This page exists because we think you should know exactly how a recommendation on this site comes about. The internet is full of “best of” lists that are ranked by affiliate payout. We are not one of them. Here is the honest version of how we work.
Step 1 — Topic selection
We pick topics where (a) parents actually search for guidance, and (b) the existing top-10 search results are either generic, outdated, or written for a different cultural context. We use Google Search Console data on our own site, plus public keyword tools, to spot those gaps.
Step 2 — Research
For every product we consider, we collect the following data points:
- Material composition (what is it actually made of, and is the filling polyester fiber, recycled PET, or something else?)
- Dimensions and weight (so you know whether it fits the recipient’s bed, stroller, or shipping box)
- Washing instructions (machine washable at 30 °C? Surface clean only?)
- Recommended age from the manufacturer
- Safety certifications — for soft toys we look for EU EN 71 / CE marking; for US-distributed products we check ASTM F963 references
- Aggregate parent feedback from public Amazon reviews, Reddit (r/Mommit, r/beyondthebump), Mumsnet, and similar communities
- Price band (under $25 / $25–60 / over $60)
Step 3 — Scoring rubric
Every product on a comparison guide is scored against five criteria, weighted as follows. The score appears on the article as a number out of 100.
| Criterion | Weight | What we look at |
|---|---|---|
| Material & build quality | 25% | Filling, outer fabric, stitching durability, eye/nose attachment method |
| Safety & certifications | 25% | EN 71 / CE / ASTM F963 references, choking-hazard parts, age suitability |
| Care & practicality | 20% | Washability, drying behaviour, allergy-friendly fabrics, size-vs-storage |
| Durability & aggregate parent feedback | 15% | Longevity reports, common failure modes mentioned in reviews |
| Value for money | 15% | Price relative to comparable options at the same quality tier |
Step 4 — Editor’s Pick designation
From each comparison list we designate one to three products as Geek Editor’s Pick. This designation is awarded by the editorial team based on the rubric above plus narrative fit (does this product genuinely stand out, or is it just the highest-scoring on a tied set?). Editor’s Pick is never sold, sponsored, or influenced by affiliate payout differences.
Step 5 — Updates
Every Tier-1 guide carries a “Last reviewed” date. We re-check our recommendations at least once per year and whenever a manufacturer reports a product change or a recall.
What we do NOT do
- We do not accept payment, free product, or sponsorship in exchange for a ranking, mention, or Editor’s Pick.
- We do not write hands-on reviews for products we have not handled. If a sentence says “we tested” or “we used”, it means a member of the editorial team actually did. Otherwise we are explicit about working from specifications and aggregated reviews.
- We do not generate articles by handing a topic to a generative model and publishing whatever comes out. (This site has, in the past, leaned too heavily on that pattern. We are actively cleaning it up — see our About page for context.)
How to flag a problem
If you find a factual error, a broken link, or a recommendation we should reconsider, please tell us via the contact link in the footer. We treat these reports seriously and we publish corrections.