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The baby market is sooo oversaturated and honestly terrifying for new parents, so let me share my research and experience to help make it less daunting.

I am a contributor and former BuzzFeed Shopping writer based in Cincinnati, OH where you can find me curating lists on ~a little bit of everything~ (and adding a few things to my own cart in the process).

This bassinet comes with the mattress and sheets, and the whole pad is washable.

Yes, yes, yes, I know the Snoo is all the rage, but frankly, I was not interested in shelling out over $1,500 for something my baby used for, like, six months?! I don't even wanna spend that much on a bed for myself that I would use for years. This Newton version is much more affordable, and I like the fact that the side goes down so you can easily reach in and grab your baby when you need to. That is soooo convenient when you have to grab your newborn to feed them several times throughout the night. And no, this one doesn't rock your baby to sleep, but I've seen conflicting research about that because a lot of babies have a harder time transitioning to a traditional crib when the time comes, because that doesn't move, and they are used to it. I love that it is designed to be extremely breathable and has mesh sides so you can always see your baby inside. And yes, I did shove my face into the mattress to make sure it was breathable. 

Promising reviews: "Such a high-quality and beautiful bassinet. We have gotten so much use out of it as a bedside sleeper and a travel crib, and we currently use it for our 6-month-old as a 'kitchen bassinet' when we have to set him down to get things done. Highly recommend!" —Nicole Roggow

"Total game changer for ease with a newborn, especially at night. Really likes being able to fold it down so I can put my arm in to soothe the baby as well. Very sturdy and easy to put together, and super easy to move around the room, which is convenient. We LOVE Newton products." —Breanna Dudley

Get it from Amazon for $299.99 (available in two colors).

As you can imagine, babies' skin is sensitive, and there are soooo many different ointments and treatments out there, it can be hard to know. I think I'm drawn to this for a few reasons: I personally use Aquaphor products and love them so I have experience with them and feel comfortable with them, it has soo many different uses so I can just have one product on hand instead of a bunch of different ones, and it's pretty cheap (especially compared to other products) and comes in a hefty size so you won't have to constantly buy refills.

Promising review: "I can't recommend Aquaphor enough! It's been a lifesaver for my baby's delicate skin. Whenever I've tried other products, my little one has developed diaper rash and discomfort. But with Aquaphor, his skin stays moisturized. It's truly the best." —Rosa

Get it from Amazon for $12.97+ (available in two sizes and multi-packs).

This is probably one of the main things other parents told me to get as soon as I told them I was starting to shop for my baby. I knew I wanted a camera system, but I truly had no idea what that meant or where to start picking one. It even has a built-in light, which makes those middle-of-the-night feeding and changing sessions much easier, since you won't risk stubbing your toe like 10 times in the dark. This one is great because it works with an app on your phone, so you can always keep an eye on your little one. I also really like all the different features that come with the app — two-way sound, cry detection, stand alerts, white noise, lullabies, and more.

Promising review: "After comparing several baby monitors, we decided to go with this one, and I’m very happy with our choice. The picture is sharp, the two-way audio is clear, and I love being able to check in on my baby from anywhere. The notifications for crying and movement are very helpful, especially during naps and nighttime. It feels like a high-quality, thoughtfully designed product. The installation was easier than expected, and the app experience has been smooth. It’s made our daily routine much easier and gives us real confidence when our baby is sleeping. I would absolutely recommend it to other parents." —Ronald

Get it from Amazon for $289.99+ (available in two mounting options and with or without an external monitor).

IDK about you, but the thought of cream getting stuck under my nails gives me the ick like no other, so this was absolutely something I needed. This is seriously such a genius invention, I think any parent should have it. Plus, it provides an even distribution of diaper cream, and you don't have to contort your hand into awkward positions to apply it to the right places.

Promising reviews: "My wife bought this for our newborn. I'll admit that I thought it was silly since we've been applying diaper cream with our fingers for years. All that said, it's been a surprisingly useful tool that helps better apply the cream and, of course, keep fingers clean. I love it and fully admit I was wrong. Definitely worth checking out." —Jason Jones

"Yes, it’s weird. I laughed (to myself) when I got one as a baby gift. Then my baby got her first rash, and after wrestling a diaper closed with fingers covered in diaper cream, I remembered this, and oh boy, what a lifesaver. It applies cream evenly and wipes clean. I now have two and will probably buy a third for the diaper bag. It’s also nice for people with sensory issues or who are new to diaper-changing. Yes, it’s weird, but it’s also super useful." —jp

Get it from Amazon for $6.99 (available in two colors; also available in a mini version for your diaper bag and a two-pack).

You can use this from the time your kiddo is 7 pounds until they hit 35 pounds!

A baby carrier is definitely one of my top recommendations. Whether you have a baby who refuses to do anything other than contact nap or you desperately don't wanna pull the stroller out, this will help make sure you *and* your baby are comfortable. This is designed to carry the baby in three different ways and always keeps the baby's hip positioning in mind, which is really one of the key factors you want to be aware of when buying a carrier. 

Promising review: "This carrier is absolutely stunning, so soft, functional, and perfect for a mom of now three babies! I have tried different carriers and this one is by far my favorite!" —Jenae Vierhus

Get it from Mabē for $109+ (originally $129; available in 14 patterns). 

If there's one thing I heard from basically everyone when I talked about the products I needed to buy, it's that you'll need a lot of burp cloths to deal with spit-up and spills, and to have around for who knows what. I saw so much about muslin versions being superior because they are softer and super absorbent, which are two things you definitely want when dealing with a newborn that has sensitive skin and all the messes that are gonna come from them. I used at least five of these a day for the first 11+ months of my daughter's life. While I don't have to use them constantly anymore since she's not spitting up and drooling, I definitely still grab them when she is sick and has a runny nose.

Promising review: "When I was a new mom, I ordered several different brands of cute burp cloths with all different designs and colors. None of them comes close to comparing to these. These absorb so much better and are super soft and easy to clean. I use them every single day and still use them with my toddler just to clean stuff up or wipe his nose when he is sick, as it's soft and doesn't irritate him. Highly recommend these to any parent of babies!" —Momming Simplified

Get a pack of four from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in two pack sizes and 10 colors).

My biggest regret from my baby registry is not thinking ahead. If you have any plans to have several children, I highly recommend planning ahead so you don't have to get a different stroller when the second baby comes around. This one can be set up as a single for the first few years, but will be ready to convert to a double when the time comes. One of the most important things I think you can have in a stroller for a newborn is a bassinet. I've been seeing people recently talk about how they think it is unnecessary since the baby can't use it for that long (but like, that's basically soooo many products in the first few months), but my daughter *lived* in her bassinet for so long. I didn't want her to be sitting up in an awkward position when we were walking around, so the bassinet was amazing for letting her lie down and nap comfortably. There were even a few times when we were in a pinch and just brought the bassinet inside to give her a safe spot to sleep when we didn't have anywhere else to put her. 

Promising review: "Love this stroller as we transition to using it with our son ahead of welcoming our baby in a couple of months. As someone who walks 5+ miles a day with the stroller, I needed something sturdy and easy to push that handled well. It's been great so far!" —lyss_palmquist

Get it from Bugaboo for $2,169 (available in seven colors).

I feel like it's been ingrained in me that you have to make sure the water is the perfect temperature when you give your little ones a bath, but like, how the heck are you supposed to tell?! Like you think, I'm gonna be able to stick my hand in there and be like "ah yes, the perfect 90ish degrees" (as recommended by the Cleveland Clinic), but nope, that's not gonna happen!! So this is a great option, so you actually make sure you have the water not too hot and not too cold. Plus, this cutie little duck is just a great thing for your baby to stare at while you give them their bath.

Promising review: "Great for bath time. As a first-time mom, this has made bathtime easy. Leaves out all the guesswork about the water's temperature. It lets you know when the water temperature is too hot for the baby and when it’s just right. The battery had lasted a while; we used it 3–4 times a week and for over four months. Also, it’s cute! Who doesn’t love the original rubber ducky?!" —Linds

Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in four styles and a rechargeable version).

Yes, these aren't the most environmentally friendly option, but they weren't for everyday use; they were just for times when I had to use a changing table that gave me the ick. I wouldn't want to use a reusable mat that then has to go back in my diaper bag, risking gross contamination with everything else in there. These are also absorbent, unlike reusable pads, making them a great option if you have a little one who tends to pee as soon as you take their diaper off.

Promising review: "These are perfect for on-the-go use. I have definitely been caught off guard with pee in the middle of a diaper change, and these absorb really well. Better than the changing mats because, although waterproof, they don't absorb, so it just runs everywhere. I even use them on our home changing table just in case of an accident. Also, really good for changing a poopy diaper to make sure nothing gets on your changing pad. You can just roll everything up in it when you're done and dispose. They are a good size as well to make sure you have everything covered and contained." —Davena C.

I already deal with anxiety in my everyday life, so if there's something out there that could give me peace of mind that my baby is safe while they sleep, you can bet I'm gonna get it. This has been such a game-changer, letting me sleep without constantly checking the camera for movement. While this isn't as necessary now that my daughter is older, my anxiety says I will keep using it until she reaches the weight limit!! And TBH, this has really helped when she's been sick and congested, and I'm worried about her breathing at night.

Promising reviews: "Absolute must have! As a first-time mom dealing with postpartum anxiety, I love this Owlet. It gives me a sense of comfort knowing my newborn is breathing/safe sleeping. Worth every penny." —Maria 

"After using this for almost three months now, I absolutely love the Owlet! As a new mom who's been afraid of SIDS, as I have a family member whose baby brother passed away from SIDS before all of this technology to prevent it, I was afraid of the possibility, and this product has helped me to sleep at night. I had pre-partum and now postpartum depression, and one thing I have never worried about every single night is my baby sleeping soundly all throughout the night. I do still check on him, but I'm not panicking, trying to figure out if my baby is breathing. I love being able to see his sleep cycle and keep up with his movements! To anyone looking for a great gift for a new mom-to-be that can be used for a long time and by several children, this product is the one to go with. I feel that in this day and age, this is not a want but a need, especially for parents with anxiety!" —Alice Wood

Get it from Amazon for $299+ (available in two versions and three colors).

I saw this thing allllll over TikTok, and people couldn't stop raving about it. It can be adjusted to grow with your baby so they can start lying and kicking the piano, transition to tummy time where they can look at themself in the mirror, and then when they can sit up, you can move the piano so they can use their hands, and eventually they can even take the piano on the go. There are over 65 songs and sounds and a bunch of different toys and textures for them to play with. And yes, the purple monkey in a bubblegum tree song HITSSSS! Highly recommend this as a good place to set your baby down when you just need a minute to yourself or need to make sure you're giving them the appropriate amount of tummy time. 

Promising review: "We absolutely love this play mat! My baby has so much fun playing on it, and I love that there are so many different things for her to look at, grab, and interact with. The piano is definitely one of her favorites! It keeps her entertained while also giving her an opportunity to practice reaching, kicking, and tummy time. It’s colorful, cute, and feels like a great developmental toy for this stage. I also love that she can continue using it as she gets older in different ways. Definitely one of our favorite baby items!" —Joelle mariano

Get it from Amazon for $59.44+ (available in three versions).

It can even work on grass, blood, oil, and other stubborn stains.

Baby poop is gross and has the ability to stain stuff almost immediately. You will definitely need this on hand if you don't want to risk losing like 5+ outfits a week to blowouts.

Promising reviews: "So I am a mom of a nourished, happy, almost 9-month-old boy.... Who has given us more than our fair share of mustard yellow to orange, bright breast milk diaper blowouts? Let me tell you, they make one heck of a stain. I had Resolve stain remover and Honest Company stain remover... A stain still remained after using and scrubbing. This stuff, Grandma’s Secret, WORKS. What I do is rinse the clothing of any remaining 'residue,' spray with Grandma's Secret, scrub it in a bit, let it sit for a few minutes, and either I’ll rinse it out after or it may sit for a day or so before going through the wash, but either way, STAIN IS GONE!" —Mellisa B.

"If you do laundry, you need this. If you get stains/spots on your clothes, you need this. If I get a spot that I don't think will come out of my clothes, I put a small amount of remover on it and rub it in with the tip of the bottle. Then I put it straight in the wash — no waiting needed. Get this!" —Sarah J

Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in two sizes and various multi-packs). 

Maybe I'm just naive, but before getting pregnant, I had zero idea babies slept in a swaddle like this. I thought we were either wrapping them up in a large blanket-like swaddle or just letting them be free. This brand was recommended to me by a few people because it's on the more affordable side and has different configurations for babies who like to sleep in different positions. You can have both arms in, one arm in and one arm out, or both arms out, which is a great option when your baby is starting to roll and needs their arms free for safety. There's also a zipper that starts at the bottom, so you can still change their diaper at night without having to fully unwrap and rewrap them each time. This was such a win for me because my sleep-deprived self could not (and honestly didn't want to) figure out how to wrap my baby back up in a blanket at 2 a.m. when I desperately wanted to get my 30 minutes of sleep before the next feed. This made it SO much easier to bundle her back up quickly and securely. 

Promising review: "This sleep sack is very well made with adorable patterns and incredibly soft fabric. It keeps our baby warm and cozy, and the material is sturdy enough to gently hold his arms in place without waking him. Since we started using these, he’s been sleeping so much better and rarely wiggles his arms free. Highly recommend for better sleep and peace of mind!" —GC

Get it from Amazon for $34.95+ (available in three sizes and 16 designs).

I feel like there's a trend out there of creating diaper carts with all the essentials you'd need throughout the day, but I couldn't have one of those cause I lived in a three-story townhouse, and I was not about to be lugging a cart up and down the stairs. This was a great option for me 'cause it has a bunch of different sections and pockets where I could store different items and know where they all are without just having them thrown into a center section and having to dig around to find what I need.

Promising review: "I got this for my friend as a baby shower gift. I had received one myself for my own baby. My baby is now nine months old and I still use it. It’s great to be able to just grab this caddy and have everything you need. I’d even fit my Stanley Cup in it, snacks, and whatever else I needed. I love the little side pockets it has as well. My friend also said that she loves hers!" —Josh & Kelsie

Get it from Amazon for $22.40+ (available in two sizes and five colors).

I'm sorry, I love my baby girl immensely, but there is NO WAY I'm taking what's essentially a straw, putting it in her nose and SUCKING HER BOOGERS OUT?! Like, you've got to be kidding me, just the thought of that makes me gag. Sure, you can try to tell me there's a little filter inside so they won't actually get in my mouth, but no, I will not be partaking in that. I would much rather pay a little extra to have it done automatically and wayyyy the heck away from my mouth. A little insider tip: Grab some saline drops to help loosen stuff up before going in with the aspirator.

Promising review: "As a mom of four, I’ve tried my fair share of baby products, and when it comes to keeping little noses clear, a good nasal aspirator is a game-changer. I recently tried the Grownsy Baby Nasal Aspirator, and I have to say — it’s a lifesaver! One of the things I love most about this aspirator is how easy it is to use. The design is simple and intuitive. The soft silicone tip is gentle on my baby’s tiny nostrils, and the suction is strong enough to clear mucus without causing discomfort. This is the only nasal aspirator I found that does not leak. Cleaning is a breeze. The parts easily come apart, and I love that it’s washable." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in 10 colors).

This bad boy is super versatile and a must-have for new parents. I got it before I gave birth to use during labor and then I kept it in her diaper bag to use on her stroller, at restaurants, or even in the house if she's napping and it's feeling a little toasty. I love that the arms easily bend so you can find a way to attach it basically anywhere rather than having to find a sturdy place for it to stand up.

Promising reviews: "I got this for my newborn since we live in south Florida and it’s very hot for the majority of the year. I used to have a clip on fan for my first child but the clip broke and there was a limited amount of places you could put it because it was a clip on. I’d seen so many others using this fan with the legs so I decided to try one and I’m so glad that I did. You can you use the fan in more places and it’s easy to travel with as well as charge. Very happy with this purchase." —Andrea Lynne Rose

"I used this while I was in labor in the hospital and it kept me cool. Now I use it on my baby stroller and it keeps him cool. It’s not super loud and it’s the perfect size. I keep an extra one in my diaper bag. I love that once you secure in place you can twist the top to adjust where you want to go. I’ve had my first one for almost a year and it still works well. Gives a lot of airflow compared to another one I tried and returned on Amazon." —Miss Pops

Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in two colors).

This comes with the diaper pail, one carbon filter, and one roll of refill bags.

I thought this wasn't going to be that big of a deal 'cause how bad can baby poop smell?! And truthfully, it wasn't a *necessity* for the first few months of her life, but the moment real food got introduced into her diet, WHEW did my opinions change. This does an amazing job of keeping the smell in. Sometimes, when it's really full, it does release a little odor when you open it up to put a new diaper in, but that's typically just a sign that you need to change it. You genuinely wouldn't know you have days' worth of stank diapers building up in this.

Promising reviews: "Pretty awesome design that really traps all odors! Fits a good deal of diapers as well before needing to be changed out for a new bag. At first, I did not like the continuous bag feature where you have to tie it off to end and start a new bag, but now I’ve realized it’s quite convenient so I don’t have to go get another bag and put it in, it’s already there." —Susan P.

"You think you don’t need it but you do!" —Eduanny

IDK if it's a me problem, but for some reason the thought of washing her bottles with the same brushes that touch all our nasty dishes really gave me the ick. And not only that, but it's nearly impossible to fit standard brushes into the bottles and nipples. These have a few different sizes so you can get into all the little crevices and make sure you're cleaning everything really thoroughly.

Promising review: "One of my favorite purchases for my newborn. Also one of the most used. Able to clean all types of bottles and nipples and pacifiers and breast pumping parts. High quality. I must have for all parents." —Amazoner

Get it from Amazon for $19.26 (replacement brushes also available). 

I used this alllll the time in the early days when she would have hard little boogers stuck in her nose because I was worried about them blocking her breathing. This would make sure to get it without having to worry about shoving it too far in or damaging her tiny nostrils. 

Promising reviews: "Must have! This thing is amazing; it works very well for us. Good length, and it's soft/firm. I was able to gently scoop my 4-month-old's ear wax and pick out her sticky, crusty boogers. She enjoys being clean, so she sat/laid down very still for us. I would definitely buy this for a baby shower gift and definitely recommend to anyone." —P. T.

"Love these things! So easy to get those little boogies out of my newborn’s nose. I think it’s worth it to get the two pack and have the little case for them! Otherwise I feel like I’d lose it if it was just one loose." —Catherine Christina

Get it from Amazon for $9.98+ (also available in multi-packs, a version with a light, and with a case).

A lot of people will tell you to get a squishy one because it is more comfortable for your baby, or to use covers on them, but honestly, that never made sense to me. If you don't have a wipeable version, you are setting yourself up for loads of extra laundry and messes. Plus, they're on it for like two minutes at a time, so it's not like it needs to be the most comfortable place in the world. And it's not hard plastic by any means; it's still a soft material, just something you can clean with ease.

Promising review: "I was looking for an aesthetic changing pad that would fit on a dresser, that wiped down, and was comfortable for my baby. The Lalo changing pad checks all of those boxes! Love the shape, the straps for baby, the color, how easy it is to clean, and the grips on the bottom to keep it secure!" —Lalo I.

Get it from Lalo for $119.99 (available in two colors).

I am a die-hard Aveeno user myself, so it just made sense that I use this for my daughter as well. Right around the time she was born, they came out with this formula designed specifically for newborns — talk about destiny. It made her skin feel super smooth and she never had any negative reactions. 

Promising review: "I really like this Aveeno Baby wash. It’s gentle, cleans well, and leaves my baby’s skin feeling clean and soft. It doesn’t have a strong scent, which I like because it feels gentle enough for everyday use." —Lisandra Lima Oliva

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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.

The reviews used in this post have been edited for length and clarity.