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Mar 15, 2024

38 Baby Products So Good, Reviewers Called Them A "Must

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed collects a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.

Calling all new parents: save yourself time, money, and stress.

BuzzFeed Staff

BuzzFeed Staff

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 noncrying! (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 we he got older he would spend entire car ides just playing with this one toy. I give it to everyone I know who has a baby." —NH-Mommy

Get it from Amazon for $9.49.

Even better? Each up has a hole in the bottom for fun in the water, and it comes with a star ring that holds the set together!

Promising review: "I got these when my son was 7 months, and he is 11.5 months now. He immediately liked them and has not gotten tired of them yet. He hasn't learned to stack them, but he loves to push them over after I stack them, and he also puts them into each other. Once he's older he can stack them, and we can use them to learn colors and numbers. It's wild that a $4 'toy' that is so simple can be such a great all-purpose item for a baby that grows with them over time, all while being unbreakable and educational. This is a MUST-HAVE toy that every baby should have in their toy collection." —IShop2Much

Get a pack of eight from Amazon for $6.

Promising review: "This is a great thermometer — accurate, looks great, a must-have! If you have kids, forget about sticking a thermometer in their ears. I have four kids now and a thermometer is a must-have. Hold this thing close to the forehead, push the button in and you get a reading in about one second. This thing looks good, feels good, and is accurate. We’ve used multiple thermometers in the past. The head scanner that you run across the forehead...no good. In-ear thermometers...accurate, but expect a battle. Rectal thermometers...very accurate, but expect a war. This is the easiest one out of all of them. We find it especially useful when we need the quick 'I don’t feel that great' check...i.e., man cold. Overall, highly recommend!."—BearDownChi1

Get it from Amazon for $22.99.

Promising review: "Large bottle is a MUST-HAVE for parents with babies!! Hands down best stain remover ever. I have been using it for years. I don't know if the 16 ounce bottle is new or I just never knew about it, but THANK GOD!!!! I don't know how much time and hand strength I wasted with the little bottles, trying to get food and poop stains out of my baby's clothes." —Allison FTM FTW

Get a pack of three from Amazon for $12.19 (available in two sizes and in packs of two or three).

Puracy is a Texas-based small business creating plant-based hypoallergenic home products, and they donate to local families in need with a portion of each purchase.

Promising review: "This is a must-have for babies. I wish I knew about it when my first was a baby. This stuff gets baby blowout stains right out. I usually first rinse the stain then spray it with this stuff and let it dry in the sun, then wash with my normal laundry. It’s magic. I also love that it’s unscented." —mynameisfink

Get it from Amazon for $9.99.

Promising review: "I have a 3-month-old and he’s constantly chewing on his hands. We have struggled to find something he can hold onto and continue holding for a while. Nothing works like this little thing! It’s designed really well to prevent from falling off/onto the ground. Easy to hold for little fingers and my son LOVES it. Must-have for little ones!" –Codi Stokes

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 12 colors and in a two-pack).

If you want to use a lotion for cradle cap — aka seborrheic dermatitis — you'd do that 15 minutes before shampooing, according to Seattle Children's. Read more about cradle cap there and at the American Academy of Dermatology.

Promising review: "I absolutely love this stuff. I use it for my ds rashes. I was so afraid to use anything but coconut oil but I needed something that would soothe the rash as well. My ds also ended up getting eczema and hives from a laundry detergent we had switched to. This completely soothed it away. It was gone by the next day. Needless to say, this is my go-to soothing-everything solution. It stays in the diaper bag and medicine cabinet. A must-have!" —Andrea

Get it from Amazon for $14.50.

It has the National Eczema Association's Seal of Acceptance!

Promising review: "My baby have a sensitive skin with severe eczema. This product is the only cream That did not irritate my baby' skin. The texture is not heavy. Must-have for summer!!" —Yue Zhang

Get it from Amazon for $8.97.

Promising review: "Must-have. This is adorable. It looks cute on the counter and does a great job cleaning bottles and straws. This replaced a bunch of mismatched brushes I previously had. I like that the you are able to open up the container to remove the water that accumulated at the bottom so no mold issues." —Twinkle

Get it from Amazon for $15.57+ (available in two colors, as well as just replacement brushes).

Promising review: "Clears up so much counter space. This is a must-have for our kitchen. Before, we just placed paper towels for our bottles and other things to dry on, which took up an entire counter. That was a big issue for our ting kitchen. We should have bought this sooner, but didn’t because we are first time parents and learning as we go. If you have a tiny kitchen, it’s definitely a life saver. It’s very sturdy and looks good quality. Worth every penny!" —Ashley

Get it from Amazon for $25.99.

Promising review: "Must-have baby item! This has been a lifesaver for car rides with our tiny dude. It helps him calm down and snooze in the car and on the go. There are multiple sound levels, and multiple sounds to choose from. 10/10 recommend for all new parents!" —Devyn Washburn

Get it from Amazon for $17.88.

Promising review: "Must-have! This thing is amazing, it works very well for us. Good length and it's soft/firm. I was able to gently scoop my 4 month old ear wax and so picked out her sticky crusty boogers. She enjoys being clean so she sat/laid down very still for us. I would definitely buy this for a baby shower gift and definitely recommend to anyone." —P. T.

Get it from Amazon for $12.95.

Promising review: "Baby must-have! As a new mamma, I didn’t realize how much I needed one of these until I purchased it. My little was getting quite toasty in the back seat of the car, so I found this and decided I was going to attach it under her mirror on the head rest! Perfect choice, because she always chilled in the backseat! I then ordered two more for the stroller when we go to the ballpark. Not to mention all my mommy friends have them as well! They are AMAZING quality, battery life is great, and all around a must-have!" —Mackenzie Steele

Get it from Amazon for $23.99 (available in three colors).

Promising review: "A must-have item. No joke. This thing is a game changer. We used to just carry our daughter in the store because the cart seats are so dirty and uncomfortable. But this thing has made shopping so much easier. It takes like less than a minute to put it on the cart, and its sturdy and comfy and my daughter loves it. I also like the pockets, toy loops, and clear phone pocket. And they fit any cart — Walmart and Costco carts both fit great." —Amber Brown

Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in nine prints).

It's recommended for children between 8 and 45 pounds and can be used in four different holding positions — feeding/breastfeeding, side carrying, front facing, and face-to-face.

Tushbaby is a small biz run by three California mamas and specializes in products that bringing a little more ease to everyday parenting life.

Promising review: "This changed my life. I’m a first time mom with a very snuggly/clingy babe. If we are out she wants to be held. My back and hips were severely jacked up from favoring one side while holding her. The tushbaby literally saved my back. I have talked so many moms into buying this I should be getting sponsored. It’s seriously the best invention of all time and I don’t even take a stroller with me anymore. The pockets for your stuff are so well thought out. I cannot thank these people enough for creating this. Number one best mom hack/must-have item HANDS DOWN." —Lobsterbisque

Get it from Amazon for $84.99 (available in four colors/prints).

PSA: Parents, please keep your eyes on the road while the car is in motion.

Promising review: "This camera is a new mommy must-have. I was using a mirror and constantly was readjusting it and relying on my mirror to see his mirror and it was stressful. I knew there had to be something better when I ended up driving at night with my 2-month-old to the hospital and he was freaking out and I couldn’t see him so I was pulling over to check on him every few minutes and it was a nightmare. This camera has been my saving grace. I was hesitant at first reading reviews saying it’s not night vision but mine automatically switches even in parking garages to night vision. I love that I can see my baby and not have to fix a mirror. Or turn my head to see fully what’s going on with him in the back. I really really recommend this for peace of mind!! —Jennifer K

Get it from Amazon for $29.99.

Read more about cradle cap there and at the American Academy of Dermatology.

Promising review: "A must-have for newborns. My 6-week-old had bad cradle cap, and this brush worked miracles. I wish I had it from birth. We have continued to use this brush even though the cradle cap has gone, and it does wonders on the scalp and keeps the hair looking healthy. Highly, highly recommend. Plus, my baby enjoys the gentle scalp massage from the soft bristles." —LM01

Get it from Amazon for $14.88.

Promising review: "Love these! They have saved my diaper-changing mat/bed/floor a hundred times! My baby loves to surprise me while I change her diaper, so we go through a lot of these. I have SIX! But they are great because they protect whatever is under it. Absorbent on the top & stops liquids from going through it. These are a must-have for diaper changes! Stops the poo and pee from ruining your day! They are a good size too, big enough to have the baby on it with room all around them." —Michele Becker

Get a pack of three from Amazon for $15.95 (available in four colors).

The Ollie World is a small biz based in Rancho Cucamonga, California, founded by a foster mom, who set out to make her own swaddle that could meet all of her foster son's needs.

Promising review: "The Ollie Swaddle is amazing! Wow. I was given two as a gift and honestly I could throw all my other swaddles away. Great material and quality product, I’m so happy with it. This is baby number 5 so I’ve had plenty of experience with different types/brands of swaddles and none of them compare to the Ollie. If you are an expecting mom or looking for a useful gift for a mom to be, this is a must have. Highly recommend." —Jessica P.

Get it from The Ollie World for $65 (available in three colors), from Amazon for $69 (available in three colors), or from Target for $65.99.

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

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

Promising review: "Great skill-building utensil. My baby loves gnawing on these for teething just as much as he loves eating with them! I love that you can load the spoon and hand it to baby to feed themselves. My little one just turned 6 months and uses these spoons with wild success. A must have for BLW or feeding, in general." —Christopher

Get a set from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in three colors and packs of two, four, or six spoons).

Plus, it comes with an adjustable strap to fit snugly on any faucet. And if you're looking for more bathroom accessories on Amazon, we've got you covered.

Promising reviews: "This safety product is a must have for mommas (and dads) everywhere. For active babies, having the peace of mind that if they do slip and smash their little faces into the faucet they won't need a trip to the emergency room. What more could a parent ask for? Plus, the whale shape is super cute. Must have. Seriously." —m

"So great! I thought I was just purchasing more useless baby accessories. This item is a true must-have! It fits perfectly and can be tightened and easily removed for cleaning. It has saved a good bump on my baby's head many times!" —Heather

Get it from Amazon for $10.59.

Promising review: "A must-have for new moms. To my surprise and delight our baby was instantly mesmerized by the music, light and little sea creatures in this genius soother. It is now part of our bedtime routine after bath and last feeding to listen to the music, sing, hum, and watch my baby fall fast asleep to its sounds. I definitely recommend this to any mom with a baby under 6 months...You will be thankful you have this soother when your baby has a fussy night, or won't go down for a nap. Just turn it on and let it work its magic." —Katarina

Get it from Amazon for $39.99.

Promising review: "A must have for newborns/infants. A coworker got me this for my baby shower, she said she discovered it after she accidentally snipped her newborn's finger when clipping the nails. I don't know what I'd do with out it, I can't imagine using clippers. It is so safe and gentle, yet effective. You can touch it the skin and it's soft as can be, there is no worries of injury!!! My newborn is now an infant and he puts his hand out when it's time to use." —Rachael

Get it from Amazon for $21.99 (available in two colors).

Itzy Ritzy is a small biz owned by parents of three babes that specializes in creating safe, stylish parenting gear.

Promising review: "A MUST-HAVE! This stroller caddy is amazing! I put this on my baby registry and received it from a family member. It makes running errands, walks, etc. so much more convenient! I love that I’m able to put what I need in it (cell phone, wallet, keys, etc, especially when it’s just a quick trip. And it’s perfect for when you don’t want to bring a diaper bag with you or if you just need to grab something without having to dig in a bag while on the go. It is so durable and the perfect size. LOVE IT!" —Chelsi Lee

Get it from Amazon for $20.75+ (available in seven colors).

Promising review: "For the price, this thing is unbeatable! The suction cups have held tight to the shower wall since I installed this stuff. It holds all my kid's toys and allows the water to run off of them to prevent mold. I think this is a must-have for bath-time organization!" —internalburn

Get it from Amazon for $11.98+ (available in two sizes and pre-stocked with toys or by itself).

Promising reviews: "I have never felt sheets like these. They are so soft and my babies love how it feels. The sheets go around the bed perfectly. There’s no extra sheet to the point that parts stick up. I’ve washed it plenty of times. Accident after accident and its still like the first day I got them. Must have!" —Shari Hedgeman

"I absolutely love this material. We bought the really expensive 1800 count Egyptian cotton sheets for our own bed and his crib sheets that we bought for our baby are softer than our Egyptian cotton sheets for our bed — oh my gosh." —Bart

Get a pack of two from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in 12 print combos).

Promising review: "MUST-HAVE BABY GEAR. We didn’t think we needed a bouncer because we had a swing, rock n play, and other spots to put baby. Man, were we wrong! We visited my sister when my son was 3.5 months old and plopped him in her Bjorn. He looooved it. We knew we needed our own, so we found one on Amazon. What a life changer. My son is very high needs, always wanting to be held and bounced. This bouncer allowed us to eat dinner together without holding a baby, and I could do laundry and get things done!! Game. Changer. I’m so mad we didn’t have this for the first four months of his life as they were so very challenging on me as a stay at home mom. He’s now 6 months old and LOVES his Bjorn still. This is a must have." —Amy Clark

Get it from Amazon for $199.99 (available in seven colors and styles).

Promising review: "f you have a baby, you know they can get into everything and anything. Keeping the baby and everything your baby uses CLEAN feels impossible. Plus a lot of options for cleaning out there make you concerned to clean your toy/pacifier/bottle/etc. and give it back to your baby. These wipes are 100% food safe. You can wipe off your pacifier or toy or bottle or so on, and as soon as it dries (about three seconds) you are good to give it back to your baby and know that you are giving them something clean you WOULD put in your mouth. Have bought these since our baby was born in January 2019, and will continue to do so. The 36-packs are perfect for diaper bag and on the go! A must-have." —Matt

Get a pack of 36 from Amazon for $3.99 (available in pack of one or pack of two)

Promising review: "We combo feed and this is a must have! Warms both formula and breast milk. And after trying a few pricier options this was our favorite. Warms quickly and its perfect for bottles with formula and breast milk together or separately. Definitely would buy again. Highly recommend" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $49.95.

Promising review: "I use this religiously!! A must have for the diaper bag! I love that it wipes clean and has a place to store diapers and wipes. I use it every time I change my little one when we’re out and about. It’s perfect to lay down on a changing table in public restrooms if you’re worried about laying your baby on a clean surface. I’ve even used it in the car a few times and it wipes clean with a baby wipe. Must-have and would make a perfect gift!" —Charity

Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in six colors and patterns in the Skip Hop Amazon Store).

And if you've heard that these mold, don't worry: just clean it by wiping with a damp cloth, instead of rinsing it off or submerging it in water.

Promising review: "Must-have teether. Love love love and so do my twins! This is their favorite teething toy. They love chewing on the feet part but also the head and the neck. They are 4 months old and this giraffe is easy for them to hold and helps them practice grasping things. The toy is easy to clean and worth every penny." —ChellBell

Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in two styles).

Oh, and there's ZERO irritants like fragrance, parabens, preservatives, talc, phthalates, or dyes in sight. And it has the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance!!

Promising review: "BEST CREAM FOR SEVERE DIAPER RASHES!!! My son had the WORST diaper rashes. His little butt was completely red and would literally look raw. Diaper changes were a complete nightmare. He would cry and didn't want us to change him. We tried everything from Desitin to Monkey Butt creams. NOTHING worked. A friend of ours suggested we try Triple Paste. This cream worked magic! His diaper rash disappeared almost immediately. I swear by this cream and now use it for my newborn as well. I would recommend this to all parents! This is a must-have! Try it! You will thank me!!! " —NJ Fit Family

Get it from Amazon for $15.97+ (available in two sizes, and with or without a spatula).

Also, just a note that the CDC recommends to use batched prepared infant formula within two hours or immediately store in the fridge and use within 24 hours.

Promising review: "This thing is a must-have! Pre-make your bottles in advance so when it's time for a bottle you can pour and go. No shaking, no clumps, no bubbles etc. It's super easy to use and makes my life a tad bit easier which i appreciate!!" —Vanah B

Get it from Amazon for $10.48+ (available in six colors).

Promising review: "Absolute must have! Miracle worker! Our daughter is going on 2 months old and we needed something to help us with being more hands free because we also have a 2-year-old toddler at home. Saw the many reviews on this and decided to try it out. It is worth every single penny. It was not hard to figure out how to wrap ourselves and then put the baby in. The very first time we tried it, our baby napped for hours. It is amazing! You have to try it out!" —AJeffrey

Get it from Amazon for $39.95+ (available in 14 colors).

Chandni says: "I bought this tub for my second child and really wish I had it for my first. It comes with a comfy padded newborn seat that gave me peace of mind knowing my little one wouldn't slip or slide during a bath. Plus, it grows with baby. My toddler son is now using it without the infant seat. It's also super spacious. Both kiddos can both fit in there together (albeit a little snugly) and splash around. The best part? It has a convenient drain for when bathtime is over."

Promising review: "A must-have! Stop Looking for tubs. I searched the whole time I was pregnant for a newborn to toddler tub. I found this after the baby was born and was so happy. It’s wonderful for the price and functionality! Baby is happy, and We love this tub!" —Anne

Get it from Amazon for $29.99.

Promising review: "Nursery must-have. We love our Ubbi diaper pail! It locks in diaper odors and doesn’t require special bags. We use the scented regular kitchen trash bags and I’ve even noticed that a few times when I’ve accidentally forgotten to shut the slide opening, the smell still mainly stays inside the pail. Would definitely recommend for anyone having a baby." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $74.99+ (available in 17 colors and patterns).

Promising review: "A must-have! I absolutely LOVE my Haaka pump! A friend of mine had suggested it and I’m so glad she did. I have a strong letdown so, I use it to release some of the fore milk that ends up choking my baby and making him cough/breathe in too much air. I also throw it on the other breast while I’m breastfeeding him. It helps me stock up my supply. Such a great little invention. Super easy to clean and use. Also, not a bad price at all. I’m considering buying another one so that I can just put them on both breasts and get household chores done, instead of having to sit with my electric pumps with tubes and a pumping bra." —Vanessa Windish

Get it from Amazon for $11.94.

Milk Snob is a small biz based in Texas started by a mom who decided the world needed a multi-functional nursing cover that wouldn't fall off at the first bit of movement, the way blankets do!

Promising review: "The Milk Snob goes on my top 10 list of newborn must-haves. Protects from wind and weather, and keeps germs and strangers away. Baby is 4 months and still use it every where we go. The fabric is very stretchy and comfortable. It's the best way to nurse in public places. I've also used it in a pinch as a blanket. I originally purchased a similar product that was a bit cheaper and ended up buying the Milk Snob after because the cheaper fabric was not very stretchable or soft, and the fabric looked okay on the outside but not the inside. The Milk Snob can be inside out and other than the logo, you'd never know. So glad I went ahead and tried the Milk Snob. Perfect gift for expecting parents too." —The Acelars

Get it from Amazon for $36.99 (available in 12 prints).

The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.

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.Promising review:This is a MUST-HAVE toy that every baby should have in their toy collectionPromising review:This is a great thermometer — accurate, looks great, a must-have!Promising review:Large bottle is a MUST-HAVE for parents with babies!! Hands down best stain remover ever..Promising review:This is a must-have for babies. I wish I knew about it when my first was a baby. This stuff gets baby blowout stains right out.It’s magic. I also love that it’s unscentedPromising review: Easy to hold for little fingers and my son LOVES it. Must-have for little onesPromising review:Needless to say, this is my go-to soothing-everything solution. It stays in the diaper bag and medicine cabinet. A must-have!Promising review:Promising review:Must-have. This is adorable. It looks cute on the counter and does a great job cleaning bottles and strawsPromising review:Clears up so much counter space. This is a must-have for our kitchenPromising review:Must-have baby item! This has been a lifesaver for car rides with our tiny dude. It helps him calm down and snooze in the car and on the go.Promising review:Must-have! Promising review:Baby must-have! My little was getting quite toasty in the back seat of the car, so I found this and decided I was going to attach it under her mirror on the head rest! Perfect choicePromising review:A must-have item. No joke. And they fit any cart — Walmart and Costco carts both fit greatPromising review: I’m a first time mom with a very snuggly/clingy babe. If we are out she wants to be held. My back and hips were severely jacked up from favoring one side while holding her. The tushbaby literally saved my backNumber one best mom hack/must-have item HANDS DOWNPromising review:This camera is a new mommy must-have. I was using a mirror and constantly was readjusting it and relying on my mirror to see his mirror and it was stressful.This camera has been my saving grace.Promising review:A must-have for newborns. My 6-week-old had bad cradle cap, and this brush worked miracles.Promising review: "Love these! They have saved my diaper-changing mat/bed/floor a hundred times! These are a must-have for diaper changes! Promising review:This is baby number 5 so I’ve had plenty of experience with different types/brands of swaddles and none of them compare to the Ollie. If you are an expecting mom or looking for a useful gift Note:Promising review:Great skill-building utensil. A must have for BLW or feeding, in generalPromising reviews:This safety product is a must have for mommas (and dads) everywhere This item is a true must-have!It has saved a good bump on my baby's head many times!Promising review:A must-have for new moms. You will be thankful you have this soother when your baby has a fussy night, or won't go down for a nap. Just turn it on and let it work its magic.Promising review:A must have for newborns/infants. My newborn is now an infant and he puts his hand out when it's time to use.Promising review:A MUST-HAVE! This stroller caddy is amazing! "Promising review: It holds all my kid's toys and allows the water to run off of them to prevent mold. I think this is a must-have for bath-time organization!Promising reviews: "I have never felt sheets like these. They are so soft and my babies love how it feels. Must havesofter than our Egyptian cotton sheets for our bed — oh my goshPromising review:What a life changer. My son is very high needs, always wanting to be held and bounced. This bouncer allowed us to eat dinner together without holding a baby, and I could do laundry and get things done!! This is a must havePromising review:The 36-packs are perfect for diaper bag and on the go! A must-have Promising review:We combo feed and this is a must have! Warms both formula and breast milkPromising review:A must have for the diaper bag! I love that it wipes clean and has a place to store diapers and wipesPromising review:Must-have teether. Love love love and so do my twins! This is their favorite teething toy. Promising review:BEST CREAM FOR SEVERE DIAPER RASHES!!! This cream worked magic! His diaper rash disappeared almost immediately Promising review:This thing is a must-have! Pre-make your bottles in advance so when it's time for a bottle you can pour and goPromising review:Absolute must have! Miracle worker! The very first time we tried it, our baby napped for hours. It is amazing! You have to try it out!Chandni says: Promising review:A must-have! Stop Looking for tubs. Promising review:Nursery must-have. We love our Ubbi diaper pail! It locks in diaper odors and doesn’t require special bagsPromising review:A must-have! It helps me stock up my supply. Such a great little invention. Super easy to clean and use.Promising review:The Milk Snob goes on my top 10 list of newborn must-havesThe fabric is very stretchy and comfortable.
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