Helllooooo parents, my name is Heather, and at the time I'm writing this, my son is 3 and my daughter is almost 1 (so you know I get *it*). So, a lot of these items I've personally tested out! I can happily tell you *all* about what has worked for my family, but kindly wanted to note that I'm aware every kid is different! So, what worked for me may not work for you. But hey, it's worth a shot. Right?

Heather Braga / BuzzFeed

1. A cushiony playmat with a reversible design you'll be *very* happy about when that precious baby of yours turns into a feral toddler who scribbles in permanent marker all over the floor. In the meantime, it's plush, perfect for learning to crawl on (and a few head bumps, I'm sure), and is waterproof!

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Promising review: "We ordered it for our baby, who knows how to sit up now, and this mat is perfect for him. It’s cushiony and safe enough for times he falls back. Easy to clean with a wet cloth when there‘s spit up or drool. The double-sided design is also cute and practical." —Joe

Get it from Amazon for $139+ (available in four styles).

2. 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 $28.99 (available in six styles).

3. A cushionedJool Baby changing padto plop atop your kiddo's dresser to ensure they always have a safe space for you to dress them and change their diapers — this one is contoured for comfort, features a safety strap, is water-proof, and can be easily wiped down. It doesn't have the bells and whistles of the more high-tech options available these days (with lights, sounds, a built-in scale, etc), but it most certainly gets the job done.

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Jool Baby is a small business! I would've LOVED having one of these, but both of my kiddo's dressers had changing toppers built-in that only fit a specific changing pad mattress (sigh). This style of changing pad is amazing because liquids (of all disgusting kinds) can't seep in and can be wiped down in a flash.

Promising review: "Great quality and fit perfectly on a standard size dresser. Comfy but easily wipeable and resists slipping instead of padding/covers. Super functional and worth the value." —Danielle Caldwell

Get it from Amazon for $74.99 (available in five colors).

4. 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 ounces instead of 4 ounces, 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 $190.99.

5. Plus a Baby Brezza Bottle Washer Pro, because anything that is going to make your life easier during the first year of being a parent is worth every penny. 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.

6. 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. 

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I switched to the Nanit monitoring system when my daughter was born in 2024 because the app has an incredible split-screen option that lets me watch both kiddos at once — it's been a game changer. It's super easy to set up, and once you've done so, there's nothing more to do but the occasional software update. The app itself is simple: it shows you a view of your kiddo's crib, 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 sweetly falling asleep. Revisiting memories of your baby sleeping is an emotional treasure, and the expert advice on optimizing sleep for your child is a priceless addition. If you seek a baby monitor that seamlessly integrates advanced technology with practical parenting insights, look no further. This monitor has elevated my parenting journey, offering unparalleled peace of mind and heartwarming memories. A resounding 10/10!" —Savannah Wooden

Get it from Amazon for $239.99.

7. An outlet light for anyone who has accidentally walked into a wall one (or two) times too many when getting up in the middle of the night with a sick tyke or a kiddo asking for a zillionth cup of water. This lil' gadget will subtly light your way without the need for a bulkier option.

Amazon

Promising review: "I don't like night-lights because they take up the wall outlet, so this was the perfect solution. I put it in the guest bath, and at night, with the bathroom door open, this provides just enough light to guide a person to the bathroom without blinding them. I ended up putting two on my hallway switches as well. What a great product." —LMK

Get it from Amazon for $22.98+ (available in four colors and three sizes).

8. 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. It's an all-encompassing kit to help you tackle all the very gross things that come with having a baby (or, at least, a handful of 'em).

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.

9. A pacifier-style baby medicine dispenser that'll (hopefully) prevent you and your baby from having a WWE-level fight whenever they need a dose of Tylenol to soothe their teething troubles. There are few things as unpleasant as being covered in sticky medicine after your kid spits it out all over both of you.

Amazon

Promising review: "This is an absolute must-have, and you should order it before you’re desperately wrestling medicine into your baby’s mouth and wishing you did. My daughter wouldn’t even take a pacifier, and this still made giving her medicine 100x easier. The different components detach easily for cleaning, and the syringe is a standard size, so it’s compatible with most bottles. If/when your kid outsmarts or outgrows the pacifier part of it, the syringe is still functional and nice to have on hand." —JH

Get it from Amazon for $10.99.

10. A set of silicone baby bottles from Boon Nursh with a shockingly chic design (yes, I said CHIC in regards to a bottle) that'll make you feel like you're really nailing this whole parenting thing...aesthetically, at least. They're easy for baby to hold on, which will give you some bonus time to do something else with YOUR hands.

Amazon, www.amazon.com

A lot of my mom friends have made these their *bottle of choice* and had nothing but good things to say about 'em!

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

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

Get them from Amazon for $15.89 (available in two sizes and different colors).

11. Starter spoons with a unique textured surface designed to soothe your baby's aching gums *and* keep food in place enough that they might just get some into their mouth instead of all over their shirt/floor/face. 

www.amazon.com, Amazon

The set includes a stage one spoon and stage two spoon. The first stage spoon doubles as a teether, and is designed to introduce babies to holding utensils and exploring purees, as they soothe their sore gums. The second stage spoon is capable of holding more food and can even be loaded with solids for the child to grab and eat.

Note: The spoons don't have a stopper, so please supervise your babies to make sure they don't stick the spoon too far back in their mouth. Recommended for ages 6 months+.

Promising review: "I have used these pre-utensils for both of my boys, now 3 and 8 months, and I really love them. I'm a pediatric occupational therapist, so I love that this allows my kids to start with some independence with their self-feeding skills early. I pre-load the spoon with soup/yogurt/mashed fruit or veggie, and he takes it, holds, and brings it to his mouth so well! Also doubles as a teether!" —Kirsten

Get a set from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in several colors and pack options).

12. Plus, 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

I replaced my son's plates with a set of these and have been so pleased! The colors are lovely (always a nice bonus), but most importantly, the suction is fantastic, and they wash up beautifully in the dishwasher.

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 put 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.

13. 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).

14. A breast milk storage tower, so all the liquid gold you've worked SO hard to procure will stay nice and safe. It can be popped into the freezer to organize your bags — no need to paw through the frozen peas and nuggets to get to what you need! It also has a flat metal top to ensure the bags freeze flat (and fit nicely into the tower).

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It can hold up to 60 oz!

Promising review: "This product does exactly what it claims it does! It can hold up to about 20 of my 4-ounce bags! The section on top is nice for getting flat and even freezing, and I can usually store an extra bag or two up there when I fill up the bottom portion. I would definitely recommend it to any pumping mama out there!" —Krista

Get it from Amazon for $20.99.

15. A cacti-inspired bottle brush cleaning set you'll certainly agree doesn't *~succ~* in the slightest — it'll look cute on your kitchen counter while also doing a fantastic job in helping you scrub all of the yucky milk residue out of your baby's bottles.

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Promising review: "I usually don’t write reviews. But I love, love this. I think it’s so cute. Instead of those normal bottle cleaners that are bright ugly colors. The container that it comes in, it works and does collect the water. Would definitely recommend it, especially as an all-in-one bottle cleaner that looks cute and has a container for the water." —Hinojosas

Get it from Amazon for $13.99.

16. An Oxo Tot Perfect Wipes Dispenser that'll keep the many (many) wipes you'll need moist. I pray you never have the experience of reaching for wipes while cleaning a blowout only to discover they're dry as a bone.

Mallory Mower / BuzzFeed, www.amazon.com

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

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

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

17. 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.

18. A Hatch Restore 3 to act as a night-light, a white noise machine, an alarm clock, and a sleep trainer with a design that seamlessly blends into the nursery's decor. Fingers crossed, you and your kiddo will get some sleep this decade with the help of this gadget!

www.amazon.com

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 light brightness. 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).

Get it from Amazon for $169+ (available in three colors).

19. Aquaphor Healing Ointment — it'll be one of the most unexpected parenting holy grail items you'll use daily on your little one. It's unscented, preservative-free, and fantastic for healing sensitive skin. You know how in My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Gus was always saying, "Put some Windex on it!" to fix all things? Well, that's about to be you with Aquaphor.

Aquaphor US / Via www.instagram.com

Anytime my kids have a little itchy bump or redness, we put some of this on to ease their discomfort. However, I primarily use it in place of a diaper cream. I've been lucky that my tykes haven't had much diaper rash, just the occasional redness or irritation from a diaper rubbing against their chunky legs the wrong way. Applying some Aquaphor is a quick and reliable fix! I have a tube in every diaper bag and at each diaper station!

I'd also be remiss not to mention that I use Aquaphor on myself, too. After both of my C-sections this tube was what I reached for (after an appropriate amount of healing) to soothe any itchiness or discomfort on my scar. It also works wonders on chapped lips!

Get it from Target for $12.99.

20. A parent-loved Triple Paste Diaper Rash Cream that'll act as a protective barrier between your baby's booty and their diaper — it's zinc-packed, thick consistency will soothe any existing irritation and ideally stop them from getting another. It has 3,400 rave reviews, so you know it's the real deal.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Best baby ointment I've ever used. When my daughter has a diaper rash, I apply it one day and the next day, it's better. It's creamy, thick and easy to spread. I've used others that are more liquid or that stick to the skin and don't spread at all. But I really recommend this one; it's the best in texture, spreadability and durability. It lasts a long time. I like the tube because it's easier to apply and less contaminated." —Amanda Chagas

Get it from Amazon for $10.76.

21. And 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. It has incredible suction on the bottom, so you can keep it right next to your changing pad without fear of it being kicked over by your unruly tot.

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 $5.99.

22. Miss Mouth you'll want in your arsenal of cleaning products. Truth be told, babies stain EVERYTHING. Whether they're spitting up all the time on their clothes (and blankets, and your shirt, and their sheets, the list goes on) or learning to chow down on pureed carrots (an orange explosion), you won't regret adding this to your cart.

www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "My mother’s group recommended this stain removing spray. I was dumb enough to put my 6-month-old in a white bib while he enjoyed some frozen berry teethers. This came to the rescue (pictured above)!" —L

"I never write reviews, but this stuff is absolutely amazing! I keep this is the laundry basket and spray as stains happen and even white clothes come out perfectly clean each time! I mostly use it for baby poop, but it’s also worked on food and coffee stains for me and my husband. Seriously – it's a life saver!" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $7.97(available in different pack styles).

23. 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 with a sponge, a brush, and a comb that'll all work together to get your kiddo's scalp looking good.

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 $13.89.

24. 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. Does my daughter fight us like she's starring in Gladiator when we try to use this on her? Yes. But does it get the job done faster and more easily? Also, yes!

www.amazon.com

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. 

25. Frida Baby Natural Vapor Bath Bombs filled with eucalyptus and lavender, so when your little one inevitably does get sick, you'll be ready to go with a soothing bathtime edition that'll help clear their sinuses and relax their little body.

Amazon

My poor kids visited the pediatrician basically weekly the past winter thanks to a variety of illnesses (you name it; we probably had it). I tried quite a few products to help get them feeling a bit better when they were feverish, snotty, coughing, etc, and these vapor bombs did the trick. I would toss one into a pre-bedtime bath and let the soothing scent open up my kids' nostrils/soothe their achy little bodies. My toddler wasn't a fan until I let him pop them into this "magic brush" and encouraged him to "paint" with the fizzy bubbles. Whatever works, amiright?!

Promising review: "Will forever be keeping these on hand! My daughter loves her 'bath fizzy' and requests them now. Bought them originally when she was sick with RSV to help open her up before bed, but they have become essential around here. She definitely seems to sleep better when we use them during bath/before bed! The smell is great and not overwhelming." —B Reese

Get a pack of 10 from Amazon for $19.99.

26. A bottle of Tubby Todd's new micellar water for when your tyke had a blowout in the morning, resulting in an unplanned bath, but then covers themselves in marinara sauce during dinner. Sigh. No parent wants to do bathtime twice; give that kiddo a quick (but satisfying!) clean with this instead. 

Tubby Todd

When it comes to Tubby Todd (a small business), I'm all in. I've yet to be disappointed by a single one of their products, and their latest micellar water has been no different. If we're being honest, bathtime is an ordeal. I have a 3-year-old and a 1-year-old, so you can only imagine the sheer chaos of sitting in the Splash Zone during their nightly bath. If given the opportunity to *skip it* or put it off until tomorrow after a rough day, I'm going to take it. This product has been an excellent solution for freshening my kids up before bed on days where we haven't done anything *too* wild requiring a full scrub down. It's made with aloe leaf juice to help hydrate baby's skin without irritating it. It also removes dirt/oil without stripping natural oils (the same way YOUR fave micellar water does). I love the lavender and rosemary scent, but I appreciate that there's an unscented option, too!

Get it from Tubby Todd for $22+ (available in two scents and with or without reusable cloths).

27. A frustration-free swaddle from Taking Cara Babies (known amongst seasoned parents as the sleep whisperer) starring breathable modal fabric, a silent closure (no Velcro-induced startles!) and three different ways to wrap Baby up comfortably so, fingers crossed, they actually sleep.

Taking Cara Babies

I wish someone would wrap me up in this and put me to bed. Taking Cara Babies is a mom-owned small business that primarily offers parents advice and a guide on improving their baby's sleep. Every mom friend in my life has turned to her site/Instagram for guidance and support, so I have no doubt this swaddle will be a 10/10 for new parents.

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

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. Pop culture fans, look no further! These come in so many fun styles you won't know which ones to order first.

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. Or a silicone bibthat's waterproof and extremely easy to rinse off (or toss right into the dishwasher) after an especially messy dining sesh — the pocket also serves a food catcher so the debris *hopefully* won't end up all over the floor.

Amazon

My kids both have these silicone bibs and they are fantastic! I love that Simple Modern has minimalist options and cute Disney-themed ones. I also love that I can toss the bibs into the dishwasher after they inevitably get covered in sauce. 

Promising review: "We love the Simple Modern rubber bibs because the part that catches the food is sturdy and won’t spill while my son is wriggling around during meal time. My husband said to replace all of our rubber bibs with these!! Very easy to clean and do not retain any smell. My son finds them comfortable and doesn’t complain while wearing it." —Terry

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 13 styles).

30. A Newton Essential Crib Mattress that'll help provide you with some peace of mind once your tyke starts actually sleeping on top of it — it's made with a unique woven material that babies can completely breathe through (an absolute game changer) and is also fully washable.

www.amazon.com, Amazon

My best friend and I both have this mattress for our kids and have literally laid face down on top of it to see if it truly is breathable — good news, it is! I've recommended this mattress to quite literally every parent I know. 

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

Get it from Amazon for $199.99.

31. An Angelcare Baby Bath Support, great for littles who want the freedom of splashing their tiny toes directly in the big tub. You'll likely only use this for a few months before your tot can safely sit directly in the tub, so the low price point is certainly appreciated.

Amazon

My kids loved bathing in this simple bath seat before they were big enough to sit freely. They got to splash and kick to their hearts' content while sitting safely in the tub. It also hangs nicely on a suction hook, so it didn't take up much space in my not-huge bathroom.

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

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

32. A bath spout cover with a surprisingly aesthetic look — your tyke can splish and splash without accidentally hitting their head on the ever-interesting-to-them spout. You're welcome.

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "Look, I love my child. But I did not want to put a whale in my bathtub (no offense). Enter this spout cover! It was easy to install and has been easy to keep clean in the several months since we’ve had this in our tub. Its durable design and perfect fit provide so much safety - and, thereby, FUN! - during bath time. Cute and practical. Highly recommend this cutie cover!"—Brianna P.

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

33. 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, consider yourself warned, when they get older they will most certainly turn this adorable hose on you and leave you soaked.

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 both of my kids' hair and rinse soap suds off of them in bubble baths. 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).

34. A bath toy thermometer that'll become your most reliable bathtime companion — it'll alert you to precisely what temperature the water is and if it's an appropriate one for your baby to soak in. You've got enough on your plate, let this seal take the reins on this one.

Mallory Mower / BuzzFeed

BuzzFeed writer and mom Mallory Mower is a fan, "At our house, this little seal is named Lou (a nod to all the other Arrested Development fans out there), and it's a beloved member of our family. We've had this since before the baby was born (around 15 months), and you better believe I tested it out ahead of time. I love burning hot baths, so I knew I was no judge of safe water temperatures. This reads really clearly (blinking blue if it is too cold and red if it is too hot) and fast. We are a less-is-more toy family, so my daughter loves having a cute toy to play with, and I love that it doubles as a useful tool. Cheers all around."

Promising review: "I absolutely love this thing. All you have to do is throw it in the water and it starts to read the temp. No need to turn it on and off. It blinks red whenever the temperature is considered too high, which I love because whenever I’m getting a newborn ready to get in the bath I don’t want to have to sit and hover over it reading the temp — if it’s not blinking I know its within a good range. So just turn your warm water on, throw this guy in and you’ll know instantly if it’s good to go or needs adjusting. Plus it’s super cute!" —Madalyn Roche

Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in two colors).

35. An inexpensive baby gate featuring a pressure mount you'll adore because you won't have to drill holes into your walls (a big win). It's easy to install and easy for adults to open with one hand, which you'll definitely be thankful for when you're trying to carry your baby and open it simultaneously.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

This gate is capable of expanding to fit openings between 29–34 and 35-38.5 inches wide. This gate will not fit an opening between 34–35 inches. It also stands 30 inches tall. Make sure to measure your opening before you buy to ensure proper fit.

Anyways, I have two of these gates in my home and it has been absolutely essential to keeping my toddler contained/safe in my split level home. We have a lot of stairs seemingly ALL OVER THE PLACE which is not ideal for a roaming toddler and scooting baby. It took my husband no time at all to put them up (shout out to the pressure mount feature) which was ideal. They're very simple for adults to open, but despite my son's best efforts he can't seem to figure it out (ideal as he's only a year and a half old). Would also be great for pet owners!

Promising review: "Best gate I have ever owned. I have two small kids, a dog, and two cats. Plus lots of stairs. I have gone through so many gates in the last three years. Most broke over time or came loose. This gate is worth 20 stars. Amazing quality. It has stood the test of time! reliable, sturdy, easy to use, easy to install. The gate swings both ways! That's a HUGE plus. I feel so secure having it, knowing that there is no way my kids or dog can knock it down or get over it. It is tall too. Buy this one. Coming from the girl who is the queen of gates. This one is one-and-done. IF we need to purchase more gates in the future I will come straight back to this product and seller." —L. Randall

Get it from Amazon for $34.99.

36. Ahumidifier tank–cleaning fish you'll cherish as much as Ariel (the Little Mermaid) does her BFF Flounder — it'll kill up to 99% of odor causing bacteria in the tank you're planning to put in your baby's nursery to keep their lil' nostrils moist during nap time (amazing).

Amazon

Promising review: "These things are AMAZING! I went from having to Clorox my ultrasonic humidifier tank every few days to every month if that. I cannot tell you how wonderful it is to not have to worry about it! I feel like they work quite a bit longer than advertised, but that may depend on the water temp if the water is distilled (this is what we use, as our water is REALLY hard otherwise) vs. filtered vs. not, etc. Will definitely buy again!" —CindyR

Get it from Amazon for $5.98.

If you need a humidifier suggestion, I have this teardrop-shaped one in my son's room!

37. Somereusable pouch tops that'll fit any 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, so when your tyke eats one in the car, they won't be able to squeeze it with all their might and create an apple sauce volcano in your back seat.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

ChooMee is a small business based in Northern California, owned by a mom, that specializes in innovative products that solve everyday feeding challenges.

Promising review: "A MUST-HAVE FOR TODDLERS. My son is a little over 1-year-old and I wish I got these sooner! He gets moments of extreme excitement when it squeeze's the crap out of his pouches and it gets EVERYWHERE. Since having these I have had zero messes! I ended up buying four more because I wanted to keep one in every possible place I'd need one. It seems pretty darn secure if you do it following the directions. It fits Plum Organics, Earth's Best, and Happy Baby pouches for sure." —Amazon Customer

Get a pack of two from Amazon for $7.99 (available in five color combos). 

38. Plus reusable puree pouchesyou can fill with your own homemade baby food or a store-bought one when you and your mini-me are on the go. They're super easy to clean, seal really well (they open from the side!) and simple for babies to eat from.

Heather Braga / BuzzFeed

We used these constantly when my son only wanted to eat purees. They're easy to fill, as the side opens like a ziplock bag, and even easier to rinse and reuse. We'd buy a large jar of apple sauce and spoon them into the packets — saved a lot of dollars that way! You can also fill and freeze them if you want to meal-prep your kiddo's food for the week.

Promising review: "These reusable pouches are great. They are easy to fill and use. They have been uncomplicated to wash and I have been very glad I purchased." —Kelly

Get a set of 10 from Amazon for $10.99.

39. A 10-pack of muslin burp cloths, a must-have for anyone with an infant who is spitting up constantly who will then turn into a toddler who is forever suffering from a runny nose. These are undoubtedly 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. They wash super well, are soft to the touch, and are very absorptive. I use them to clean spit-up, snotty noses, spilled bottles, etc. 

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 $8.99+ (available in 16 styles).

40. Bandana Muslin drool bibs that'll become part of your little one's daily wardrobe — they'll protect their clothing from getting sopping wet from spit up/drool and *hopefully* spare some of your clothes from the same fate as well.

www.amazon.com, Amazon

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

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

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

41. Some blank closet dividers because you'll likely find yourself with an entire range of sizing in your baby's clothes that'll be a headache to organize. You can add these into their closet and stop trying to recall where the 3- to 6-month outfits begin and end. 

www.amazon.com

ERA Accents is a small biz that specializes in these dividers.

Promising review: "Loved these! Perfect for a cheap way to organize closet. Fine tip marker comes with it, and there is a ton of extra I am going to use to separate work, dress, and regular clothes!" —Kelly

Get a 30-pack from Amazon for $8.95 (also available in colors).

42. And 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. Honestly, "Maybe" (the purple monkey song) is a bop you'll find yourself singing even after your kids have gone to bed.

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 he had been 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 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 three colors).

And if/when you fall in love with the super catchy song, you can also check out the singing stroller toy and musical storybookto keep the fun going.

Some reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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