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Tried and Tested!

This month we have tested - Changing Bags and Fire Engine/Fire Station Toys. The M&W Review panel this month is made up of 6 Mums - we needed Mums with young babies to test the changing bags, and older children to test the toys.

Changing Bags

Nicola Garnett & Mia Marcia Cabras & Zara Cheetra Roberts & Eleanna
Nicola is Mum to Amy (12), Chloe (7), Jack (2) and Mia (4 months). They live in West Yorkshire. Marcia is Mum to Luca (4) and Zara (11 months)! They live in Fulham, London. Cheetra is Mum to Sereena (2) and Eleanna (9 months). They live in Stockport.

Red Castle Courier Bag

Changing bag in all the latest colours to co-ordinate with the Whizz and City Link Strollers. With 2 compartments and extra zip up pockets. Attaches to your Stroller with clip-on straps.Includes:

  • Adjustable shoulder strap
  • Changing mat
  • Insulated bottle bag
  • Purse (with velcro attachment)
  • Key Fob (with velcro attachment)
  • Mobile Phone Case (with velcro attachment)
  • Soiled nappy bag

4 stars

This bag was the perfect design and colour for me and I liked the wipe-clean material. I found it was a little too small if I was going out for the day and needed plenty of supplies though. However,for popping out for an hour or two and just needed the essentials then it would be perfect. The changing mat was well padded and the bottle warmer did keep the bottle warm for a short period of time. As this bag was slightly smaller I was able to carry it and it fitted well over the handle of the pram. In term of value it was good, but I would only be able to use it on shorter outings.

3 stars

The design of this bag is unisex, so my husband was happy to use this bag, when he went out with Zara. It was a good size, but felt like a normal bag that has been adapted into a changing bag. Only really two sections, a main part and a section for the changing mat. There's a thin compartment at the back, which you can carry nappies in and a zipped section in the front. In the main section is a strip to hang your keys, purse and mobile, but I didn't feel it was very secure as only the general bag flap protects it (no large zipped section). The bag is quite heavy without putting anything inside, and is quite uncomfortable to carry on your shoulder. However, the straps are brilliant for any type of pushchair, from a stroller to a pram. It's Teflon coated which is brill for spills and rain. The bag is also very hardwearing and looks like it will last. I didn't really think it was value for money, because if it's marketing itself as a changing bag, then it needs a few extra pockets for all the bits and bobs you carry. Best for look and feel though!

5 stars

I loved the design and colour of this bag - definitely my favourite. It had enough compartments and was easy to carry both on my shoulder and on the buggy. The place to hang your keys and mobile was very handy and the bottle warmer was a great feature. The wipe-clean surface was good for any spills. It is a value for money bag and I would recommend it to friends or anyone looking to buy a first-time or new changing bag.

mum & working chopice

Caboodle Messenger Changing Bag

  • Large padded PVC changing mat
  • Fully insulated bottle pocket
  • Mum's organiser section
  • Mobile phone pocket
  • Grubby stuff bag and grubby stuff section
  • Inside organiser pockets
  • Adjustable shoulder strap with comfort pad
  • Wipe-clean

5 stars

I really liked the design, it had a magnetic clasp on it which worked well, for me the design would have been better if it was complimented with another colour. The size was just right, I used this bag on a full day out where I had to carry 4 bottles, wipes, nappy sacks and a change of clothes for both Mia and Jack, and I had room to spare. It had lots of compartments and I liked the changing mat as it was well padded and bigger than usual. The spare bag for dirty clothes was a good idea too. My only criticism is the bottles didn't fit into the insulated pouch. The wipe-clean surface was good as I did manage to get it slightly dirty and it wiped off ok. This bag was value for money and I would be happy to pay £24.99 for it.

4 stars

The bag was quite plain and looked like any basic changing bag on the market. It was an excellent size - big without being bulky. It has a pocket for everything from nappies to bottles (the odd car from my son) and as the pockets are made out of mesh, you can find what you need easily. Also it has the added bonus of a section to carry your keys, money, mobile and pens, which was easy to access. Very comfortable to carry on my shoulder, as has a padded shoulder strap. Long strap makes it easy to hook over any pushchair handle. The bag was good value and had everything and more for what you want from a changing bag, the only downside being that it was a bit plain. It deserves an extra point for clever insulated pocket at the side of the bag for a bottle!

4 stars

I really liked this bag too, the bright red colour was nice and cheery, the design was simple and smart. It was a really good size with lots of compartments and room to carry everything I needed. Again I thought it was good value for money.

Jeep Infinity Diaper bag from the Hauck Group

Available in both Carrot and Toffee colourways. With sporty Jeep styling this changing bag is a must have bag for Dads as well as Mums! The ruck-sack design means that it can easily become a travel or sports bag once you finished using it as a changing bag. The durable, wipe clean materials used for this bag makes it ideal to take on all kinds of journey, from country trek to city walk. Includes:

  • Adjustable double straps for back carrying
  • Soft one hand carry grip
  • Durable, solid base to prevent wear and tear
  • Changing Mat
  • Two bottle holders inside bag to ensure upright position at all times

4 stars

I loved the rucksack design of this bag and the colour was eye catching too. It was just the right size and held everything I needed for going out. It has one big compartment for everything and then a sperate one for the changing mat which comes in a a clear plastic wallet so it can be kept clean. I carried it on my back which left my hands free to push the pram and more storage space under the pram for all the goodies I bought!!!. I would pay £29.99 for it, but would buy a darker colour, so dirt wouldn't show up as easily as it might on this lighter colourway.

2 stars

I really liked the look of the bag, but was very disappointed when I opened it and found it to be no different than a normal rucksack. The size was terrible. The bag was too narrow and too deep, with only two small pockets in the interior of the bag. Therefore, there is no place to put bottles etc, so you have to empty the bag to get what you need. There was a strange compartment on the back of the bag, which was so hard to get in that I am unsure of its use. It was perfect as a rucksack, but there was no way to attach it to my pushchair. I didn't think this bag was value for money as the only useful item was the changing mat. There was no designated area for bottles, nappies etc and you would need an extra bag to carry your keys, money as there was no place to put them. I liked the design of this bag a lot, but it's was not practical.

2 stars

This bag looked really smart, I liked the colours and the rucksack style design. Although I could fit what I needed inside I missed having different compartments for different things. The bag was comfortable to carry on my back, but I couldn't fit it on to the buggy which was a pain. In didn't really feel it offered value for money compared to the other bags and is perhaps a bag for a Mum who wants to take things for a day out with an older child who isn't on bottles or may already be potty trained.

Overall Winner Caboodle Messenger Bag

It was a very close result between the Red Castle Courier Bag and the Caboodle Messenger Bag with the Caboodle coming out on top by one point. The Mums loved the size and design of these bags and thought both offered good value for money. The Hauck Jeep rucksack scored highly on design and looks, but low on practicality with the one compartment design.


3 Mums with older children have tested Fire Station/Fire Engine toys. The reviewers have looked at the toy from both a parents experience - (looking at the box and packaging, how easy it is to open, how easy it is to put together and overall value for money) and the experience of their children - initial reaction to toy, sustainable interest in the toy, how much they enjoyed playing with it and if it encourages creativity and interactive play.

Fire Engine/Fire Station Toys

Julie MacLennan & Gary Jane Perkins & George, Daniel and Charlotte. Erica Kerby & Aaron and Elouise
Julie is Mum to Gary (4). They live in Westhill, Inverness. Jane is Mum to George (7), Daniel (3) and Charlotte (14 months). The family live in Whitchurch, Shropshire. Erica is Mum to Aaron (4) and Elouise (3). They live in Fareham, Hampshire.

Mighty World Fire Truck

Mighty World offers young minds creative play with its range of role play characters which will help develop children's imaginations. Each Mighty World character has its very own design and expression, bringing individuality to this special range. Each face tells a different story and children will want to build and collect the fantastic Mighty World range. The Fire Truck, from the Emergency series is a shiny red

3 stars

Toy was well packaged – probably a bit too well packaged as some of the parts were quite difficult to get out. Instructions were written on the box with pictures although they weren't very easy to understand. It was quite a hard toy to get out of box and also to put together. There are lots of pieces with this toy – the main piece is the fire engine, but there are also lots of smaller parts (fire fighter, extinguishers, etc) to put in the fire engine. This toy sustained Gary's interest, which I think was helped by the noise of the siren! He played with it as soon as we opened it – I thought this may be the novelty of having a new toy, but he still plays with it. Many fire engine toys don't have a siren – this one does, as well as having little fire accessories. This all definitely helps stimulate children's creativity as children can relate to noise and sounds and the noise and sounds and accessories will help them to believe that they are little firemen! I know my son thinks he's putting out fires when he turns the siren on! I think that £24.99 is a bit of money for a fire engine, but given all the parts with this one, and the amount of time that my son has spent playing with it then I would say it is definitely value for money.

4 stars

The box was good with detailed pictures of what the toy could do. It wasn't easy to get out as there was a lot of plastic ties to undo - which made the boys impatient. There was no instructions in the box but there was some instructions on the box, which means you have to keep it. There was the main fire truck and then some extra pieces to go on the truck and for adjusting the suspension. The boys did enjoy playing with this and Daniel asked to play with it quite often - he really liked the siren and opening doors. The boys really liked making up a rescue story and sending the fire truck to the rescue. I thought it was value for money considering the detail. The boys did enjoy playing with this toy.

3 stars

The Fire Truck looked quite appealing in its box and Aaron was definitely interested in getting it out, but it was not that easy to unpack - lots of wires which fitted through the toy and round wheels which you had to pull out. It came with instructions on how to adjust the suspension and detach the wheels but this was definitely something that I had to do as it was too much for my 4 year old. The box explained where the accessories went and how they fitted to the fire engine and how the light worked. There were quite a few components, some for adjusting the suspension and some to aid play: a fireman, tools, equipment etc. Aaron did enjoy playing with the engine but found it difficult to open doors and compartments as they were quite stiff, played with it a few times but didn't sustain his interest.

mum & working chopice

Playmobil Fire Rescue Set

Get ready to fight the blaze with this fire rescue set! The rescue boat really floats and includes an underwater motor. The resucue helicopter has revolving propellers, working cable winch and room for a rescue stretcher. Includes 4 figures, chopper, raft and lots of accessories.

5 stars

The box was nice and colourful, although it wasn't easy to get the toy out without ruining the box - I like toys in boxes that are easy to open and then close again so that toys can be stored away again easily. There were very clear instructions with the box and pictures. There were quite a few components to the toy - a helicopter, a boat and lots of little pieces and people to assemble onto the boat and helicopter. My son loved this toy and he got as much fun helping me set it up as he has done since playing with it. It definitely stimulated creativity - the little people helped and there are lots of things to go with these toys, like ropes hanging off the helicopter to rescue the little people with so kids can do a lot of make believe with it. Very, very good value for money.

5 stars

The box was good and showed the toy in rescue mode and it was easy to open. Paper instructions were in the box. Quite alot of pieces in the box for putting together - this was easier to put together than it looked. The boys really enjoyed playing with this toy. Daniel even missed his favourite programe to play with the boat in the water in the bath! I think this toy will be played with a lot. They made up rescues with the boat + helicopter, it also meant one could have the boat and the other the helicopter (less arguments!). They loved being able to play with the boat in water.The set is really good value for money - the quality and price made this a great toy. I would consider buying more Playmobil toys.

5 stars

The box looked very appealing, showing everything very clearly and how the toys and figures could be used which my son loved. Very easy to get into and unpack. Easy to follow instructions for myself and my son helped. Lots of components that fitted into the helicopter and rescue boat as well as hats and jackets etc for the rescue figures – excellent. Aaron enjoyed playing with the toys, involving them in role play and rescuing other toys as well as the figures provided, sustained interest. This toy definitely stimulated creativity and role-play and the rescue figures were key to this. It was excellent value for money. Aarons favourite!

LEGO City Fire Station

Designed to encourage scene-building and role play for ages 4-8, LEGO City construction kits help children learn and create by developing their own unique themed action storylines. Get set for any emergency call with the must have LEGO City Fire Station. This action packed set is the hub of LEGO City Fire and comes fully equipped with everything needed to tackle blazes anytime, anywhere! Including two vehicles, build-off plates and four LEGO figures.

5stars

It was a nice, brightly coloured box. Lego was well packaged and easy to get out. The instructions were inside box on how to assemble with pictures to assist. Gary really enjoyed setting it up with me and it sustained his interest as he wanted to see the end result. I thought he would be bored after a while, but he loves Lego so this was a definite hit that kept his interest at bay while doing it first time, and he has since had it out several times with his friends. This toy stimulates creativity more than any other. My son loves Lego as he loves seeing how things are set up, and with this one he had the addition of seeing it turn into a fire station – which is an extra incentive for little boys (or girls!). It's a brilliant toy for their concentration. I would have thought that this was worth more than £39.99. There are so many parts with it, and gives plenty hours of playing to a child. I would pay this money for a toy like this.

3 stars

The box showed the finished Lego toy and the box was easy to open. There was full instruction books for each of the items to be made. There was lots of pieces of Lego to be made into 5 items - each was packed separately, so it was easy to make one at a time. Daniel was too young for this toy but George did help to put it together but didn't really enjoy this part. Once it was all made he did enjoy playing with it, but it was only the once then it was put in his bedroom window. I felt it was quite expensive - but worth the money if your child is into Lego.

5 stars

The box looked very appealing showing the completed items for the fire station, fire engine and emergency car as well as all the accessories, easy to get out and everything clearly marked in separate packaging within the box. Easy to follow instructions for myself and my son helped. Lots of components and lego fireman with accessories – excellent. My son enjoyed playing with all the fire vehicles and especially the fire engine, utilizing the fire station to park and put the lego men on in role play scenarios. This toy definitely stimulated creativity and building as the lego was easy for my son to adapt to his requirements. This price was very good value for money as it came with the most amount of parts and each set was a hit, the station , engine and rescue vehicle. Lots to play with and lots of quality time with my son putting it together. 5 out of 5, although this was second best according to my son, it was very close and I think both the toys were played with lots. My 3 year old daughter like’s dismantling lego and rebuilding somewhere else so the advantage to him with playmobil is that she couldn’t do that quite so easily.!!!!

Overall Winner Playmobil

Our testers and their children loved the Playmobil set - value for money with loads of scope for imaginative play. The Lego set was a close runner-up scoring highly for enabling creativity. Mighty World was praised for its interactive siren element - perhaps with easier to open packaging (every parent knows the hassle of those wire fastenings!) and clearer instructions it would have been ranked higher.