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Save the plush toys for someone else; we're talkin' real-deal items parents actually need.

My name is Heather, and at the time I'm writing this, my son is almost 4, and my daughter is almost 2 (so you know I get *it*). So, I've personally tested out a lot of these items (a baby butt spatula, a breathable Newtown crib mattress, the Tubby Todd Essentials bath kit, and the game-changing Baby Brezza Formula Pro Advanced machine, just to name a few).

I can happily tell you *all* about what has worked for my family, but I kindly wanted to note that I'm aware every kid is different! So, what worked for me may not work for you. But hey, it's worth a shot. Right?

Both my mom and my mother-in-law poked fun at me for getting this lil' spatula but I have ZERO regrets. I love my kids more than life itself, but I am more than pleased to not have to put my finger in their butts after they've recently pooped and I think that is OKAY! I'd like to think they're also happier to have a lil' spatula do the job ANYWAYS! That being said, this lil' tool is fantastic as it's super easy to clean, doesn't waste any product, and suctions onto my changing table with ease.

Promising review: "If I could give this little tool 10 out of 5 stars I would!!! It makes the whole process of applying diaper rash ointment SOOOOO much easier. And this thing cuts down on how much diaper rash ointment is wasted because your fingers are not getting covered in ointment. I HIGHLY recommend this product to anyone with a baby!!!" —Hazel-91

This magical healing paste is made with zinc oxide, lanolin, and oat kernel extract. It's also free from fragrance, parabens, preservatives, talc, phthalates, and dyes. My kids never suffered much from diaper rash, but when a little was coming on, this would knock it out immediately!

Former BuzzFeeder Chandni Reddy is a huge fan, "My daughter wasn't prone to diaper rashes as a baby, so when my son got a bad rash, it came with a vengeance and took us completely by surprise. His bottom was red, chapped, raw, and bleeding. I tried slathering on A&D, Desitin, you name it, and it only seemed to get worse, to the point that the poor thing was crying out in pain during diaper changes. A Facebook moms group recommended this cream, and I promptly bought it. Luckily, they were right. I'm not exaggerating when I say it cleared up his rash in two days. If you're hesitating because it's expensive, don't — this thing is the bomb!"

Promising review: "This literally heals terrible diaper rash almost overnight. When my eldest was about 7–9 months old, she would get awful diaper rash, it felt like, every other day! It was frequently so bad that she would scream in pain at every diaper change. When another mother at church saw me changing her once she sympathetically told me, 'Triple Paste. Just lather it on at night and that will be mostly gone in the morning.' I was shocked by the price of the stuff! My husband was just finishing college, so money was a bit tight. But I was desperate for something to help ease the constant pain my baby was in. So I bought the 16 oz jar. Just as the lady said, a good lather before bed stopped the pain and healed the rash almost overnight. Since then, I use the cheaper pastes during the day and put this on at night. My eldest is now over 2.5 years old, my second is 9 months old, and I am just buying my second jar. I no longer have any tears from diaper rash, and I can't complain about the price since 16 oz lasted me two years, and I used it regularly for several months at first!" —A. Rick

Get it from Amazon for $7.97+ (available in three sizes).

Parents are absolutely going to want this in their arsenal of cleaning products. Truth be told, babies stain EVERYTHING. Whether they're spitting up all the time on their clothes (and blankets, and your shirt, and their sheets, the list goes on) or learning to chow down on pureed carrots (an orange explosion), you won't regret including this in a baby shower gift basket.

Promising review: "My 1-year-old has taco meat stains ALL over the sleeves of his shirt. The stains were 2–3 days old, too. I sprayed the shirt, let it sit for about 15 minutes, and then washed the shirt with regular laundry soap. Almost every bit of the stains came out. Definitely buying bulk in this product!" —Sloan Avery

Get it from Amazon for $7.97+ (available in a variety of quantities)

For the first few months of my son's life I used this tool regularly (before I moved onto actual nail clippers). It helps gently file down baby's surprisingly sharp lil' claws without you having to worry about cutting them too short — a truly frightening task for new parents. It's fantastic, very gentle, easy to use, and didn't wake my little one as I filed down his nails while he napped in my lap. I even changed the head to a more rigid one and used it on my own nails! It's a great product; any parent will be happy to have it in their lineup. 

Promising review: "I'm a first-time mom and had been trying to use nail clippers to cut my almost 4-month-old’s nails. Well, after getting him twice by accident, I finally caved and bought this. I just used it for the first time and, OMG, was it worth it. I used the pink disc (for 0–3 months) and tested it on my skin before even touching my boy. It doesn’t irritate the skin at all and stops when too much pressure is applied, so as to protect the skin. It has a nice little case, and the lowest setting wasn’t too much to use on baby nails. The light on the end makes it easy to see the nail, and I was able to hold it while breastfeeding and use it easily. It’s super lightweight too." —Kara Hartman

Get it from Amazon for $8.49+ (available in nine colors/sets).

This tool is confusingly kinda cute even though its purpose is *a bit* gross — to remove earwax and boogers safely from little ones. Does my daughter fight us like she's starring in Gladiator when we try to use this on her? Yes. But does it get the job done faster and more easily? Also, yes! It's not an easy task because babies are VERY squirmy, but the Oogiebear (which comes from a small business, btw) definitely helps make the process go a bit more seamlessly. Absolutely recommend. 

Promising review: "I mean, does my child love it? No. But does it take less than a second to use and get the boogers I'd expect Shrek to possess and not my 3-month-old baby? Yes, it does! He's happy as soon as it leaves his nostrils, which again only takes a second. And it's easy to clean!" —Kaitlyn Spires

My 6-month-old niece has these and is obsessed with them! I wish I had them when my kids were babies; they're much more affordable (and come with more than one) than the one they loved to chew on. The teether itself is so simple, easy for babies to grasp, and even easier to clean. My sister keeps one handy in her diaper bag for when she and my niece are on the go. 

Promising review: "Immediately yes! Highly recommend. Bought this today for my sick, teething baby, and he has used it all day. Easy to clean and sterilize, and well-loved by the baby. Probably our favorite thus far, and we have a lot of teethers. Will buy again." —Lydia

Read more about cradle cap — aka seborrheic dermatitis — at Seattle Children’s and the American Academy of Dermatology. 

My daughter had WAAAAY more cradle cap than my son did as an infant, so I was prepared to really tackle it head on (pun intended). This system was SO useful and made removing the cradle cap so simple. I paired it with a gentle shampoo, rubbed it in with the sponge side, scrubbed it good (but gently) with the scrubbier brush, rinsed it out and repeated 3x. At the end I combed all of the particles out of her hair. It made such a difference!

Promising review: "My baby is 2-months-old and has been suffering from cradle cap. I didn’t want to pick it out. So I ordered this product. When I tell you it took EVERYTHING out and DIDN’T take out his hair! I’m VERY APPRECIATIVE!" —Ahonesty

These were an item I definitely missed out on during my first stab at parenthood. With my son, I just committed to being constantly covered in spit-up (felt like part of the territory?!), but apparently, that is not necessary! These little bandana bibs come in so many colors, so you can totally match them to your tyke's outfit if that's something you're into. More importantly, they're made of an absorbing muslin material that'll help soak up all the various liquids that come out of your baby's mouth. Yum.

Promising review: "These bibs are as absorbent as most bibs, and their size is about average as well. I like the muslin material because it is very soft. What I like most about these bibs is the colors, because they give a more stylish look than most baby bibs. You also get 10 in the set, which is really nice." —Amazon Customer

Get a set of 10 from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in 10 styles).

This beauty will save your pal's nails and their precious time! No one wants to struggle to open those (thankfully) extremely secure buckles while their kiddo is hitting a pitch that could likely break glass. It doesn't attach to the car seat, so no need to fret about kiddos unbuckling themselves while parents are driving. UnbuckleMe is a small business!

Promising review: "Love that my kindergartner can unbuckle himself. It makes morning school drop-off SO MUCH EASIER! And he likes the independence of being able to do it himself!" —Lauren

Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in seven colors).

A lot of my mom friends have made these their *bottle of choice* and had nothing but good things to say about 'em! They have a shockingly chic design (yes, I said CHIC in regards to a bottle) that'll make you feel like you're really nailing this whole parenting thing...aesthetically, at least. They're easy for baby to hold on, which will give you some bonus time to do something else with YOUR hands.

BuzzFeed writer Mallory Mower loved these: "I 100% bought these because I thought they were pretty. Turns out, they're also *really* good! We tried several types of bottles when our daughter was born, and these were far and away her favorite! It was wild to see how much she preferred them. As she became able to hold a bottle on her own, we found that the plastic holes and silicone interior made them really easy for her to grab."

Promising review: "I decided to try these bottles because I was looking for a new brand of silicone bottle. These are easy to clean, my baby can hold them more easily than other bottles because of the unique design, the flow seems to be good for her, and they look cool. I like that the parts which come in contact with my baby’s formula and hot water are plastic free." —Danizorz

Get them from Amazon for $16.89 (available in two sizes and eight color sets).

My kids loved bathing in this simple bath seat before they were old enough to sit up on their own. They got to splash and kick to their hearts' content while sitting safely in the tub. It also hangs nicely on a suction hook, so it didn't take up much space in my not-huge bathroom. It's so affordable, I ordered one directly to keep at my parents' house when my kids were babies, and now my sister uses it for my niece! The majority of my parent friends have used this tub with their tykes, too.

Promising review: "I’ve had two of these and I love gifting them! This is the best baby bath! I bought one for my son four years ago (I’ve handed it down since) and one for my newest baby. I cannot recommend this bath enough! It’s easy to clean, the babies loved lying down in it, and it’s convenient!" —Jocelyn Turner

Get it from Amazon for $19.78 (available in two styles).

You can use this incredible tool to look down your tot's throat and see if it looks red or yucky before trekking to the crowded pediatrician's office. It can also connect to your phone, so if your ped happens to be tech savvy, you can share a photo directly with them!

I originally had a wipes warmer I was most-certain I NEEDED as a new mom — I was wrong. All you really need is a basic container (if any) to readily hold a plethora of wipes and keep them moist. This one is fantastic for doing exactly that. I use my travel version of it religiously as well! In case you were wondering (which I'm sure you are) my go-to for wipes are these Huggies Natural Care Sensitive Baby Wipes — they get the job done.

Promising review: "This has been one of my favorite baby products so far. We buy large boxes of wipes from Costco, and you can fit an entire pack into this holder at once. The wipes are weighted down to help you only pull out one at a time, reducing waste. And the wipes never dry out because of the silicone seal around the lid. I also love the soft open and close lid that makes very little noise, which is ideal for middle-of-the-night diaper changes. And the window on the front shows how many diapers are left so you know when to restock." —Danielle

Get it from Amazon for $18.39 (available in two colors).

Former Buzzfeeder Chandni adores these. She said, "Sleepers with snaps? Adorable. But you know what's not adorable? Fiddling with snaps in the middle of the night while attempting to change a crying newborn's diaper. I ordered these sleepers after reaching peak levels of sleep deprivation and desperation. These dual-zippered wonders were *game-changing* to say the least. I was able to tackle diaper changes like a ninja without taking my babe's entire sleeper off and sometimes, if I got really lucky, without waking the screaming devil (JK, I mean the sweet little angel)."

I also swear by these (as do most parents I know!). I was so thankful that they sell preemie sizes, and have since gifted sets to other parents of tiny babes. Lifesaver! There is absolutely something to be said for the trendier, stretchier bamboo viscose PJs, but you'll never regret investing in these double-zip classics. 

Promising review: "You really can’t go wrong with virtually anything made by Carter’s. It’s the largest marketer of baby wear in North America and has been around since 1865. Pretty impressive! And this darling 3-pack of sleep and play wear is no exception. I bought these for my step-daughter’s baby grandson, and she couldn’t have been more pleased. She commented on the quality and loved that they are 100% cotton. As the baby grows, I will definitely look on Amazon for additional Carter clothing, since they carry a nice selection and their prices are always great!" —Bob's Cupcake

Get a pack of three from Amazon for $25+ (available in sizes preemie–9M and six sets).

The AAP recommends taking a child's temperature rectally for the first year (or up until they are 3) for the most accurate reading. This one from Frida Baby has a built-in stopper that'll keep the tip from being inserted too far (yikes). It'll give you an accurate reading within 10 seconds and is water-resistant for easy washing. It can also help *move things along* when your baby is constipated. (You're welcome, I think?)

I'll never forget when we took my son home from a doctor's appointment and a few hours later, a nurse called to follow up and say his temperature had been a bit low. She asked us to rectally retest to confirm it had gone up a bit. My husband and I were like, "Excuse me? We have to do what???" Sweet, naive, new parents. Anyways, the entire year following, I couldn't imagine *not* having a reliable rectal thermometer on hand. My son is prone to high fevers and doing it this way was the quickest/most efficient way to get a real read on what his temp was. Yes, it's a bit gross, but it's definitely a must-have for parents.

Promising review: "I love this thermometer! We’ve had it for two years now. It’s my go-to when my boys are sick. Our completely inaccurate forehead thermometer told me my son had a 104-degree F temperature. I wanted to double-check, as rectal temps are more accurate, and it told me he was only 102.6 degrees F. I love that it’s small and compact and super easy to use! Ten seconds and you have your temp. I recommend this to all my mom friends !" —Megan

PlayhouseMD is a small business owned by two sisters (a doctor and a toy designer!) that sells useful, but adorable, health products for kiddos. For those of you who haven't had the pleasure of using one of these bad boys, a nasal bulb's purpose is to help quickly remove snot and boogers from a baby's stuffy nose so they can breathe/sleep better. This one has a convenient light attached to it that'll 1. distract the baby, hopefully long enough to get the job done, and 2. let parents get in and get out during the night without having to turn an overhead light on. 

In addition to the nasal bulb, they also make a nasal aspirator that lights up and looks like an elephant, and cute medicine dispensers shaped like a space ship or a butterfly.

Promising review: "Well-designed product with the child in mind. The suction is unbeatable when compared to others and quicker. The light is bright enough to see up the child’s nose but gentle enough not to bother their eyes." —Amanda M.

Even though it may seem silly to buy a gadget that literally makes a sound they can make with their own for free, any parent will be happy to have it come 2 a.m. when they're exhausted and *really* not in the mood to continue “shhh”ing repeatedly. The Baby Shusher is safe to use in a crib, has adjustable volume, and it can be set to make noise for 15- or 30-minute intervals. Additionally, it comes from a small business.

Promising review: "I was so tired of 'shushing.' Literally, I shushed so hard and for so long, it made me light-headed. My baby has serious FOMO and fights naps like the plague. This helps so much! Even during the worst fits, this helps calm her, and she's out in minutes. Great for the car too!" —Jami

The very popular manual nasal aspirator was simply not for me (an adult has to insert a tube into the baby's nose and manually *suck* the snot out themselves...gag), but an automatic one was definitely something my stomach could handle. The purpose of this gadget is to, well, remove all the snot from baby's little nose so they can breathe/sleep better! It's seamless to use and clean, and gets the job done! All you'll have to do is insert the tip into the baby's nose and turn on the suction (while likely enduring their displeased yelling, all par for the course.) Just remember to remove the suction chamber before cleaning it, because I definitely had to buy another after accidentally destroying mine... oops. Ya live and ya learn!

Promising review: "Works wonders! Highly recommended! My baby was sick with a runny nose and hated the other manual suction methods. He’ll freak out before I'm able to use it. This one was quick, clean, and extremely easy to use! It cleared his stuffy nose without irritating his nose or traumatizing him." —Sonia Ramirez 

Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in six colors).

Each set comes with one hooded towel and one washcloth. There is absolutely nothing cuter than a baby wrapped up in a hooded animal towel, OK? The ones from Pottery Barn Kids are especially nice because they're of fantastic quality, wash really well, and are the perfect size for newborns (not too big!) Any new parent will want to take 900 photos of their infant all snug as a bug in one of these cute towels.

Get it from Pottery Barn Kids for $49 (available in nine styles).

This set will be a new parent's saving grace for any skincare issues their tyke throws their way. The body wash and bubble bath are made with hypoallergenic and plant-based ingredients (and smell AMAZING). The All Over Ointment is also formulated with plant-based materials like Jojoba Esters and Camellia Leaf Extract that naturally moisturize skin but *without* any heavy fragrances. It's a thick, reliable cream that soaks in quickly and works wonders on everyone and everything. These are some of our most-used products at home (also because my son loves to pump soap into cups and make them bubble over with running water during bath time haha). Both of my kids have somewhat sensitive skin but have no reaction to the Tubby Todd products — I've been using them since they were infants! The bottles of body wash and bubble bath are both 8.5 fl oz and will last us through SO many baths!

Promising review: "We were recommended Tubby Todd after my baby developed mild eczema behind his knees. We began using the cream, and it virtually cured the condition within days. Now, we incorporate the shampoo and bubble bath into his daily routine, and he absolutely adores the bubbles. I feel confident bathing him, knowing that the products are plant-based. The refreshing scent of the bubble bath and shampoo is delightful. The unscented lotion is a pleasant touch. While the price is a bit high, I believe it’s worth it considering the exceptional quality of this product." —Savannah

I've tried quite a few diaper pails since having my son in 2022 (part of the job, ya know?) and also utilized other brands when visiting my mom friends' houses, so I'd like to think I'm a pretty good source on which ones don't, well, stink! Diaper Genie is a fan favorite and for good reason; it actually does what it's supposed to do. The scent of dirty diapers doesn't leak through it (unless you open it, which is inevitable), it holds a large quantity of diapers, and it is super easy to swap out a full bag for a fresh one. It's also easy to tuck away in a corner of a room, which I personally loved for my son's room, which isn't super spacious. It's a parent-of-babies must-have, simple as that!

Former BuzzFeeder Chandni Reddy also praised this can, "This pail saved me a dozen trips daily to our garage to dispose of poopy diapers in the trash. It does a great job of locking in the stench and keeping our nursery smelling fresh, despite my kiddo's valiant efforts. Doesn't mean the smell doesn't hit hard when the lid is open, tbh, but I'll still take that as a win."

Promising review: "Superior diaper pail. Beautiful design. Uses the new bag style that is way better than the ring style of the older models. You pull the bag out when full and the new empty bag pulls up with it. You tear off the filled bag and tie it and stretch the new bag over the top of the pail's opening. Very easy to use. Smells stay trapped inside." —LAELLISMOM

Get it from Amazon for $67.97+ (available in five styles).

Any iteration of a Hatch sound machine will honestly do the trick, but the newest version is *~aesthetic~* and designed to perfectly fit in a nursery. When my kids were infants and sleeping in a bassinet in our room, we relied on the Hatch to help us all form a routine. It's fantastic because you can control both the lighting and sound of the devices on your phone with Hatch’s easy-to-use app. When we were still getting up for middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes, it was invaluable to be able to raise the light a bit while doing so, then quickly lower it once the baby had settled back into sleep. It’s also not harsh and has a bunch of color options. Once you choose your color, you can also toggle it to control just how vibrant you'd like it to be, so it’s been easy enough to find a brightness that suits our needs. 

You can read my review of past versions here. 

The newer Hatch Baby Sound Machine has a more intuitive top button that'll make it easier than ever to adjust settings while you're half asleep but trying to take care of a tiny human. It comes with a six-month trial subscription that includes sleep consultant chats, sleep guides, and additional special features.

Promising review: "We’ve been using the Hatch Rest since our baby was a newborn, and honestly, it’s become a non-negotiable part of our sleep routine. The brown noise is like magic — it helps drown out all the little household sounds and signals to our baby that it’s time to wind down. Now, when it’s on, she knows it’s bedtime. And honestly? It helps us sleep better too, but be careful in the very beginning with a newborn — we slept TOOOO good due to lack of sleep and were lucky my mom was there to feed and change her because we were dead to the world." —Ariel McAlpine

Get it from Amazon for $99.99 (available in four colors).

Adding a fun little design to diapers really does make changing a stinky baby a less unpleasant task. Who doesn't appreciate a cute lil' diaper butt??? I've been lucky enough to receive *a lot* of diaper samples since having my son, Noah. He's nearly four now and out of diapers, but my daughter is still in 'em. Safe to say I've tried quite a few. Anyway, over the years, I've used Hello Bello tons of times — especially around the holidays because they have the cutest themed diapers!

However, I'd be remiss to say the best part is that the Hello Bello diapers actually do what they're supposed to — hold in pee and poop! While I appreciate the adorable themes and patterns Hello Bello offers, I was happiest when I didn't have to change my baby's outfit five times a day because of pee gone awry. I'm even happier to report that there was one day my son pooped A LOOOOOT (how does so much come out of such a tiny body????) and there were absolutely no leaks through the diaper — not a single blowout has happened. At the end of the day, that's what really matters. 

Promising review: "Easy to use, love to gift these to my new mama friends. Hello Bello is my absolute favorite baby brand. Their diapers are affordable but feel luxurious!" —alexissnoellexo_2789

Get a 1-month gift subscription from Hello Bello for $89.99.

There are *tons* of play mats on the market, but this one from Skip Hop's got my vote. It's affordable in comparison to most (which retail for over $100), has an adorable theme that won't overtake your entire living space (not a need but, a plus), and has enough simple toys/ makes enough sounds to keep your little one entertained. My kids each had an iteration on this (Skip Hop seems to circulate different themes), and both enjoyed it. I enjoyed that the arches were not made of wood or hard plastic and could be easily folded away when not in use. As they grew out of the hanging toys/learned to sit, we'd still use the mat separately as a place for them to hang out!

Promising review: "I love that the colors are soothing and not overstimulating. One side of the mat is super soft and plush, and the other side is a smoother material. The leaves make a crinkling sound, which my baby has been loving. She also loves the plant that has a bell in it, so I hang that one lower so she can reach it. My only complaint is that there isn’t a mirror that looks down so she can see herself, as in some of the other play gyms. Overall, this is exactly what I was looking for. It’s soft, pretty, and keeps my baby entertained for a while." —Sarah

I never realized how important a humidifier was for a baby's room (or my room!) until I discovered how constantly congested my little ones seemed as newborns. It is also just great for creating moist air, especially during the winter when the heat is running high. The Vicks one is awesome because, as they get older, you can add Vicks VapoPads to really open their airways and help them breathe deeply when they're sick.

Promising review: "I love this humidifier. We bought it for our nursery and have used it every day since our baby was born. It works well day to day, but we love it for the VapoPad feature. Our baby has been sick this week, so we used the free VapoPad that came with it. Although he had been waking up throughout the night super congested and miserable, using the VapoPad eliminated our nightly trips to suction and soothe him. Very much worth it — and it’s not an expensive model." —Heidi K

I wish someone would wrap me up in this and put me to bed. Taking Cara Babies is a mom-owned small business that primarily offers parents advice and a guide on improving their baby's sleep. Every mom friend in my life has turned to her site/Instagram for guidance and support, so I have no doubt this swaddle will be a 10/10 for new parents. It has a breathable modal fabric, a silent closure (no Velcro-induced startles!) and three different ways to wrap Baby up comfortably so, fingers crossed, they actually sleep.

Get it from Taking Cara of Babies for $64 (available in three colors).

Piolina is a small business! This nursing scarf will double as a fashion statement *and* a means to comfortably feed your baby when you're out and about. Take a break from your impromptu shopping trip, sit yourself down on a bench, and swap the scarf from an accessory to a helpful shield.

Promising review: "It’s wonderful! Had lunch at a cafe outdoors with a friend and was perfectly covered and felt so comfortable." —Alexandra E.

Parents will be able to rely on it to help them make their baby a bottle in a flash — which is *much* appreciated when their little cutie-turned-monster is screaming their head off because they've decided they're hungry. I've literally told every single parent or parent-to-be in my life that THIS machine is what kept me going during my kids' first years — it was the light of my life (next to them, of course). It's truly the number one item I couldn't have lived without. Literally, I would happily spend my last penny on this product because it has made that much of a difference in my life over the last few years.

It’s essentially a Keurig for baby bottles. It can mix the formula with the proper amount of water and dispense it at the *perfect* temperature for the baby. It has a button so I can easily choose how many ounces to put in a bottle, depending on how recently the baby has eaten. Sometimes we only needed 2 ounces instead of 4 ounces, etc. The bottle settings stay in place, so while my baby was screaming, I just had to place a bottle under the dispenser and hit the “start” button. It’s so easy, I was able to literally do it with one hand while holding my kid. 

The spout has to be cleaned every four bottles, which I just do with hot water and a paper towel, and the water needs to be refilled once a day (like a Keurig). Other than that, all I had to do was ensure the formula container was filled. My husband set it up like a baby bar cart in the nursery so we didn't have to stumble down our stairs to the kitchen, bleary-eyed and half asleep, in the middle of the night. It really was a godsend and I don’t know what I’d do without it! 

Promising review: "The Baby Brezza Formula Pro Advanced has been a lifesaver! I honestly don’t know how I managed without it. It makes my life so much easier — I can prepare a perfectly mixed, warm bottle within seconds of my baby getting fussy. No more measuring, no more shaking bottles in the middle of the night, and no more worrying about clumps or temperature." —Maybry Marquez

My mom and mother-in-law both rave all the time about how much they wish products like this existed when they had babies. This bottle washer from Momcozy is incredible. Let's talk about it, shall we? It can be used to clean/dry baby bottles, pump parts, and other baby essentials (pacifiers, etc) and store them safely for up to 72 hours after washing. It has nine different cleaning mode combos to choose from (ooh!), including a "quick wash" option for when you're in a hurry and realize you don't have a single clean bottle. The part that really impresses me is that it has a hose long enough to drain directly into the sink — no need to carry/empty a heavy bucket of water as other versions do! 

Promising review: "While Momcozy isn’t the only brand offering this type of bottle washer, it clearly sets itself apart with its specifications, thoughtful design, and reliable performance. The 2.5-liter water tank is large enough to clean 8 bottles, plus nipples and accessories, in the top chamber. It uses washing tablets — and in my experience, the Momcozy tablets work the best. They clean thoroughly, remove micro-residue, and are safe, odor-free, and non-corrosive. The drainage hose is long enough to set up next to the kitchen sink for easy filling and draining. The tank can be filled directly from your faucet, making it easy to use daily without removing the tank. Overall, I highly recommend the Momcozy bottle washer to every parent. It’s reliable, easy to maintain, and makes daily bottle cleaning so much simpler. They also made spare parts available and provided good customer service. I’ve even started gifting it to new parents among my friends and colleagues." —SMH

It took me two years to find a baby carrier I loved, so you can totally trust that I've done the research on this item. This one from BabyBjörn is pricey but has all the features I was looking for in a carrier. Many of the other brands I tried were SO difficult to figure out — how should the straps go? How do I get the baby in? How do I get the baby OUT?! The Harmony simplified all of those concerns with its easy-to-use clasp system. I could buckle my daughter in on my own, allowing me to go on more outings alone with her and my toddler. My neighbors definitely all had a glimpse of me wearing my daughter while pushing my son on his trike at the same time. (I am EXHAUSTED, to say the least.)

Additionally, the material is very lightweight, whereas other brands I tried left me and my tot feeling hot and sweaty. I used this one throughout an entire summer, and while I was, of course, warmer from having a baby strapped to me, I wasn't overtly dying of heat. It was also designed with padded shoulder straps and a pressure-relieving waist belt, which was MUCH appreciated. When your tyke inevitably spits up all over it, you can just toss it in the wash! I truly love this product. I passed it along to my sister now that my kids have grown out of it and she also loves it!

Promising review: "This baby carrier is totally worth it! I’ve tried a few others before, but none were as comfortable as this one. It has breathable holes that help keep both me and the baby cool, so we don’t overheat on walks. It’s easy to adjust for the baby’s legs, simple to wash, and feels supportive without being bulky. My back doesn’t hurt after using it, and my baby naps so well in it thanks to the good head support. It’s right in the middle when it comes to weight — not too bulky. I use it all the time, from home to walks and even to stores or malls." —ArielJOL

Get it from Amazon for $249.99 (available in three styles).

Huffington Post Managing Editor Emily Ruane has had this bag for more than FOUR YEARS. She said, "Before having kids and realizing the importance of a good diaper bag, I probably would have thought that this fully equipped Dagne Dover backpack was a pretty big splurge. I was lucky to receive it as a gift, but I can tell you that after using it for almost four years, it is splurgeWORTHY. Having a durable and roomy bag like this one — especially one that can be worn as a backpack! — was absolutely crucial when my kids were babies and toddlers, especially for our particular childcare experience. My kids are very close in age, and we had a full-time nanny from the time my oldest daughter was four months old until she was about four years old. She preferred to take my kids outside from morning until late afternoon, so it was really important that our diaper bag could hold EVERYTHING — diapers, a changing pad (we had Dagne Dover’s Joey roll-up), bottles, snacks, a change of clothes — so that our caregiver could take everything she needed to keep two babies/toddlers safe, well-fed and entertained all day long. It also had to be extremely comfortable for her to wear, and luckily, this bag was. It’s so spacious that I’d usually use it as luggage for my kids when we traveled, stuffing in extra clothes, books and toys for weekends away."

Promising review: "I’m so impressed with this diaper bag! The large size holds everything my baby needs with room to spare, and the organization is fantastic. The straps are extremely comfortable, and even when the bag is packed, it never feels too heavy thanks to the thoughtful design. Highly recommend!" —Diana A

Get it from Dagne Dover for $148+ (available in three sizes and five colors).

The BabyBjörn bouncer was an item I bought for myself when my son (pictured left) was DYING to sit up but wasn't quite there yet. We'd plop him into this bouncer and he'd be THRILLED to sit for a bit and watch my husband make his morning espresso (haha) or happily watch Encanto for the trillionth time (don't judge my parenting screentime). Honestly, he was just so happy to be upright! 

We broke it out again for my daughter (pictured right). We attached toys to hers to keep her busy long enough for us to shove dinner down our throats. She's a little wilder than my son and LOVED to aggressively bounce in it.

It folds down easily, so throwing it in the car and bringing it to someone else's house is a breeze. Both of my kids loved this thing, and I'd definitely recommend it to any parent. I've since passed it along to my sister-in-law, and my niece uses it daily!

Promising review: "From the moment I put him in the chair, he was calm and happy. It's very well made, easy to move from room to room, and the cover is machine washable. The design is simple and brilliant. The straps can be put on with only one hand. Super easy to get him in and out. He is four months old now and starting to figure out that he can make it bounce. The cover is solid canvas and soft. The seams are very strong. It makes zero sound while he bounces. I now have a moment here and there to do things around the house while my little man plays in a safe, comfy little seat. Highly recommend!" —Zuya

Get it from Amazon for $209.99+ (available in 12 styles).

The Doona is truly a magical car seat and stroller combo that'll make getting your baby out of the house way less daunting. No need to break a sweat while trying to insert your infant's heavy car seat into a separate stroller contraption without waking them; simply lift this one out of the car, and the wheels will click into place underneath. 

My in-laws watch my kids at their house once a week (bless them), and we were so tired of switching car seats between our vehicles. After seeing SO many parents pushing this Doona in stores, I realized it might be the perfect solution. It functions as a car seat and a stroller, so I didn't need to set my in-laws up with both items. This covered the bases in such an efficient way! It was seamless to install, and despite being a bit unfamiliar with today's modern strollers, they had no problem figuring out how to use it. I've started recommending it as a must-have registry item for new parents who don't want to invest in several car seats right now and/or don't have the room for a larger stroller. It's simply fantastic!

BuzzFeed writer Mallory Mower is also a fan of this stroller/car seat/magic vehicle, "This is another one of those baby products that I get teary-eyed thinking about because my 4-pound baby came home from the hospital in this, and then went *everywhere* in it until she grew out of it. I wish this had been around sooner because parents deserve a product this helpful. It's a great stroller, a safe car seat, and the combo is a *chef's kiss* gift to parents."

Promising review: "This is the BEST car seat/stroller combo! It makes running errands so easy!! This was our big purchase, and I highly recommend it to all of my friends! It’s easy to get my baby in and out of the car. He loves it and sleeps the entire time he is in it!" —Delaney

Get it from Amazon for $650+ (available in eight styles).

This is an AWESOME stroller for anyone with one kiddo or up to three! It has over 22 different configurations to make use of, that make it truly ideal for venturing around a theme park — it works with a bassinet, car seats, a standard stroller seat, and an attachable riding board for older kids!

Also noteworthy, it features a universal travel system, meaning it's compatible with Nuna, Uppababy, Chicco, and Graco car seats (with an adapter), so if you've got an infant to bring along on your Disney vacay, they can rest comfortably. 

I have this stroller at my parents' house and have tested it out in single and double mode — it's, honestly, awesome. So many double strollers are bulky and cumbersome, but this one has an easy one-handed folding option, making it a cinch to stow away when we're not in town. I love that it can be easily changed back and forth between a single stroller and a double when my toddler isn't coming along for a walk. It's also super easy to clean, has a deep basket for storage (blankets, snacks, etc.), and glides smoothly over the bumpy streets of my parents' neighborhood. It comes in a bunch of colors, which is great when taking it somewhere like Walt Disney World (where it meets their guidelines!), so you won't lose your stroller in a sea of similar-looking ones.

Promising review: "This stroller has been so great!! We are Disneyland passholders and Zoo/Safari Park members, and this stroller has made our long days SO EASY!! My son is exclusively breastfeeding, and I have a hard time feeding in public, even in nursing rooms, because I have a large bust. But the storage at the bottom of this stroller lets me bring my breastfeeding pillow to Disney and the zoo, along with all the other things we need!! I also love that I can flip my son forward-facing or rear-facing sooo easily, and by myself, because the buttons to unlock the seat click individually and lock down, so you can press them one at a time to lift the seat. This stroller has made doing big things independently with my 3-month-old 1000000x easier. I love my Mockingbird, definitely a must-have!!!!!" —Hannah O

Get it from Mockingbird for $549 (available in six colors, two patterns, and two frames).

I'm going to cut right to the chase here — this chair is the light of my life. My almost 2-year-old is precious and very cute, but girlfriend does not sleep well. My husband and I have logged HOURS in this beauty and have nothing but praise for it. We were silly and didn't have a recliner/glider for my son's nursery, so we tried to plan a bit better for our sleepless nights this time around. We're not thrilled to be up half the night, but we both absolutely adore this glider. It's so plush and soft, has great back support, and (arguably, most importantly) reclines back quietly. There are two power buttons on the side that slowly recline the chair back and kick up the footrest — it's divine, even at 3:30 a.m. It also has built-in USB and Type-C charging ports, so you can charge your phone while your baby holds you prisoner all night. 

I love how many style options were available — fabric, faux leather, and genuine leather (11 options total) — making it easy to integrate into any nursery you've designed. I'll definitely be holding onto this chair for a loooooong time, even when (hopefully) our sleepless nights dwindle down.

Promising review: "The Tracee Power Swivel Nursery Glider Recliner is the perfect addition to our nursery. It’s super comfy and beautiful. Very easy to clean. Also, super easy to put together. Overall pleased with my purchase." —Miranda

Get it from Chita for $571.99+ (available in 11 styles). 

While there are heavily praised high-tech swings on the market, there's a chance your baby might not be interested in all of that fuss! I was lucky enough to test out one of the more advanced swings, and guess what? My son hated it. However, this simple Graco swing was my absolute saving grace during the first few months of parenthood. It was basically the only place my son would calm down and relax (he's been VERY energetic and has always been on the move). The simple swaying (paired with his favorite movie, Encanto) ensured that I'd get a bit of peace to tackle other things around the house that need to be done. He was often distracted by the stars that would swing above him (though note that it is not a spinning mobile) and spent quite a bit of time trying to reach them. Whatever works, amiright?

Promising review: "We’ve been using this swing for about a year now, and it has worked the entire time perfectly. It was very helpful during the early months for soothing and calming my baby. The side-to-side motion is gentle, the seat is comfortable, and the swing feels stable and secure. After a year of regular use, it’s still in great condition and functions just as well as when we first got it. Overall, it’s a reliable, well-made swing and definitely worth it for parents looking for something that lasts." —Marian

Get it from Amazon for $149.99 (available in two styles).

My best friend and I both have this mattress for our kids and have lain face down on top of it to see if it truly is breathable — good news, it is! I've recommended this mattress to quite literally every parent I know. It'll help provide you with some peace of mind once your tyke starts sleeping on it — it's made with a unique woven material that lets babies breathe through it (an absolute game changer) and is also fully washable. Your child will literally sleep on it for YEARS (my almost 4-year-old still does, even now that we've turned his crib into a toddler bed!).

Promising review: "I know this mattress is a bit pricey, but it was totally worth the money!! I was riddled with anxiety when my 5-month-old started rolling on his tummy at night. This mattress is 100% breathable! One night I woke up to find baby rolled over and face down...he had his arm below, but it still made a difference, he could breathe through the mattress!" —Paulina Rivera

Before we dive in, I'd like to a give a shout out to these other also extremely beloved wearable breast pumps: the Willow 360 and the Elvie. Both of which also have thousands of positive reviews. The main reason the Momcozy pump is taking the cake here is for its slightly lower price point — but definitely look into these other brands as well! From what I've learned, pumps work differently for every mom!

Former BuzzFeed writer Samar Hadri was so thankful for hers! She said, "I don't think it's dramatic to say that my postpartum journey was changed when I switched to these wearable pumps. During the first few weeks after giving birth, I was using a combination of manual and electric pumps — both requiring me to sit still for 15–30 minutes as I attempted to pump as much milk as possible. Since I was trying to pump every two or three hours, I was spending a good chunk of my day attached to a machine, which didn't exactly leave much time for chores or even relaxation. And then I got the Momcozy pumps. 

These slide perfectly into my nursing bras and allow me to go around cleaning up, cooking dinner, taking care of my daughter, or simply just lounging in front of the TV. I've even worn these pumps around Disney and walking around the mall! 

The battery life is amazing, and I've gotten more milk in less time than my hospital-grade electric pump! It comes with four flange sizes (17/19/21/24mm) so you can find the perfect fit, and an exquisite storage handbag! Plus, it connects to an app so you can track how much you're pumping and for how long! Highly recommend!"

Promising review: "I bought this for my second pregnancy and holy moly, it’s a game changer. This pump is easy to use, clean, and doesn’t pull on my nipples. I literally threw out my Elvie pump after my first use of this (Elvie is trash). Battery life is amazing too! I was able to pump four times a day for two days before needing to charge it. Highly recommend this pump." —J. Williams

I switched to the Nanit monitoring system when my daughter was born in 2024 because the app has an incredible split-screen option that lets me watch both kiddos at once — it's been a game-changer. It's super easy to set up, and once you've done so, there's nothing more to do but the occasional software update. The app itself is simple: it shows you a view of your kiddo's crib and notes how long they've been asleep, whether they're crying, or whether they're standing. The audio and picture are so clear (including the night mode), and the camera itself is unobtrusive to my kids' rooms' decor. I also love that even if I'm out (rarely) I can check in on my sleeping babies for some peace of mind. It was great when my daughter was an infant and sleeping in our room, too. I was able to use the monitor stand over her bassinet to keep a watchful eye on her, even if I wasn't in my bedroom.

Promising review: "This baby monitor is an absolute parenting game-changer — a solid 10/10 in every possible way! The seamless synchronization with your phone, even when you're away from home, is revolutionary. The real-time alerts for sound and motion keep you informed about every move your little one makes. The standout feature is the ability to meticulously track your baby's sleep patterns, capturing every waking moment, putting down, and sweetly falling asleep. Revisiting memories of your baby sleeping is an emotional treasure, and the expert advice on optimizing sleep for your child is a priceless addition. If you seek a baby monitor that seamlessly integrates advanced technology with practical parenting insights, look no further. This monitor has elevated my parenting journey, offering unparalleled peace of mind and heartwarming memories. A resounding 10/10!" —Savannah Wooden

Get it from Amazon for $289.99 (available with either the floor stand or the wall mount).

BuzzFeed contributor Jessica Hall is a big fan, she said: "I got this for my daughter, and I can tell it makes a huuuuge difference. Pack-and-play mattresses and notoriously uncomfortable, but this one actually has some padding. It is also made from Newton's traditional material, that is breathable, unlike other brands. It's significantly larger than the old one I had, which I can tell is a lot more comfortable for my daughter. She is quite petite, but she flips and flops all over the place while she is sleeping, so having this space helps prevent her from slamming her head into the sides. The only drawback is that it is a little bit larger when packed up (which makes sense since it's so much bigger when built). But honestly, that doesn't bother me too much. When we check it on an airplane, those extra few inches don't make a difference. I can see it becoming an issue if you already have limited space on a road trip, but we were able to fit it in my trunk with no issue (even though we were stuffed to the brim because babies have A LOT of stuff to travel with)."

Check out the travel crib in action on TikTok.

Promising review: "The deluxe travel crib and play-yard is exactly what I was looking for. My almost 2-year-old toddler is tall enough to climb out of a standard pack-and-play and won't sleep unless she is contained. (Which is fun to learn when you’re in a hotel room on vacation in a small town with limited shopping options 🫠). This is the only travel crib I could find that would keep her in so we can actually spend the night away from home again." —Heather

Get it from Newton for $199.99+ (available with or without a bassinet attachment).

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BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.

This piece is by Heather Braga, a Shopping editor (and mom to two toddlers) who covers a variety of topics, including things that'll make parents' lives (hopefully) easier, exciting gadgets, cozy products (think: home goods and fashions that'll make you want to snuggle), and any magical Disney item that crosses her path.