How I review and score baby tech

1. A scorecard for every category

A baby monitor and a thermometer shouldn't be judged on the same things. So each category gets its own scorecard of four to six criteria that genuinely matter for that kind of kit, each with a weight that reflects how much it matters. For a video monitor that's things like picture and night vision, connection and range, the app and privacy. For a formula machine, safety and hygiene carry the most weight.

The scorecard is printed on every category page, so you can see exactly what I'm judging and how much each part counts.

2. Research, not guesswork

Most reviews here are research-led. For every product I go through:

• the manufacturer's specs, manuals and safety information;
• UK guidance where it applies, such as the NHS, NICE, The Lullaby Trust and the MHRA;
• independent lab and editorial testing, where it exists;
• patterns across large numbers of verified owner reviews, especially the long-term stuff: apps that stop working, batteries that fade, customer service when things go wrong.

The main sources are listed at the bottom of every review under "What I read", so you can check my working.

I use AI research tools to help gather and cross-check specs, prices, guidance and owner feedback at a scale I couldn't manage alone. They help with the legwork. The scorecards, the scores and the verdicts are mine, and I'm responsible for every one of them.

3. Hands-on, where we've used it

Some kit we've used at home. Those reviews carry a green Hands-on badge and a "From our house" note with what living with it was actually like. Everything else is marked Research-led. I'll never pretend to have tested something I haven't.

4. The Tech Dad Score

Each criterion is scored out of 10, with a short reason alongside. The overall Tech Dad Score is the weighted average, also out of 10. Roughly:

• 9 and above: top of the class. Rare, and earned.
• 8 to 8.9: great. You'd be happy with it.
• 7 to 7.9: good, with a trade-off or two worth knowing about.
• 6 to 6.9: fine, with caveats. Right for some people, not most.
• Below 6: probably skip it.

5. The stars

• Gold Star: the one I'd buy. The best all-rounder in its category.
• Value Star: most of what matters, for noticeably less money.
• Splurge Star: expensive, but worth it if the budget stretches.
• Special stars: the best choice for a particular need, like travel or twins.

Stars are handed out from the scorecard. They are never for sale, and no brand gets to see a review before it's published.

6. Prices and updates

Prices shown are typical UK prices when I last checked, not live prices, and baby kit goes on offer constantly. Always check the current price before you buy. Every review shows the month it was last checked, and I revisit categories as new models arrive.

7. Mistakes

If something's wrong, out of date or unfair, tell me at hello@babytechreviews.com and I'll fix it.