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42 Essential Baby Products For Your Home

42 Essential Baby Products For Your Home

Buzz Feed21-05-2025
Helllooooo parents, my name is Heather, and at the time I'm writing this, my son is 3 and my daughter is almost 1 (so you know I get *it*). So, a lot of these items I've personally tested out! I can happily tell you *all* about what has worked for my family, but kindly wanted to note that I'm aware every kid is different! So, what worked for me may not work for you. But hey, it's worth a shot. Right?
A cushiony playmat with a reversible design you'll be *very* happy about when that precious baby of yours turns into a feral toddler who scribbles in permanent marker all over the floor. In the meantime, it's plush, perfect for learning to crawl on (and a few head bumps, I'm sure), and is waterproof!
An iconic Sophie the Giraffe teether your little one will, for unexplained reasons, likely cherish and love chomping away on as their pearly whites start to (painfully) poke through.
A cushioned Jool Baby changing pad to plop atop your kiddo's dresser to ensure they always have a safe space for you to dress them and change their diapers — this one is contoured for comfort, features a safety strap, is water-proof, and can be easily wiped down. It doesn't have the bells and whistles of the more high-tech options available these days (with lights, sounds, a built-in scale, etc), but it most certainly gets the job done.
A Baby Brezza Formula Pro Advanced parents will be able to rely on to help them make their baby a bottle in a flash — which is *much* appreciated when they're 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's keeping me going — it is the light of my life (next to my kids, of course).
Plus a Baby Brezza Bottle Washer Pro, because anything that is going to make your life easier during the first year of being a parent is worth every penny. This magical machine washes, sterilizes, AND dries bottles, breast pump parts, and other accessories with natural steam. Take it from someone who genuinely knows — this will save you SO much time so you can do one of the other million things on your to-do list instead of hangin' out with a bottle brush.
A Nanit monitor and wall mount to help you keep a watchful eye on your babe while they sleep — you can also easily see stats on how long they've been asleep or if they're standing and not-so-patiently waiting for you to come scoop 'em up.
An outlet light for anyone who has accidentally walked into a wall one (or two) times too many when getting up in the middle of the night with a sick tyke or a kiddo asking for a zillionth cup of water. This lil' gadget will subtly light your way without the need for a bulkier option.
FridaBaby's Baby Basics Kit, complete with all the odds and ends you'll need to unclog your tyke's stuffy nose, trim their nails, help them pass gas, and keep their skin nice 'n' soft. It's an all-encompassing kit to help you tackle all the very gross things that come with having a baby (or, at least, a handful of 'em).
A pacifier-style baby medicine dispenser that'll (hopefully) prevent you and your baby from having a WWE-level fight whenever they need a dose of Tylenol to soothe their teething troubles. There are few things as unpleasant as being covered in sticky medicine after your kid spits it out all over both of you.
A set of silicone baby bottles from Boon Nursh with 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.
Starter spoons with a unique textured surface designed to soothe your baby's aching gums *and* keep food in place enough that they might just get some into their mouth instead of all over their shirt/floor/face.
Plus, a set of divided plates with extra suction on the bottom to prevent your headstrong tyke from hurling their waffle across the room. 🫠 They're also delightfully microwave- and dishwasher safe.
And a trio of bowls that also have a suction feature so when you turn your back for a second to grab a paper towel to wipe their hands with they can't swat their sweet potatoes all over the room.
A breast milk storage tower, so all the liquid gold you've worked SO hard to procure will stay nice and safe. It can be popped into the freezer to organize your bags — no need to paw through the frozen peas and nuggets to get to what you need! It also has a flat metal top to ensure the bags freeze flat (and fit nicely into the tower).
A cacti-inspired bottle brush cleaning set you'll certainly agree doesn't *~succ~* in the slightest — it'll look cute on your kitchen counter while also doing a fantastic job in helping you scrub all of the yucky milk residue out of your baby's bottles.
An Oxo Tot Perfect Wipes Dispenser that'll keep the many (many) wipes you'll need moist. I pray you never have the experience of reaching for wipes while cleaning a blowout only to discover they're dry as a bone.
A Baby Shusher because even though it may seem silly to buy a gadget that literally makes a sound you can make on your own for free, you'll be happy to have it come 2 a.m. when you're exhausted and *really* not in the mood to continue 'shhh'ing repeatedly.
A Hatch Restore 3 to act as a night-light, a white noise machine, an alarm clock, and a sleep trainer with a design that seamlessly blends into the nursery's decor. Fingers crossed, you and your kiddo will get some sleep this decade with the help of this gadget!
Aquaphor Healing Ointment — it'll be one of the most unexpected parenting holy grail items you'll use daily on your little one. It's unscented, preservative-free, and fantastic for healing sensitive skin. You know how in My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Gus was always saying, "Put some Windex on it!" to fix all things? Well, that's about to be you with Aquaphor.
A parent-loved Triple Paste Diaper Rash Cream that'll act as a protective barrier between your baby's booty and their diaper — it's zinc-packed, thick consistency will soothe any existing irritation and ideally stop them from getting another. It has 3,400 rave reviews, so you know it's the real deal.
And a baby butt spatula you'll either laugh or cringe at but will thank your lucky stars that you thought to purchase it when you see how much nicer it is to apply diaper cream to your baby's booty with it instead of your finger. It has incredible suction on the bottom, so you can keep it right next to your changing pad without fear of it being kicked over by your unruly tot.
Miss Mouth you'll want in your 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 adding this to your cart.
A Frida Baby The 3-Step Cradle Cap System that'll remove dry skin from baby's scalp so gently they won't even notice — it comes with a sponge, a brush, and a comb that'll all work together to get your kiddo's scalp looking good.
An Oogiebear tool that's confusingly kinda cute even though its purpose is *a bit* gross — to remove earwax and boogers safely from your little one. 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!
Frida Baby Natural Vapor Bath Bombs filled with eucalyptus and lavender, so when your little one inevitably does get sick, you'll be ready to go with a soothing bathtime edition that'll help clear their sinuses and relax their little body.
A bottle of Tubby Todd's new micellar water for when your tyke had a blowout in the morning, resulting in an unplanned bath, but then covers themselves in marinara sauce during dinner. Sigh. No parent wants to do bathtime twice; give that kiddo a quick (but satisfying!) clean with this instead.
A frustration-free swaddle from Taking Cara Babies (known amongst seasoned parents as the sleep whisperer) starring breathable modal fabric, a silent closure (no Velcro-induced startles!) and three different ways to wrap Baby up comfortably so, fingers crossed, they actually sleep.
Bumkins washable bibs that'll turn mealtime into a fashion show (hehe) while also protecting your little one's clothes from all kinds of gross baby food stains. Pop culture fans, look no further! These come in so many fun styles you won't know which ones to order first.
Or a silicone bib that's waterproof and extremely easy to rinse off (or toss right into the dishwasher) after an especially messy dining sesh — the pocket also serves a food catcher so the debris *hopefully* won't end up all over the floor.
A Newton Essential Crib Mattress that'll help provide you with some peace of mind once your tyke starts actually sleeping on top of it — it's made with a unique woven material that babies can completely breathe through (an absolute game changer) and is also fully washable.
An Angelcare Baby Bath Support, great for littles who want the freedom of splashing their tiny toes directly in the big tub. You'll likely only use this for a few months before your tot can safely sit directly in the tub, so the low price point is certainly appreciated.
A bath spout cover with a surprisingly aesthetic look — your tyke can splish and splash without accidentally hitting their head on the ever-interesting-to-them spout. You're welcome.
An elephant sprayer you'll adore because it'll keep your kiddo entertained for the duration of bath time and provide you with an easier way to wash soap off of them/ out of their hair — however, consider yourself warned, when they get older they will most certainly turn this adorable hose on you and leave you soaked.
A bath toy thermometer that'll become your most reliable bathtime companion — it'll alert you to precisely what temperature the water is and if it's an appropriate one for your baby to soak in. You've got enough on your plate, let this seal take the reins on this one.
An inexpensive baby gate featuring a pressure mount you'll adore because you won't have to drill holes into your walls (a big win). It's easy to install and easy for adults to open with one hand, which you'll definitely be thankful for when you're trying to carry your baby and open it simultaneously.
A humidifier tank–cleaning fish you'll cherish as much as Ariel (the Little Mermaid) does her BFF Flounder — it'll kill up to 99% of odor causing bacteria in the tank you're planning to put in your baby's nursery to keep their lil' nostrils moist during nap time (amazing).
Some reusable pouch tops that'll fit any you've purchased from the store — yes, even that VERY specific brand that's the only one your kiddo will seemingly CONSIDER eating. It has a no-spill control valve, so when your tyke eats one in the car, they won't be able to squeeze it with all their might and create an apple sauce volcano in your back seat.
Plus reusable puree pouches you can fill with your own homemade baby food or a store-bought one when you and your mini-me are on the go. They're super easy to clean, seal really well (they open from the side!) and simple for babies to eat from.
A 10-pack of muslin burp cloths, a must-have for anyone with an infant who is spitting up constantly who will then turn into a toddler who is forever suffering from a runny nose. These are undoubtedly a key item for any parent with a kiddo under the age of two — you might as well go ahead and order two sets.
Bandana Muslin drool bibs that'll become part of your little one's daily wardrobe — they'll protect their clothing from getting sopping wet from spit up/drool and *hopefully* spare some of your clothes from the same fate as well.
Some blank closet dividers because you'll likely find yourself with an entire range of sizing in your baby's clothes that'll be a headache to organize. You can add these into their closet and stop trying to recall where the 3- to 6-month outfits begin and end.
And a Fisher-Price kick and play piano you may have seen on TikTok or heard about from other parents (or John Legend) — it'll keep your kiddo entertained for MONTHS, which is a lot more than other toys can boast about. Honestly, "Maybe" (the purple monkey song) is a bop you'll find yourself singing even after your kids have gone to bed.
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Being able to have everyone's schedule all in one place is just great. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" —ADPrice: $319.99 A shoe organizer to keep footwear front and center rather than *maybe-possibly-under-the-bed-will-you-just-find-it??*. This low-profile storage solution can keep things organized and out of the way and shave off precious minutes from getting out of the house. Promising review: "No more messy entryway whenever we have guests. This is a very nice piece. Sturdy and easy to assemble. Happy with this purchase." —ken210Price: $102.99 A document holder AND backpack station that can hold documents, backpacks, and a sweater without completely gunking up your entryway. Each kid can have a station because you do NOT need to search for the backpack and homework folder as you're trying to get everyone out for school. Each organizer can hold up to 25 pounds, so if you have middle or high-school-aged kids, it might not work if they keep heavy textbooks in their backpacks. Try something more heavy-duty to clean up the entryway and keep things organized. Promising review: "This was perfect for our preschool homework station! Kept homework in the pocket and hung backpacks on the hooks! So functional yet still very modern and sleek." —JosiPrice: $25 An easy-to-use toy storage solution if the very idea of packing up a vast array of toys is exhausting in and of itself. Simply pile toys into the mat, gather them, and collect up to nine pounds in one beautiful scoop. Even the youngest toddlers can scoop and dump — because you have no time to waste picking up hundreds of tiny toys. Price: $53.99 (originally $76.99) A Bissell vacuum/mop combo that'll make your old bucket and mop system completely obsolete. This machine will vacuum and mop at the same time, keeping your floors squeaky clean and allowing you to forget there was ever a time when you would wipe the crumbs off your feet on your pant leg. Promising review: "It is a great product, especially for people who don't have time to waste. The product is easy to use, it cleans and mops simultaneously, you don't have to switch from vacuum to mop, and it sanitizes. The first time I used it, I could see the difference on my floors." —SashaPrice: $179 (originally $229.99) A gentle alarm clock for your older kids that doubles as a night-light and an OK-to-wake clock for your youngins'. The light gradually gets brighter to help wake them up more peacefully than you in a "GET UP OR WE'RE GOING TO BE LATE" panic. Promising review: "I use this as my alarm clock. The light feature that turns on 15 minutes prior to my set alarm time is wonderful! It slowly gets brighter, and I am always awake before the alarm sounds. It's nice to not wake up the whole house. The night-light feature options are very pretty and nice to have just before going to sleep." —JBPrice: $21 A magnetic responsibility chart so the ~responsibility~ of getting ready in the morning doesn't land fully on your busy shoulders. This chart comes with 92 magnets for personal, communal, and social skills and a dry-erase marker for any goal that might not be included in the provided magnets. If you have a non-reader, check out this simplified version for the morning and evening routines!Promising review: "A probably one of my favorite purchases from target. Really helps my toddler to understand responsibilities and keeps us on track for the day!" —JessicadrakePrice: $18.79 An electric toothbrush because absolutely no one has any time for cavities. This toothbrush comes with an app to help ensure your kids are brushing those mouthbones rather than taking a swipe and calling it a day. Promising review: "Daughter loved that she could choose the design on her toothbrush. Cleans teeth very well. The app helps her stay constant with brushing for the full length of time. Really happy with the product. Works better than other electric toothbrushes we have tried in the past." —TargetMomPrice: $34.99 (available in pink and blue) A car seat buckle release tool that'll protect your nails *and* your patience from how surprisingly difficult unbuckling is. Plus — when they're older — they can learn to unbuckle themselves, ensuring that you are not burying your face in the drop-off line as you get out of the car to unbuckle your kid. The car seat buckle desperately needs to be one less thing you fight with. Promising review: "Liked the colors. Bought one for each car. My daughter can now unbuckle herself with this which helps speed up the drop off line at school." —EricaPrice: $28.99 for a two-pack (available in two color combos) A backseat storage bag to store toys, snacks, or whatever else they need as you're chauffeuring them to all of their practices. If you're on the go often, having some snacks always at the ready is going to save a lot of energy. If you're keeping this in your car full-time, only pack snacks that won't melt. Promising review: "Love how this can fit on the seat of my car or on the floor. Love the pockets on the sides that allow me to put items that I need but don't want my twins getting into. Fits so much stuff and perfect for a road trip." —TwinmamaPrice: $16 And a portable trash bin that'll help keep tissues, snack wrappers, and other garbage from filling up the backseat. Just stash the trash, empty it, and enjoy the freedom of not having to chase down snack wrappers that fall out when you open the car door. I keep a small trash can with me, and I am always surprised at how quickly it fills up. Luckily, the trash can fills up instead of my backseat. It's so easy to empty while I'm at a gas station or quickly before I head out with the kids, and it's saved so much mess. Promising review: "I love this trash can for my car. I have one in each vehicle. Its small and can easily be squished out of the way if needed. This is the first trash can my kids use in the car." —ChrisPrice: $11 A visual timer to help make transitions easier for everyone. Since kids can't tell time, "five more minutes" doesn't mean much. With this handy timer, they can watch the colored portion get smaller and be less shocked when time is up. If you have a kid who struggles with transitions (like mine!) or doesn't understand any time but NOW, this timer is for you because no one has time for a meltdown. Price: $35.04 And a foot massager because at the end of the day, you deserve a little relaxation too, darn it. You might as well give those dogs a little rest — because tomorrow's busy day is already calling. Price: $100.99

35 Mundane But Useful Items You'll Be Glad You Bought
35 Mundane But Useful Items You'll Be Glad You Bought

Buzz Feed

time06-07-2025

  • Buzz Feed

35 Mundane But Useful Items You'll Be Glad You Bought

A Finish dishwasher cleaner because yes, the thing that cleans your dishes also needs to be cleaned. 😩 But cheer up! 😀 It couldn't be easier to use — just place it upside down on the bottom rack of your dishwasher (make sure it's totally empty!!!), then run a cycle on the hottest setting. Ta-da! You'll have a sparkling clean dishwasher that looks as fresh as the day you moved in. A Bounce wrinkle release spray in a convenient travel size so you can take it with you on your next vacay. Seriously, who has time to iron while traveling?! There's also no telling if that dusty hotel iron is actually going to work. All you have to do is spray, tug the fabric a few times, then smooth the wrinkles away with your hand. It's also perfect for refreshing any clothes you plan to wear a few times during your trip, thanks to the fresh scent. A pack of duster sponges some reviewers say are even better than the often-sold-out Scrub Daddy Damp Duster (also, why isn't it called the Dust Daddy?!) This is perfect for that annoying caked-on dust that a typical dry duster can't tackle — just dampen it, swipe, then rinse to reuse. An eight-compartment pill organizer so you can ditch the bulky bottles for something that's way easier to slip in your pocket. You'll also be the hero of your travel group when anybody has a sudden headache. A Frida Baby rinse cup that's on basically every parent's wishlist for making bath time an absolute breeze. The spout creates a gentle rainfall effect to help make the rinsing process less overwhelming for babies who are a bit suspicious of this whole H2O business. You can also use the other side for a slightly heavier "waterfall" pour that's still gentle enough for even the fussiest toddler. I'm gonna be honest with you, reader — this looks so relaxing I kind of want one for myself. A suede and leather brush to eliminate the scuffs, oil marks, dirt, and foot impressions that threaten to ruin all your cute warm-weather fits. It has four different sets of bristles so you can scrub as hard or as soft as you want, and it's designed to work by itself — no cleaning solution or soap required! A set of limited edition wildflower Band-Aids so even your boo-boos will be super cute and match all the sundresses you bought for summer. Or! If you scrape your knee while gardening, these floral cuties will keep the happy vibes going. A next-level toothbrush your dentist will be so ridiculously proud of you for using. It has the standard bristles you'd expect from any toothbrush, but the game-changer is the extra-long bristles that are 10x thinner — meaning they can reach in between teeth and under the gum line to help sweep away food and residue. And an electric travel toothbrush that takes up way less space than the one your dentist is always trying to convince you to buy. You'll still get a nice vibrating effect and a helpful 2-minute timer, but it's about the same size as a normal toothbrush! A 3-in-1 wireless charger so you can power up your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods at the same time — no more wishing you had way more USB ports near your bed! The standout feature might just be the foldable design, meaning you can take it to the office with you so your noise-canceling AirPods never run out of juice. Imagine having to listen to your co-workers instead?! A jar opening tool that will be an absolute lifesaver when that jar of Ragu is holding on to the lid like its life depends on it (to be fair, it kind of does). It has four different slots to help open a variety of jar sizes, and there's even a helpful hook at the top to help with pull-tab cans when it's a Chef Boyardee kind of night. A pack of Neutrogena makeup remover towelettes, which will become your new travel staple since you can take the exact amount of makeup wipes you need instead of bringing an entire pouch or a bulky jar of cleaning balm. You can also bring one with you to refresh your skin while you're out and about running errands when the sun is blazing. A Pikk-it tool designed to remove the tangled hair/fur that's lodged in your vacuum's roller brush (which is making it WAY less effective btw). You can also use it to spruce up your hairbrushes, so this is basically stray hair's worst enemy. A set of Tide sink packs so you can easily hand-wash your clothes, meaning you can pack less and re-wear more on your next vacation! Simply fill your sink with warm water, add one sink pack, agitate and soak your items in the water, then rinse, dry, and be thankful for all the extra carry-on space. An absolutely genius device called a "Supoon" — this perfectly sized spoon not only helps you scrape every last bit of food from the container (think: peanut butter, yogurt, cream cheese, etc.) but also has a unique design that keeps it away from the countertop when you set it down! This is about to prevent SO many "babe, stop leaving your peanut butter spoon on the counter" arguments. Suction cup knobs that are about to completely change your bathroom storage game. The twist-and-lock design can easily adhere to glass, plastic, mirror, or porcelain surfaces — and it holds up to 15 pounds! You can also easily remove them and place them in a new area as many times as you want, so your loofah knobs can become your hand towel knobs with ease. Miss Mouth's Messy Eater Stain Treater Spray — it's so effective that you'll remain suspiciously calm the next time your tot's chocolate milk makes its way from their sippy cup to the couch cushion. Or when your glass of merlot faces a similar fate. Just spray, blot, rinse, and pour another. A bottle of sulfate-free biotin shampoo that has reviewers feeling like they're the star of a Pantene commercial. Biotin can help provide a fuller appearance to your strands (hello volume!!!), while rosemary and coconut oil are known to moisturize the scalp (bye-bye, itchiness). You'll be ~toss, tossing~ your hair like Glinda in no time. 💁‍♀️ A pack of LeakLocks Toiletry Skins — they slip over the caps of your liquid toiletries to help prevent leaks! Genius! Imagine never worrying about your sunscreen exploding and making an absolute mess of your fave toiletry bag. A genius brush and squeegee combo so you can just swipe all your countertop messes directly into the sink. It even has a built-in ledge so you can hang it when not in use. A ridiculously helpful eyelash comb to solve one of the biggest beauty dilemmas: what do I do when my mascara clumps?! Put down the makeup wipes — this helpful little comb will remove the excess mascara and separate your lashes at the same time. It's also perfect if eyelash curlers make your lashes look smushed together. An on-the-go Gillette razor with a mini handle and carrying case that makes it an absolute breeze to pack in your carry-on. But you don't have to sacrifice quality for convenience — this has five blades for a close shave and moisturizing strips infused with avocado oil to keep your skin feeling silky smooth. A pack of antibacterial paper soap sheets that will seriously come in handy when the public restroom you're using is out of that mysterious pink sludge they call soap. Just pull out a sheet, wet it, then get to lathering. A storage strip to keep your brooms and mops off the floor and free up some much-needed space in your utility closet. It might even convince you to clean more, but no promises. A no-scrub weekly shower cleaner that'll stop soap scum and residue from forming before they have a chance to take over your entire tub. Just spray and walk away — your future self will be so grateful. A set of fridge bins to add some order to your chaotic mess of groceries. And because you'll be able to actually see all your food, you might just end up using that bag of lettuce before it goes bad. A pack of all-natural bottle-cleaning tablets that'll help remove stains and odors from any water bottles or coffee tumblers that you've left unwashed for an embarrassingly long time. It happens. Just fill your cup with warm water, drop the tablet in, and wait 15–30 minutes; rinse your cup, then get back to hydrating and/or caffeinating yourself. Over-the-door shelves for storing other smaller accessories that are scattered all over your home. Actually, you might want one of these for every door in your home. Many reviewers use it to store socks, undergarments, and other clothing items, though it's also perfect for kitchen pantries and linen closets! The beloved Hard as Hoof nourishing cream made with beeswax and jojoba oil to condition brittle nails and cuticles (on your fingers AND toes!) and have them looking as shiny and fresh as they did before that gel manicure did its damage. It's designed to sink in quickly (a rare feat in the world of cuticle oils) and it also smells like coconuts. I probably should have led with the coconut part. 🥥 🤤 A universal travel adapter you can use in over 160 countries — because nothing is more annoying than realizing you forgot to bring the right adapter. You can use it to charge up several devices at a time, so you can have your phone, power bank, laptop, and AirPods charging at once! A reusable gel lint roller that's a major upgrade from the traditional sticky rolls that require approximately 10 sheets just to clean one shirt. Just pop open the cover and roll it over any garments that need a good sprucing up, then give it a quick rinse, and it'll be ready to use again! A garbage disposal cleaner — it can tackle any food residue that's been lingering in there for far too long. It makes you realize adulthood is just learning about all the things you never realized you were supposed to be cleaning. A pack of space-saving compression bags that do not require a vacuum or pump!! Just place your bulky coats and sweaters inside and roll the bag up tightly to release the air and save some major space in your carry-on. A pair of handheld scrapers — they'll make your cast iron pans look as good as the day you bought them. It's gentle enough to use on nonstick surfaces, and unlike a sponge, this won't trap a bunch of food particles that are hard to rinse out. Now you can spend less time cleaning and more time whipping up culinary masterpieces. A cult-favorite foot file that'll grind away at calluses and have your heels and toes looking silky smooth and ready to slip into your coziest socks. There are many foot files out there, but more than 85,000 Amazon reviewers say this one works like a charm.

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