Best baby shops 2024

We reveal the best places to buy baby equipment on the high street and online, based on real customers' experiences.

The best shops not only offer competitive value for money but also expert advice and brilliant customer service. We asked 1,000 shoppers to rate stores that sell baby equipment on everything from product quality to customer service and value for money, and combined their feedback with expert analysis of the retailers' returns policies.

Read on to find out the best stores for buggies, car seats, cots, nursery furniture and more. We've also reviewed the  best tech and appliance stores and the best furniture, homeware and DIY retailers.

Best baby shops

We asked members of the public about their experiences of shopping with big-name retailers and specialist baby stores. You can scroll to find out which shops came out on top on measures such as product quality and delivery.

To be named Which? Recommended Providers, retailers must combine great customer service and value for money with legally compliant, consumer-friendly returns policies. 

Note: branded links take you to the retailers' websites.

Which? Recommended Providers for baby equipment

John Lewis

High street staple John Lewis was the joint highest-scoring retailer in our survey, with a customer score of 83%. It scored the maximum five stars for product quality and customer service during the buying process, and four stars for value for money.

As well as for baby equipment, it's also a Which? Recommended Provider for both tech and home appliances.  

Customers applauded the 'friendly' and 'knowledgeable' staff, speedy delivery service and extensive range of baby products. 

One shopper said: 'The staff at the store thoroughly explained how different products work – I was so impressed'. Another satisfied customer told us: 'If there’s an issue, you know they will sort it out, which takes the worry out of buying expensive items.'

The department store recently brought back its ‘Never Knowingly Undersold’ policy, which now lets you claim a price match against 25 major retailers, including Amazon. Postal returns for small items are free.

Next

Next came joint third in our survey, with a customer score of 81%. It achieved full marks for product quality and customer service, as well as the amount of packaging used. We've named it a Which? Recommended Provider.

The UK's largest clothing retailer sells brands such as Mamas & Papas, Obaby and Cosatto, as well as its own-brand products. There's a £2.50 charge for postal or courier returns (in-store returns are free).

Shoppers praised its good-quality, durable products and slick website.

One respondent said: 'The customer service was great, and the products were of a high quality for fair prices.'

Smyths Toys

Smyths Toys also scored 81%, placing it in joint third place. It's a Which? Recommended Provider, and earned the full five stars for customer service, product range and product quality.

The retailer now has over 120 stores across the UK – many in retail parks – and stocks a range of baby equipment as well toys, bikes and scooters. It offers free returns by post.

Shoppers like its competitive prices, easy-to-navigate stores and helpful staff.

One customer said they loved the 'welcoming store atmosphere'. Another explained: 'They have a lot of products on display so you can see the item before you purchase it.'

Preparing for a growing family

Our expert advice helps you make the best decisions for your loved ones

Visit our growing families hub

How we choose Which? Recommended Providers

Every year, we survey thousands of Which? members and members of the public about their experiences of shopping on the high street and online. Our star ratings reveal how customers rated each retailer on a range of measures from product range and delivery to customer service during and after purchase. 

We only award Which? Recommended Provider status to retailers with excellent customer scores, at least four stars for customer service and delivery, plus at least three for value for money.

We also check their returns policy and T&Cs. Any retailers that give unclear or misleading information about returns are excluded.