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I've been through this, admittedly, scary ordeal twice and I'm here to help!

My name is Heather, and at the time I'm writing this, my son is almost 4, and my daughter is almost 2 (so you know I get *it*). So, a lot of these items I've personally tested out (a baby butt spatula, Bumkins washable bibs, a breathable Newtown crib mattress, and the ever-popular Fisher-Price kick and play piano, just to name a few.) 

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

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

You can read my review of past versions here. 

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

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

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

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!

Promising review: "I’ve been a fan of Aquaphor since my son was a newborn, and I still use it to this day. It’s truly a must-have in our home — gentle enough for baby skin yet effective for so many things, from dryness to minor cuts. I love how versatile it is and how well it keeps skin soft and protected. After all these years, it’s still my go-to healing ointment!" —KB Mom

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

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 spitup, 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 $17.99+ (available in 16 styles).

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

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 son 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.

Since the birth of my son in 2022, I have been on the hunt for a baby carrier I love. It took me two years to find one that finally fit the bill! This one from BabyBjörn is pricey but has all the features I was looking for in a carrier. Many of the other brands I tried were SO difficult to figure out — how should the straps go? How do I get the baby in? How do I get the baby OUT?! The Harmony simplified all of those concerns with its easy-to-use clasp system. I could buckle my daughter in on my own, allowing me to go on more outings alone with her and my toddler. My neighbors definitely all had a glimpse of me wearing my daughter while pushing my son on his trike at the same time. (I am EXHAUSTED, to say the least.)

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

Get it from Amazon for $239.99 (available in nine styles).

Promising review: "I have tried three carriers. This carrier is fantastic. It is stretchy, breathable, and lightweight. My 3-month-old wants to be held and carried around when she's awake. This carrier makes that so much easier. I have two older children and having my hands free to do things for them makes everything easier. " —MomBoss

Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in 15 colors).

Abiie is a small business in Austin, Texas making stylish and practical baby gear.

BuzzFeed editor Sally Elshorafa loves this carrier! She said, "I have this carrier and it's changed my family's life. Both my husband and I use it daily, and it's quickly become our go-to way for carrying our infant son around. It's so much more practical and intimate than a bulky stroller. When he's tired, I'll have him face inward, and he'll fall asleep immediately. When we're out and about and he's wide awake, I have him face outwards so he can be part of the action. I can tell he is very comfortable in either position.

With my firstborn, I never liked using the traditional baby carriers on the market because they didn't offer enough support, or they were too complicated to adjust and keep on. Because this one has a hip seat, it's ergonomically way better — my son's weight is distributed more evenly, so there's little to no pressure on my lower back, hips, and shoulders. And it's great that when he becomes old enough to sit up on his own, I just unzip the carrier part, and it becomes a practical hip seat. Truly a gift that keeps on giving."

Promising review: "This baby carrier will replace all of your baby carriers! My favorite thing about it is the wide waistband. It doesn’t dig into your sides, back, or stomach after wearing for long periods of time. My little one is five months old, and he enjoys taking long walks and hikes in this carrier. He is comfortable, and I appreciate that his hips, knees, and legs are in a good 'M' position. The seat is supportive, and the shoulder straps are comfortable for mom or dad! My little one and I are both very happy with this purchase." —Kaile

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).

Promising review: "Our newborn photographer had one at my son's newborn shoot, and it calmed him down, so we bought one and started using it. He's now 19 months, and we use it for every nap and every night at bedtime. There are several sounds on it, including a lullaby, a heartbeat, white noise, and, I believe, the ocean. We only use the lullaby on it because it works for my son. The great thing about it is that it has a setting where you can choose to have it on continuously (basically until you turn it off or the batteries die), or you can click a button to change it so that it goes off after 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or 45 minutes. So, if your LO only requires the sound to actually fall asleep, you don't have to try to sneak into their room to turn off the sound. And you also don't have to try to sneak into the room to turn it back on. I simply love this thing and can't say enough good things about it. I have recommended it to friends as well. And for the price, you can't beat it!" —NurseBS88

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 made 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).

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

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

Get it from Amazon for $7.59+ (available in a variety of quantities)

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

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 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).

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 of TikTok 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 squeaker 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 $28.62 (available in six styles).

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

You may have seen this now-iconic toy on TikTok or heard about it from other parents — it'll keep your kiddo entertained for MONTHS, which is a lot more than other toys can boast about. I have this toy and even have a backup of it for my parents' house — it's that good. As an infant, my son was a very energetic little guy and loved this toy from about 2 months old! He loved 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 piano keys with his hands. When he became mobile, we detached the piano, and he played with it separately. The attached mat can also be easily tossed into the washing machine and the dryer, which was essential for my kiddo, as he spit up on everyyyyything. When my daughter was born, we simply reattached the arch and toys for her to enjoy. Both kiddos ended up lying under it together, which was the CUTEST. Anyway, if you're not singing about a purple monkey in a bubble gum tree, you will be soon.

Promising review: "This playmat is colorful and engaging, keeping my baby entertained. The lights, sounds, and toys are fun and stimulating. It’s soft and comfortable, and the quality is exactly what I expect from Fisher-Price. A great activity mat for playtime. Nice for tummy time!!!" —Neilin Giraldo

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

THIS machine is what kept me going during my kids' first years. It's truly the number one item I couldn't have lived without. Literally, I would happily spend my last penny on this product because it has made that much of a difference in my life over the last few years.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This high chair can really do it all. It holds up to 300 pounds (!!!) and it has an adjustable seat and footplate position 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 most 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 almost 4 years old now (wahhh) and has 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, we also used the newborn converter seat, so she could sit at the table with us. It's definitely one of the items I recommend everyone 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 $248+ (available in nine colors).

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'll 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).

My kids both basically only slept in Carter's double-zip pajamas for the first 12 months of their lives. The sizing is spot-on (which cannot be said for all baby clothing brands), and it washes really well (there is very little shrinkage). The double-zip is ESSENTIAL, so I didn't have to take their pajamas all the way off when quickly changing diapers during the night. I also simply love how adorable they are! The cotton and fleece options have fun designs (including holiday themes) and often have cute little creatures on the feet, making me squeal with delight every time I dress them in them. I've tried a lot of different pajamas, and these have simply become a staple in their closets. 

Get them from Little Planet on Carter's for $14 (available in sizes NB–9M and 18 styles) and check out all of Carter's double-zip styles.

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! 

My daughter loved it as well! We attached toys to hers to keep her busy long enough for us to shove dinner down our throats. She was a bit wilder than my son and LOVED to aggressively bounce in it.

It folds down easily, so throwing it in the car and bringing it to someone else's house is a breeze. Both of my kids loved this thing, and I'd definitely recommend it to any parent.

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

Get it from Amazon for $219.99 (available in 12 styles).

The Butterfly 2 is a fantastic stroller, hence it hanging out in the "overall best travel stroller" spot. It's one of the lightest strollers on the market at only 16lbs, it can be opened/closed with one hand (WOW!), it fits easily in overhead bins and trunks, and ample storage via its basket and a back-seat pocket.

BuzzFeed writer Crystal Ro did an in-depth review of the Butterfly 2, which you can dive into right here. But some important takeaways include, "Our regular stroller has much larger, air-filled wheels, so it's a VERY smooth ride. And, TBH, I was a little suspicious if the Butterfly 2, with its smaller, hard wheels, would be as smooth. But, to my surprise, it was?! Admittedly, I didn't exactly 'off-road' with this stroller, but even on pavement and a few different terrains, it moved really smoothly and had good shock absorption. I tested this baby out at North America's largest Ikea (in Burbank, California)— which, if you've been to an Ikea, you know how busy it can get — and I was able to maneuver through small aisles and around meandering people with more ease than in the regular stroller."

Promising review: "Can’t recommend this enough! I used it for my 4-month-old baby on our first holiday, and it was perfect. Super lightweight for carrying up stairs, etc.; folds up and down in seconds; comfortable enough for my baby to sleep in; and has a big hood for sun protection. It is obviously significantly more expensive than other options on the market, but I would say the cost warrants the quality of the pram." —HLB123

Get from Amazon or Bugaboo for $599 (available in four colors).

Psst: An older version of this stroller is available at a slightly lower price and is still my go-to travel stroller. Check out my review of the Bugaboo Butterfly.

This item is noted for children under the age of 3 — and please never leave your baby unattended in it since there *is* a shallow body of water present.

Promising review: "Found this after our first experience with our 9-month-old at the beach. He wanted to crawl straight in the beach so I wanted to find something that would keep him busy but yet be able to play with sand and water! This was perfect!!!! He loved it and it kept him occupied all day, on and off. We didn’t use the shade since we had a canopy up already for shade so not sure how strong the shade part of it is." —Brittany

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

Promising review: "EXCELLENT travel bottle warmer!!!! We love this warmer and use it almost every single time we leave the house!!! The water stays hot for hours!! The longest we have done is about 6–8 hours, and each time, it is still piping hot and steaming when I pour it, and it heats my daughter's bottle up easily in just a few minutes! Seriously, 5 stars!"—ELMA16

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

Promising review: "This is definitely perfect for the girlies with the long nails and I’m one of them. Life has never been so simple since I purchased this. I’m not fighting to get my baby out the car seat anymore." —Shakyra

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

Reviewers have also attached it to their little one's cribs and car seats for extra airflow. I personally used one on my stroller during my son's first summer (he was about three months old at the time) and bought a second one when my daughter was born. Now, both kids enjoy a nice lil' breeze when we walk in warmer weather.

Promising review: "This little fan has changed my life! I bought this for Disney, and now I use it all the time. I had gotten this fan for the stroller and four little handheld fans. If I had the space, I would have bought four of these. It is lightweight, easily attached, has flexible legs, a powerful fan, and Bluetooth, too! I set it up as a phone stand for the kids while they waited for food, cooled everyone off all day, and charged it at the end of the day. We used it off and on daily, not continuously. Now I use it in my girls' room when it’s stuffy and set a timer if needed. It has speed controls, too. It’s a great product 100% recommend to every parent or anyone needing a portable fan." —Robert

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

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

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

Promising review: "So so so much better than the kind that velcro on. I wish I had this for my first, but glad to have it now. It is very sturdy and goes onto the headrest easily. Recommend 100%." —Michelly

Get it from Amazon for $16.99 (available in three colors).

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+ (available in three styles).

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

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

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

Lion & Light is a woman-owned small business!

Promising review: "I got this mini diaper bag because I was tired of carrying a big backpack for two kids. My daughter is potty trained, but my son is still in diapers, so I needed something compact yet functional. I love that it has easy-access wipes right in the front and enough space for both diapering essentials and my own things. Plus, it looks like a stylish crossbody instead of a diaper bag!" —Jess Owens

Get it from Amazon for $72.99+ (available in two colors).

My sister had her first baby last summer, and one of my most significant pieces of advice ahead of her arrival was to find the PERFECT nursery chair. I made the mistake of not having one with my son and had many uncomfortable nights toughing it out in a regular old chair. We chose this one for its reasonable price, built-in features, and water-resistant fabric. Not to mention, it's easy on the eyes! It's modern enough that once she no longer needs it in her baby's room, she can repurpose it in another spot in her home.

Promising review: "Was easy to assemble, reclines, will adjust to body shape. Definitely able to sit in the chair with two babies in arms and still have enough room to be comfortable." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $799.99 (available in seven styles).

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 $32.99+ (available in two sizes and colors).

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Plus, quiet toys, crafting kits, time-savers, travel strollers (and other must-haves for traveling with kids), baby shower gifts, options for your next family game night, train sets, and newborn essentials.

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

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

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