1. A car seat buckle release tool that'll save both your nails and your precious time! No one wants to struggle to open those (thankfully) extremely secure buckles while they're kiddo is hitting a pitch that could likely break glass.

Amazon, Chandni Reddy / Buzzfeed

This gadget doesn't attach to the car seat, so no need to fret about kiddos unbuckling themselves while you're driving.

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 $13.99+ (available in seven colors).

2. Miss Mouth's Messy Eater Stain Treater Spray you'll be very glad you bought after you let your kiddo eat spaghetti in public for the first time — trust me.

www.amazon.com

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 a pack from Amazon for $16.99+(available in a variety of quantities)

3. And an enzyme-based spot cleaner that'll have your little one's clothes looking like you just pulled them off the rack in a store. Baby food stains be damned.

www.amazon.com

You can also use it on carpets, bedding, cloth diapers, etc. Puracy is a small business!

Promising review: "I just purchased this. It took stains out of baby clothes and I used it on the fabric on a toddler chair and it looks brand-new. I wish I would have taken before and after photos! Love it already! I had read some reviews about it leaking during shipping but I received it with a tight lid in a bag with a spray too lid separate so no leaking!" —Brianne

Get it from Amazon for$7.99.

4. A Baby Shusher because even though it may seem silly to buy a gadget that literally makes a sound you can make on your own for free, you'll be happy to have it come 2 a.m. when you're exhausted and *really* not in the mood to continue “shhh”ing repeatedly.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

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

Get it from Amazon for $34.99.

5. A baby butt spatula you'll either laugh or cringe at but will thank your lucky stars that you thought to purchase it when you see how much nicer it is to apply diaper cream to your baby's booty with it instead of your finger.

www.amazon.com

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

Get it from Amazon for $6.99.

6. An iconic Sophie the Giraffe teether your little one will, for unexplained reasons, likely cherish and love chomping away on as their pearly whites start to (painfully) poke through.

Heather Braga / BuzzFeed

Sophie the Giraffe has become a valued member of our family. I ran out to buy it when my son started teething (badly) as he simply refused every other type of teether we already had (of course). I was skeptical as to why a toy giraffe would cost nearly $30, but I soon learned it clearly had magical powers. Sophie has apparently been around for over 55 years (who knew!) and is made entirely of natural rubber. She has various chewable parts (ears, horns, and legs) that Noah was able to grasp onto himself way easier than any other teether. She's becoming my go-to baby shower gift, and, of course, I re-purchased her for my daughter who now has teeth coming through.

PSA: Do not wash Sophie with water or if you do, do not get water into the squeaker hole! I've seen a number ofTikTok videos noting that if you do this the inside can potentially get moldy.

Promising review: "I was super hesitant to spend $25 on a teething toy. It’s honestly just a regular squeaky toy, but the other reviews were spot on, and my child absolutely LOVES his Sophie. Something about that rubbery smiley giraffe is just so darn appealing to babies. She is without a doubt one of his very favorite toys, especially once he started teething." —Courtnee Thompson

Get it from Amazon for $26.99.

7. FridaBaby's Baby Basics Kit, complete with all the odds and ends you'll need to unclog your tyke's stuffy nose, trim their nails, help them pass gas, and keep their skin nice 'n' soft. 

Amazon

I'm going to be honest and let you know that, despite going through pregnancy and birth twice, I absolutely cannot handle the snot-sucking tool. I gag and have to leave the room every time my husband used it on our babies. That being said, it does *exactly* what it's supposed to do — as does every item in this set! I would be nothing without the SnipperClipper! This kit is definitely a must-have for all parents.

Promising review: "Newborn mommies, the amount of times this helped my baby in the first weeks of his world experience to be more comfortable I just LOVE that I had this ready. I do not use the hair one though, I find it unnecessary." —Valentina Garay

Get it from Amazon for $39.97.

8. A 3-in-1 Frida Baby Infrared thermometer with a built-in sensor that'll make taking your tyke's temperature a breeze. You can also remove the tip and use it as an inner-ear thermometer and use it to take your own as well! Perfect for any parents who err on the side of caution and find themselves checking their kiddo's temp anytime they look a bit flushed (ahem, me).

Amazon, www.amazon.com

My son is prone to getting *very* high fevers, so I've always needed to have a reliable thermometer on hand. I truly love the Frida Baby one (and, honestly, everything the brand makes), as it can be used in more than one way. I like having the option to take his temperature on his forehead and in his ear, then compare the two to feel like I have a pretty accurate reading. It lights up green if the temperature is good and red if it's a bit too high (or low!). It's so easy to use. My 2.5-year-old has learned how to use it on his own (he likes to check his stuffed animals for fevers, haha). I've literally never had to change the batteries, and I've had it for over a year!

Promising review: "So easy to use!! Popped it straight out the box and was able to use without instructions. In fact even my 3-year-old was able to use it on her own without my help. Definitely a must have!" —Nichelle

Get it from Amazon for$29.99.

9. A Boon drying rack with a surprisingly chic design that'll provide you with the perfect spot to dry your little one's bottles and accessories without ruining the entire look of your kitchen.

Chandni Reddy / Buzzfeed

Former BuzzFeed editor and mother of two Chandni Reddy is a big fan of this drying rack:

"Is it possible for a drying rack to be life changing? Why yes, it is. I caved and bought this grassy patch after my kitchen started to look an episode of Hoarders. This thing instantly organized my kitchen by creating a dedicated spot for baby stuff. Bottles, pump parts, sippy cups...this bad boy can hold a LOT (at least six bottles and four cups at once) and dries everything quickly. Did I mention it's a heck of a lot more cheerful and stylish than your regular drying rack?"

I *also* have this drying rack! We keep it next to our full-sized drying rack and as my son has gotten older we've also started using it to dry reusable food pouches (and all the pieces that go along with that) as well as his sippy cup and any teethers we've washed.

Promising review: "Newborn twins are a mess. They took over our house within moments of coming through the door. For this type A mama, it was a horrifying side effect of the two most precious things in the world. A friend gave us one lawn at our shower, and we promptly hopped on Amazon and bought a second to manage the sheer volume. The lawn and the accessories are a convenient and cute way to keep your bottles and pump parts organized. There is ample space in one for one baby's needs." —Lacey

Get it from Amazon for $21.24 (available in two colors).

10. A Hatch Rest Baby Sound Machine to act as a two-way audio monitor, a night-light, a white noise machine, alarm clock, and a sleep trainer. Fingers crossed you and your kiddo will get some sleep this decade with the help of this gadget!

Amazon

I have both a Hatch Rest and a Hatch Restore, and they’ve both been essential to my kids' nighttime routines. We keep a Hatch Rest in our bedroom and my daughter's room and the Hatch Restore in my son’s room. 

I love that I can control both the lighting and sound of the devices on my phone with Hatch’s easy-to-use app. My husband typically gives the baby a bottle before bedtime in her room, while he’s doing that I turn on the “rain sounds” that we’ve been using as white noise for our little ones. However, the most helpful feature on both devices is the ability to adjust how bright the light is. We’re still getting up for middle of the night feedings and diaper changes so it’s been invaluable to be able to raise the light a bit when doing so but then be able to quickly lower it once the baby has settled back into sleep. It’s also not a harsh light and has a bunch of different color options so it’s been easy enough to find a brightness that suits our needs. My toddler uses it as a night light (which is also helpful on the few times he needs us during the night).

The Hatch Rest is ideal for parents as it also has a sound monitor option. For the hour or so when the baby used to sleep in a bassinet in our room before my husband and I got into bed, we were able to listen in and hear if they were fussing, crying, etc. We were also able to set it to a specific program so the light/sounds turn off on their own in the morning (one less thing for us to think about). 

Promising review: "My favorite feature about this product is that I can control everything through my phone. If I'm in a different room in the house, but I want the nursery to play birds chirping for the baby, I can do that through my phone. The audio baby monitor works very well, and the speaker quality through the Hatch is terrific. I also love that it's travel-friendly, so we use this baby monitor whenever we're on the go. Lastly, the night-light is perfect when I'm changing the baby's diaper at 3 a.m. or during a middle-of-the-night feeding." —Chelsea

Get it from Amazon for$59.99.

11. A Frida Baby The 3-Step Cradle Cap System that'll remove dry skin from baby's scalp so gently they won't even notice — it comes a sponge, a brush, and a comb that'll all work together to get your kiddo's scalp looking good.

Amazon, www.amazon.com

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

Get it from Amazon for $14.39.

12. A Fisher-Price kick and play pianoyou may have seen on TikTok or heard about from other parents (or John Legend) — it'll keep your kiddo entertained for MONTHS, which is a lot more than other toys can boast about.

Heather Braga / BuzzFeed, Amazon

Check it out on TikTok!

I have this toy and even have a backup of it for my parents' house — it's that good. As a baby my son was a very energetic little guy and was fond of this toy since he was about two months old! He loved aggressively kicking the piano (of course), pulling at the toys on the bar, and (once he learned how) would often flip onto his stomach and hit the keys of the piano with his hands. Once he became mobile, we've detached the piano and he played with it separately. Since my daughter was born we've started the process all over again and now she's enjoying it as well!

The attached mat can also easily be tossed into the washing machine and the dryer, which is essential for kiddos who spit up on everyyyyything. Overall, this toy gets a 10/10 from me, even if the songs do get a bit annoying (just part of the territory these days!).

Get it from Amazon for $39.88 (available in two colors).

13. A Baby Brezza Formula Pro Advanced parents will be able to rely on to help them make their baby a bottle in a flash — which is *much* appreciated when they're 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's keeping me going — it is the light of my life (next to my kids, of course).

Amazon, Heather Braga / BuzzFeed

The number one item I simply could not live without is the Baby Brezza Formula Pro Advanced. 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 has the capability of mixing formula with the proper amount of water and dispensing it at the *perfect* temperature for baby. It has a button on it so I can easily choose how many ounces I want for a bottle, depending on how recently the baby has eaten sometimes we need only need 2 oz instead of 4 oz, etc. The bottle settings will stay in place so while my baby is screaming (she gets hangry!) I just have to place a bottle under the dispenser and hit the “start” button. It’s so easy I can literally do it with one hand while holding her. 

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 have to do is ensure the formula container is filled. My husband set it up like a baby bar cart in the nursery so we don’t have to stumble down our stairs to the kitchen while bleary-eyed and half asleep in the middle of the night. It really is a godsend and I don’t know what I’d do without it! 

Get it from Amazon for $198.

14. A Baby Brezza Bottle Washer Pro, because why not add another gadget into the mix? This magical machine washes, sterilizes, AND dries bottles, breast pump parts, and other accessories with natural steam. Take it from someone who genuinely knows — this will save you SO much time so you can do one of the other million things on your to-do list instead of hangin' out with a bottle brush.

www.amazon.com

When I had my first child I used the Baby Brezza Bottle Sterilizer and Dryer, which is absolutely fantastic, but still had to hand wash and scrub the bottles before popping them into the machine. This new FANTASTIC model takes that completely out of the equation. I got it before having my daughter and it has truly changed my life — not an exaggeration. I haven't used a bottle brush ONCE and she's almost 8 months old! It has six different cleaning modes, but I always use the 88-minute one that does all three features. The only somewhat downside is you'll need to purchase detergent tablets, but I promise you it's worth it. 

Here's what you'll need to do: fill the front partition of the machine with your bottles/nipples (or pump parts, whatever) and drop the detergent tablet into the bottom. Next, empty any water from previous cycles from the water basin and replace it back in the machine. Finally, fill the top container with clean (I used filtered) water up to the max line mark, then pop that back in as well. Choose which cycle you want to run and, BOOM, you're done! The whole water dumping/refilling process probably takes about...... five minutes? It is a bit bulky, so rather than keep ours in the kitchen we leave on top of our washing machine. It's also worth noting it holds four bottles at once, so we typically need to run it twice a day. TL;DR: It's a miracle machine.

Get it from Amazon for $299.99.

15. A Nanit monitor and wall mount to help you keep a watchful eye on your babe while they sleep — you can also easily see stats on how long they've been asleep or if they're standing and not-so-patiently waiting for you to come scoop 'em up.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

I switched to the Nanit monitoring system when my daughter was born 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, notes how long they've been asleep, if they're crying, or if they're standing. The audio and picture is 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.

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 sweet 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 $299.99.

16. Somereusable pouch tops that'll fit any one you've purchased from the store — yes, even that VERY specific brand that's the only one your kiddo will seemingly CONSIDER eating. It has a no spill control valve you'll thank your lucky heavens for when your little one is eating in the car.

Amazon, www.amazon.com

In addition to being dishwasher, freezer and boil-safe, these tops are BPA-, PVC-, lead-, and phthalate-free. ChooMee is a small business!

Promising review: "My now 2-year-old has never, ever eaten more than a few sips out of these pouches, of any kind. I got this spill proof lid to put on it.... she's on her second one in a matter of minutes. I think the problem was she didn't like getting messy or having me constantly pull it away. This gave her so much more control and It prevents them from being squeezed all over. Wish I discovered it a year and a half ago!" —Amazonian

Get a set of two from Amazon for $8.99+(available in five color options).

17. A battery-operated stroller fanwith a flexible handle so you can adjust it as needed to keep your mini-me the perfect temperature while heading out on a summer stroll.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Reviewers have also attached it to their little one's cribs and car seats for extra air flow. I personally used this in my stroller during my son's first summer (he was about three months old at the time) and will definitely be using it during our walks this year as well.

Promising review: "As summers get hot I knew I needed a fan for my newborn. This was perfect for his crib side, stroller and in the car. Its quiet, and I love the three settings. I don't use the light but it's nice to have. I can leave it on all night on low on a hot night so my son has some air movement in his crib and a breeze on our walks when his stroller gets stuffy. I fully charged it before I used it so the battery life isn't bad but will only last maybe two hours on highest setting before dying. Battery life is short but not bad if you use it on the low setting. I charge it every few days and its held up nicely. Not too bad for the price." —Queen Sweetnez

Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in three colors).

18. An Oogiebear toolthat's confusingly kinda cute even though its purpose is *a bit* gross — to remove earwax and boogers safely from your little one. 

Amazon

I use this little tool to remove boogers from my kids' noses (which they absolutely hate). It's not an easy task because babies are VERY squirmy, but the Oogiebear 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

Get it from Amazon for $9.98. 

19. A modern high chairfrom Stokke that'll transform into a perfectly-sized mini chair as your child grows. They'll be able to use it right up against your kitchen table to dine alongside the family and it'll look great alongside your other furniture.

Heather Braga / BuzzFeed, www.amazon.com

This high chair can really do it all. It holds up to 300 pounds (!!!) and it has an adjustable seat and footplate positions for the utmost comfort. Additionally, when your tyke outgrows the need for a highchair, you can remove the pieces to turn it into an actual chair for their playroom! We've tried a few high chairs out (as is a perk of my job, obviously) and this one is my crowned winner. My son (and now my daughter) fit the mostly comfortably in it, it's the easiest to clean (BY FAR!) and the legs don't stick out very far (so no one is tripping over them). I love that it comes in an array of stylish colors (we have walnut to match our wood floors and furniture) and that it can be used into toddlerhood. He's 2.5-years-old now (wahhh) and has recently decided to use it in its "chair" form without a tray/straps. Not only does he eat all of his meals in it, but he also happily sits in it to do fun crafts. There was no question that we needed another one for my second baby — this time around we also used the newborn converter seat so she was able to sit at the table with us. It's definitely one of the items I recommend everyone to put on their registry!

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 $175 (available in 17 colors).

20. A set of divided plates with extra suction on the bottom to prevent your headstrong tyke from hurling their waffle across the room. 🫠 They're also delightfully microwave- and dishwasher-safe.

Amazon

Promising review: "These plates are excellent for a little one who likes to throw things off of their highchair. The four suction cups are strong and good the plate in place. The material is flexible silicone. I throw in the dishwasher to wash. The slots for food are deep enough to fit plenty of food into and still large enough to allow little hands to reach in and grasp items." —davsat

Get a set of three from Amazon for $9.95.

21. And atrio of bowls that also have a suction feature so when you turn your back for a second to grab a paper towel to wipe their hands with they can't swat their sweet potatoes all over the room.

www.amazon.com

I bought a set of these bowls during the most recent Prime Day and have been very pleased with them! They wash well in the dishwasher (and, honestly, a quick rinse in the sink), really do have a great suction, and stack nicely together in my cabinet. I equally use them for both my toddler's snacks and my baby's pureed meals. Love their price point and cute color options well!

Promising review: "They are sturdy. I love the colors, perfect size for the little hands, and the suction works great. I would recommend." —Jessica

Get them from Amazon for $9.99(available in four sets).

22. An elephant sprayer you'll adore because it'll keep your kiddo entertained for the duration of bath time and provide you with an easier way to wash soap off of them/ out of their hair — however, considered yourself warned they can potentially turn this adorable hose on you at any given moment. 😅

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

See it in action on TikTok!

This gadget is both a blessing and a curse. On the very positive side, my son loves it! He uses it to fill up cups, "clean" his toys, and tickle his own feet (adorable). I've used it to thoroughly wash his hair and rinse soap suds off of him in a bubble bath since he was a few months old. However, I gotta warn any fellow parents that there is a VERY high chance you are going to get sprayed by your child at SOME point once they enter the toddler years. If you don't mind getting a little wet on occasion, this toy is a 10/10.

Promising review: "A baby registry must-have! I saw this item on TikTok and knew I had to have it! It’s great for all ages! My 3-month-old loves it, and so does my 5-year-old! All you need are batteries and then you're good to go!" —brittany

Get it from Amazon for$24.95+ (available in five colors).

23. A dual cup holder that'll ensure you always have a spot for your emotional support coffee *and* your phone — it attaches easily to strollers, bikes, wheelchairs, and scooters *and* comes in a bunch of fun colors. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

One of my mom besties had this on her stroller and I immediately was like, "Welp, NEED." I ordered one and never looked back — it attaches tightly and can be adjusted to any angle. In a desperate attempt to keep both my baby and my toddler content I spent the majority of my maternity leave on walks around my neighborhood — it was ESSENTIAL to have a solid spot to put my drink and also my phone (we needed music, of course). This one was so great I've already ordered a second one for our other stroller. 

Promising review: "I ordered this with low hopes because I feel like stroller cup holders are always so flimsy. I'm extremely impressed with the quality of this cup holder! You can attach it to any bar, no matter the direction it goes as it is adjustable. It was easy to attach. It holds my large 42 oz cup with no problem. I do have to remove my wallet from my phone to put in the phone compartment. I'll be ordering another for our leisure stroller!" —Jeanette Rojas   

Get it from Amazon for $9.98 (available in 26 colors).

24. A portable playardfor when you (bravely) take your tots on the road — it's easy to unfold, even easier to pack away in its travel bag, and (fingers crossed) will serve as a great spot for your kiddo to nap/hang when you're away from home. 

www.amazon.com

I've kept one of these at my parents house in North Carolina for whenever we visit — as many other reviewers noted, the mattress this one comes with is a *bit* stiff. You might want to order one like this to make things a bit more comfortable.

Promising review: "We really like how easy the Nest Play Yard is to set up, take down, and pack away in the portable bag. It's perfect for our active travel schedule. We did order a separate mattress pad and sheet, and the one that comes with it is very hard. Overall we're very pleased with our purchase." —Maggie Wallace

Get it from Amazon for $49.99+ (available in three styles).

25. A set of stacking cups that are a simple but super effective way of keeping little ones entertained. It's great for both tots who are just learning to sit up and need something to hold their attention as well as toddlers who need a *bit* of convincing to get in the bathtub.

Amazon

This set is made of food grade silicone, so they also make for a great teething toy! I appreciate that this set also has numbers and patterns on each cup and can be used as a bath toy and a sand toy.

Promising review: "I love these so much! I work in an infant room, and the babies love to play with these! They’re very soft, easy to clean, such pretty colors, and they stack nicely! They are easy to stack u,p and they fit together easily to put on a shelf, not taking up much room at all! They’re safe for babies, which is always great, especially in an infant room. The babies love to use them when they’re teething (we wash them often), or during tummy time! They are very durable." —Grace

Get it from Amazon for $16.99 (available in two styles).

26. A Skip Hop Baby Activity Centerthat'll grow with your baby, making it worth the money *and* the space it takes up in your home. It features a rotating seat (with a cover that is, thankfully, machine washable) an array of toys around the edge and can be transformed into a play table.

www.amazon.com, Heather Braga / BuzzFeed

This is one of the few things my 7-month-old actually enjoys hanging out in these days (she's very difficult to please). She's teeny tiny but we plop a pillow underneath her feet so she's able to spin on her own. She LOVES the pop-up owl toy, and I typically plop other little toys around it (which she promptly throws across the room). It keeps her occupied for a bit so my husband and I can try to wrangle our toddler / eat a meal as fast as possible. That being said, my son also loved using this as a tot and enjoyed it as a play table when he outgrew it!

Promising review: "It was a great purchase because I could tell he was getting bored in the bouncer, but I also wanted him to be more physically and mentally stimulated. All I can say is that he thoroughly enjoys it. It was easy to assemble, and it’s sturdy." —Will

Get it from Amazon for $99.99.

27. A 10-pack of muslin burp cloths, a must-have for anyone with an infant who is spitting up constantly or a toddler who is forever suffering from a runny nose. These are no doubt a key item for any parent with a kiddo under the age of two — you might as well go ahead and order two sets. 

www.amazon.com

I think I own a minimum of 20 burp cloths, not kidding. My 6-month-old is constantly spitting up all over us (yum) so it's essential to have one on-hand at all times. I've found that now that I *do* have one hanging around I've been using it with my 2-year-old as well to clean food from his face or wipe his ever-runny nose in a pinch. They wash super well, are soft to the touch, and very absorptive. 

Promising review: "These burp cloths are so soft and super absorbent. Muslin doesn't seem like a thick material, but it can absorb a lot of liquid. They have survived a few spit ups and come out of the wash just as good as new. I was told you can never have too many burp cloths and I agree! These are definitely worth your money." —Marie O.

Get a pack of 10 from Amazon for $14.35+ (available in 16 styles).

28. Bumkins washable bibs that'll turn mealtime into a fashion show (hehe) while also protecting your little one's clothes from all kinds of gross baby food stains.

Heather Braga / BuzzFeed

My son has these bibs in a variety of styles: Super Mario Bros, The Legend of Zelda, and Mickey Mouse. They're super cute and make for silly photos, but best of all, they can be easily rinsed off or thrown into the washing machine. I've put the bibs in with his regular laundry and then dried them on cool — they come out nice 'n' clean. I've loved them so much it was a no-brainer to get my daughter her own Disney Princess set! 

We also have a Bumkins Nintendo-themed splat mat I simply could not live without, as it catches all the food debris my son tosses over the edge of his highchair.

Promising review: "This is easy to put on and easy to clean. We just rinse, wipe and dry. I can see our son may be able to take it off one day, but that's part of the process. I like how light it is compared to the silicone bibs we have." —hmfan24

Get a pack of two from Amazon for $13.95+ (available in 22 styles and sets).

29. A game-changing diaper rash spray that'll make diaper changes a lot more simple — and you won't have to get any gunky paste under your nails.

Amazon

Boogie is a small business — I was first introduced to them through their Boogie Wipes product (another must-have) which you can also grab on Amazon for $11.47.

Promising review: "I won’t buy anything else again. I love the fact that I don’t have to get my hands dirty with cream and can just spray it on my baby. It’s AMAZING for every diaper change use and keeps the rashes gone." —Brittanie Jenkins

Get it from Amazon for $9.97.

30. Stomp 'N Go lifting pads you can LITERALLY stomp to get rid of a carpet stain without the need to get down on your hands and knees. No scrubbing necessary!

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "These pads are AH-MAZE-ZING!!! They pulled up years of dog/boy dirt and stains from my carpets. Set-in pee spots, gone. Set in coffee stains, gone. Set-in soda spills, gone. The permanent reminder of my son’s midnight projectile vomiting, GONE! I did leave the pads on the set in stains overnight instead of just 30 minutes. We use a carpet machine in a regular basis and that never got these stains out. But these pads did! The only thing I could wish is for there to be a larger version...because now I have clean spots that stand out! LOL." —Amazon Customer

Get a pack of 20 from Amazon for $27.48.

31. A BabyBjörn bouncer, so your eager-to-sit little one can comfortably survey the room, indulge in a little Ms. Rachel on YouTube, or bounce to their heart's content (honestly, whatever works).

Heather Braga / BuzzFeed

The BabyBjörn bouncer was an item I bought for myself when my son (pictured left) was DYING to be able to sit up but wasn't there just quite 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! 

Now my 7-month-old daughter (pictured right) uses one as well! We attach toys to hers to play with in an attempt to keep her busy long enough for us to shove dinner down our throats. She's a little more wild than my son was at that age and LOVES to aggressively bounce in it.

It easily folds down so it's a breeze to throw in the car and bring to someone else's house. Both of my kids love(d) this thing and I'd definitely recommend it to any parent to have on-hand.

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 make 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 Amazon for $209.99 (available in 12 styles).

32. Light switch dimmers, perfect if your kiddo's nursery doesn't have room for a small lamp. You'll be able to keep the lights down low as to not agitate them or encourage them to fully wake up when they need to eat in the middle of the night.

Amazon

Promising review: "I hooked up two of these without any issues! They work great! I would definitely buy them again if I ever needed more dimmer switches." —B. McNeil

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

33. A high-density foam guard to prevent any unnecessary bumps and bruises your baby might do their best to acquire — soften up your coffee table's sharp edges, the wooden backboard of your changing table your tyke ALWAYS wants to slam their head on, and every other piece of furniture in your home while you're at it.

Amazon, www.amazon.com

The set includes 18 feet of edge guard and 8 corner cushions, capable of covering 20.4 feet of surface area. Also, comes with 3M double-sided tape (36 feet of tape for the edge guard), while the corner guards are pre-taped.

Promising review: "Great product that saved my son a trip to the ER! Funny story, when I installed these to cover my fire place brink corners I did so only to stop the nagging of my wife. BUT not 10 minutes after finishing the install did my son come up to the fire place and trip falling head first into the foam covered brick corner... THANK GOD I finally listened to my wife! Instead of a trip to the emergency room, he just bounced off of the foam and went about his business unharmed!" —Chris Y.

Get it from Amazon for $23.52 (available in two sizes and three colors).

34. Outlet covers, so when your mini-me becomes mobile seemingly overnight and is suddenly interested in doing nothing but sticking their tiny fingers into any exposed electrical sockets, you'll be prepared.

Amazon, Chandni Reddy / BuzzFeed

Promising review: "I had some outlet protectors already, but my 10-month-old daughter figured those ones out. These ones are nice because they are discreet. They sit flush with the outlet. They aren’t distracting so my daughter doesn’t find interest in them. And they are too thin for her to pry them off. I actually kinda had trouble getting them out of one of my outlets, but I find that a good thing. They are definitely child-proof. Can’t beat the low price either. And they arrived very quickly." —Bazoo Studios

Get a pack of 30 from Amazon for $4.88+ (also available as an 8-pack, 60-pack, and 120-pack).

35. A Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes Musical Toy that'll entertain your fussy babe with catchy melodies by the likes of Mozart, Vivaldi, and others as well as exciting and twinkling lights.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

My son received this as a gift around the holidays in 2022 and it's, surprisingly, fantastic! It's really a simple toy, but he enjoys playing with it *all* the time. He loves the sounds and the lights while I personally like that it's not HUGE (so many musical toys are very bulky). It's been a great toy option for the car thanks to its size.

Promising review: "The best baby distractor EVER! Every person with a child must have this toy! I had about five tucked in various places in case one got lost. My son loved them from basically birth, and sometimes it would distract him for hours of not crying! (Heaven for a new mother.) Of course, in the beginning you have to keep pushing the button for them, but compared to swinging him in his car seat that was easy! Then when he got older, he would spend entire car rides just playing with this one toy. I give it to everyone I know who has a baby." —NH-Mommy

Get it from Amazon for $8.88.

36. Ashopping cart cover to create a barrier between your kiddo and all of the unseen germs lurking around — certainly can't hurt and will also prevent them from, literally, sucking on the cart itself (babies are wild).

Heather Braga / BuzzFeed

I used this cover with both of my kids (pictured above) and am *very* glad that I did. As you can see from my son's first time in a shopping cart at Target (left), all he immediately wanted to do was chew on it — which is disgusting and germy! The cover protected him from sucking on unknown grossness...thankfully. It was an excellent item to stow away for baby number two, and as you can see (right) we're making use of it!

Promising review: "Love! I was in the market for a nice shopping cart cover. My newest baby definitely is one that puts everything possible into his mouth, so a shopping cart cover was a must this time around. It's easy to unfold and fold up. A little tricky to put on the first time, but I’m sure I’ll get used to it. It seems to be fairly padded. Covers a standard Walmart cart thus far. I believe it will work for high chairs as well. I do wish it came with its own toys. I would definitely recommend for children who are comfortable sitting up on their own." —Alicia

Get it from Amazon for $24.49+ (available in three styles).

37. An easily attachable back seat mirror, so when you glance in your rearview you'll be able to see your little one despite their rear-facing car seat.

Amazon

I have two of these mirrors in my car and it has definitely given me some peace of mind while driving around with my kids. It only takes a split second to glance back while at a red light and see if one of them are asleep or happily (hopefully) chewing on a toy — super helpful.

Disclaimer: only look in the mirror when your car isn't in motion!

Promising review: "These are high quality. We were given one as a gift originally, and ended up ordering three more, one for each car for both of our kids. We've also ordered these as gifts for other moms. They're sturdy and large enough to get a full view of a rear-faced baby/toddler. They're on a swivel, which makes changing direction easy to do. Once the toddler is curious enough to touch, though, it can be problematic as we found ourselves needing to reset it after she played with it." —Rachel Lakose

Get it from Amazon for$27.99.

38. A memory book for the parent who actually *does* want to keep up with a baby book — it's concise and will let you jot down fun memories of your kiddo until they're five!

Lucy Darling

I cannot even start to tell you how much I love these baby books from Lucy Darling, a small business. I had the one above for my son and it was SO easy to fill out I never felt overwhelmed or stressed about it. The pages are minimal, feature adorable designs, and include an array of ways to note memories with your child without overdoing it. After his first birthday I was sad to not have more detailed pages to write about him — so I ordered The Little Years version as well! I've bought another one for daughter as well. 10/10, IMO.

Get it from Lucy Darling for $39.99and check out all the other baby book styles here.

39. A Bugaboo Butterfly stroller designed for traveling families — it's sleek, suuuuper compact, and has a spacious storage compartment despite its smaller size.

Heather Braga / BuzzFeed

I own this Bugaboo stroller and so far I can say it’s definitely worth the splurge. Honestly, the brand just continues to impress me and makes my life as a new mom easier and easier.

It’s super lightweight (16 pounds total) and actually does pop up/close without hassle. You truly only press in two buttons and it unfolds like magic. My husband and I couldn’t believe how simple it was to put together and how compact it is when closed. I’d also say the Butterfly is a great stroller option for anyone who lives in a city or has a smaller living space.  

It has a strap so you can literally throw it over your shoulder and carry it — perfect whether you’re traveling or just bringing it back and forth from your car. I've taken my son to visit my parents in North Carolina many times and it fit in an overhead compartment without a problem. The wheels handles bumps and debris with ease. We've been using it anytime we're on-the-go or running a quick errands instead of our bigger stroller option. Overall, I’ve found it to be a great stroller option and will totally recommend it to any new parents going forward!

Get it from Amazon for $461.83+(available in four colors).

40. And a mason jar cold brew maker, because if your kids are anything like mine, you haven't had a solid night of sleep in a long (loooong) time. Reviewers absolutely love this version and also use it to brew their favorite iced teas. Cheers!

Amazon

County Line Kitchen is a small business specializing in mason jar–style cold brew makers, pitchers, and accessories.

Promising review: "This has been a hit in my house. Makes the most delicious cold brew and is of great quality. Has saved a ton of money on going out and on pods I used to buy. I try to let it sit for 48 hours so I can dilute it with a little water to get it to last longer, and throw it in my dishwasher in between uses. Perfect!" —Jo

Get it from Amazon for$28.99+ (available in two sizes and colors).

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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