27 Chewy Essentials For People In Their Pet Parent Era
Promising review: "Our Lab mix has always suffered from anxiety, fear, aggression with strangers, and breaks in routine. We ordered this product after seeing several ads on our social media. He LOVES it, and so do we! Super easy to clean and refill, long-lasting, and the treat refills don't smell bad like other dog treats! Our sweet boy recently began to lose mobility in his rear end and gets super upset when he is unable to get around independently; this gives him the comfort he needs to just relax and lie down while enjoying a treat!" —Elizabeth Price: $19.99+ (available in three sizes)
A chic cactus scratching post so pretty it looks like a piece of decor rather than a way for your kitty to get their energy out.
Promising review: "I'm happy I got this scratching post. I needed a scratching post that my big orange cat wouldn't pull over when he used it. Not only is the tall cactus a good size for him, but the base is wide (and heavy) enough that it stays standing when he uses it. Putting the pieces together was easy. It only took a few minutes. As a bonus, while most scratching posts are ugly, this one is not. I wish more cat furniture was this cute and not embarrassing to have out on display in my house." —jenmbPrice: $31.99+ (available in three sizes and two styles)
A jar of Zesty Paws Aller-Immune Bites packed with wild-caught Alaskan salmon and probiotics to help keep your pup's immune support, seasonal allergies, and more in tip-top shape.
Promising review: "My dog Charlie scratches and chews all over himself almost constantly. Since putting him on this chew daily, his symptoms have greatly reduced. He has only been using the product for a week, and every day shows improvement. I'm hoping in a few days, he'll be symptom-free. Furthermore, he thinks he's getting a daily treat and is so excited when I offer him his daily dose. I highly recommend Aller-Immune Bites!" —CharliePrice: $4.97+ (available in three flavors and six quantities)
An engaging jumbler ball if your dog has seemingly endless energy (but you don't). This will surely tire him out and give you a second to just ~chill out.~
Promising review: "Toy is an entertaining, nice squeaker. Our German shepherd plays with this for hours. The toy is challenging to pick up and carry. All of which helps our high energy German shepherd burn off energy." —TracyPrice: $14.99+ (originally $15.99, available in two sizes)
An orthopedic cat and dog bed with a removable, machine-washable cover and a wraparound bolster your furry friends will absolutely love snuggling up in.
Promising review: "I bought the XL bed for my 55-pound husky mix. My dog prefers the bolster-style bed for prime cuddling sessions. The quality is top-notch. The center is extremely soft, and the structure of the bed is rigid enough to support my pup all day without feeling like plastic. Overall, this bed exceeded all my needs. He now has a bed in every room, and this one is by far his favorite." —DoYouHaveChangeForADollarPrice: $63.99+ (available in sizes three sizes and two colors)
A sliding sushi-themed puzzle for the dog who is super restless and gets bored easily. This will keep them occupied long enough for you to maybe even get some work done of your own!
Promising review: "Our dog quickly figured out how to get treats out of this puzzle toy, but it is so handy because he loves it, and it calms him and occupies him whenever we leave. Love this!" —LinmarpiePrice: $16.95
A cat harness with extra-strong Velcro made from a comfortable cotton if your kitty is an explorer and wants to go out with you and see the whole wide world!
Promising review: "My 20-week-old kitten and I love this harness. It is very well made, attractive, easy to put on, and very secure. He would wear it all day if I let him!" —LyndaPrice: $26.95+ (available in sizes XS–XL and in seven colors)
A nonskid slow-feeder bowl because your puppy may be known to scarf down the food a little too fast and accidentally make themselves sick.
Promising review: "Our Zoey was a fast eater. By fast, I mean her food was gone in less than a minute. As she aged, we noticed her vomiting and belching more, in part because she was eating so fast. Once we purchased this bowl, it forced her to slow down. It was perfect for our needs. She is enjoying her food, has stopped belching after eating, and we have not had any vomiting issues." —RobynPrice: $5.96+ (originally $9.99+, available in two sizes)
A package of Greenies Pill Pocket treats so giving your dog their meds doesn't have to be a traumatic experience for either of you. I give these to my Chiweenie, and she loves them!
A lot of reviewers compliment these pill pockets for picky dogs and cats that haven't responded as well to other brands. Promising review: "Two of my dogs require medication on a daily basis. There is no way I can manually try to force these meds. I tried another reputable brand of pill pockets, and they worked for a couple of days until my dogs realized that there were pills in them, so I decided to try Greenies Pill Pockets. First of all, the consistency of the pocket was easy to form over the pill. Then came the test of flavor. My dogs love breakfast and dinnertime now that they get the Greenie treat. They don't even blink. I love these!" —CiscoPrice: $8.96+ (originally $10.99+; available in four flavors, four quantities, and two capsule sizes)
A hip health and joint-function supplement fortified with glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM if your doggy has arthritis and needs a little pain relief.
Promising review: "My almost 6-year-old longhaired dachshund has had mild arthritis since she was a baby. I noticed she was having difficulty ambulating. She could no longer go upstairs with me, nor could she step up/off small curbs while walking. I knew this product worked in humans and thought I would try it with my pup. Wow! In one week, she's climbing stairs, jumping on/off curbs, and able to walk further. I give her two soft chews, and they work beautifully. Very affordable at Chewy. I will continue to keep my baby on this product." —MinniePrice: $24.97+ (originally $33.30, available in two styles and four quantities)
A practically indestructible Kong chew toy you can fill with your dog's favorite treat so they can get all their energy out and enjoy a lil' snack at the same time.
Promising review: "Being on the market like forever just might be the proof dog owners need to actually buy this toy. It comes in all dog sizes and has a lot of potential. For my rescue dog, it doesn't need to be stuffed with treats or peanut butter (too fattening). She loves it for the erratic bouncing action. A regular ball bores the heck out of her. Plus, she's exercising more muscle groups, trying to grab a hold of it. And the Kong is about as indestructible as they come. Buy it once and wait 'til the end of days before it wears out." —StephenPrice: $7.99+ (originally $8.99, available in six sizes)
A level-two difficulty Hide N Slide puzzle perfect for the pup who has little to no experience with puzzles. This is a great way to introduce your dog to the world of puzzling!
Promising review: "Love this! You put either kibble or bits of treats in the holes and slide over the cover. It gives my dog a challenge to find and eat the treat, and it takes her a bit of time to get all the holes emptied, yet it is very doable for them to figure it out. They move the slider cover with their nose, and I like the stimulation it gives them." —Nora Price: $17.94+ (originally $24.99, available in two colors)
A spot flea treatment for cats so your outdoor kitty can stay protected from fleas and ticks when they're out and about exploring.
Promising review: "Fleas became a big problem this spring for the indoor-outdoor cat that adopted me. Unable to get him to a vet, I had to rely on over-the-counter Rx. Chewy helped me out when the first product was a bust. With Advantage, the cat stopped scratching almost immediately, and my sanity returned. It's been three weeks now, and I still see no fleas." —FurMom14Price: $33.58+ (available in three weights and five doses)
An artfully designed elevated cat bed so your cat's furniture doesn't clash with the very well-curated decor you have in your home.
Promising review: "All three of our cats love this bed. We have more than enough cat furniture, but I purchased this because I thought the materials would be kinder to the longhairs' fur. Carpeted cat beds tend to mat their fur. This bed does not, as the materials are soft and smooth. This little bed is well made and sturdy, and the cushion is machine washable in cold water and air dry. I would purchase this again, as it is a quality product." —FoldMom Price: $39.99
A parrot chew toy that's made of wooden blocks and cotton rope, featuring different shapes and colors. This thing is just as vivid and unique as your bird!
Promising review: "Couldn't wait to sink my beak into this colorful toy. I wish my mother would have ordered me two of them. I'm an African grey parrot and love to chew and destroy things." —JacksonPrice: $12.90
A Sherpa pet carrier bag with mesh panels and a spring wire frame that's approved by most airlines, so your companion can travel in comfort. I have one of these for my dog, and she loves cuddling in it even when we're not traveling!
It also works great for transporting other small pets, like hedgehogs, chinchillas, and bearded dragons!Promising review: "Such an improvement over the large plastic carriers I used to use. Both my cats love these bags and will hang out in them and nap in them if I leave them out after a trip. I think they're just the right size for them to feel cozy and safe. The two entry points are really handy, too. I love that they fold flat for storage, too, since my apartment is pretty small. Would highly recommend!" —KatePrice: $39.99+ (originally $143.99, available in two sizes and two colors)
A Fluker's ceramic heat bulb reviewers say does an amazing job of keeping their scaled reptilian friends nice 'n' warm. Since it doesn't emit light, it's ideal to use as a nighttime heat source, especially during the colder months.
Promising review: "This item has changed everything for my bearded dragon. He's a much happier, healthier lizard. The climate is so important for these little guys, and my other bulbs just weren't doing the job. But this does. Very pleased." —PeytonGannonPrice: $22.53 (originally $31, available in three wattages)
A flavored tooth-cleaning chew toy if your dog has stinky breath and you want to trick them into taking care of their own teeth, so you don't have to brush them yourself.
Promising review: "My dog has been chewing on the Hartz dog bones that are bacon flavored for the last five years and has perfect teeth. Stopped her from chewing on my shoes when she was younger, too. Still keeps her busy at 7 years old. :) " —Glucas1211Price: $7.97 (available in five sizes and assorted colors chosen by Chewy)
An automatic multi-pet feeder for the felines in your life who never seem to stop meowing for food. This will ensure that your cats do not overeat — or under-eat. Plus, you can schedule exactly when it releases food, so your cats won't get annoyed at a late mealtime.
Promising review: "I originally bought a single bowl version of this and was very happy with it. The only problem was that the more dominant cats would eat all of the food every time, and the others would get little, if any. I bought this two-bowl feeder to keep downstairs and moved the other one upstairs. I timed the meals to drop at the same time so everyone gets fed. This has been a lifesaver for feeding our cats because three of them simply cannot free feed responsibly. Everyone is now back to a healthy weight and I also don't have to worry when I go on overnight trips. The battery backup works great!" —MeghanPrice: $89.99
A set of carpeted pet stairs because some of the shorter doggies may have trouble getting up and down off the couch or bed.
Promising review: "I bought this step for one of our cats who can no longer jump up on the bed due to age, and it works like a charm. He took to it right away and is one happy kitty! These steps are well constructed and sturdy." —ShaundaPrice: $59.99 (available in two sizes and two colors)
A pair of cat nail covers if you love your kitty more than anything in the whole world, but you also love your furniture and don't want them to absolutely destroy it with their scratches.
A silicone food bowl mat for the furry friend who makes a huge mess anytime they eat, and you want to make cleanup a little easier.
Promising review: "Both of my cats like to pick up their wet food nuggets and drop them several inches away from the bowl before picking them back up and eating them. I tried wider bowls to relieve whisker tension, but they still dragged the moist morsels away like it was freshly snagged prey. This mat is large enough that they can't drag it too far away and get my floors messy. Perfect solution. I don't put it in the dishwasher, but clean up is still super easy with a soapy paper towel, then quick rinse." —DaniPrice: $18.99+ (available in two sizes and two colors)
A container of calming chicken-flavored hemp treats that are perfect for the doggy who gets panicked when traveling or during thunderstorms.
Promising review: "My Great Dane calms down and remains calm to the point of falling asleep. One piece does the trick with her, but two really knock her out. She is just over 100 pounds. You get a lot of treats in one container, so don't balk at the price. Yes, sometimes thunder or the garbage truck makes her bark or wake, but she rarely even gets off the couch if she has had one or two of these. Worth every penny in my book." —MJBoyer8118Price: $32.99+ (available in three sizes and two flavors)
An aquarium filter for removing ammonia and nitrates from your tank, so all your aquatic buddies can stay happy and healthy.
Promising review: "We used two other filter systems before buying this one, and it did the trick for us! Crystal clear water." —TrishPrice: $103.94 (originally $108.39)
A litter-trapping mat with a soft top layer that has holes to let litter fall through and a bottom layer that traps it for easy cleanup, since, for some reason, your feline friend is intent on throwing their litter around like it's confetti and you're the one left to clean it up.
Promising review: "This mat has totally solved the litter-tracking problem. Would recommend! Easy to empty and clean, too." —MikiPrice: $15.99 (originally $21.41)
A stain-and-odor remover I absolutely swear by when my senior dog has the occasional accident. This stuff has 100% saved my carpet from smelling like a urinal.
Promising review: "We have a dog and three cats. The dog sleeps in the front hallway, and the cats romp up and down the stairs to the second floor. Recently, one of the cats (none of them will admit guilt or accuse one of the others) peed on the stair carpeting and left a terrible smell behind. We tried the usual cleaning tricks, and nothing worked. We finally had to rip up the whole carpet (it was really old anyway) and found that the urine had seeped into the hardwood underneath. Tried cleaning with wood soap, and vinegar, and the usual ... still stinky. Bought this, sprayed it once, and the smell is gone. Even the grownup kids, who, tbh, are kind of judgmental about cat pee smells in our house, came over for dinner last week and said they couldn't smell ANYTHING any more. Total victory." —CarlaPrice: $18.84 (originally $19.99)
And finally, a Zesty Paws Itch-Soother dog shampoo that's packed with aloe vera, oatmeal, and vitamin E to help your pooch with dry, flaky skin.
Promising review: "We used to use a popular name brand for our dog's shampoo. She never had any skin issues until last winter, when she got super flaky. We switched her to this shampoo and started giving her skin vitamins. This shampoo really helps moisturize her skin without leaving a weird odor, and a little goes a long way during bath time. It was definitely a great purchase!" —mm13Price: $30.94+ (also available in a two-pack)
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Then, we use a variety of standardized tests to assess absorbency, and we blind rate each diaper for softness. Along with Lab tests, we share diapers with parent testers who try the diapers out on their babies and toddlers and give feedback. We've tested 50 diapers from popular brands, and the following five diapers are our top-tested & Dry Baby Diapers Sizes: 1 to 8, 8 lbs to 46 lbs | Price per diaper: $0.35 (size 4, 92 count) Huggies Snug & Dry diapers have maintained their first place ranking throughout years and years of diaper testing in the Textiles Lab. With the highest score in our tests, these diapers stood out for their superior absorbency and top-notch construction. When we assessed absorbency, the diapers quickly soaked up fluids from different angles (babies don't pee in just one position). The liquid stayed inside the diaper's core, meaning the diaper didn't feel damp at the surface, which is ultimately more comfortable for your baby. And despite being some of the most absorbent diapers we've tested, they're impressively lightweight, so they aren't bulky and won't hold your moving baby back. During our pooling absorbency tests, none of the test liquid leaked out of the diapers, thanks to thoughtful design details like the fitted elastic waistband and double-elastic leg openings. Huggies Snug & Dry diapers are only available in a colorful Mickey Mouse print, which some testers have noted are visible through lighter clothing, but most weren't concerned about the design. At $0.35 per diaper, they're not the most affordable diaper we've tested, but they're not the most expensive either, and we think their performance in the Textiles Lab and with at-home testers proves they're worth the price. The brand also carries other top-tested styles like Overnites for sleeping, Little Snugglers for infants and Little Swimmers for trips to the pool. WHAT PARENT TESTERS SAY: Consumer testers agreed that the diapers were great at containing messes and preventing blowouts. One tester who used Huggies diapers shared, "I love that these diapers were easy to put on, have great absorbency and seem to even hold in smells great!" Another said, "These diapers kept [my baby's] skin drier than the brand I normally use." $28.22 at Sizes: 3 to 6, 16 lbs to 35+ lbs | Price per diaper: $0.17 (size 4, 82 count) For less than half of the price of other popular diapers we've tested, Little Journey diapers (only available at Aldi) are an affordable, high-performing option. When our testers rated a collection of diapers for softness in a blind comparison test, these diapers rose to the top for their soft and comfortable feel. One at-home tester said that the material seemed "breathable" and shared that "no rashes arose" when using the diapers on her baby. During construction evaluations, we noted helpful technical features like a front and back wetness indicator so you know when it's time for a change. The diapers also have double-elastic leg openings to contain messes and stretchy panels on the front and back of the diaper for a better fit. The diapers didn't perform as well in our 45-degree runoff tests as other brands, meaning they may not be as effective at holding onto liquid while your baby is on the move, but at-home testers haven't had issues with blowouts or leaking. They did earn higher scores in our pooling and rewet tests, meaning the diapers held onto our test liquid when in a flat or cupped position, and the surface felt dry even after we applied pressure. The size range is more limited (3 to 6), but Little Journey also offers training pants with larger sizes for older kids. And the brand's baby wipes are some of our favorites. WHAT PARENT TESTERS SAY: One tester shared, "I like the fit of the diapers around the waist and legs." Another said, "I've tried diapers from tons of brands, and these work just as well as the others. The tabs were easy to attach to the diaper and stayed secure until it was time to change. I used them on a 2-year old and have had no issues with accidents." RELATED: The Best Baby Wipes $13.55 at Diapers Sizes: Preemie to 8, <6 lbs to 46+ lbs | Price per diaper: $0.37 (size 4, 120 count) Used by many hospitals for newborn babies, loved by GH analysts who are parents and favored by at-home testers, Pampers Swaddlers diapers are one of the most popular options on the market. In our Textiles Lab evaluations, the diapers weighed less than any other style we tested, and they earned high scores for construction. Equipped with features like a stretch waistband, double-elastic leg openings and front and back wetness indication, the diapers passed our inspections with flying colors. The diapers are especially ideal for newborns who spend most of their time snuggling and sleeping – not on the move. They aced our pooling, strike-through and rewet absorbency tests using our test liquid, which means the diapers were highly absorbent, soaking up tons of liquid in the same spot without feeling damp to the touch or leaking. Plus, the diapers have an extra barrier built into the back to prevent accidents. When we applied test liquid to the diapers at a 45-degree angle, there was some notable runoff, which means a baby who is up and crawling around could experience more leakage. But parents who used Pampers Swaddlers said the diapers felt flexible and moved with their babies. They do have a powdery, stereotypical "baby" scent, which some parents found to be too strong and unnatural, while others said it was pleasant and helped mask unwanted odors. WHAT PARENT TESTERS SAY: One tester shared, "These diapers fit our kiddos the best and we trust them to be worn overnight." Another tester said, "I like the fit of the diaper on my son. It seemed to be snug, yet flexible in the legs. The shape of the diaper in the back was also good to avoid blowouts that go up." RELATED: The Best Overnight Diapers $55.94 at Diapers Sizes: Newborn to 7, <9 lbs to 37+ lbs | Price per diaper: $0.33 (size 4, 120 count) Millie Moon describes its Luxury Diapers as "feather soft," and our testers and GH experts agree. In a blind comparison, testers unanimously gave the diapers perfect scores for softness, earning these diapers the highest softness rating in our test. In our absorbency tests in the Textiles Lab, we were impressed by how much test fluid these diapers were able to absorb and by just how quickly the fluid soaked into the diaper. Even after being saturated and then pressed by a weight (replicating a baby sitting or lying in its diaper), the surface of the diapers still felt dry. Several testers opted to try the diapers for overnight use and were pleasantly surprised by how well they performed without leaks. One tester shared, "I feel like the diapers were extremely absorbent and held up to the 12-hour claim." Because the diapers are so soft and padded, they were some of the heaviest diapers in our recent round of testing and have a bulkier look. Testers appreciated the fuller coverage design, though, and according to our feedback, not one of our 10 Millie Moon testers experienced leaks or blowouts. WHAT PARENT TESTERS SAY: Testers shared comments like, "Woah! They're so soft and plush!" and, "They're the best combination of soft and smooth." An at-home tester noted, "We really liked how soft the diapers were especially on baby's gentle skin," and another said they felt comparable to "luxury" diapers. $39.99 at Protection Baby Diapers Sizes: Newborn to 7, <10 lbs to 41+ lbs | Price per diaper: $0.42 (size 4, 108 count) If your baby has particularly sensitive skin, it may be worth investing in diapers designed specifically for babies who need something gentler. Pampers Pure Protection diapers are made without added fragrance, unlike the brand's Swaddlers diapers, and they feature a quick-dry liner that's enriched with shea butter for extra skin protection. While the diapers only earned average scores in our blind comparison test for softness, our parent testers gave them perfect softness scores. One tester shared, "They are extremely soft which is great for my toddler's sensitive skin." The diapers also received the highest score in our most recent construction evaluations, thanks to helpful design details like a pocketed blowout barrier, front and back stretch at the waist, double-elastic leg openings and a front and back wetness indicator. These features also helped the diapers earn a Good Housekeeping Parenting Award in 2024. During our Lab tests for absorbency, the diapers soaked up the test liquid and held it in the absorbent core. Even after we placed a weight on top of them, the surface of the diapers still felt dry, which means your baby should feel comfortable when sitting or lying in them before a change. WHAT PARENT TESTERS SAY: Testers said the diapers were easy to put on their babies, making changing less of a struggle, and found that they protected well against leaks. "Great absorbency and no leaks even when worn overnight,' said one tester. $44.97 at diapers we tested We tested 50 diapers to find the best for you and your baby. Here are a few other diapers we evaluated that weren't featured but are still worth considering: : These popular diapers performed well for absorbency and softness. They were loved by parent testers who couldn't get enough of the adorable prints and patterns, but because there's an all-over print with no label or wetness indicator, some testers said it was difficult to differentiate between the front and back during changes. : Some of the most luxurious diapers we've tested, Coterie's diapers are so soft they earned top marks in our blind softness evaluations. Compared to other diapers, they're a bit bulky with more padding, so while they proved highly absorbent in our tests, they felt heavier. : While these diapers earned strong scores in our pooling and rewet absorbency tests, they had lower softness scores. They're also totally black, which was polarizing with our parent testers — some said they were chic, while others thought they seemed out of place on their baby. And they're some of the priciest diapers we've tested at nearly $1 per we test diapers Diapers have a seemingly straightforward job — hold onto your baby's pee and poop — but they're a bit more complex than that. Made with layers of absorbent materials, elastic bands and color-changing designs, diapers are technically developed to not only to prevent messes but also keep your baby dry, comfortable and happy for hours at a time. We put diapers to the test in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab to help you determine which ones really work, and we've evaluated 50 diapers in recent years. Here are some characteristics we consider during our evaluations: ✔️ Construction: We visually assess each diaper, scoring its design features like elastic waistbands, front and back wetness indication, double-elastic leg openings and extra absorbency layers. We also weigh the diapers and measure the length of the absorbent cores. ✔️ Absorption: Because babies spend so much time in diapers, either lying down or crawling around, it's important that the diapers are able to absorb liquid quickly from different angles and hold onto the liquid without feeling wet at the surface. We conduct multiple absorbency tests on each diaper to ensure it will keep your baby dry and comfortable. Pooling: During pooling tests, we clamp diapers in a cupped position in a steel bowl and place the bowl under a funnel that's positioned above the diaper. We fill the funnel with a set amount of liquid and then release the liquid onto the diaper, recording the amount of time it takes for the liquid to fully absorb into the diaper. We then repeat this process on the wet diaper and score our results. Strikethrough and rewet: We lay the diapers flat and tape them onto a countertop. Then we place a pouring ring on the diaper, pour a set amount of liquid into it and record the time it takes for the liquid to be fully absorbed. After waiting 10 minutes, we place blotting paper on the wet diaper and lower a 10-pound weight onto it, leaving it to sit for two minutes. We then lift the weight and weigh the blotting paper to determine how much liquid it has absorbed. We repeat the process on the wet diapers and calculate a score for the diapers based on their absorbency time and their ability to hold onto the liquid when subject to pressure (just like when your baby is sitting or sleeping in a wet diaper). 45-degree angle runoff: The diapers are mounted at the side of a sink at a 45-degree angle. We release a set amount of liquid onto the angled diaper, and any liquid that doesn't soak into the diaper's absorbent core runs off and is collected in a metal tray. We weigh the runoff, let the wet diaper sit for five minutes and then repeat the test. We score each diaper based on the amount of runoff liquid left behind. ✔️ Softness: We stretch the diapers out on a countertop and tape them securely into place with the inside facing up and all labels or visible branding covered. We then invite GH analysts and testers to touch each diaper and rate it for softness in a blind comparison. ✔️ Consumer testing: We share the diapers with parents who try the diapers at home on their own babies of different ages and sizes. Our consumer testers rate characteristics like how well the diapers fit their children, how easy they are to put on and take off, how well the diapers protect against leaks and how soft the diapers feel. Testers also share if they would recommend the diapers to other parents and explain what they specifically like and dislike about the diapers, along with any additional commentary they'd like to to look for when shopping for diapers When you're looking for a new pack of diapers to buy, here are some things to keep in mind: ✔️ Size: Diapers typically come in sizes 1 to 6, with some brands offering newborn or premature options (size 0) and others offering a larger size 7 or 8. It's important that you choose the right size diaper for your baby to prevent unnecessary irritation or leaks. Diaper sizes are determined based on baby weight, not age, so while your baby is 6 months old and wearing a size 3, another 6-month-old baby could be wearing a size 4. Most diaper brands follow the same weight classes when distinguishing their sizes, but we recommend following each brand's size guide before buying to ensure that you're getting the best fit for your baby. ✔️ Special features: During our evaluations, we've found that diapers with special features can be helpful for containing messes and can even ease the changing process. Look for diapers with elastic on the front and back of the waistband, as well as double-elastic leg openings for a secure fit to minimize leaks. Extra panels or "pockets" inside the diaper near the waistband can contain messes or blowouts, as well. We also appreciate wetness indicators on the front and back of the diapers which turn color when your baby's diaper is wet. Some diapers have stickers on the back that you can use once the diaper is soiled to securely seal it closed, prevent messes and minimize unwanted odors. ✔️ Materials: Most disposable diapers are made of wood pulp from trees and polymers that work together to keep your baby comfortable and dry. If you prefer something more sustainable, look for diapers made of bamboo pulp (not viscose) instead of wood pulp. For babies with sensitivities, check to see if your diapers are latex-free and trust Good Housekeeping? has been with Good Housekeeping Institute since 2022 as a home and apparel reviews analyst in the Textiles Lab. She has tested and covered a variety of baby and children's products, including clothing, kids' luggage and crib mattress protectors. During her time at GH, Constantine has tested more than 30 different styles of diapers in the Lab from well-known and up-and-coming brands and has coordinated consumer testing to gather feedback from dozens of real parents. Lexie Sachs has been with Good Housekeeping for 12 years and is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She has a fiber science background and has extensively evaluated a variety of children's products for the Textiles Lab, including diaper bags, swaddle blankets and kids' clothing. She is also a mom and has tested diapers from many of these brands herself and with her own children. You Might Also Like 67 Best Gifts for Women That'll Make Her Smile The Best Pillows for Every Type of Sleeper
Forbes
a day ago
- Forbes
How To Try A ‘Secretome' Skincare Serum Made From Your Own Stem Cells
A scientist cultures cells in a lab. getty Regenerative aesthetics is an exciting frontier in the beauty industry, as buzz words like "exosomes," "biostimulants" and "stem cells" make their way through the marketing machine. A quick scroll through social media is all it takes to witness heated expert debates, or see brand marketing claims coming under fire, all in the midst of contradicting anecdotal reviews. To be clear, discourse between experts plays an important role in holding the industry accountable and shaping its future. Aesthetic therapies and beauty brands should absolutely be scrutinized and come with caveats. But sometimes the noise of the hype drowns out the important questions to ask. Does that popular serum actually contain exosomes, or do its results come from other ingredients in the formula? Will getting Sculptra injections now risk complicating a facelift surgery later? Do we really want to slather salmon sperm, or derivatives from a blood bank's expiring supply, onto our faces? To the point of this article, how about whether a 'secretome' serum, made from your banked stem cells' secretions, can outperform your platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or platelet-rich fibrin (PRF)? What if this secretome is more bioavailable than exosomes, PDRN or stem cell-conditioned media from donor sources altogether? The key is understanding that beauty is not one size fits all; no single source can decide what is right for you. Successfully traversing the evolving field of regenerative aesthetics is less about finding one 'holy grail' product to use until the end of time, and is more about grasping the industry's future trajectory. In this respect, stem cell banking and secretome serums are certainly worthy of closer inspection. Three weeks after my microneedling appointment with Dr. Ben Talei where he applied my autologous stem cell secretome by Acorn Biolabs. Jessica Ourisman Still, we are living in the era of Elizabeth Holmes and the Theranos scandal, where boundary-pushing medical marvels should inspire at least some skepticism. This is precisely what ran through my mind when I became the first member of the U.S. media to try my personalized secretome serum, made by Acorn using stem cell-conditioned media from my banked stem cells. My secretome was applied at a microneedling appointment with double board-certified plastic surgeon Ben Talei in Beverly Hills, California. Keep reading to find out about what makes this beauty offering news-worthy, plus my firsthand experience using the Acorn Biolabs Secretome. Meet The Personalized Secretome Stem cell researcher Drew Taylor, MsC, PhD, believes that patient-derived biologics—biological materials used in medicine and aesthetics—are inherently more bioavailable than a donor's. Their use also bypasses concerns around 'immune rejection, inflammation, or incompatibility,' he writes to me in an e-mail. Operating under the conviction that banking stem cells will unlock not just future aesthetic treatments, but an entire world of medical innovations, his Toronto-based, personalized regenerative medicine company Acorn Biolabs set to work non-invasively harvesting and banking patient stem cells from the hair follicle. Vials of a patient's personalized 'secretome' serum by Acorn Bioabs, made from autologous stem cells derived from the hair follicle for use in an aesthetic treatment. Jessica Ourisman In November 2024, Acorn soft-launched patients' own 'secretome' serums for topical application during microneedling or laser treatments. Similar to the beauty industry's existing serums made from stem cell-conditioned media, secretomes contain banked stem cells' natural secretions of growth factors, cytokines, exosomes and more. The difference is that Acorn's secretome uses the patient's own autologous stem cells and is purported to be more effective than popular patient-derived biologics like PRP or PRF. Preliminary clinical data is promising, showing a batch of the secretome's regenerative concentrations to be several folds higher than in the same patient's sample of PRP. Creative image of stem cells. getty Why Stem Cells? Grasping the novelty of the personalized secretome begins with understanding what makes stem cell therapies so promising. As you know, their applications certainly did not originate with anti-aging skincare; regenerative medicine's first cell transplantation was via a bone marrow transplant in 1968. As the San Diego-based, double board-certified plastic surgeon Steven Cohen explained to me over the phone, his own work with stem cells began decades ago in cardiothoracics. Now a major proponent of regenerative aesthetics' uses of stem cells, he described how plastic surgeons first took note of the 'Benjamin Button-like,' anti-aging effects to the skin following fat transfer procedures, which are frequently performed during facelifts and oculoplastic procedures. Before-and-after results of oculoplastic surgeon Kami Parsa's nanofat treatment, Nanostem. Kami Parsa MD Surgeons then narrowed it down to human fat's supply of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs), whose effect he compares to 'cellular medicine.' Board-certified plastic surgeon Marc Mani further delineated the theory to me at his office in Beverly Hills. Once transferred fat cells take up a blood supply, these ASCs begin repairing the skin and tissues around it to an unprecedented degree with their regenerative secretions. This led to aesthetics' use of nanofat treatments, a technique development by Belgian plastic surgeons Patrick Tonnard and Alex Verpaele in 2013. Nanofat procedures filter out the ASC's and regenerative components of the fat's stromal vascular fraction (SVF), providing a patient-derived, biological concentrate of ingredients for skin repair and regeneration without adding volume. A before-and-after of a patient's melasma and skin quality following a stem cell-rich nanofat treatment performed by board-certified plastic surgeon Marc Mani. Dr. Marc Mani This use of patients' 'autologous' stem cells is now offered in several prominent surgeons' practices, including oculoplastic surgeon Kami Parsa's Nanostem offering, Dr. Mani's MIST procedure and Dr. Talei's PHAT treatment, which combines nanofat and PRP, to name a few. But while the use of autologous stem cells sounds great in theory, there are several hurdles to overcome in practice. High cost, FDA-regulations around banking and the sheer invasiveness of liposuction make ASCs' and their aesthetic applications inaccessible to most. So while the ideal scenario uses a patient's own stem cells, practicality has called for donor sources. Hence the countless serums from donor-derived stem cell-conditioned media; namely, a human donor's 'allogenic' stem cells, or an animal or plant donor's 'xenogeneic' stem cells, as Jordan Plews, PhD, of JP Bioconsulting LLC, told me over the phone. From there, there is debate around the ethics, safety and efficacy of various plant, animal and human stem cell sources, from donor age, to medical screening, respective bioavailability, shelf stability and marketing claims. Consider, for instance, how exosomes have become the trendiest regenerative secretion du jour. But some experts, like Thomas Hitchcock, PhD, Chief Innovations Officer at Revance, still consider it 'premature" and 'unfounded' to bottle and market exosomes touted by certain beauty brands at this phase of the research—not that this has stopped a wave of companies rushing to launch exosome serums at virtually every price point... **might add in a note about the scientist from Anteage leaving because he disagrees with their company-wide adoption of "exosome" in all formulas Acorn Biolabs harvests autologous stem cell from patient's plucked hair follicles. Acorn Biolabs Stem Cells In The Hair Follicle Getting back to stem cells, Dr. Plews is adamant that an age zero, umbilical stem cell is the gold standard. But supposing you want to use your own stem cells, that ship has clearly sailed. Meanwhile, harvesting stem cells from fat or bone marrow is invasive and costly, which brings us back to Dr. Taylor's work at Acorn. Dr. Taylor set his sights on the hair follicle, the small bulb at the base of the hair, determined to make access to autologous stem cell therapies as painless as plucking a hair. 'The presence of mesenchymal and epithelial stem cells in hair follicles was first established in peer-reviewed literature over 20 years ago,' Dr. Taylor says. He describes the hair follicle's desirability as a source due to its accessibility, regenerative potential and abundance. 'Acorn's innovation lies in developing a non-invasive method to isolate, test and preserve these cells without discomfort or downtime, broadening access to stem cell-based interventions.' Acorn's Method For Harvesting, Banking Stem Cells For the cost of roughly $945 USD and fifty hairs from your scalp, your hair follicles will be transported to one of Acorn's secure labs in Canada and Southern California. There, your stem cells are extracted, cryogenically preserved and banked for an annual fee that comes to less than $150 USD. It then takes roughly six-to-eight weeks for Acorn to collect sufficient secretions to create the personalized secretome serum, at which point you can schedule a microneedling or laser appointment with your aesthetic provider. The banking and culturing processing of stem cells was first explained to me on a video call with a scientist that works at the lab supplying the stem cell-conditioned media used in the award-winning Angela Caglia Cell Forté serum. She explained to me that culturing stem cells essentially means setting them up in a dish, 'feeding' them and ensuring they do not differentiate into an unintended cell type. It's kind of like taking care of a plant, but instead of growing fruit or flowers, it releases a medley of regenerative ingredients that can be collected and used in skincare formulas. An image of journalist Jessica Ourisman's Cell Viability Report from Acorn Biolabs. Jessica Ourisman As Dr. Hitchcock explained to me, stem cells are sometimes cultured with bovine fetal serum—but this is an example of the type of donor biologic material that Dr. Taylor explicitly avoids at Acorn. The media your stem cells are grown in at Acorn contains only 'a proprietary balance of sugars, salts, antioxidants, and simple proteins [manufactured in] sterile, cGMP conditions rated for cell therapies,' he assures me. Though the banking process poses some obstacles, including tricky FDA-regulations and added time (as opposed to creating PRP or PRF in the same office visit as a blood draw), it will potentially allow for an important quality assurance measure down the line: batch-testing. This refers to a lab's testing to document the potency and composition of a product, similar to what is done for the Chronos ExoCR line of exosomes sold by Cartessa Aesthetics. Except in this case, you would be getting a glimpse of your own stem cells' performance—pretty compelling data for beauty nerds and biohackers. Acorn Biolabs is creating Personalized Secretome Treatments made from stem cells harvested from patients' hair follicles. Jessica Ourisman What Is In Acorn's Secretome? Generally speaking, Dr. Plews describes a secretome as 'a special filtration of [stem cell] conditioned media.' (Exosome serums, by contrast, refer to a specific isolation of one of the ingredients.) As for what the Acorn Secretome contains, Dr. Taylor identifies 'a range of bio-identical growth factors (i.e., VEGF, FGF, EGF, IGF), cytokines and chemokines, exosomes and structural proteins from the extracellular matrix such as hyaluronic acid, collagen and elastin.' Initial data that compared a patient's secretome with their PRP revealed significantly greater concentrations of growth factors in the secretome versus the PRP. For instance, the growth factor VEGF was found at a 20x higher concentration in the secretome, Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) was present at 10x the concentration, with FGF and IGF also present at 15x and 8x higher concentrations respectively. If you are an exosome fan, Dr. Taylor explains that the naturally-released exosomes found in the secretome remain stable and bioavailable for up to one month when refrigerated. In fact the entire secretome is lyophilized, or freeze-dried, to be reconstituted at the medical provider's office. Acorn has confirmed its monthlong shelf-life through 'staining and reimaging in the lab after lyophilization and resuspension.' The process of creating my secretome began with harvesting my hair follicles at Dripology in Santa Monica back in 2023. Having your hair plucked is not particularly pleasant, but it was certainly not painful or invasive. Throughout the process I drank coffee and chatted with members of the team. The follicle was trimmed off of each strand of hair and stored in a vial, then placed on ice and couriered to the lab. I received e-mail updates every step of the way, including how many of the follicles had been viable. At the lab, my stem cells were extracted and cryogenically preserved for banking and culturing, as described above. Because I was an early patient of Acorn's, I waited much longer for my secretome than the average patient. The moment I received the e-mail that it was ready, I booked an appointment to have microneedling performed by Dr. Talei, who had previously taught me about nanofat and performed his PHAT treatment on me. Immediately following microneedling with the Acorn Biolabs Secretome and the results after one week. Jessica Ourisman Using My Stem-Cell-Based Secretome While Dr. Talei has an exclusive plastic surgery practice, he also has a separate practice devoted entirely to hair restoration and regenerative modalities called the Beverly Hills Hair Group that carries Acorn. (Although I typically focus on the skin of my face, it is important to note that these therapies are also considered remarkably effective for hair growth.) All I had to do was book a microneedling appointment where he would apply my regenerative secretome topically. I would also be allowed to take some home with me to apply while healing. While many skincare enthusiasts opt for laser treatments or radiofrequency microneedling, I intentionally chose conventional microneedling without any added thermal energy. First, I personally dislike RF microneedling devices like SylfirmX or Morpheus because I have experienced adverse effects from them, including breakouts and rebound pigmentation from melasma. But there was another important reason I did so, which is that I wanted to protect the viability of the proteins in my secretome by avoiding excess heat exposure. Dr. Taylor assured me this was an over-abundance of caution, but does recommend avoiding heat after application in order to "preserve protein structure and maximize bioactivity." A treatment room at the Beverly Hills Hair Group. Beverly Hills Hair Group At the office, I was numbed with a topical gel before Dr. Talei got started with microneedling. As he needled the skin of my face and portions of my scalp, the serum was administered as a topical, reaching greater depths of my skin through the micro-channels being created where its ingredients could support my body's healing process rebuilding healthy tissue. He adjusted the depth of the needles' penetration according to the needs of my skin, with areas of textural concerns from past breakouts getting the deeper treatment. At times I needed to take breaths of ProNox (i.e., laughing gas) to cope with discomfort. Afterwards, I was given a vial of my secretome to take home with me to expedite healing and maximize results as my skin got to work repairing itself. Imagery of downtime following microneedling with the Acorn Biolabs secretome from the day of the treatment, day two of healing and day ten. Jessica Ourisman Because Dr. Talei microneedled with such vigor, I had about five days of downtime, during which time my face looked and felt as if I had scraped it with sandpaper to the point of being bloodied. For the first three nights, I applied the oxygenating CO2 Lift Carboxy Gel Mask, $270 for 3, to help soothe and heal. I also applied my secretome morning and night until I ran out, at which point I switched to my usual serums: Epicutis Lipid Serum, $250, in the morning and Biojuve Living Biome Essentials Duo, $225, in the evening. Any cleanser I used was extremely gentle; Dr. Talei also provided me with an anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory colloidal silver spray. For moments of additional soothing, I reached for the Velez Intense Hydration Face Mask, $34, which does not contain any active ingredients, but is cooling and supremely soothing. On one occasion, I applied the Epicutis Lipid Recovery Mask, $125 for 5. After my skin had returned to a relatively normal state, I resumed red light therapy with my favorite devices, the Shark Beauty TK in the morning and the Lyma Pro in the evening. In the week after my downtime, I was impressed by my results—although I wished I had taken home more vials of my secretome. But my skin was glowing, plump and had an extra 'bounce' to it that my facialist, Amaju Amoruwa, DNP, MBA, felt and commented on, attributing it to the structure and quality of the tissue. I did experience three small pustule-like breakouts, but this is common for me following micro-needling appointments. Three weeks after microneedling by Dr. Ben Talei with the Acorn Biolabs Secretome at the Beverly Hills Hair Group. Jessica Ourisman My Conclusions Post-Microneedling With My Secretome Can I prove that it was better than another regenerative ingredient of this ilk? No. But would I do this again? Yes, and I plan to complete a series of three sessions. Anecdotally speaking, I have tried the gamut of aesthetic add-ons, from PRP to PRF to PDRN, and I would opt for my secretome in lieu of almost any other non-invasive boosters I have tried. The only exception would be nanofat. In an ideal world of infinite funds and fat supply, I would have my nanofat applied at my microneedling appointments, with unlimited access to hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and my trusty Biojuve and Epicutis serums to heal. Alas, this is physically impossible—which is precisely why banking my stem cells with Acorn felt like such a worthy investment for me. I am not alone in my enthusiasm, either. As Fabien Beretta, Executive Director and Founder of the Beverly Hills Hair Group put it over the phone, there has been 'tremendous interest' in Acorn among patients. He believes offering this 'personalized variation [of] a patient's own growth factors marks a powerful evolution in care.' He also finds that patients seem reassured knowing that their secretome will be an exact biological match, without the uncertainty associated with donor-derived boosters, whether from salmon, porcine, bovine or human sources. But before you book your appointment with a local Acorn provider, remember that experts disagree all the time. Some question whether banked stem cells' secretions can ever be as effective as those that are harvested directly from the patient. Others do not deem it worth it to offer nanofat. It all speaks to the fact that in an emerging field like regenerative medicine, there are still a lot of unknowns. This can make banking your stem cells feel like an expensive investment—and Dr. Taylor readily admits this. The Beverly Hills Hair Group is one of the Los Angeles-based practices to offers Acorn Biolabs. Beverly Hills Hair Group Regenerative Aesthetics And The Future Of Medicine For now, Acorn is focusing on beauty and aesthetics—a smart move for acquiring funding while navigating legal regulations to do with human-derived biologics. Plus, as a 'regenerative' dermatologist once explained to me, the short timeline for skin regeneration makes dermatology an appealing arena for assessing this class of interventions. But it is also undeniable that regenerative medicine has a rich future ahead. In time, as research continues and regulations permit, the potential in what Acorn has set out to accomplish could become as vast as stem cells' unlocked capabilities. Undifferentiated stem cells are the foundation for every cell, tissue or organ in the body—and Acorn has already demonstrated that follicle-harvested stem cells can be turned into 'fat, bone, cartilage, pancreas, neuronal and even NK cells on demand,' Dr. Taylor says. As a beauty reporter, I will admit that the robust results of stem cell-derived therapies all seem incredibly promising in their aesthetic uses thus far. I also personally prefer human versus animal donors, with the ability to harness my own stem cells the most appealing of all. Beyond that, my hope is that banking my stem cells with Acorn will prove itself valuable in ways that go far beyond beauty; in the best case scenario, a futuristic form of health insurance. Every investment comes with a degree of risk, but what I am betting on is the expansion of regenerative medicine. In the best case scenario, its potential payoff is unquantifiable. 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