Babies love carriers. Some are suitable from birth, so your newborn gets to be in her favourite place - snuggled close to you - and when she's old enough to face outwards (from around three months) she'll be treated to a stimulating view of the world. Ideal for shorter trips, public transport - or anywhere where a pushchair can be cumbersome - you'll find it just as useful at home, leaving your hands free to get on with other things such as tidying up (the sound of the vacuum cleaner has even been known to calm a grisly baby!).

Carriers are great for getting your other half involved, too. In addition to the 'aah' factor (whose heart doesn't melt at the sight of a dad cuddling his baby close in a baby carrier?) it's a sure-fire way to get the two of them bonding. And when your little one gets a lot bigger, you'll be glad you can share the load!