Have you tested every product?

No. Research-based guides compare published information. Physical testing must be explicitly described on the page, with the models, conditions and observations covered.

What do the numbers mean?

Where shown, 0–10 scores are editorial judgments, not Amazon customer ratings or laboratory measurements. Unscored comparisons use features and trade-offs instead. Scores alone do not establish that a product suits you.

What does sources checked mean?

It records when the linked evidence was checked for that guide. It does not verify every retailer listing or guarantee that the information is still current. Publication and update dates describe the article, not a continuous checking service.

Do shopping links earn commission?

Links marked * may earn commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Some Amazon links open search results rather than a specific product, so check the exact model, seller and price.

How we research and choose products

Quick answer

How does Small Good Things review products?

Our buying guides compare published information to help readers make a shortlist. Each guide explains its method and limitations. A research comparison is not evidence of hands-on testing, and a source-check date is shown only when that check has been recorded.

What goes into a useful comparison?

A guide should help you decide whether you need an item, which features matter for your situation, and what would make an option unsuitable. We prioritise identifiable models and evidence readers can inspect.

Manufacturer information: exact model specifications, instructions, warranty terms and available repair information.
Independent guidance: relevant public bodies, published research or identifiable testing, cited where used.
Practical trade-offs: fit, space, maintenance, ongoing costs and reasons to choose something else.
Limits: what the available evidence cannot tell us, such as comfort for a particular person or an untested lifespan.

Manufacturer specifications are claims from the manufacturer. Citing them does not mean we independently measured performance. We do not claim to have surveyed thousands of owners or verified a certification without recording the supporting evidence.

How can you tell research from testing?

The method appears near the top of each guide. “Research-based” means we used published information. Hands-on work must identify what was physically tested and what was observed. Neither an affiliate link nor a product photograph demonstrates testing.

For example, our baby-carrier comparison covers documented limits and fitting questions. It does not rank comfort from a trial we have not performed.

What do editorial scores mean?

Older guides include editorial scores out of ten. These are judgments, not customer-rating averages or calibrated measurements, and should be read alongside the reasoning and drawbacks. We are reviewing older guides for evidence quality. A new or refreshed comparison can leave scores out when the evidence supports a comparison of features rather than a numerical ranking.

Our refreshed steriliser guide therefore compares three methods and their practical limits without assigning numerical scores.

How do values affect a recommendation?

We look for ways to buy less and use things longer: suitable fit, repair options, care requirements and substantiated warranty or certification claims. These are questions to investigate, not a promise that every listed product has a lifetime warranty or has been independently certified by us.

Keeping a suitable item, borrowing, repairing or buying used can be the useful answer. For baby products, condition, model instructions and relevant safety advice take priority over a bargain.

What should you check before buying?

Many Amazon links open a search for a model. Search results can include different versions, bundles, third-party sellers or unrelated products. Confirm the exact model, seller, current price, returns and instructions on the destination page. We do not claim live stock or price monitoring.

Links marked * may earn us a commission. We disclose related publishing properties where they are recommended. Read our funding disclosure.

What do the dates tell you?

The publication date is when the guide first appeared. An updated date records a substantive edit. “Sources checked” separately records a review of the listed evidence; if that record is absent, do not infer a recent check from the year in a title or URL.

Corrections are listed in our public log. Send a specific error and supporting source to hello@smallgoodthings.org.

Common questions

Have you tested every product?: No. Research-based guides compare published information. Physical testing must be explicitly described on the page, with the models, conditions and observations covered.
What do the numbers mean?: Where shown, 0–10 scores are editorial judgments, not Amazon customer ratings or laboratory measurements. Unscored comparisons use features and trade-offs instead. Scores alone do not establish that a product suits you.
What does sources checked mean?: It records when the linked evidence was checked for that guide. It does not verify every retailer listing or guarantee that the information is still current. Publication and update dates describe the article, not a continuous checking service.
Do shopping links earn commission?: Links marked * may earn commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Some Amazon links open search results rather than a specific product, so check the exact model, seller and price.