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From one parent to another — it really can be easier.

I am a contributor who has been writing for BuzzFeed Shopping for two years, with a focus on products that make parenting just a bit easier — and hopefully more fun — home decor, kitchen gadgets, and whatever deals I can scope out.

These patches can keep the whole family safe with baby and adult patches, as well as tick repellent. All patches are plant based and free from harsh chemicals. 

Promising review: "I’ve tried a handful of kids’ mosquito‑repellent bands, sprays, even other sticker brands, and nothing has worked as consistently — or smelled as pleasantly as BuzzPatch. Our kids actually want to put these on because the characters are so fun, and the gentle citronella scent isn’t overpowering. The surprise hero, though, is the little carry case. It’s sturdy, snaps shut securely, and is the perfect size for tossing in a backpack or baby bag. Once we finish this pack, I’m repurposing the case to hold hair ties and plasters on day trips — talk about multipurpose! Giving 5 stars from our whole family." —Twinkles

Promising review: "The Baby Brezza Formula Pro Advanced has simplified our feeding routine immensely. It's remarkably convenient to have a bottle prepared at the touch of a button, especially during those late-night feeds. This appliance has truly been a significant help, making the process much smoother for our family." —GT

With four different buffer pads for different age ranges, this buffer grows with your baby.

Promising review: "SO EASY and quick! Baby was sleeping and didn’t even flinch. 🥰" —Marissa

Promising review: "These are great as advertised, but are also great for other uses! You can use it for teething or wrap it around a stroller strap and clip a blanket in place. The options are endless! So many items don't hit the ground with pacifier leashes!" —Kris M

Price: $6.19 for a two-pack (available in two color combos)

So many people swear by humidifiers, but I had never used one before having a baby. If you're a skeptic like I was, I can verify that getting a humidifier has been so helpful, especially now that my kids are a bit older. Whenever I see the first sign of a sniffle, I pull out the humidifier and see dramatic improvement when I grit my teeth and hold on until it passes. 

Promising review: "Best one I have purchased. It says it can go 60 hours. I will not test that, but I now have one that doesn’t turn off in the middle of the night, turned on full blast. The light isn’t bright, which I love, and the refill process and handle to carry are my favorite parts." —Micayla

Promising review: "Awesome value. One of the cheapest toy bins, and it does a fantastic job. Toys have no problem drying out, and ours is densely filled up." —pinknblue

Price: $14.99 (available in two colors) 

If you're also tackling how to use a urinal, this is an easy-to-clean option that comes in at $15.99.

Promising review: "This is my fourth toddler potty and the best one so far. I’ve purchased seats with 'cushions', but the rim around it is still uncomfortable and leaves a mark on my child. This technically has no cushion, but is sloped and smooth with no hard edges. I really like the easy handles to hold while climbing up and gives them something to hold while waiting to go. Very pleased!" —Faby

When my oldest started standing independently, I got a decorative, oh-so-cute wooden stool. I underestimated how clumsy toddlers are and how often they fall. She'd trip over her feet in the bathroom and get a huge bruise or scrape herself on my adorable footstool. Finally, I said "NEVER AGAIN" and bought a plastic one. What was I waiting for?? It's lighter and easier to clean and I do not miss the princess ballerina footstool. Plus, my kids easily grab it when they need to reach something, and I only need to involve myself if I hear a crash. Glorious. 

Promising review: "When I potty trained my youngest, I realized I got rid of our old step stool during a move. This was a great replacement. It's very sturdy and I don't feel any shifting when I step on it. It's sturdy and has never toppled over a child. I also like the grip on the top so even when my kids are having lots of fun with the water and get it everywhere, there's no slipping." —lolo

This amazing potty seat comes with a travel bag and can be quickly and easily wiped clean with an antibacterial wipe. It suctions onto the toilet, keeping your kid both physically and mentally secure.

Promising review: "This product has been a game changer for getting my toddler to use the potty in public. He is smaller, so normal potties are intimidating to him. I highly recommend this seat for any little kids!!! So easy to attach and fold up. Each to clean after, too. Such a brilliant product." —Kate

Price: $14.99 (available in three colors)

I recently switched my fine-haired daughter over to this leave-in conditioner, and we both love it! The citrus vanilla scent is SO good, and it actually works. I can spray this on wet hair after a shower or on a knot in dry hair, and it works equally well.

Promising review: "This stuff smells fantastic and works like magic! My kids have long, wavy hair, and this has become a part of their hair care routine because it’s so amazing. It detangles, and the good smell lasts in their hair." —Mama Kes

Promising review: "Liked the colors. Bought one for each car. My daughter can now unbuckle herself with this, which helps speed up the drop-off line at school." —Erica

Price: $28.99 for a two-pack (available in two color combinations)

Promising review: "Add this one to your registry! Easily cuts lots of round fruit into safe bites." —Sarafae91

Promising review: "So far it’s great! We are about to start our journey into solid foods and this is great so he can’t throw the plate onto the floor. Also, nice I can just put it in the dishwasher on the top rack." —mackensy

Promising review: "Love this bib. It covers my little from the biggest mess and even has a catch-all pocket in front. I can easily wash it, and it looks brand new. The fit is great! The tabs stick well and do not come undone like other bibs we have. My LO is an escape artist, and these have not been broken out of yet! Love them and wish there were more cute patterns. We bought the dino and rainbow bibs." —Margie

Price: $9.99 (available in two blue prints)

For the longest time, I used a dustpan and broom to get my kids' crumbs after meals. It wasn't that big of a deal, but it was annoying. I finally decided to treat myself to a handheld vacuum, and I do not regret anything except for waiting so long to get one. It's one of those small things that made one part of parenting so much less work. Now that my baby is a big kid, she happily vacuums up after meals that are still messy years later. 

Promising review: "I absolutely LOVE this little vacuum! It’s so easy to use — my 2-year-old, who likes to help, can even use this vacuum. It’s powerful, and the attachments are easy to exchange. It is bagless and easy to empty; you can charge it easily from any outlet. I have a long-haired cat who sheds a lot, and this vacuum works well for pet hair." —Stru

Promising review: "We love this booster. It's very easy to take it off and transfer it to a different vehicle. Our daughter has no complaints sitting in it, especially on long road trips." —Danny

This chart includes 14 chores, 8 rewards, and 35 gold stars for personal and communal skills. If you have a non-reader, check out this simplified version for the morning and evening routines!

Promising review: "Love this product for my toddler. Such an easy tool." —Melissashpr

Promising review: "Fits perfectly in my SUV! Protects the seat from little footprints and we have great storage now for all the small toys in the car!" —Shopper

This polish is free from phthalates, parabens, and aluminum.

Promising review: "Got my daughter to stop thumb sucking! Dried fast and was strong." —kmal22

Promising review: "If toys are taking over your house, this basket (or two or three) will really help tidy things up." —B2022

This calendar does use a subscription for a wider range of functions, but the calendar, chore chart, and lists (aka the most important) don't require anything extra. That being said, it's a huge time-saver since it connects to Google Calendar, iCloud Calendar, and Outlook Calendar to keep everyone's schedules in one place.

Promising review: "This literally does it all! There is also an app that goes with it, so you can see your calendar on the go, and it can be accessed separately by your spouse or kids as well! The chore charts and reward stars are great for kids. The meal planning calendar is such a great tool. Having everyone’s schedules in one place is just great. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" —AD

Promising review: "I have bought two of these, and they’re fantastic!! I hate having any lotion on my hands, and this lets me avoid that gross feeling. Allows you to use any sunscreen you prefer and applies evenly." —Tara

Promising review: "This wagon is what I assume the smaller version of NASA's Mars rover. It is agile, and the ease of movement is impressive. It holds up to 120 LBS., so it's strong enough to withstand cargo that might load unevenly into the wagon itself, to still move with ease." —TANK

Promising review: "Got these for my toddler, and they are vibrant colors and easy for his little hands to grab. Recommend!" —Pregg01

Each pack contains 109 glow sticks of various sizes and colors and 92 connectors, clips, rings, and cords. As a reminder, all baths with young kids should be supervised. 

Promising review: "Lots of options for the kids. I bring glow sticks to our camping family reunion every year, and they are always a hit to keep the kids occupied." —chocolate lover 94

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Plus, finds from Amazon, Uncommon Goods, Walmart, and Wayfair.

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.

Reviews for this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.