Psychologists consistently point to authoritative parenting as the most protective style for mental health. It underpins approaches such as gentle parenting done well, lighthouse parenting and attachment-informed parenting.
Dr Barek Sharif, a licensed marriage and family therapist and Chief Clinical Officer at 449 Recovery, says the difference between parenting styles often comes down to how a child’s stress system is shaped.
“Repeated emotional experience shapes how a child’s brain responds to stress,” he explains.
Children who appear outwardly fine, he says, are often internally tense, reactive and highly sensitive to criticism. In permissive environments, stress comes from unpredictability. “If the child can’t count on consistent limits, their system stays on alert because they have to guess constantly what will happen next.”
“When it comes to raising emotionally healthy and resilient children, many modern approaches focus on nurturing a secure attachment,” says Dr Sumner.
Sharif is particularly clear on how gentle parenting is often misunderstood. “If it means there are no boundaries, it’s not gentle anymore,” he says. “It becomes confusing.”
A healthier version of gentle parenting, he explains, looks more like calm leadership, consistent follow-through and empathy delivered without negotiation fatigue.
Children raised with warmth and boundaries show stronger emotional regulation, better social skills and greater resilience during stressful periods. Importantly, this does not require perfection.
What this means if you are worried you have got it wrong
For many parents, reading about brain development and mental health can trigger guilt. But parenting is not a fixed identity, and children are remarkably adaptable.
“It’s never too late to change your approach,” says Dr Sumner. “The brain remains flexible well into adolescence.”
Small, consistent changes matter more than dramatic overhauls. Listening more, repairing after conflict, setting clearer boundaries and taking care of your own wellbeing all feed into a child’s sense of safety.
For parents looking to shift patterns without overhauling everything, Young suggests starting with repair rather than perfection.
“Replace your automatic reaction with a short pause,” she says. “Breathe for ten seconds before responding. And if you get it wrong, repair it.”
Most parents are not one thing or another. We slide along the spectrum depending on stress, support and circumstance. Labels can help us reflect, but they can also distract from what matters most.
Children do not need flawless parents with the correct vocabulary. They need adults who are willing to notice when something is not working, to apologise, to adapt and to keep showing up. In a culture obsessed with doing parenting “right”, that might be the most radical approach of all.
About our experts
Dr Kayleigh Sumner is a Child and Educational Psychologist and the Founder of Psychologyflows. With over a decade of experience working in education with children, families across the UK and UAE. Janee Young is the Clinical Director of Wellness Detox of LA, specialising in child, adolescent and family mental health, with over a decade of clinical experience. Dr Barek Sharif is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Chief Clinical Officer at 449 Recovery, where his work focuses on attachment, emotional regulation and relational healing.
]]> Ruairidh Pritchard <![CDATA[Tommee Tippee launches clever new baby bottle kit to help take the guesswork out of feeding]]> https://www.madeformums.com/news/product-news/tommee-tippee-perfect-latch-trial-kit-new-baby-bottle/ 2026-10-15T15:27:55.000Z 2026-10-15T13:14:04.000Z Finding a bottle your baby will happily feed from isn't always straightforward. And when you're already navigating night feeds, breastfeeding or combination feeding, the last thing you need is a cupboard full of bottles and teats that your little one refuses.
Now, Tommee Tippee has launched a new baby bottle kit designed to make those early feeding days a little easier, giving parents the chance to try two different teat shapes without having to buy multiple products.
The new Natural Start Perfect Latch Trial Kit has been developed with healthcare professionals and, according to a trial commissioned by the brand, its teat range was accepted by 98% of babies, with 9 out of 10 parents recommending it.
What is the Tommee Tippee Perfect Latch Trial Kit?
The new kit is designed to help parents discover which teat shape their baby prefers, something that can take a fair bit of trial and error, particularly if you're introducing a bottle alongside breastfeeding.
Unlike a traditional baby bottle, which typically comes with one teat style, the Perfect Latch Trial Kit includes two different breast-like teat shapes, allowing parents to see which works best for their little one.
The two options are:
- Deep Latch teat: A triangular-shaped teat designed to reach the soft palate and encourage a deeper, breast-like latch, while helping to reduce air intake.
- Wide Latch teat: Features flexible ridges that stretch and move in a similar way to the breast, designed to support a natural feeding pace and help reduce nipple confusion.
Both teats come with an extra slow flow rate, making them suitable for those gentle first feeds.
What's included in the new Tommee Tippee feeding kit?
As well as the two teat options, the kit includes a smaller-than-usual bottle and accessories designed to support different feeding approaches.
Inside the pack, you'll find:
- A 60ml Natural Start baby bottle
- One Deep Latch teat with extra slow flow
- One Wide Latch teat with extra slow flow
- A milk cup for feeds of 10ml or more
- A storage lid for expressed breast milk
The 60ml bottle has been designed with newborn feeds in mind, allowing parents to measure smaller amounts of milk more accurately. It also features an anti-colic valve to help reduce air intake and can be self-sterilised.
There's a useful extra for expressing mums, too. The bottle can attach directly to compatible Tommee Tippee breast pumps, excluding the brand's Wearable Breast Pump, while the storage lid allows expressed milk to be kept for later.
Could it help with breastfeeding and combination feeding?
One of the more interesting features of the kit is its milk cup, which fits inside the bottle and can be used for cup feeding.
Cup feeding is sometimes recommended by healthcare professionals as an alternative way to offer expressed breast milk while breastfeeding is being established.
For parents who are combination feeding, or hoping to introduce a bottle without moving away from breastfeeding altogether, having different feeding options in one kit could be particularly handy.
Of course, every baby is different, and no teat can guarantee bottle acceptance or prevent feeding difficulties. But being able to experiment with two shapes could help parents work out what suits their baby without immediately investing in several bottles.
What do parents think of the Perfect Latch Trial Kit?
According to Tommee Tippee, the Deep Latch and Wide Latch teat range achieved a 98% acceptance rate among babies, while 9 out of 10 parents said they would recommend it.
These figures come from an independent survey of 89 parents in the UK and US with babies aged 0 to 12 months, who trialled the teat range in November 2025. They're encouraging early findings, although the relatively small sample means results won't necessarily reflect every baby's experience.
Martin Cooke, Chief Operating Officer at Tommee Tippee, explained that the kit was created to give families more flexibility when feeding.
Where can you buy the Tommee Tippee Perfect Latch Trial Kit?
The Tommee Tippee Natural Start Perfect Latch Trial Kit is available to buy online from several retailers, including Tommee Tippee, Boots and Amazon.
You can shop the new feeding kit here:
- Shop the Perfect Latch Trial Kit at Tommee Tippee (£6.99)
- Shop the Perfect Latch Trial Kit at Boots (£6.99), save 10% when you spend £30 on selected baby with code BABY10.
- Shop the Perfect Latch Trial Kit at Amazon (£6.99)
For parents preparing for a new arrival, or those currently working through the sometimes tricky process of introducing a bottle, it's another option worth knowing about, particularly if you're not yet sure which teat shape your baby will prefer.
Read more:
- The hidden cost of motherhood: Why mums are retiring with 33% less pension wealth than men
- The Traitors’ Minah Shannon opens up about motherhood as she launches MadeForMums’ new parenting podcast
- Must-have Christmas toys 2026: The toys experts predict will top Christmas lists
]]> Ruairidh Pritchard <![CDATA[The hidden cost of motherhood: Why mums are retiring with 33% less pension wealth than men]]> https://www.madeformums.com/news/motherhood-pension-gap-mums-retire-33-percent-less/ 2026-10-15T12:07:40.000Z 2026-10-15T12:07:40.000Z Having children changes your life in countless ways, but there's one cost of motherhood that many of us might not think about until decades later: our pensions. And new research suggests mums could be paying a much bigger price than they realise.
Women in the UK have, on average, 33% less pension wealth than men, according to figures highlighted by parenting charity Pregnant Then Screwed. Now, the charity has launched a new campaign, 'Thanks For Your Service', to shine a light on how childcare responsibilities, career breaks and even mistakes during maternity leave can leave mums financially worse off in retirement.
The campaign, which features well-known mums including Ashley James, Anna Whitehouse and Cat Simms, comes alongside new research revealing just how many women feel they have little choice but to sacrifice their future financial security to care for their children.
Why is motherhood costing women so much in retirement?
For many mums, the financial juggling act starts long before retirement is even on the radar. Between nursery fees, reduced working hours and the cost of everyday family life, paying into a pension can understandably slip down the priority list.
New YouGov research commissioned by Pregnant Then Screwed surveyed 400 lower and middle-income mothers, revealing the extent of the problem.
Among the findings:
- 42% of those asked why their pension contributions had reduced said they had little or no choice because of childcare responsibilities.
- 36% had reduced their working hours because of childcare.
- 28% had taken time out of work after having children.
- 22% had changed jobs to fit around childcare.
- 18% had prioritised childcare costs over pension savings.
And the emotional impact is significant, too. When asked how they felt about their pension savings, 40% said they were worried, 29% anxious and 26% resigned.
Just 5% said they felt confident about their pension savings.
Rachel Grocott, CEO of Pregnant Then Screwed, says the problem goes far beyond individual saving decisions.
The maternity leave pension mistake mums need to know about
One of the most concerning issues highlighted by the campaign is something many mums might not even realise is happening: their workplace pension contributions could be calculated incorrectly while they're on maternity leave.
Under UK rules, when you're receiving paid maternity leave and remain eligible for workplace pension contributions, your employer's contributions will generally need to be based on your normal pay before maternity leave, rather than your reduced maternity pay.
Your own contributions, however, are generally calculated using the maternity pay you're actually receiving, subject to your pension scheme's rules.
That distinction matters, because if an employer calculates its contributions using the wrong figure, you could end up missing out on money that should have gone into your pension.
And because pensions are long-term savings, those missed contributions could have an impact years down the line.
Rachel says the charity has heard from mums who have experienced exactly this problem.
Why are Ashley James and Anna Whitehouse wearing '33% OFF' signs?
To make the gender pension gap impossible to ignore, Pregnant Then Screwed has recruited a group of familiar faces to front its new campaign.
Ashley James, Anna Whitehouse, Cat Simms, Agnes Agyepong, Victoria Emes, Katie Guild and Alison Perry are among the mums supporting the initiative.
The campaign features women wearing giant neon '33% OFF' discount signs, representing the pension wealth gap between women and men.
The striking images will appear on billboards, in print, across social media and on the streets, turning a statistic that's easy to overlook into something much harder to ignore.
What can mums do to protect their pensions?
While the campaign is calling for wider changes, it also wants to encourage mums to understand their pension entitlements and check they're receiving the correct contributions.
If you're pregnant, currently on maternity leave or have recently returned to work, there are a few useful steps you can take:
- Check your pension statements: Look at the contributions made by both you and your employer, particularly during maternity leave.
- Ask HR or payroll: Confirm how your employer calculated its pension contributions while you were receiving maternity pay.
- Review your pension after changing hours: If you've moved to part-time work, check how your new salary affects your pension savings.
- Get free guidance: MoneyHelper offers information about workplace pensions, maternity leave and retirement planning.
- Question any discrepancies: If something doesn't look right, ask your employer or pension provider to explain the figures.
Pregnant Then Screwed is also calling for improvements to parental leave, better pension awareness and greater recognition of the financial impact of caring responsibilities.
Because while motherhood can involve plenty of sacrifices, the charity's message is clear: mums shouldn't have to sacrifice their financial future simply because they've had children.
Read more:
- The Traitors’ Minah Shannon opens up about motherhood as she launches MadeForMums’ new parenting podcast
- Must-have Christmas toys 2026: The toys experts predict will top Christmas lists
- National Magazine Day: 5 reasons children should read magazines, according to experts
]]> Ruairidh Pritchard <![CDATA[The Traitors' Minah Shannon opens up about motherhood as she launches MadeForMums' new parenting podcast]]> https://www.madeformums.com/news/the-traitors-minah-shannon-late-night-parent-club/ 2026-10-14T14:18:33.000Z 2026-10-14T14:18:33.000Z If you've ever found yourself awake at 2am with a baby who won't settle, wondering whether every other parent has somehow got it figured out, Minah Shannon has something for you.
The broadcaster, mum-of-one and former The Traitors contestant is fronting The Late-Night Parents Club, a brand-new podcast from MadeForMums, created especially for those quiet, exhausting and sometimes lonely hours of early parenthood.
And Minah isn't afraid to get personal. In the first episode, she talks about her own experiences of motherhood, including the challenges of sharing parenting responsibilities, the loneliness of newborn nights and why she's nervous about the possibility of having a second baby.
Meet The Late-Night Parents Club, the new podcast for parents awake at 2am
Launching on Tuesday 20 October, The Late-Night Parents Club is a new 16-episode series designed to make those long nights with a baby feel a little less lonely.
Hosted by Minah Shannon, who has also appeared on The One Show, Morning Live and BBC Radio 1, the podcast brings together parenting experts, familiar faces and real-life experiences to tackle the questions that can feel especially overwhelming in the middle of the night.
From breastfeeding worries and newborn sleep to maternal mental health, relationships and the pressure to be the perfect parent, no topic is off-limits.
And unlike your usual podcast, this one has been made specifically with night feeds and unsettled babies in mind.
Filmed in low light with soft, soothing audio, each episode is designed to be watched or listened to without disturbing a sleeping baby. Think of it as a reassuring voice in the room when the rest of the house is asleep.
Minah Shannon: 'Nobody gives you a handbook for parenting'
For Minah, the podcast is about creating a space where parents can ask the questions they might be too embarrassed to say out loud.
As a mum herself, she knows that even the most joyful moments of parenthood can come with uncertainty, exhaustion and a whole lot of second-guessing.
Speaking about the new series, Minah adds: "The Late-Night Parents Club is all about asking the questions we're sometimes too embarrassed to say out loud, hearing from brilliant experts and being honest about how messy, funny and overwhelming family life can be."
It's an approach that runs throughout the podcast, with Minah sharing her own parenting experiences alongside expert advice and questions from other mums and dads.
From newborn sleep to mum guilt, here's what the podcast will cover
Across the 16-episode season, Minah will be joined by a line-up of specialists to unpack some of the biggest challenges facing new parents.
Topics include:
- Breastfeeding and combination feeding, including common worries and questions
- Newborn sleep, night waking and sleep training
- Birth recovery and adjusting to life after having a baby
- Maternal mental health and navigating difficult emotions
- Relationships and identity in early motherhood
- The pressure to get parenting 'right' and learning to trust yourself
Among the experts joining Minah are NHS GP and broadcaster Dr Punam Krishan, bestselling author and midwife Marie-Louise, known as The Modern Midwife, and relationship expert Charlene Douglas.
Each episode also includes a special voice note from a familiar face, sharing their own experiences and advice on a parenting question.
Contributors include broadcaster and author Gemma Cairney, influencer and mum Susie Verrill, and parenting content creators Chloe and GB Gill.
What happens in the first episode?
The series begins with a conversation that will resonate with anyone who's experienced the newborn night shift.
Minah is joined by Marie-Louise, The Modern Midwife, to explore why worries can feel so much bigger at 3am, how sleep deprivation affects new parents and what partners can do to help during night feeds.
During their conversation, Minah admits that looking back, she wishes she'd approached some of those early parenting responsibilities differently, particularly when it came to helping her husband bond with their daughter.
She also speaks candidly about the possibility of second baby, admitting that while her daughter was relatively straightforward as a newborn, she's nervous about whether another child might be completely different.
The episode features questions from real parents, including a mum struggling with exhaustion after her partner returned to work and a dad wondering how he can support his breastfeeding partner overnight.
There's also a voice note from broadcaster Gemma Cairney, who shares advice she'd give herself during those early days of parenting.
A shorter follow-up episode tackles another familiar experience: the 3am worry spiral, when exhaustion and self-doubt can make even small concerns feel enormous.
A little company when you need it most
Ultimately, The Late-Night Parents Club isn't about telling parents there's one right way to raise a baby.
It's about offering practical advice, honest conversations and the reassurance that, even when it feels like you're the only person awake, you're not alone.
As Minah explains:
Whether you're feeding a newborn, pacing the landing with a baby who won't sleep or simply lying awake with a million questions running through your head, consider this your invitation to join the club.
The Late-Night Parents Club launches on Tuesday 20 October, with new episodes every Tuesday and Thursday until 10 December.
]]> Hollie Bond <![CDATA[Must-have Christmas toys 2026: The toys experts predict will top Christmas lists]]> https://www.madeformums.com/reviews/must-have-toys-for-christmas-from-the-biggest-sellers/ 2026-10-15T10:13:33.000Z 2026-10-14T13:00:12.000Z Christmas may still feel a little way off, but the biggest toy retailers are already revealing the presents they expect to dominate children's wish lists in 2026. And with Hamleys saying its research suggests the week commencing 12 October is when Christmas shopping "officially" starts, plenty of parents are already thinking about what to put under the tree.
Hamleys, Argos, Smyths Toys and The Entertainer have now revealed their expert Christmas toy predictions, alongside new launches from Mattel and True Toys. We're already seeing some clear themes emerge, from Pokémon and Toy Story 5 to interactive pets, sensory toys and nostalgic gifts designed to tempt grown-ups too.
We'll continue updating this guide as more retailers reveal their Christmas picks and our MadeForMums child testers get their hands on this year's biggest launches.
Jump to:
- Must-have Christmas toys at a glance
- How do experts pick the top Christmas toys?
- How we test Christmas toys
- The must-have Christmas toys for 2026
- The biggest Christmas toy trends for 2026
Must-have Christmas toys 2026 at a glance
Big-ticket Christmas toys
- Barbie DreamHouse | £274.99, £199
- Meccano Pro Limited Edition Aston Martin Aramco Formula 1 Construction Set | £180
- LEGO Donkey Kong Arcade Building Set | £150
- Hot Wheels City Ultimate T-Rex Garage | £129.99
- Early Learning Centre Wooden Little Chefs Kitchen | £60
- Toniebox 2 Bluey Starter Set | £109.99
Sensory, interactive and electronic toys
- Big Squij range | £9.99
- Primal Hatch Megalodon | £55
- furReal Gabby The Grow And Roar Tiger | £90
- Pokémon Battle Action Pikachu | £50
- Real FX Pikachu Puppetronic | £59.99
- Little Live Pets My Magical Dragon Skye | £55
- Clickeez Bubble Pops Keyboard Mega Mystery Figure Pack | £30
- Hamleys Movers and Shakers interactive soft toys | £22 each
- Toniebox Lite | £59.99
- Fisher-Price Fun Animal Farm | £49.99, £26.39
- Fisher-Price Cuddle & Crawl Duck | £37.99, £26.60
- Chad Valley Wooden Train Set | £15
Character toys and playsets
- Toy Story 5 Ultimate Action Woody and Buzz Lightyear | £59.99 each
- Toy Story 5 Bullseye Jumbo Plush | £50
- KPop Demon Hunters HUNTR/X Golden Singing Dolls | £34.99 each
- Peppa Pig Ready, Pedal, Go | £30
- Bluey Muffin's Home Playset | £40
- Barbie in The Nutcracker dolls | £30
- LEGO KPop Demon Hunters Derpy Tiger and Sussie Bird | £47.99
Construction, creative and screen-free toys
- LEGO Pokémon SMART Play Sprigatito, Fuecoco & Quaxly Battle | £30
- LEGO Botanicals Rocking Plants | £14
- LEGO Marvel Doctor Doom Bust | £45
- Mini Brands Really Works Vinyl Playset | £20
- Play-Doh Retro Mix and Play | £19.99, £14.99
- Giftie Badge Maker | £34.99
- LEGO Botanicals Rocking Plants Construction Set | £18, £13.49
Family games and stocking fillers
- Liar's UNO | £11.99, £5.99
- Pictionary Air: Takeover | £23.99, £18.99
How do experts pick their top Christmas toys?
Christmas toy lists aren't simply collections of the newest launches. Retail buying teams spend months monitoring sales, new releases, entertainment trends and the toys generating excitement among children and families.
Selections are normally based on the biggest, best and trendiest moments of the year – and there have been plenty of those. Popular TV shows and social media moments can play a part, as well as the latest advancements in toy technology.
Last year was all about 90s nostalgia, think Sylvanian Families and Hot Wheels, while simple screen free toys, such a pretend air fryers and pizza ovens also proved popular.
This screen-free nostalgia continues for 2026. Mini Brands' tiny working vinyl player has been selected by both Argos and The Entertainer, while construction toys, Hot Wheels and familiar names including Barbie, Peppa Pig and Thomas & Friends continue to feature.
There's also a big focus on some of the characters we've seen in recent releases such as Toy Story 5, The Super Mario Movie and the fact that it's Pokémon's 30th anniversary.
KPop Demon Hunters is also making the jump from screen to toy box, with singing dolls, plush toys and LEGO among this year's retailer picks.
Sensory and tactile toys are also set to be big for Christmas 2026, while the influence of parents who grew up in the 90s means family board games are also seeing a big renaissance.
Smyths' European Marketing Director Sinead Byrne said its 2026 selection focuses particularly on imagination and creativity.
At Argos, Head of Toy Buying Chantal Pearce said the retailer is continually monitoring market trends to identify toys that spark children's imaginations.
Hamleys' latest list gives us another clue about what could be big this Christmas. Its Head of Buying and Merchandising, Victoria Kay, says demand for sensory squishy toys is particularly strong.
The Entertainer, meanwhile, has highlighted just how varied Christmas lists are expected to be in 2026. Geoff Sheffield, Buying Director at The Entertainer, said: "What really stands out about this year’s selection is the variety. From the biggest and best-loved brands to new and exclusive lines."
How do we test the top Christmas toys?
Retailer predictions are a useful starting point, but at MadeForMums we also want to know what children actually think. Our toy reviews combine the expertise of our editorial team with real-world feedback from children and their parents.
For these Christmas toys in particular, we send them out to parent and child testers who deliver detailed feedback as well as direct quotes and imagery from the child themselves. Our family testers consider size, price, assembly, portability, age suitability, durability, how easy it is to store and, of course, how much fun it is!
As more of the biggest 2026 Christmas launches reach our testers, we'll update this guide with their verdicts, including which toys keep children entertained beyond Christmas morning and which offer the best value for families.
The must-have Christmas toys for 2026
1. Big Squij range, £9.99
Recommended by: Hamleys
One of the more affordable toys on this year's expert lists, Hamleys' Big Squij range taps into the growing appetite for sensory toys.
The ultra-soft, slow-rise squishies come in playful designs including a duck, corgi, croissant, watermelon and hearts.
Hamleys says further designs will arrive throughout October, November and December, so this could be one to watch for stocking fillers.
2. Mini Brands Really Works Vinyl Playset, £20
Recommended by: Argos and The Entertainer
Age suitability: 3+
Mini Brands takes its miniature obsession into retro territory with a tiny record player that actually works. Place one of the miniature records onto the player and lower the needle to hear music.
Argos says there are 44 mini records to collect, with additional Mini Vinyl Capsules sold separately.
3. Pokémon Battle Action Pikachu, £50
Recommended by: The Entertainer
Age suitability: 4+
Pokémon celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026, and Pikachu is unsurprisingly appearing on Christmas lists.
This interactive version features touch sensors, a light-up tail and character sounds and movements, including a headbutt and laugh.
4. Primal Hatch Megalodon, £55
Recommended by: Hamleys, Argos and The Entertainer
Age suitability: 5+
Three major retailers have now backed Primal Hatch Megalodon, making it one of the strongest early contenders for Christmas 2026.
The interactive egg uses water, lights, sounds and sensory effects to create a dramatic hatching experience before revealing the shark inside. It's particularly likely to appeal to dinosaur and creature-loving children who enjoy toys with an element of surprise.
Buy Primal Hatch Megalodon for £55 at The Entertainer
5. Real FX Pikachu Puppetronic, price £59.99
Recommended by: Smyths Toys
Pokémon fans have another seriously interactive Pikachu to put on their lists. Smyths has selected the Real FX Pikachu Puppetronic as one of its top Christmas toys during the franchise's 30th anniversary year.
Smyths' Sinead Byrne said: “Pokémon is also celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, and with the franchise continuing to reach new heights of popularity, we’re excited to mark the occasion with the incredible Real FX Pikachu Puppetronic.”
6. Peppa Pig Ready, Pedal, Go, £30
Recommended by: Hamleys, Argos and The Entertainer
Age suitability: 3+
Another toy appearing repeatedly on retailer lists is this interactive Peppa Pig, designed for children aged three and over.
Peppa pedals her bike and features more than 70 sounds and phrases activated through smart sensors. At £30, it's also one of the more moderately priced character toys among this year's headline picks.
Buy Peppa Pig Ready, Pedal, Go for £30, £26.99 at Amazon
7. Toy Story 5 Ultimate Action Woody and Buzz Lightyear, £59.99 each
Recommended by: Smyths Toys and Mattel
Age suitability: 3+
With Toy Story 5 providing fresh inspiration for Christmas lists, Mattel's 16-inch Woody and Buzz figures recreate phrases and movements from the film.
The particularly clever feature is Alive Mode. When the figures recognise one another, Woody and Buzz can interact and hold conversations, adding another dimension to role play.
- Buy Toy Story 5 Ultimate Action Buzz Lightyear for £59.99 at Smyths
- Buy Toy Story 5 Ultimate Action Woody for £49.99 at Smyths
8. Giftie Badge Maker, £34.99
Recommended by: MadeForMums Editors
Age suitability: 6+
A craft-lovers dream! This super cute and easy to use badge maker comes is a smart little carry case and allows kids to make up to 50 of their very own badges, using the templates, magazines, their own designs or the app, that they can then gift to their friends or accessorise with.
Buy Giftie Badge Maker for £34.99 at Smyths
9. KPop Demon Hunters HUNTR/X Golden Singing Dolls, £34.99 each
Recommended by: Argos and Mattel
Age suitability: 4+
Rumi, Mira and Zoey from KPop Demon Hunters get the singing-doll treatment, with each doll performing "Golden".
KPop Demon Hunters is cropping up across several retailers' festive selections. Smyths has also picked its Leaping Derpy plush, while True Toys has selected the LEGO KPop Demon Hunters Derpy Tiger and Sussie Bird set.
Buy KPop Demon Hunters HUNTR/X Golden Singing Dolls (Rumi) for £34.99, £30 at Amazon
10. furReal Gabby The Grow And Roar Tiger, £89.99
Recommended by: The Entertainer and True Toys
Age suitability: 4+
Interactive pets are another big theme for 2026. Gabby responds as children feed, pet and play with her, with more than 100 sounds and movements.
The Entertainer says the toy has already been selling out frequently, suggesting it could be one parents may want to watch as Christmas approaches.
11. Hot Wheels City Ultimate T-Rex Garage, £130
Recommended by: Argos and Mattel
Age suitability: 4+
Part dinosaur, part enormous Hot Wheels storage and playset, the Ultimate T-Rex Garage features a multi-level track and room for more than 50 vehicles.
Two cars are included, making it ready for racing straight from the box.
Buy Hot Wheels City Ultimate T-Rex Garage for £130, £90 at Argos
12. LEGO Pokémon SMART Play Sprigatito, Fuecoco & Quaxly Battle, £30
Recommended by: Argos
LEGO and Pokémon are two huge names in children's toys, so their latest collaboration is likely to attract plenty of attention.
Argos has included the £30 Sprigatito, Fuecoco & Quaxly Battle set among its top 20 toys for Christmas. This set is part of the new interactive SMART Play™ LEGO range meaning the characters emit fun light and sound effects through LEGO SMART Bricks and LEGO SMART Tags, which can interact with each other as your child manoeuvres them.
Buy LEGO Pokémon SMART Play Sprigatito, Fuecoco & Quaxly Battle from £30 at Argos
13. Barbie in The Nutcracker dolls, £29.99 each
Recommended by: Hamleys and Mattel
Barbie's festive Nutcracker collection is another pick with support from both a manufacturer and a major retailer.
Hamleys has selected Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy, with sparkling ballet outfits and adjustable ballet shoes that allow the dolls to rise onto pointe. Hamleys recommends them for ages four and up.
14. Bluey Muffin's Home Playset, £40
Recommended by: The Entertainer
Age suitability: 3+
Bluey's cousin Muffin gets her own two-storey home, complete with living room, bedroom, kitchen and balcony.
It's exclusive to The Entertainer and offers plenty of scope for children to recreate familiar Bluey-style family adventures and invent their own.
15. Little Live Pets My Magical Dragon Skye, £55
Recommended by: Argos
For children who like the idea of a pet with a little more magic, Skye the interactive dragon responds to being petted, fed and played with through movement and reactions.
16. Clickeez Bubble Pops Keyboard Mega Mystery Figure Pack, £30
Recommended by: The Entertainer
Age suitability: 6+
One of this year's viral sensations turns the oddly satisfying click of a keyboard into a collectible sensory toy.
The Entertainer says Clickeez generated more than 60 million views across TikTok and Instagram last year, and says the keyboards have already been selling out ahead of Christmas.
Buy Clickeez Bubble Pops Keyboard Mega Mystery Figure Pack for £30 at The Entertainer
17. LEGO Marvel Doctor Doom Bust, £44.99
Recommended by: Hamleys
Not every Christmas toy is destined for the playroom. Hamleys' Festive 15 also includes this Doctor Doom display model for Marvel fans aged 18 and over.
The LEGO bust comes with a bonus minifigure and is one of several products showing how Christmas toy lists are increasingly catering for grown-up collectors too.
18. LEGO Botanicals Rocking Plants Construction Set, £18
Recommended by: The Entertainer
Age suitability: 9+
At £18, this is one of the more affordable LEGO picks on the retailer Christmas lists so far.
Builders can create two pastel-coloured plants, Lumi the delosperma and Ellie the echeveria, before displaying the finished models in their room.
19. Toniebox Lite Story Set, £59.99
Recommended by: Argos
Age suitability: 1+
Tonies has become a familiar name on Christmas lists, and Argos has selected the £60 Tonies Lite as one of its top toys for 2026.
The Toniebox Lite, launched in September 2026, and is a smaller, simpler version of the Toniebox, designed to give children the core Tonies listening experience without a screen.
20. LEGO Donkey Kong Arcade Building Set, £150
Recommended by: Argos
Age suitability: 18+
Retro gaming meets LEGO in this £150 Donkey Kong build, one of Argos's biggest Christmas picks of 2026. This product will really appeal to adults who grew up playing Donkey Kong as well as teenagers who enjoy arcade games and more complicated LEGO sets.
Once built you can even play the game using the levers to make Jumpman avoid the 22 barrels that Donkey Kong fires at him!
21. Meccano Pro Limited Edition Aston Martin Aramco Formula 1 Construction Set, £180
Recommended by: The Entertainer
Age suitability: 18+
Another one for older builders as well as F1 fans, this limited-edition Meccano set creates a 1:8 scale Aston Martin Formula One car using 1,203 real metal parts.
It comes with two real tools and The Entertainer estimates up to 15 hours of building time, making this as much a Christmas project as a present. It's exclusive to The Entertainer.
22. Barbie DreamHouse, £274.99
Recommended by: Mattel
Age suitability: 3+
This year's Barbie DreamHouse is a seriously big-ticket Christmas present. The 360-degree design incorporates two houses, three floors, two slides, two pools and a working lift.
There are more than 65 accessories, including furniture, a dining set and a puppy, while interchangeable swings and window frames let children customise the house.
23. Fisher-Price Little People Caring Fun Animal Farm, £49.99
Recommended by: Mattel
Age suitability: 1+
For younger children, this Little People farm combines animal play with early learning. The two-storey barn includes a drop-through silo and animal stalls, with Smart Stages content introducing concepts including colours, counting and opposites.
24. Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Cuddle & Crawl Duck, £37.99
Recommended by: Mattel
Age suitability: From birth
Another top pick from Fisher-Price and this one's perfect for baby's first Christmas. This soft Fisher-Price pick has four ways to play designed to change as babies develop, starting with tummy time before moving on to crawling play.
25. Early Learning Centre Wooden Kitchen, £60
Recommended by: The Entertainer
Age suitability: 3+
Amid all the interactive technology and blockbuster characters, there's still room for classic pretend play.
This wooden kitchen has clicking cooking dials, raised hobs, a sink with turning taps and a microwave with an opening door. It's exclusive to The Entertainer and selected Tesco stores.
26. Pictionary Air: Takeover, £23.99
Recommended by: Mattel
Age suitability: 8+
A potential Christmas Day crowd-pleaser, Pictionary Air: Takeover has players drawing in the air while their teammates try to guess what they're creating.
Both teams play at the same time, adding an extra dose of chaos to the classic drawing game.
27. Play-Doh Retro Mix and Play, £19.99
Recommended by: True Toys
Age suitability: 4+
Another nod to nostalgia, Play-Doh Retro Mix and Play has made True Toys' festive edit for 2026, offering some hands-on, screen-free play among this year's more high-tech launches.
Buy Play-Doh Retro Mix and Play for £19.99, £14.99 at True Toys
28. Liar's UNO, £11.99
Recommended by: Mattel
Age suitability: 7+
UNO has had another mischievous makeover. In Liar's UNO, cards can be played face down, leaving players to decide whether to tell the truth about what they've put down or try their luck with a bluff.
At £11.99, it's also one of the cheapest picks on the Christmas lists we've seen so far.
For any adults who loved Spice Girls as a kid there's also new limited edition Spice Girls UNO launching at the end of October that would make a brilliant nostalgic stocking filler!
29. Chad Valley Alfie And Jo Wooden Train Set, £15
Recommended by: Argos
Age suitability: 2+
At £15, this wooden train set is one of Argos's most affordable top Christmas toys for 2026 and a traditional alternative to the year's electronic and character-led presents.
30. LEGO KPop Demon Hunters Derpy Tiger and Sussie Bird, £60
Recommended by: True Toys
Age suitability: 9+
KPop Demon Hunters gets the LEGO treatment with a set featuring Derpy Tiger and Sussie Bird, giving fans a building option alongside this year's dolls and plush toys.
Buy LEGO KPop Demon Hunters Derpy Tiger and Sussie Bird for £60, £47.99 at True Toys
31. Toy Story 5 Bullseye Jumbo Plush, £50
Recommended by: Argos
Age suitability: 2+
Toy Story 5 looks set to be everywhere this Christmas, and children who prefer cuddles to interactive gadgets can find Woody's trusty horse Bullseye in jumbo life-size plush form.
32. Toniebox 2 Bluey Story Set, £109.99
Recommended by: True Toys
Bluey plus Tonies is a pretty strong combination for preschool Christmas lists. True Toys has selected the Bluey Toniebox 2 Starter Set for its first-ever festive True List. It's available in baby blue or pink.
Shop the Toniebox 2 Bluey Starter Set for £109.99 at True Toys
What are the biggest Christmas toy trends for 2026?
With most of the main toy retailers – Hamleys, Argos, Smyths, The Entertainer and True Toys – having revealed their festive predictions, some clear patterns are emerging.
Sensory toys are having a moment. Hamleys has put its £10 Big Squij range front and centre, while Clickeez offers another tactile option. Hamleys' Victoria Kay said demand for squishies is already "huge", with more designs arriving before Christmas.
Interactive pets are everywhere. From Gabby the tiger and Skye the dragon to Hamleys' Movers and Shakers dogs and cats and the decidedly less cuddly Primal Hatch Megalodon, pretend pets that move and respond to children are appearing across this year's ranges.
Big characters still matter. Pokémon, Peppa Pig, Barbie, Toy Story 5, KPop Demon Hunters, Bluey and Marvel all feature prominently, with toys increasingly designed to let children create their own stories around familiar characters.
Kay said: “Building stories and fun scenarios is such a great take out from some of the character and figure toys – they are empowering children to run with their own imaginations and create rich and dynamic worlds."
Nostalgic toys aren't going anywhere. Mini record players, Meccano, Hot Wheels, Barbie and classic wooden role-play toys suggest plenty of parents may find themselves buying updated versions of the sorts of presents they remember wanting themselves.
There's a wider spread of prices. This year's expert picks range from £10 squishies and sub-£20 LEGO sets to £200 construction projects and Mattel's £274.99 Barbie DreamHouse, giving families options across very different Christmas budgets.
We'll keep updating our must-have Christmas toys guide as new retailer predictions are announced and our MadeForMums testers put 2026's biggest toys through their paces.
We've more top toys, all tested and rated by parents and children, including best toys for 2 year olds, best toys for 3 year olds, best toys for 4 year olds and best toys for 5 year olds.
Read more:
- Smyths Toys reveals its top toys for Christmas 2026, from Pokémon to Toy Story
- Argos reveals the 20 toys set to be top of kids’ Christmas lists in 2026
- The 10 toys The Entertainer predicts will be on Christmas wish lists in 2026
]]> Hollie Bond <![CDATA[Hamleys reveals its top 15 toys for Christmas 2026, including £10 squishies, Barbie dolls and Peppa Pig]]> https://www.madeformums.com/news/product-news/hamleys-reveals-its-top-15-toys-for-christmas-2026/ 2026-10-14T11:01:08.000Z 2026-10-14T11:00:33.000Z Hamleys has revealed its top 15 toys for Christmas 2026, with everything from £10 sensory squishies and interactive soft toys to Barbie dolls, Peppa Pig and LEGO Marvel collectibles making the list.
The retailer's annual Festive 15 selection spans toys for little ones aged 18 months and up, as well as older children and adult collectors. This year's picks highlight the appeal of hands-on sensory play, toys that bring favourite characters to life and gifts that encourage children to create their own stories.
With Christmas shopping already on some families' minds – a recent survey by the famous toy shop revealed that the week commencing 12 October is when Christmas shopping "officially" starts – Hamleys says its buying team has spotted growing interest in squishy toys, alongside interactive playthings and character collectibles.
Squishy toys are a big Christmas trend for 2026
Leading Hamleys' festive predictions is the Big Squij range, a collection of ultra-soft, slow-rise squishy toys designed for squeezing and sensory play.
Priced at £10, the range features playful designs inspired by animals and food, including a duck, corgi, croissant, watermelon and hearts. New additions are also due to be revealed throughout October, November and December.
Hamleys says the toys are proving popular with children and adults alike, as the squishy trend continues to gain attention on TikTok and Instagram.
Victoria Kay, Head of Buying and Merchandising at Hamleys, said: “The Squishy craze is only really just getting going – the demand is huge and we have new editions to unveil in the run up to Christmas. There is a wonderful simplicity to their power whether you are a young child or an adult – literally once you squeeze one, it’s really difficult to put it down,”
Interactive toys and pretend pets make the list
For children who love animals, Hamleys is also tipping its Movers and Shakers range of interactive soft toys.
The collection includes a West Highland Terrier, Golden Retriever, Husky and black and white cat. The toys can walk, sit, hop and skip, with playful features designed to bring them closer to the experience of having a real pet.
Other picks for younger children include the Ready, Pedal, Go Peppa Pig interactive toy. Designed for ages three and up, it features a toy Peppa who can pedal her bike, with more than 70 sounds and phrases triggered by smart sensors.
The Numberblocks Sing and Record Music Player also makes the list. Aimed at children aged three and up, it features 15 sounds and songs, a microphone that records up to 90 seconds of singing and character buttons designed to introduce counting, colours and shapes.
Barbie, Marvel and Hatsune Miku for character-loving kids
Character toys remain a key part of Hamleys' Christmas predictions, with familiar favourites sitting alongside collectibles aimed at older children and adult fans.
The Barbie collection includes two dolls inspired by Barbie in the Nutcracker, Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy. Both are dressed in sparkling ballet outfits and feature adjustable ballet shoes that allow them to rise onto pointe. Each doll costs £30 and is recommended for ages four and up.
Marvel fans have two Doctor Doom options to look out for: a £30 action figure for ages four and up, and a £45 LEGO Marvel Doctor Doom Bust aimed at adults aged 18 and over.
Another standout is the Hatsune Miku T-Most PVC Figure, priced at £28 and recommended for ages seven and up. The collectible celebrates the Japanese virtual pop star, whose synthesised voice and fan-created music have helped her build a global following.
Kay says character toys can also give children the opportunity to develop their own imaginative worlds.
“Building stories and fun scenarios is such a great take out from some of the character and figure toys – they are empowering children to run with their own imaginations and create rich and dynamic worlds. “
More toys in Hamleys' Festive 15
The wider selection covers a range of interests, from creative play and family games to action-packed toys and construction sets.
Other products highlighted by Hamleys include:
- Thunder Unicorn, £75: A remote-controlled unicorn that can strut, glow and gallop, recommended for ages three and up.
- Play-Doh Stamp and Spin Pizza Playset, £20: A creative set with modelling dough, pretend toppings and tools for making play pizzas, recommended for ages four and up.
- Articulate: Under Pressure, £25: A fast-paced take on the family party game, recommended for ages eight and up.
- Primal Hatch Megalodon, £55: An interactive egg that reveals a 40.6cm shark with lights and sound effects, recommended for ages three and up.
- ScorpiX RC Transforming Car, £50: A remote-controlled vehicle that transforms into a scorpion, recommended for ages seven and up.
- Hamleys Wooden London Taxi, £25: A classic wooden toy for little ones aged 12 months and up.
- Magic 3D Track Set, £60: A 171-piece electronic track set with a rechargeable train and different layout possibilities.
- LEGO Marvel Doctor Doom Bust, £45: A display model for adult Marvel fans, complete with a bonus minifigure.
When does Hamleys' Santa's Grotto open for Christmas 2026?
Alongside its toy predictions, Hamleys has announced the return of its Santa's Grotto experience at its famous Regent Street store in London.
Running from 14 November to 24 December 2026, the experience is designed for children aged two to eight. Little visitors can meet Hamleys Elves, explore their magical workshop and meet Santa, with a special gift bag for every child.
Bookings accommodate up to six people, with visits running from 10.15am to 8pm. Prices start at £75 for three people on selected December weekdays and weekends.
Tickets are on sale now, and families can find booking information through the Hamleys website.
Read more:
- Smyths Toys reveals its top toys for Christmas 2026, from Pokémon to Toy Story
- Argos reveals the 20 toys set to be top of kids’ Christmas lists in 2026
- The 10 toys The Entertainer predicts will be on Christmas wish lists in 2026
]]> MadeforMums Awards Team <![CDATA[The MadeForMums Pushchair Awards are back for 2027: register your interest now]]> https://www.madeformums.com/awards/the-madeformums-pushchair-awards-are-back-for-2027-register-your-interest-now/ 2026-10-14T14:48:07.000Z 2026-10-14T10:00:57.000Z We're excited to announce the launch of the MadeForMums Pushchair Awards 2027, a dedicated awards programme celebrating the very best pushchairs, strollers and travel systems for today's families.
After several years away from our awards line-up, pushchairs are making a return, with a new programme designed to recognise the innovation, quality and thoughtful design that make a real difference to parents' everyday lives.
Whether you're an established nursery brand or an exciting newcomer to the market, we'd love you to be part of it.
Introducing the MadeForMums Pushchair Awards 2027
At MadeForMums, we know just how important choosing the right pushchair can be for expectant and new parents. From navigating busy city streets to tackling country walks, families rely on pushchairs that deliver on comfort, practicality, safety and value.
The MadeForMums Pushchair Awards 2027 will put these essential products centre stage, helping parents discover standout options while giving brands an opportunity to showcase their latest designs and innovations.
Tested by real families, for real family life
What makes the MadeForMums Awards special? Our commitment to real-world testing.
The MadeForMums Pushchair Awards 2027 will put products through their paces with the people who matter most: real parents, babies and children.
Our family testers will assess how pushchairs perform in everyday life, from the school run and supermarket trips to navigating public transport, tackling different terrains and fitting into busy family routines.
We'll be looking beyond first impressions to understand what really matters to parents, including ease of use, comfort, practicality, design and value for money.
Alongside expert insight from the MadeForMums team, this hands-on family feedback will help identify the products that genuinely stand out.
For brands, it's an opportunity to have their products independently evaluated by the families they're designed for, and to earn recognition from a trusted parenting brand.
Key dates for your diary
- Entries open: May 2027
- Entry deadline: June 2027
- Testing and judging: June/July 2027
- Winners announced: August 2027
Full details of the awards, including specific dates, categories, entry criteria and how to submit your products, will be shared ahead of entries opening.
Be the first to hear when entries open
Interested in entering the MadeForMums Pushchair Awards 2027?
Register your interest below to receive updates about the awards, including key dates, categories, entry information and everything you need to know to get involved.
We look forward to discovering and celebrating the pushchairs making life easier for families in 2027.
]]> Ruairidh Pritchard <![CDATA[National Magazine Day: 5 reasons children should read magazines, according to experts]]> https://www.madeformums.com/school-and-family/family-life/national-magazine-day-benefits-of-magazines-for-children/ 2026-10-14T09:20:29.000Z 2026-10-14T09:20:29.000Z If your child would rather do just about anything than pick up a book, the answer might be sitting on a magazine rack. From dinosaurs and Disney to football and fascinating facts, children's magazines could be an overlooked way to get little ones excited about reading.
And with today (14 October) marking National Magazine Day 2026, there's never been a better excuse to introduce your child to one.
New research from the National Literacy Trust reveals that just 36.1% of children aged 8 to 18 enjoy reading in their free time. While that's a slight improvement on last year, it's a reminder that finding ways to make reading fun still matters.
The good news? Research suggests magazines can help, particularly for children who aren't naturally drawn to books. And it's not just about encouraging reading. From learning new things to enjoying a little downtime, here are five reasons experts believe magazines deserve a place in your child's reading routine.
5 reasons magazines are good for children, according to experts
1. They could turn reluctant readers into enthusiastic ones
If getting your child to read feels like a daily negotiation, a magazine could be worth trying.
Unlike a traditional book, magazines offer bite-sized articles, colourful pictures and plenty of opportunities to dip in and out, without the pressure of tackling a whole chapter.
A 2025 Open University study involving Year 5 pupils across 13 UK primary schools found that children given What on Earth! magazines alongside weekly reading sessions reported greater enjoyment of reading, including those who had previously been reluctant readers.
Kelly Ashley, Lecturer in Reading for Pleasure at the Open University, recommended using non-fiction magazines to "broaden reading into more diverse forms and foster reading for pleasure, especially for less engaged and reluctant readers."
Although the study focused on one magazine and included dedicated reading sessions, its findings suggest that sometimes children don't dislike reading, they just haven't found the right thing to read yet.
2. They encourage children to explore their favourite interests
Got a dinosaur-obsessed preschooler? A football-mad eight-year-old? Or a child who knows more about space than you do?
Magazines let children follow their interests, turning reading into something they actually want to do, rather than something they're told to do.
According to the National Literacy Trust's 2026 research, 48.7% of children and young people said reading helped them explore their interests.
Professor Robin Banerjee, Professor of Developmental Psychology at the University of Sussex, also highlights the importance of offering children different types of reading material.
Try this: Let your child choose a magazine about something they already love, even if it's not what you'd normally pick for them.
3. They make reading a shared experience
Reading doesn't have to be a quiet, solitary activity. In fact, one of the lovely things about magazines is how easily they spark conversations.
The Open University researchers observed children spontaneously chatting about what they'd discovered during magazine-reading sessions, helping even less confident readers join in.
In their report, Kelly Ashley, Dr Sarah Critten and Professor Teresa Cremin recommend:
At home, that could mean reading a magazine together, laughing at a comic strip or asking your child to tell you the most surprising thing they've discovered.
4. They help children discover new words and fascinating facts
Whether it's learning what a volcano does or discovering an unusual animal, magazines can introduce children to subjects and vocabulary they might not encounter every day.
The National Literacy Trust found that 85.2% of children who enjoyed reading and read at least weekly felt it helped them learn new words or new things.
Although this finding relates to reading generally, magazines offer a particularly accessible mix of short articles, illustrations, quizzes and facts that children can explore at their own pace.
And because children can jump between topics, there's always another opportunity to discover something new.
5. They offer a chance to relax, away from screens
Between school, clubs, homework and screens, children can have surprisingly busy days.
A magazine offers a simple opportunity to slow down, flick through colourful pages and enjoy something purely for fun.
The National Literacy Trust's 2026 research found that 64.4% of children who enjoyed reading and read at least weekly said it helped them relax, while 55.6% said reading helped when they felt stressed or anxious.
These figures relate to reading in general, rather than magazines specifically, but a favourite magazine could be an appealing way to build a little screen-free downtime into your child's day.
And the best bit? There's no pressure to finish it in one sitting.
What is National Magazine Day 2026?
Taking place today, 14 October, National Magazine Day is part of the National Year of Reading 2026 and aims to help more children discover the joy of reading.
Led by Immediate, the publisher behind MadeForMums, alongside other leading publishers and charity partners, the campaign aims to distribute more than 60,000 magazines to children across the UK, particularly those with limited access to reading materials.
The initiative also includes magazine bundles for 20 schools, helping to bring more reading opportunities into classrooms.
As Sean Cornwell, CEO of Immediate, explains:
So, if your child isn't quite ready to fall in love with books, don't worry. A magazine about their favourite thing might just be the perfect place to start.
- Find out more about National Magazine Day 2026.
]]> Hollie Bond <![CDATA[Free new children’s book helps parents tackle a difficult subject with little ones]]> https://www.madeformums.com/news/family-news/free-new-childrens-book-helps-parents-tackle-a-difficult-subject-with-little-ones/ 2026-10-15T07:25:21.000Z 2026-10-13T15:22:26.000Z A new free children’s book is helping parents tackle one of the more difficult conversations with their little ones – homelessness – through the heartwarming stories of people who refused to leave their beloved dogs behind.
*Stay! (Together)*, commissioned by UK homelessness charity St Mungo’s, has been written by award-winning children’s author Jeanne Willis and illustrated by Alice Larsson. The book follows the real-life experiences of Arwa and Benny, whose dogs provided companionship and comfort while they were sleeping rough.
Designed to help families talk about homelessness in an age-appropriate way, the illustrated story also highlights why finding pet-friendly accommodation can make such a difference to people rebuilding their lives.
Why this new children's book could help parents talk about homelessness
Explaining difficult social issues to young children can be challenging, particularly when parents are unsure how to answer their questions.
Research commissioned by St Mungo’s and conducted among 1,363 UK adults in October 2026 found that almost a quarter of parents (24%) find it difficult to discuss homelessness with their children in an age-appropriate way.
However, books could offer a helpful starting point. The research found that 92% of parents believe books are useful for introducing social issues to children, while 87% say animal stories can help children process unfamiliar experiences. Meanwhile, 85% believe stories told from an animal’s perspective are particularly engaging for children.
By telling these real-life stories through the eyes of the dogs, *Stay! (Together)* aims to help children develop empathy and challenge assumptions about people experiencing homelessness.
The real-life stories behind Stay! (Together)
The free digital book follows Arwa and her dog Jacko, and Benny and his dogs Brandy and Casper, showing how their relationships helped them through some of the most difficult periods of their lives.
Arwa fled to London in 2018 to escape the war in her home country, temporarily leaving her beloved dog Jacko behind. They were reunited three years later, but in 2022 Arwa found herself without a home after her flat was sold and she struggled to find pet-friendly accommodation.
Unwilling to give up Jacko, she chose to sleep rough alongside him. St Mungo’s outreach team eventually supported her into a pet-friendly women’s service, before she moved into her own home through the Housing First scheme.
Reflecting on the decision to stay with her dog, Arwa said: “I had the option to give up Jacko for accommodation, but I refused. I would rather be homeless with my dog than without him. I hope when people read the stories they can understand our struggles. It makes me emotional to read mine and Jacko’s story, especially in the way Jeanne has written it so beautifully.”
Benny first experienced homelessness in 2006 and later faced challenges with substance use. His dog Brandy became a source of stability and motivation, helping him stay substance-free for 13 years.
After Brandy died in 2019, Benny struggled with grief and his mental health. He later found companionship with Casper, a Tamaskan dog, and the pair received support from St Mungo’s to secure a stable home.
Benny said: “I think my dogs saved my life. When I was sleeping rough, I was in a bad shape, but the dogs gave me back my purpose, responsibility and made me feel safe. Reading my story was a dream come true. I hope that when people read the book, they learn something about kindness, especially when this comes to people experiencing homelessness.”
Why pet-friendly accommodation matters
For people experiencing homelessness, a pet can provide comfort, security and companionship at a time when they may feel particularly isolated. But being unable to find accommodation that accepts animals can create another barrier to getting help.
According to sector estimates cited by St Mungo’s, between 10% and 25% of people experiencing homelessness have a pet, although there is no official UK-wide count. The charity also highlights that only 21% of the 960 homelessness accommodation services listed in the Homeless England database reported accepting dogs.
Lula Main, project manager at St Mungo’s, said: “For many people experiencing homelessness, a pet is far more than a companion. They can be a source of comfort, stability and unconditional love during the most difficult period of someone’s life. No one should have to choose between accepting support and staying with an animal they consider family. That is why St Mungo’s provides pet-friendly accommodation wherever possible.”
How to read the free children's book
*Stay! (Together)* is available to download for free from the St Mungo’s website. Families can also listen to a narrated version of the book, voiced by St Mungo’s ambassador Kerry Godliman, an actress and comedian, and Gus Unger-Hamilton, musician with alt-J.
Author Jeanne Willis hopes the book will encourage families to approach the subject with compassion and curiosity.
“Children are naturally curious about the world around them, but homelessness can be difficult for parents to explain. Stories can help children understand experiences that feel unfamiliar, and animals make wonderful guides because they encourage us to see the world with empathy and kindness.
“I hope Stay! (Together) helps families begin important conversations, challenges assumptions about homelessness and reminds readers that behind every story is a person who deserves compassion, hope and the chance to rebuild their life.”
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