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A diaper subscription will be much appreciated, I promise.

Before you think to yourself, "Hey, what grounds do you have to tell me what to buy for a baby?" please know that I have been through the wringer already, my friend. I have two toddlers (they're almost 4 and almost 2 at the time of this writing) and have tried out so many baby products you wouldn't believe. So, I'm here to share my wealth of knowledge and to let you know about some *awesome* baby shower gifts. From a stroller cup and phone holder (a need!) and the best Carter's double-zip pajamas to a splurge-worthy Bugaboo Butterfly 2 stroller, I've gotchu in the gifting-to-a-new-parent department.

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

This is such a simple toy that truly goes the distance. My son played with them for nearly two years! He loved them as a baby, stacking, chewing, and knocking them over. As a toddler, he really enjoyed noting the colors, filling the cups with his snacks, and successfully crafting them into towers.

Promising review: "I saw these recommended by some mom influencer on social media, and they had good ratings here, so I got them as a small gift for my baby. Didn’t realize these plain cups would become her favorite thing. She’s 7 months and doesn’t even try to stack them. But she likes unstacking them and chewing on them. She likes these more than the more intricate or expensive gifts we got her. So I guess her rating is 5 stars. Mine is 5 stars for the price, durability, and ease of cleaning. Also, it keeps her quite occupied, which is a feat in itself." —Amber Scott

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 including this in a baby shower gift basket.

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 $7.97+ (available in a variety of quantities)

For the first few months of my son's life I used this tool regularly (before I moved onto actual nail clippers). It helps gently file down baby's surprisingly sharp lil' claws without you having to worry about cutting them too short — a truly frightening task for new parents. It's fantastic, very gentle, easy to use, and didn't wake my little one as I filed down his nails while he napped in my lap. I even changed the head to a more rigid one and used it on my own nails! It's a great product; any parent will be happy to have it in their lineup. 

Promising review: "I'm a first-time mom and had been trying to use nail clippers to cut my almost 4-month-old’s nails. Well, after getting him twice by accident, I finally caved and bought this. I just used it for the first time and, OMG, was it worth it. I used the pink disc (for 0–3 months) and tested it on my skin before even touching my boy. It doesn’t irritate the skin at all and stops when too much pressure is applied, so as to protect the skin. It has a nice little case, and the lowest setting wasn’t too much to use on baby nails. The light on the end makes it easy to see the nail, and I was able to hold it while breastfeeding and use it easily. It’s super lightweight too." —Kara Hartman

Get it from Amazon for $8.49+ (available in nine colors/sets).

This genius item will ensure new parents always have a spot for their emotional support coffee *and* their phones. It attaches easily to strollers, bikes, wheelchairs, and scooters (one reviewer even attached it to their lawn mower!). It's so sturdy their drink won't go flying even if you absentmindedly roll over a HUGE bump in the sidewalk. 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 most of my maternity leave walking around my neighborhood — it was ESSENTIAL to have a solid spot to put my drink and my phone (we needed music, of course). This one was so great I've already ordered a second one for our other stroller. 

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

Get it from Amazon for $8.98 (available in 26 colors).

This tool is confusingly kinda cute even though its purpose is *a bit* gross — to remove earwax and boogers safely from little ones. 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! It's not an easy task because babies are VERY squirmy, but the Oogiebear (which comes from a small business, btw) 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

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).

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 it is very soft. What I like most about these bibs is the colors, because they give 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).

This beauty will save your pal's nails and their precious time! No one wants to struggle to open those (thankfully) extremely secure buckles while their kiddo is hitting a pitch that could likely break glass. It doesn't attach to the car seat, so no need to fret about kiddos unbuckling themselves while parents are driving. UnbuckleMe is a small business!

Promising review: "Love that my kindergartner can unbuckle himself. It makes morning school drop-off SO MUCH EASIER! And he likes the independence of being able to do it himself!" —Lauren

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

This necessary baby item has a surprisingly aesthetic look parents with *style* will love. Tykes can splish and splash without accidentally hitting their head on the ever-interesting-to-them spout. I had the Skip Hop whale version for years, but got tired of it getting gunky even after cleaning it often. I swapped to this one from mushie and am never looking back! It's nice to look at, doesn't seem to harbor residue, and is simple to remove when I clean the tub.

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).

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

BuzzFeed writer 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 $16.89 (available in two sizes and eight color sets).

My kids loved bathing in this simple bath seat before they were old enough to sit up on their own. 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. It's so affordable, I ordered one directly to keep at my parents' house when my kids were babies, and now my sister uses it for my niece! The majority of my parent friends have used this tub with their tykes, too.

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).

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 my travel version of 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).

I have genuinely lost track of how many of these I have ordered for parents-to-be, either right after their baby was born or for a shower where they've already announced the name. I Sew Jo is a small business based in Phoenix, Arizona that sells the most special, snuggly embroidered loveys. I first learned about them when my SIL gifted my son one—he hasn't let go of it since. You can see his, which is almost four years old, above (pictured, right). They have so many animals to choose from, and the shipping is unbelievably quick. It's my go-to baby gift; if I could give them a 1,000-star rating, I would.

Promising review: "Beautiful — I received one of these as a gift for my baby and I’ve given a couple as gifts to other people. Always high quality. My now 1.5-year-old really loves her bunny still!" —Haley Otman

Get it from I Sew Jo on Etsy for $20.75+ (available in 37 styles and five customization options).

My kids were gifted similar items the year they were born and, as a Disney Adult, I absolutely adored them. Obviously, it's a "know your audience" kind of baby shower gift, but if you have a Disney fan in your life who is also expecting, they'll definitely appreciate the thought.

Promising review: "So cute, so soft, and love the embroidered feet! Definitely a great keepsake to remember the baby's time at 1 year old!" —Peanut Butter Sunny

Get it from Disney Store: Mickey Mouse or Minnie Mouse for $24.99 each.

Former Buzzfeeder (and mom) Chandni Reddy adores these. She said, "Sleepers with snaps? Adorable. But you know what's not adorable? Fiddling with snaps in the middle of the night while attempting to change a crying newborn's diaper. I ordered these sleepers after reaching peak levels of sleep deprivation and desperation. These dual-zippered wonders were *game-changing* to say the least. I was able to tackle diaper changes like a ninja without taking my babe's entire sleeper off and sometimes, if I got really lucky, without waking the screaming devil (JK, I mean the sweet little angel)."

I also swear by these (as do most parents I know!). I was so thankful that they sell preemie sizes, and have since gifted sets to other parents of tiny babes. Lifesaver! There is absolutely something to be said for the trendier, stretchier bamboo viscose PJs, but you'll never regret investing in these double-zip classics. 

Promising review: "You really can’t go wrong with virtually anything made by Carter’s. It’s the largest marketer of baby wear in North America and has been around since 1865. Pretty impressive! And this darling 3-pack of sleep and play wear is no exception. I bought these for my step-daughter’s baby grandson, and she couldn’t have been more pleased. She commented on the quality and loved that they are 100% cotton. As the baby grows, I will definitely look on Amazon for additional Carter clothing, since they carry a nice selection and their prices are always great!" —Bob's Cupcake

Get a pack of three from Amazon for $25+ (available in sizes preemie–9M and six sets).

Why not gift a little something for the mom-to-be??? If they're finding out what they're having, they'll love this nod to their baby! I have so many of these bracelets, including one for each of my kids, and they layer so nicely with other styles. I've also gifted them to other moms!

Promising review: "I received a gift from a friend with the 'boy mom' bracelet, and I have to purchase this one to complete my mom description now that I'm expecting a little girl. I love it! It's so delicate and beautiful." —Marangely M.

Get it from Little Words Project: "Boy Mom" or "Girl Mom" for $25 each (available in four sizes).

I received something similar when my daughter was born, and I was so impressed at how thoughtful a gift it was! My daughter has a ton of hair, so this practical (but sentimental) item is something we use and enjoy all the time.

Promising review: "I am so happy with the custom brush I ordered from Caden Lane! The bristles are so soft and the font is so beautiful. I’m so excited to have my first custom item for my daughter." —Klare B

Get it from Caden Lane for $28 (available in three styles).

Whether your loved one is having a baby boy or a baby girl, they're sure to adore this soft, beary-cute, gender-neutral outfit! Janie and Jack is typically where I splurge on special-occasion looks for my kids (here's my son at 6 months wearing an iconic coat from their brand.) They've yet to disappoint. The quality is fantastic and everything has washed beautifully. It's also just fun to gift (and receive) an adorable piece of micro-fashion!

Get it from Janie and Jack for $31.27 (originally $80; available in sizes 3M–24M).

Your little one will, for unexplained reasons, likely cherish and love chomping away on as their pearly whites start to (painfully) poke through. Her squeaker also doubles as a great way to get kids to look and smile for photos! 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 much more easily than with any other teether. She's becoming my go-to baby shower gift, and, of course, I re-purchased her for my daughter when she was born.

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

Little Beams Studio is a small business based in Utah that sells acrylic and wooden milestone cards. I'm not sure if this has just become a millennial parenting trend, but we sure do love to take monthly pics of our baby and then proudly display 'em all at their first birthday. If your friend is no different, they'll love popping this cute option next to their mini each month. I love that this style just uses numbers to swap out, rather than 12 bulky pieces to keep track of amid all the other chaos.

Promising review: "I love the monthly milestone numbers that come with it. It’s easy to change out the numbers for each month." —Ashley Bollinger

Get it from Little Beams Studio on Etsy for $34+ (available in two sizes, with or without a name plate, and 20 colors).

Even though it may seem silly to buy a gadget that literally makes a sound they can make with their own for free, any parent will be happy to have it come 2 a.m. when they're exhausted and *really* not in the mood to continue “shhh”ing repeatedly. 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

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

Promising review: "It’s so cute! Each of my three kids has a different memory baby book from Lucy Darling." —Nicole

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

I have purchased a bunch of these for kids in my life (my favorites include Together at Christmas and Auntie and Me: Our Amazing Day) and received them as gifts (the new sibling one is in constant rotation in our home.) You can preview all 26 pages of the book before buying it, no unwanted surprises here. They're precious for parents-to-be but will also delight the little one as they grow older and get a kick out of seeing their name in a story. I'm just such a fan of gifting a book at a baby shower and love that this one is extra special.

Promising review: "Every night our little girl reads her bedtime story and without fail she smiles and is entranced. The pictures are beautiful!" —Jenn

Baby Disney characters? Who wouldn't love opening this as a gift at their baby shower!? These cute crib sheets will look darling in any themed nursery. I've gotten a bunch of Pottery Barn sheets for my kids over the years because I know I'll get years of use out of them! Kids sleep on their crib mattress through toddlerhood!

Get them from Pottery Barn for $39+ (also available as a set of two).

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).

Parents will be able to rely on it to help them make their baby a bottle in a flash — which is *much* appreciated when their little cutie-turned-monster is 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 kept me going during my kids' first years — it was the light of my life (next to them, of course). 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

This set will be a new parent's saving grace for any skincare issues their tyke throws their way. The body wash and bubble bath are made with hypoallergenic and plant-based ingredients (and smell AMAZING). The All Over Ointment is also formulated with plant-based materials like Jojoba Esters and Camellia Leaf Extract that naturally moisturize skin but *without* any heavy fragrances. It's a thick, reliable cream that soaks in quickly and works wonders on everyone and everything. These are some of our most-used products at home (also because my son loves to pump soap into cups and make them bubble over with running water during bath time haha). Both of my kids have somewhat sensitive skin but have no reaction to the Tubby Todd products — I've been using them since they were infants! The bottles of body wash and bubble bath are both 8.5 fl oz and will last us through SO many baths!

Promising review: "We were recommended Tubby Todd after my baby developed mild eczema behind his knees. We began using the cream, and it virtually cured the condition within days. Now, we incorporate the shampoo and bubble bath into his daily routine, and he absolutely adores the bubbles. I feel confident bathing him, knowing that the products are plant-based. The refreshing scent of the bubble bath and shampoo is delightful. The unscented lotion is a pleasant touch. While the price is a bit high, I believe it’s worth it considering the exceptional quality of this product." —Savannah

I snagged one of these blankets in the festive candy cane print ahead of the 2025 holiday season and was, quite honestly, so obsessed that I refused to put it away until mid-February... and that was only because I got ANOTHER ONE in a less seasonal print. I'm someone who runs warm (aka I'm always sweating), so I love that this blanket is low-pile but still extremely soft. And don't get me started on the aesthetic!!! They're all STUNNING! My toddler loves to snuggle under mine with me, so it's only a matter of time until I order one for his room. They come in a variety of "mini" sizes that are great for strollers or cuddling on the couch. Plus, you can customize it with embroidery to make it an extra special gift!

Promising review: "We bought this as a gift for a baby shower. They are the best gifts and blankets! Warm but not extremely heavy, and they get better after washes, which is rare!" —Gianna M

Get it from Chappy Wrap for $65+ (available in three styles and with or without embroidery).

These plush dolls are so cute and are available in so many sweet creatures, you won't know which one to buy! Each doll that's purchased helps to donate 10 meals to children in need. We received a set of these as a gift for my son's first birthday, and he absolutely adores them — as do I. Cuddle + Kind, which is a family-owned small business, strives to provide meals through their various partners to as many kids as possible. So far, they've donated over 29 million (!!) meals! The dolls themselves are SO soft and snuggly. My son loves to carry them around as "his babies" and push them around in a toy shopping cart. He has three cuties from their "Tiny Collection"  as well as "Noah the dog." My daughter received a "Baby Butterfly" as a gift (adorable) and my niece, Penny, loves her "Penelope the Flamingo" doll. They are so sweet, and the meaning behind them is even sweeter.

Promising review: "I have purchased several of the knit animals from Cuddle and Kind. The craftsmanship is outstanding; there is no other company that prides itself on this level of quality. I purchase them for baby shower gifts, and the recipients are so thrilled that when they realize that 10 meals to impoverished children also benefit, it makes it all the more cherished. I have nothing but praise for this family-operated business and the work they are doing." —Cuddle + Kind customer

Get Violet the Fawn from Cuddle + Kind for $79+ (available in two sizes) and check out all the other dolls. 

I've tried quite a few diaper pails since having my son in 2022 (part of the job, ya know?) and also utilized other brands when visiting my mom friends' houses, so I'd like to think I'm a pretty good source on which ones don't, well, stink! Diaper Genie is a fan favorite and for good reason; it actually does what it's supposed to do. The scent of dirty diapers doesn't leak through it (unless you open it, which is inevitable), it holds a large quantity of diapers, and it is super easy to swap out a full bag for a fresh one. It's also easy to tuck away in a corner of a room, which I personally loved for my son's room, which isn't super spacious. It's a parent-of-babies must-have, simple as that!

Former BuzzFeeder Chandni Reddy also praised this can, "This pail saved me a dozen trips daily to our garage to dispose of poopy diapers in the trash. It does a great job of locking in the stench and keeping our nursery smelling fresh, despite my kiddo's valiant efforts. Doesn't mean the smell doesn't hit hard when the lid is open, tbh, but I'll still take that as a win."

Promising review: "Superior diaper pail. Beautiful design. Uses the new bag style that is way better than the ring style of the older models. You pull the bag out when full and the new empty bag pulls up with it. You tear off the filled bag and tie it and stretch the new bag over the top of the pail's opening. Very easy to use. Smells stay trapped inside." —LAELLISMOM

Get it from Amazon for $67.97+ (available in five styles).

If your loved one is having a girl, there is no way they won't tear up and squeal upon opening one of these darling miniature Hill House Nap Dresses. I own, no joke, at least 12 of the adult versions, so it was a no-brainer to buy one for my baby's first birthday. I've since gifted baby Hill House styles to my sister for my niece, my sister-in-law, and friends! I've started a tradition of buying one for my daughter every year for her birthday, so she can grow into it the following year. It's really sweet to shop for (you can see us in matching dresses above, left)  and maybe someday she'll want to pass them on to her own daughter!

Get it from Hill House for $88 (available in sizes 6M–24M and nine styles).

Adding a fun little design to diapers really does make changing a stinky baby a less unpleasant task. Who doesn't appreciate a cute lil' diaper butt??? I've been lucky enough to receive *a lot* of diaper samples since having my son, Noah. He's nearly four now and out of diapers, but my daughter is still in 'em. Safe to say I've tried quite a few. Anyway, over the years, I've used Hello Bello tons of times — especially around the holidays because they have the cutest themed diapers!

However, I'd be remiss to say the best part is that the Hello Bello diapers actually do what they're supposed to — hold in pee and poop! While I appreciate the adorable themes and patterns Hello Bello offers, I was happiest when I didn't have to change my baby's outfit five times a day because of pee gone awry. I'm even happier to report that there was one day my son pooped A LOOOOOT (how does so much come out of such a tiny body????) and there were absolutely no leaks through the diaper — not a single blowout has happened. At the end of the day, that's what really matters. 

Promising review: "Easy to use, love to gift these to my new mama friends. Hello Bello is my absolute favorite baby brand. Their diapers are affordable but feel luxurious!" —alexissnoellexo_2789

Get a 1-month gift subscription from Hello Bello for $89.99.

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).

What Friends fanatic wouldn't enjoy wrapping their little one up in this blankie? It's perfect for staging their monthly photos on and will keep them nice and snuggled on outdoor adventures. It's reversible, slightly weighted, and so soft.

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).

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

We broke it out again for my daughter (pictured right). We attached toys to hers to keep her busy long enough for us to shove dinner down our throats. She's a little 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. I've since passed it along to my sister-in-law, and my niece uses it daily!

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 $209.99+ (available in 12 styles).

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).

It took me two years to find a baby carrier I loved, so you can totally trust that I've done the research on this item. 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 tried left me and my tot feeling hot and sweaty. I used this one throughout an 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! I truly love this product. I passed it along to my sister now that my kids have grown out of it and she also loves it!

Promising review: "This baby carrier is totally worth it! I’ve tried a few others before, but none were as comfortable as this one. It has breathable holes that help keep both me and the baby cool, so we don’t overheat on walks. It’s easy to adjust for the baby’s legs, simple to wash, and feels supportive without being bulky. My back doesn’t hurt after using it, and my baby naps so well in it thanks to the good head support. It’s right in the middle when it comes to weight — not too bulky. I use it all the time, from home to walks and even to stores or malls." —ArielJOL

Get it from Amazon for $249.99 (available in three 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.

The Doona is truly a magical car seat and stroller combo that'll make getting your baby out of the house way less daunting. No need to break a sweat while trying to insert your infant's heavy car seat into a separate stroller contraption without waking them; simply lift this one out of the car, and the wheels will click into place underneath. 

My in-laws watch my kids at their house once a week (bless them), and we were so tired of switching car seats between our vehicles. After seeing SO many parents pushing this Doona in stores, I realized it might be the perfect solution. It functions as a car seat and a stroller, so I didn't need to set my in-laws up with both items. This covered the bases in such an efficient way! It was seamless to install, and despite being a bit unfamiliar with today's modern strollers, they had no problem figuring out how to use it. I've started recommending it as a must-have registry item for new parents who don't want to invest in several car seats right now and/or don't have the room for a larger stroller. It's simply fantastic!

BuzzFeed writer Mallory Mower is also a fan of this stroller/car seat/magic vehicle, "This is another one of those baby products that I get teary-eyed thinking about because my 4-pound baby came home from the hospital in this, and then went *everywhere* in it until she grew out of it. I wish this had been around sooner because parents deserve a product this helpful. It's a great stroller, a safe car seat, and the combo is a *chef's kiss* gift to parents."

Promising review: "This is the BEST car seat/stroller combo! It makes running errands so easy!! This was our big purchase, and I highly recommend it to all of my friends! It’s easy to get my baby in and out of the car. He loves it and sleeps the entire time he is in it!" —Delaney

Get it from Amazon for $650+ (available in eight styles).

I'm going to cut right to the chase here — this chair is the light of my life. My almost 2-year-old is precious and very cute, but girlfriend does not sleep well. My husband and I have logged HOURS in this beauty and have nothing but praise for it. We were silly and didn't have a recliner/glider for my son's nursery, so we tried to plan a bit better for our sleepless nights this time around. We're not thrilled to be up half the night, but we both absolutely adore this glider. It's so plush and soft, has great back support, and (arguably, most importantly) reclines back quietly. There are two power buttons on the side that slowly recline the chair back and kick up the footrest — it's divine, even at 3:30 a.m. It also has built-in USB and Type-C charging ports, so you can charge your phone while your baby holds you prisoner all night. 

I love how many style options were available — fabric, faux leather, and genuine leather (11 options total) — making it easy to integrate into any nursery you've designed. I'll definitely be holding onto this chair for a loooooong time, even when (hopefully) our sleepless nights dwindle down.

Promising review: "The Tracee Power Swivel Nursery Glider Recliner is the perfect addition to our nursery. It’s super comfy and beautiful. Very easy to clean. Also, super easy to put together. Overall pleased with my purchase." —Miranda

Get it from Chita for $571.99+ (available in 11 styles). 

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.