I am due with my first baby (a little girl 😍) this September and have been painstakingly trying to figure out what products I actually need, what versions are best, and what stuff is just overkill. After doing loads of searching online and talking to current parents, this is the list I've curated of my ~most wanted~ items that I'm putting on my registry/buying for myself. Obviously, all families are different — and babies especially have their own ~finicky~ personalities — so what works for one family and kiddo may not work for others, but at least let this list be a starting point to help you discover the best products for your fam.
1. A Newton bassinet praised for its breathability, washability, and large size so you can feel good knowing your baby is going to get a safe night's sleep (and fit in it for a while instead of outgrowing it in just a couple of months). You can also easily move it from room to room and it has eight adjustable heights to make it fit perfectly in your space.
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 rn, but frankly I am not interested in shelling out over $1,500 on something my baby will use 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 seems like the best choice for me because it 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.
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. This is a great option for me and I love that it is designed to be extremely breathable and has mesh sides so you can always see your baby inside. Promising reviews: "Such a high quality and beautiful bassinet.
We have gotten so much use out of it as a bedside sleeper, a travel crib, and 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 "This exceeded expectations. My baby is large and grew out of her other bassinet too quickly.
She has so much more room in this and the mattress pad is extra breathable so it gives me peace of mind . Love this bassinet so much. You can tell it was made well.
" — britnee paredes Get it from Amazon for $299.99 . 2.
A baby carrier allllll the influencers are wearing and raving about for its appearance and comfort for both parent *and* baby. It's also super easy to put on by yourself so you don't have to rely on your partner or someone else being around to get your baby all snug inside of it. You can use it from the time your baby is a newborn up until they are two years, so yes, you'll get your money's worth.
You can front carry facing in, facing out, and back carry. Plus it is trendy as heck! Influencers are all raving about how comfortable it is. And I've seen numerous 'regular' people buying these after being influenced saying these are absolutely worth the price because it makes baby carrying so much easier and more comfortable.
Get it from Artipoppe for $390 (also available in other styles here ). 3. Or, since we aren't ballin' on an influencer's budget, a more affordable baby carrier with comfortable, padded shoulder straps so you don't feel like you have to put your kiddo down after like 20 minutes.
You can also use this into the early toddler years, which means you don't have to keep buying new stuff at every phase of life. 🙌🏼 You can use this from the time your kiddo is 7 pounds until they hit 35 pounds! I know spending nearly $400 on a carrier might not be in the cards for everyone, so this is the option I found that is just as highly raved about and still has super cute patterns. 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 $120 . 4. Aquaphor baby ointmnet that can help deal with so many problems — drool rash, dry skin, diaper rash, chapped lips — you can even pop some on yourself when you remember you've haven't done your skincare routine in three days.
Yes there are some more ~specialized~ versions out there, but why pay more for less product that can also help fix fewer problems?! 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 ended up with diaper rash and discomfort. But with Aquaphor, his skin stays moisturized and healthy. It's truly the best.
" — Rosa Get it from Amazon for $18.37 . 5.
Some muslin burp cloths — probably go ahead and get like 200 of 'em to help cover your shoulder from spit-ups, wipe away messes, and clean up the food that somehow is covering your baby's entire body after meal time. If there's one thing I've heard from basically everyone when I talk about what products I need to buy, it's that I'm gonna need a lot of burp cloths to deal with spit up, spills, and just to have around for who knows what. I've seen 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.
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 come 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!" — Alyssa Corvin Get a pack of four from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in two pack sizes and 19 colors).
6. A rechargeable Frida Baby nose aspirator that has three suction levels and two silicone tips so you don't have to watch your kiddo suffer with a stuffed-up nose that just will not go away. There's even a built-in light to try and distract your baby from what you're really doing.
I'm sorry, I am going to love my baby girl immensely, but there is NO WAY I'm taking 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: "An absolute must-have for any home with an infant or small child. Works fast and efficiently to get the job done and clear sinuses and passageways.
Charged quickly and is easy to clean. All the pieces fit compactly into the provided case for easy storage. All around an outstanding purchase!" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $39.
98 . 7. An easy-to-clean Hatch changing pad with a scale so you can effortlessly monitor your baby's weight while getting in a diaper change.
It connects to an app on your phone so you can collect and track the data over time to make sure your lil babe is growing appropriately. I am planning to breastfeed, and one thing I've come to learn is that you can't track how much the baby is eating quite like you can if you bottle or formula feed. Because of this, many new parents become stressed about their baby losing or gaining weight, so this is a great way to be able to keep track of that and make sure they are staying on track.
It's also just a great changing pad on its own because it can easily be wiped clean when there are (almost certainly) some messes that happen on there. Promising review: "The Hatch Grow Smart Changing Pad and Scale is a fantastic addition to our nursery! It combines a comfortable changing pad with a built-in scale, making it easy to monitor our baby’s growth. The app integration is seamless, providing real-time data and tracking.
The design is sleek and modern, fitting perfectly into our nursery decor. Highly recommend for any new parent looking for convenience and peace of mind!" — Kevin Get it from Amazon for $149.99 (available in two colors).
8. An adorable rubber ducky that has a secret power — it's also a bath thermometer. This way you'll always know you're putting your kiddo into the perfect temperature instead of worrying about freezing or burning them.
I feel like it's been ingrained in me that you have to make sure you have the perfect bath water temperature when you give your little ones their baths, 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)," 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 of the guesswork regarding the temperature of the water. It lets you know when the water temperature is too hot for the baby and when it’s the perfect temperature.
The battery had lasted a while, we use 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 $13.59 (available in four styles).
9. The ~highly~ beloved Sophie giraffe teething toy , which is probably one of the only things on this list that wasn't highly contentious with like 782 other versions competing against it. Your teething kiddo will love gnawing on the legs, ears, and head, plus she's just so cute how could you not want her?! Loooong before I even planned to have a kid of my own I saw these lil cuties all over the place.
There's a reason you see babies with it everywhere , it is highly beloved, super cute, and great for teething. Promising review: "I got this for my baby right when he turned four months he’s now five months and he loves this toy. He smiles and gets excited when we squeak it and now that he’s starting to teeth he gnaws on its ears.
It has a lot of good places for him to grab and chew on. Plus it’s really cute!" — Heyapancakes Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in three styles).
10. A Nuna car seat that is ultra-lightweight and super easy to snap into a car or stroller. This is a newer release but has already become incredibly popular for its chic look and many features.
City parents this is especially great for you since it's safe to buckle into a car with just the seat belt, which means you don't have to walk 30 blocks with your baby, you can actually just hop in an Uber! The car seat comes with the base needed to install it into your car, but you can also install it without a base just by using a seat belt, which is super helpful when traveling and taking cabs! Car seat and stroller shopping has been way more intimidating than I expected. Before I started my research, I just assumed all car seats were basically the same thing just by different brands, but boy was I wrong. This is a newer car seat that is known for being incredibly lightweight, which is something I am looking for cause I don't wanna lugging around a bulky version wherever I go.
I also love that it comes with a base you can leave in the car and just snap the seat in and out, but you can also use it without a base, which would be super helpful when traveling if we needed to take an Uber or anything. Not to mention there are green indicators to tell you when the seat is installed correctly, which is super helpful, especially for a first-time mom since I've heard how hard it is to install seats so just having peace of mind that I did it correctly would be sooo nice. Promising review: "Our baby LOVES this car seat.
Very light, comfortable and easy to wash." — MadelineS3 Get it from Nordstrom for $550+ (available in five colors). 11.
A splurge-worthy UPPAbaby Vista V2 stroller that is the ultimate stroller to grow with your kiddo or for families who plan to have several children. It comes with a bassinet for your newborn and a toddler seat so you can transition your baby when they are ready to sit up. Plus it's compatible with a bunch of different car seat brands so you can just pop on the one you already own and go for a stroll.
OOOOPH, don't even get me started on strollers, man. I had no idea the abundance of options and how confused my noggin' was gonna get trying to decipher the differences and choose what is right for me. I ended up landing on this version for a few reasons.
1.) I am planning to have two kiddos (eventually) and I really like that this can adapt to become a double stroller with a bunch of different configurations. 2.
) I had already decided I wanted the Nuna car seat , and with an attachment , I can easily pop that onto this if I don't wanna transfer my baby while she's sleeping. 3.) This comes with sooo many additions that would typically cost extra from other companies — a bassinet, a toddler seat, a toddler seat rain shield, a toddler seat bug shield, and a bassinet bug shield .
So without buying anything else this stroller can accommodate two kiddos (a baby in the bassinet and a toddler up to 50 lbs in the toddler seat ). There are also a bunch of additional attachments/accessories you can buy as your family grows if you're looking for that. 4.
) There's an extra large basket on the bottom so you can easily store all the stuff you need without having to carry a diaper bag and fiddle with your water bottle while pushing your little one. 5.) The bassinet and toddler seat have sunshades that can help shield your kiddos from UV rays.
And lastly, 6.) Both seats can be attached in different configurations to have your kiddo face you *or* what's in front of them, so they can get different views and you can still keep an eye on them. Don't get me wrong, this thing is expensive, but I think it's worth it considering it can be with me through two kids from their newborn stage into their toddler years.
Promising review: "Lovely stroller couldn’t be happier with it. The bassinet is absolutely amazing for the newborns to sleep in and be comfortable during walks. Used this every single day! Good wheels and easy to use in the car.
Very sturdy and good quality." — lizzzaaaaa Get it from Amazon (available in eight colors), Nordstrom (available in seven colors), or BuyBuyBaby (available in five colors) for $999. 12.
A diaper caddy bag so you can always have the necessities — diapers, wipes, burp cloths, binkies — on hand no matter where you are in the house. And with all the pockets you can have everything separated and organized instead of just thrown into one giant pocket you have to dig through (which honestly sounds like a ~nightmare~ when you have a baby screaming their head off because they need their binkie immediately ). I feel like there's a new trend out there of creating diaper carts with all the essentials you'd need throughout the day, but I can't have one of those cause I live in a three-story townhouse and I'm not about to be lugging a cart up and down the stairs.
I think this is a great option for me cause it has a bunch of different sections and pockets where I can 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 $19.95 .
13. A portable Hatch Rest Go to let you bring the comforting sounds of naptime wherever you go. IDK about you, but I'm hoping to train my baby to be able to sleep in pretty much any condition because I do not want to be tied down to a pitch-black, silent room for nap time (which is like 18 hours a day basically).
I think a sound machine has been one of the most recommended items to me, and with that people have mentioned the importance of getting a portable one so you can have it for nap time when you might not be home. I really like this one cause it has a variety of sound options, a clip for easy attachment, and a long-lasting battery. Promising review: "This white noise machine has been great for us, we’ve been using it every day for nine months now at home or on the go, it keeps the charge for a long time, is very simple to operate with just three buttons, it has a ring and can be attached to a stroller, a car seat, while babywearing, and even on your clothes.
It has different noises including white noise, shush sound, waves, etc. It’s very light and small and fits in a small bag." — HSR Get it from Amazon for $34.
99 (available in five colors). 14. A little dishwashing bucket so you don't have to fully empty out your sink when you need to wash bottles and pump parts for the umpteenth time today.
My sink is the type that only has one section so it would require a lot of water (and a fully empty sink which TBH sometimes isn't available) to fill it up to wash bottles and pump parts. This gives me a way to keep all the baby equipment separated so I can easily clean them without worrying about what's happening in the rest of my sink. It's also collapsible so I can store it under my sink when I'm not using it which is super convenient.
Promising review: "This product is a life hack for new mothers, especially if you are bottle feeding or have pump parts to wash! So easy to use, clean, and collapses to store under the sink. I like how I can collect all of the bottle and pump parts in the basin throughout the day, wash them separately from the everyday dishes, and store when finished. It’s the perfect size, a good price, and does its job.
A must-buy!" — Linds Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in five colors and two versions). 15.
A buuuunch of disposable diaper changing mats for those times you have to use the changing station in the bathroom but you cannot fathom setting your baby directly on the table that may have never been cleaned in the history of time. Yes, these aren't the most environmentally friendly option, but it wouldn't be an everyday use, just for the times I have to use a changing table that's giving me the ick. Like when I wouldn't even want to use a reusable mat that has to then go back in my diaper bag risking gross contamination with everything else in there.
It also seems like these are a more absorbent option than reusable pads, which could be 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.
Get 100 from Amazon for $25.99 . 16.
A modern, grow-with-your-kid highchair that transitions from a cradle position for your newborn to an upright seat that can have a place at the dinner table for your toddler. This chair isn't just perfect for meal time, but also for keeping your kiddo close while you're cooking or doing dishes in the kitchen. This chair can come with a mat and bowl set, a feeding bundle (two deep-pocket adjustable bibs, two easy-to-feed spoons, one no-spill straw cup, one bowl, and one divided plate), a padded newborn insert, or a wool liner for an additional fee if you'd like.
I am very into modern designs and this is one of the first high chairs I've come across that feels like it would actually fit into my aesthetic. I also LOVE that it grows with your kiddo and you can use it from birth until toddler years. It's also suuuper tall so you can easily use it at a kitchen island or a dining table, which makes it incredibly versatile, especially if you live in a smaller apartment that might not have a dining table.
I think it would be specifically nice to keep around the kitchen so I can keep an eye on my baby while cooking dinner, instead of having her over by the table where I have to go out of my way to check on her. Promising review: "I did a lot of research before investing in this high chair, but can 100% say that it was the best thing we bought for our baby . I love that it is used from newborn and can be at the same height as the island in the kitchen where we all sit, so from day one baby was included in everything we did.
We have now moved to stage two and weaning and she is perfectly happy sitting in the chair. It is so well built and stylish and it's amazing that you get to personalize to the color scheme in your house. It is an investment but worth every penny.
" — Siobhan Longman-Finn Get it from Bloom for $599+ (available in five base colors and 10 seat pad options). 17. Or a more affordable, more traditional looking Stokke high chair designed to grow with your kiddo as it transitions from a newborn-compatible high chair to a regular chair (that can hold up to 300 lbs!) Unlike many other versions, this one is sleek so you won't mind it becoming a permanent fixture amongst your furniture.
This is another great option if you don't wanna spend $600 but still want a chair that'll grow with your kiddo. Personally I am looking for products I can use as long as possible, I really don't want to have to be buying a new thing for every stage of my baby's life. This can transition from a place for your baby to sit all the way to a chair for a full adult (literally can hold 300 pounds).
There are also sooo many different finishes so you can find something that actually fits your vibe rather than having to get something basic and sacrifice your aesthetic. Promising review: "I have tried several other high chairs and they are so difficult to clean and bulky. I wish I would have started with this one! You can pull it right up to the table, it's not bulky at all, and it's so incredibly easy to clean.
Don't let the price scare you...
Spend the money...
Out of everything baby/toddler related, a high chair is the thing you use the most on a daily basis and for the longest amount of time so making sure you love it is crucial!" — Kelli Novak Get it from Amazon for $219+ (available in 21 colors and three versions that include different attachments). 18. A clip-on fan sure to become a staple in your diaper bag.
Keep this to attach to the stroller, set on the table at dinner, or put on their car seat so your baby is always at the perfect temperature. This bad boy is super versatile and a must-have for new parents. I'm planning to get one before my little one is even here so I can get some use out of it at the hospital, and then I'll just keep 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 review: "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." — Cece Get it from Amazon for $16.
99 (available in four colors). 19. Some Halo sleepsack swaddles that'll bundle your baby snug as a bug in a rug so they can experience that hug-like sensation of being back in the womb.
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 has been 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 out, or both arms out, which is a great option for when your baby is starting to roll and needs to have their arms free for safety. There's also a zipper that starts on the bottom so you can still change their diaper in the night without having to fully unwrap and rewrap them each time. Promising review: "This sleep sack is amazing! My 3-week-old daughter is not fond of being swaddled, and we tried so many different sleep sacks until we found this one.
I love that her arms can be exposed and it’s so cozy and keeps her warm. Highly recommend!" — Rhi Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in four sizes and 27 designs).
20. An automatic baby swing to help lull your babe when they simply will not stop crying. It's also a great place to safely set them down for a few minutes while you finally fold the laundry that's been piling up for a week now.
Baby swings are probably one of the more confusing items for me. I feel like I looked at sooo many options and every single one would have people rave about how amazing they are while also having a fair number of people saying their baby would not calm down at all and absolutely hating being in it. What I've come to learn is this is definitely one of the more subjective baby items and as much as it sucks, it's probably going to come down to some trial and error to figure out what motions and styles your baby likes.
Ultimately I decided this was the best option for me because I had a fair number of people recommend it, I like the fact that it comes with high-contrast balls to grab my baby's attention, and I like the motion, speed, and sound options. Fingers crossed my little girl agrees. 😅 Promising review: "Super easy to set up, use, and baby seems to enjoy it! It’s helping me be able to put her down and get things done around the house while she listens to music and is soothed by any of the settings.
I love that you can connect your phone to it and play your own music as well as use the app to turn it on / off. Lots of settings to choose from which is nice. She just started using it today at two weeks old and she fits in it pretty comfortably.
Hoping she continues to love it, and that it keeps working for us!" — Olivia Dodrill Get it from Amazon for $215.99 (available in some other styles here ). 21.
A Lovevery play gym with different toys including some high contrast images which is great for a newborn whose eyesight isn't fully developed. Your kiddo will love playing with the different textures and materials during tummy time and trying to catch the hanging toys while they lay on their back. Play gyms come highly recommended from parents all over as a great place to rest your newborn and have them engage with different textures and sights, a nice place to practice tummy time, and a little entertainment center as they start to get older.
I really like the different sections on the mat to help keep your kiddo entertained, so they won't get tired of using the same toys constantly. Promising review: "My baby is now five months old and she’s been playing in this play gym since she was three weeks old. You can add and remove toys and high-contrast cards according to your baby’s age.
I have carried it with me when traveling out of state and had no problem assembling and disassembling it. It is bigger than other play gyms so my daughter still plays on it. I have washed the mat hundreds of times and it has held up well.
My baby loves this play gym and I do too!" — Ranish Timilsina Get it from Amazon for $140 . 22. And a Fischer-Price baby play mat that'll grow with your baby from laying sessions to tummy time to sitting and playing to taking the piano on the go for performances in any room.
The mirror can also be moved so your little one can always see their gorgeous face. I've been seeing this thing allllll over TikTok (and because of that it keeps selling out), but people can't stop raving about it. It can be adjusted to grow with your baby so they can start laying 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. Promising review: "I wish I knew about this sooner! I just got it when she was almost four months but you can actually use this for a newborn. She can stay there totally entertained for at least 30 minutes and it tires her out.
I really like the colors and design of the one I got because it’s unisex and kind of modern, colors are subtle. My baby uses every piece of it, the hanging toys and the piano. She has even started to turn by herself thanks to this toy, great for developmental skills.
Sounds are subtle too and you can choose between two levels of volume. Really easy to put together and fold to store away." — Apb20 Get it from Amazon for $39.
88+ (available in five versions). 23. An Upseat booster chair that some pediatric physical therapists, like ThePTMama , TipsAndPediatricks , and TheBabyPT strongly prefer over other booster seats because this helps promote more upright posture and more flexible positioning for their little hips.
This is a perfect place to set your baby when your arms need a break, and you can attach the tray table for a little play station or meal setup. This is a great booster seat option that is actually designed to encourage good posture and hip positioning for your baby, unlike many of the other versions I've seen on the market. Before looking into this, I would've never known there were so many seats that encourage slouching or an inward tilt of your baby's hips, but apparently many of the top brands actually are, which can be quite harmful for your baby's development.
This is a great alternative so your baby can sit upright and still have good posture. It even comes with a removable tray table for easy snacking. Promising review: "We started using this seat when our baby was three months old and could keep his head up reliably.
Apparently, this seat is better for a baby's posture than others — that was a big selling feature for us. It has been incredibly convenient as we move it from room to room and always have somewhere safe that we can put our baby wherever we go. He prefers sitting in his upseat over lying down on a Boppy pillow because this way he can look at everything going on around him.
He does get tired after about 10 minutes or so and starts asking to come out but I am sure he will be able to spend more time in it as he gets older and his muscles develop. Although it's expensive I think it's a good value because will probably use this as an alternative to a high chair when he gets older, and we also plan to travel with it." — Cassandra Devine Get it from Amazon for $109.
99 (available in two colors). 24. A Nanit camera system so you can keep an eye on your little tyke all night long without having to hover over their crib or lay on the floor next to them.
This connects to an app so you can easily get a bird's eye view whenever you want, as well as motion alerts so you don't have to be constantly monitoring them to stay up-to-date on everything that's happening. 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 truly had no idea what that meant or where to start in 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: "Great baby monitor. It detects movement and sounds well, very accurate. Monitors breathing, has a nightlight, and plays sounds.
The video quality is great and you can zoom in. Works really well and definitely worth the money. We previously had cheaper ones and this is by far worth the price.
I don't think it's the most appealing, but it's not ugly. We haven't had any connectivity issues yet, thankfully. Installing it was super easy.
" — Kristen Get it from Amazon for $274.99 (and check out some other mounting and color options here ). 25.
Some cutesy In My Jammers rompers made from bamboo that are about to become a staple in your kiddo's wardrobe. They can finally live out your lifelong dream of living in pajamas, except they'll be so stinkin' cute no one will even think twice. They even have a two-way zipper to make diaper changes a breeze.
From what I can tell, most people's babies basically live in rompers and onesies for the first few months because it's not worth the money or effort to buy them cute outfits that they'll grow out of so fast . I think this will be especially true for my little girl since she's gonna be born in the fall and will need to have some warmer clothes. I keep seeing everywhere that bamboo is the way to go because they are sooo soft and often have a lot of stretch (which means your baby can wear 'em longer than some other versions), and I really love how many cute styles these rompers come in.
Get it from In My Jammers for $39 (available in eight sizes and loads of other designs ). 26. A game-changing FridaBaby medicine dispenser syringe to put an end to the struggle of trying to force medicine into your baby.
It'll save you time and suffering since you won't have to try (and fail) many times, prolonging your poor kiddo's misery. This just seems like a no-brainer. While I obviously hope I don't have to give my baby medicine very often, I don't see why I would ever try any other method than this guy.
Like seriously if I can just bamboozle her into thinking she's taking a binkie and quickly administer her medicine without a fight that seems like the best case scenario for both of us. Promising review: " This thing is worth its weight in gold! A must-have in my opinion because it makes life so much easier. We use it with gripe water or Tylenol.
We bought it because she would cough and sputter because she wouldn't swallow well when given it in the cheek even in tiny amounts. It makes it a much faster process because all she has to do it suck like using a normal bottle or paci and she has never turned away because of taste either. It also happens to soothe like a regular paci afterward.
Great buy." — Sullivan Get it from Amazon for $12.84 .
27. An actually stylish diaper bag made of vegan leather that 100% kept aesthetics *and* function in mind when being designed. With all the included goodies — pouches, changing pad, washable liner — that would typically cost extra from other companies to the fully openable zipper with loaaadss of pockets, this bag truly considered everything a new parent could want.
This is one of those essential purchases that has SO MANY different versions available, so how the heck are you supposed to figure out which is best for you?! Personally, I want one that is not only functional but also doesn't look like a diaper bag, ya know? This one is not only super cute but has a bunch of different add-ons that I think makes it superior. It comes with a reusable snack bag, stroller straps, a vegan leather changing pad, a reusable wet bag, an insulated and removable bottle/snack pouch, and a removable and washable inner liner. Plus it unzippers the whole way down so you can actually see what you're looking for instead of just blindly shoving your hand inside and hoping you can find the binkie just by touching everything.
Promising review: "I love the style and quality of the bag. I am just packing it for the hospital and can’t wait to start using it regularly. I never liked a traditional diaper bag, but this bag has the look and feel of a high-end purse.
I love that you can carry it either on your arm or use it as a backpack." — s.G.
Get it from Ayla & Co for $209 (also available in a mini version that comes in six colors). 28. A car baby monitor so you can stop fiddling with mirrors or wrenching your neck to see your baby in their carseat while you're at every stoplight.
PSA: It goes without saying, but please keep your eyes on the road. I had initially thought about just getting one of those mirrors that goes at the front of her car seat, but I feel like I would get stressed out trying to make sure my mirror was perfectly lined up with hers to see her, and then what if that makes it so I can't see the road out fo the mirror?! Like that all seems bad. Plus I've seen a couple of things about sun shining into the mirror and burning stuff.
.. I don't know if that's scientifically proven, but it's giving burn ants with a magnifying glass so I'm not really interested in taking that risk.
This just seems like a better option for me all around. Promising reviews: " This camera is a new parent must-have. I was using a mirror and constantly was readjusting it and relying on my mirror to see his mirror and it was stressful.
I knew there had to be something better when I ended up driving at night with my 2-month-old to the hospital and he was freaking out and I couldn’t see him so I was pulling over to check on him every few minutes and it was a nightmare. This camera has been my saving grace. I was hesitant at first reading reviews saying it’s not night vision but mine automatically switches even in parking garages to night vision.
I love that I can see my baby and not have to fix a mirror. Or turn my head to see fully what’s going on with him in the back. I really really recommend this for peace of mind!! — Jennifer C "This is honestly the best purchase I’ve ever made since becoming a mom.
Like, hands down, my favorite product ever. This camera definitely makes life easier, and I wish I had it for my other two when they were babies. It took less than five minutes to get it up and running and they included everything I needed.
I have a Dodge Grand Caravan and it reaches all the way to the third row. I recommend it to all my mom friends!" — Kristin Morgan Get it from Amazon for $29.95 (available with a USB or cigarette lighter charger adapter).
29. A diaper cream spatula applicator invented by a mom to easily pick up and cleanly distribute creams and lotions without you ending up with gunk all under your nails. Check out a TikTok of the spatula in action.
IDK about you but the thought of cream getting stuck under my nails gives me the ick like no other, so this is absolutely something I need. This is seriously such a genius invention I think any parent should have. Plus it gives an even distribution of the diaper cream and you don't have to contort your hand into awkward positions to get it applied in the right places.
Promising review: "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 who have sensory issues or are new to diaper-changing.
Yes it’s weird, but it’s also super useful." — jp Get it from Amazon for $5.99+ (available in two colors; also a mini version for your diaper bag and a two-pack ).
30. Some collapsible bottles that can grow with your little one just by changing out the lid attachment. You can choose from traditional nipple lids, sippy cup lids , and straw lids .
Annnd since the little silicone part inside is removable, you can pack several to have a few bottles for the day, but you only need one of the outer shells. So now your bag won't just be a collection of bulky bottles. Check out the bottles on TikTok.
These are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning! Be sure to look at the different top options so you can see which works best for your kiddo, and grab some holders for easy transportation. These are also designed to help reduce the amount of air consumed because the silicone section shrinks as your baby drinks, which may help prevent excess air buildup in their tummy. There are approximately a zillion baby bottles on the market, so how the heck are you supposed to know which one to get? I personally like these because they have the ability to grow with your little one, which again, I like so I don't have to constantly be buying "grown up" versions of products when she reaches new stages.
Plus the fact that the inside is collapsible so you can bring one hardshell and several inserts for more compact traveling is a huge bonus. Promising reviews: "Love that these bottles fit my aesthetic. Also love how easy they are to store and clean! The silicone sleeve allows you to flip inside out for easy cleaning.
Also love that it grows with your baby into a sippy cup and then a snack cup! These are the only bottles we use now." — Emily K "We have tried so many bottles and let me tell you, these are the best! My son has less spit up, he is less gassy and they don’t have a ton of tiny parts to clean. I haven’t had any leaks either, just make sure the silicone cup is all the way on.
I could not be happier with this purchase!! I will be getting these for all the baby showers I attend from now on!" — Jenni T Get a three-count from Amazon for $19.98+ (available in two sizes and eight color combinations). The reviews used in this post have been edited for length and clarity.
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