You can buy baby equipment from lots of different places. Each type of outlet has its advantages:

• Department stores often have nursery equipment departments, and larger ones may have a wide range of brands on offer
• National chains of baby shops usually carry a wide range and may offer own-brand goods, often at lower prices
• Specialist baby shops are run by independent retailers who often have an excellent knowledge of what they sell, and can supply unusual products like triple pushchairs. They usually offer a good after-sales service
• Home shopping catalogues are useful if you find it hard to get out. Traditional mail order catalogues often have sections covering baby equipment and clothes. There is also a handful of specialist catalogues that often have more unusual gadgets and baby clothes
• Catalogue showrooms, where you select the item you want from a catalogue and collect it yourself, are usually good value, and useful if you’ve done your research and know what you want
• Shopping online is the most convenient way to shop with no journey to make, car parking fees or bags to carry!
• Baby equipment hire is ideal for items that you are likely to use only for a short time: electronic indoor baby swings, for instance, or a sun protecting beach pod which you may only want for a couple of weeks in the summer. Contact the Baby Equipment Hirers Association for details of a local company.

Many baby products carry British or European standard numbers which indicate that they have been manufactured according to a set of regulations to ensure their safe use. The British Standards Institution runs a customer services centre to deal with any enquiries about standards from the general public.

Your local Citizens’ Advice Bureau will give free, confidential and impartial advice on consumer rights and any problems you have with buying consumer goods.

Did you know that babyworld.co.uk offers a one-to-one shopping service?