Latest news with #AquaphorHealingOintment
Time Out
22-04-2025
- Health
- Time Out
5 drugstore beauty staples Gen Z is obsessed with (and you can grab nationwide)
5 drugstore beauty staples Gen Z is obsessed with (and you can grab nationwide) Don't worry—we've done the TikToking for you, so you can head straight to your local drugstore. Listen, not all heroes wear capes. Some come in plastic tubes and sit quietly on the shelves of your local CVS, Rite-Aid or Walgreens. Gen Z has officially made it clear that you don't need to drop $60 at Sephora to glow like you were born under a ring light. TikTok has become the new beauty bible, and its disciples are heading straight to the drugstore aisles to scoop up surprisingly effective, budget-friendly finds that seriously deliver. From balms that double as highlighter to mascaras that actually do what they promise, these products aren't just affordable—they're iconic. This generation of beauty experts aren't here for fluff, and their no-nonsense approach to beauty means they're reviving classics and reimagining their use in innovative and unexpected ways. Press-on nails are having a full-blown comeback. Vaseline is suddenly... sexy (and the key ingredient in slugging). The drugstore beauty aisle is the new frontier, and it's stacked with heavy hitters. So, whether you're a beauty minimalist, a budgeting college student or just love a good dupe, here are five tried-and-true beauty MVPs that Gen Z is currently gatekeeping (but we're spilling the tea anyway). 1. Aquaphor Healing Ointment Your grandma knew. Your baby cousin probably has some on right now. And Gen Z? They've taken this humble healing balm and given it a full-blown glow-up. Slathered on as the final step in a skincare routine or as an overnight mask (a practice known as 'slugging'), Aquaphor locks in moisture like a dewy force field. But it doesn't stop there—it's also being dabbed on cheekbones as highlighter, used as brow gel, and even tapped onto eyelids for that editorial-glossy finish. The fact that it costs less than a smoothie? Chef's kiss. 2. Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara If TikTok had a Mount Rushmore of makeup, this mascara would be front and center. Loved for its game-changing length and gravity-defying lift, this drugstore legend delivers fluttery, falsie-like lashes in just a few swipes. The wand is flexible, the formula is buildable and somehow it doesn't smudge or flake—even after a full day of classes, commutes, or crying over your ex's new situationship. It's viral for a reason, and unlike the wishlist of overpriced beauty products we all have in our online carts, it's actually in stock and doesn't even require a shipping fee. 3. Kiss Impress Press-On Manicure Why spend $70 and two hours at the nail salon when you can get salon-level sets at home in five minutes flat? It is with great pleasure that we are here to announce the resurrection of the humble press-on—and they come in every shade, length and glittery combination your heart could possibly desire. Kiss Impress nails come pre-glued, perfectly shaped in every aesthetic from coquette-core to glazed donut chrome. They last through multiple iced matchas, group chat texting sprees, and yes, even a few chaotic nights out. Hot tip for your tips: always keep a small bottle of nail glue in your bag for emergency glam situations. 4. e.l.f. Power Grip Primer Say goodbye to makeup meltdowns. This sticky, jelly-textured primer from e.l.f. has gripped the hearts (and faces) of beauty lovers everywhere. It creates a tacky base that holds foundation and concealer in place for hours, while giving your skin that fresh, hydrated look that new-age beauty gurus have trademarked. It's a near-perfect dupe for the cult-favorite Milk Hydro Grip—and it costs about 70% less. Hydrating? Yes. Longwearing? Yes. Budget-friendly? You bet your dewy little cheeks it is. 5. NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip Gloss is back (I mean, was it really ever out?), and it's glossier than ever. NYX's Fat Oil Lip Drip is the love child of a nourishing lip oil and a juicy gloss, giving you high shine without the stickiness of your early 2000s trauma. Packed with moisturizing oils and coming in a handful of shade options, it delivers that plush, pillowy lip look without breaking the bank. Layer it over liner, swipe it on bare lips and make sure to grab a few to toss one in every bag.
Buzz Feed
20-04-2025
- Health
- Buzz Feed
35 Products You Might Want To Buy If You're Becoming A Parent In The Near Future
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. Take a deep breath — you've got this. 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? 1. 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. Anytime my kids have a little itchy bump or redness, we put some of this on to ease their discomfort. However, I primarily use it in place of a diaper cream. I've been lucky that my tykes haven't had much diaper rash, just the occasional redness or irritation from a diaper rubbing against their chunky legs the wrong way. Applying some Aquaphor is a quick and reliable fix! I have a tube in every diaper bag and at each diaper station! I'd also be remiss not to mention that I use Aquaphor on myself, too. After both of my C-sections this tube was what I reached for (after an appropriate amount of healing) to soothe any itchiness or discomfort on my scar. It also works wonders on chapped lips! Get it from Target for $12.99. 2. 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. Both my mom and my mother-in-law poked fun at me for getting this lil' spatula but I have ZERO regrets. I love my kids more than life itself, but I am more than pleased to not have to put my finger in their butts after they've recently pooped and I think that is OKAY! I'd like to think they're also happier to have a lil' spatula do the job ANYWAYS! That being said, this lil' tool is fantastic as it's super easy to clean, doesn't waste any product, and suctions onto my changing table with ease. Promising review:"If I could give this little tool 10 out of 5 stars I would!!! It makes the whole process of applying diaper rash ointment SOOOOO much easier. And this thing cuts down on how much diaper rash ointment is wasted because your fingers are not getting covered in ointment. I HIGHLY recommend this product to anyone with a baby!!!" — Hazel-91 Get it from Amazon for $5.99. 3. 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. Amazon, Read more about cradle cap — aka seborrheic dermatitis — at Seattle Children's and the American Academy of Dermatology. My daughter had WAAAAY more cradle cap than my son did as an infant, so I was prepared to really tackle it head on (pun intended). This system was SO useful and made removing the cradle cap so simple. I paired it with a gentle shampoo, rubbed it in with the sponge side, scrubbed it good (but gently) with the scrubbier brush, rinsed it out and repeated 3x. At the end I combed all of the particles out of her hair. It made such a difference! Promising review:"My baby is 2 months old and has been suffering from cradle cap. I didn't want to pick it out. So i ordered this product. When i tell you it took EVERYTHING out and DIDN'T take out his hair! I'm VERY APPRECIATIVE!" — Ahonesty Get it from Amazon for $14.39. 4. A Doona all-in-one travel system — a magical car seat and stroller combo that'll make getting your baby out of the house way less daunting. No need to break a sweat while trying to insert your infant's heavy car seat into a separate stroller contraption without waking them; simply lift this one out of the car, and the wheels will click into place underneath. The only explanation for this invention is an exhausted parent must've used one of their three wishes and asked a Genie to craft this. My in-laws watch my kids at their house once a week (bless them), and we were so tired of switching car seats between our vehicles. After seeing SO many parents pushing this Doona in stores, I realized it might be the perfect solution. It functions as a car seat and a stroller, so I didn't need to set my in-laws up with both items. This covered the bases in such an efficient way! It was seamless to install, and despite being a bit out of touch with today's modern strollers, they had no problem figuring out how to use it. I've started recommending it as a must-have registry item for new parents who don't want to invest in several car seats right now and/or don't have the room for a larger stroller. It's simply fantastic! Promising review:"This is the BEST car seat/stroller combo! It makes running errands so easy!! This was our big purchase, and I highly recommend it to all of my friends! It's easy to get my baby in and out of the car. He loves it and sleeps the entire time he is in it!" — Delaney Get it from Amazon for $550+ (available in eight styles). 5. A car seat buckle release tool that'll save both your nails and your precious time! No one wants to struggle to open those (thankfully) extremely secure buckles while their kiddo is hitting a pitch that could likely break glass. This gadget doesn't attach to the car seat, so no need to fret about kiddos unbuckling themselves while you're driving. UnbuckleMe is a small business! Promising review:"Love that my kindergartner can unbuckle himself. It makes morning school drop-off SO MUCH EASIER! And he likes the independence of being able to do it himself!" — Lauren Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in seven colors). 6. A battery-operated stroller fan with a flexible handle so you can adjust it as needed to keep your mini-me at the perfect temperature while heading out on a springtime stroll. Honestly, buy two so you can *also* enjoy some sweet relief — you're the one pushing that stroller uphill, after all! Amazon Reviewers have also attached it to their little one's cribs and car seats for extra airflow. I personally used one on my stroller during my son's first summer (he was about three months old at the time) and bought a second one when my daughter was born. Now, both kids enjoy a nice lil' breeze when we walk in warmer weather. Promising review:"This little fan has changed my life! I bought this for Disney, and now I use it all the time. I had gotten this fan for the stroller and four little handheld fans. If I had the space, I would have bought four of these. It is lightweight, easily attached, has flexible legs, a powerful fan, and Bluetooth, too! I set it up as a phone stand for the kids while they waited for food, cooled everyone off all day, and charged it at the end of the day. We used it off and on daily, not continuously. Now I use it in my girls' room when it's stuffy and set a timer if needed. It has speed controls, too. It's a great product 100% recommend to every parent or anyone needing a portable fan." — Robert Get it from Amazon for $13.59 (available in six colors). 7. A dual cup holder that'll ensure you always have a spot for your emotional support coffee *and* your phone — attaches easily to strollers, bikes, wheelchairs, and scooters (one reviewer even attached it to their lawn mower!). It's so sturdy your drink won't go flying even if you absentmindedly roll over a HUGE bump in the sidewalk. One of my mom besties had this on her stroller and I immediately was like, "Welp, NEED." I ordered one and never looked back — it attaches tightly and can be adjusted to any angle. In a desperate attempt to keep both my baby and my toddler content, I spent the majority of my maternity leave on walks around my neighborhood — it was ESSENTIAL to have a solid spot to put my drink and also my phone (we needed music, of course). This one was so great I've already ordered a second one for our other stroller. Promising review: " I ordered this with low hopes because I feel like stroller cup holders are always so flimsy. I'm extremely impressed with the quality of this cup holder! You can attach it to any bar, no matter the direction it goes, as it is adjustable. It was easy to attach. It holds my large 42-oz cup with no problem. I do have to remove my wallet from my phone to put in the phone compartment. I'll be ordering another for our leisure stroller!" — Jeanette Rojas Get it from Amazon for $9.98 (available in 26 colors). 8. A 3-in-1 Frida Baby Infrared thermometer with a built-in sensor that'll make taking your tyke's temperature a breeze. You can also remove the tip and use it as an inner-ear thermometer and use it to take your own as well! Perfect for any parents who err on the side of caution and find themselves checking their kiddo's temp anytime they look a bit flushed (ahem, me). My son is prone to getting *very* high fevers, so I've always needed to have a reliable thermometer on hand. I truly love the Frida Baby one (and, honestly, everything the brand makes), as it can be used in more than one way. I like having the option to take his temperature on his forehead and in his ear, then compare the two to feel like I have a pretty accurate reading. It lights up green if the temperature is good and red if it's a bit too high (or low!). It's so easy to use. My 2.5-year-old has learned how to use it on his own (he likes to check his stuffed animals for fevers, haha). I've literally never had to change the batteries, and I've had it for over a year! Promising review:"So easy to use!! Popped it straight out of the box and was able to use without instructions. In fact even my 3-year-old was able to use it on her own without my help. Definitely a must-have!" — Nichelle Get it from Amazon for $39.99. 9. Plus, 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. My poor kids visited the pediatrician basically weekly the past winter thanks to a variety of illnesses (you name it; we probably had it). I tried quite a few products to help get them feeling a bit better when they were feverish, snotty, coughing, etc, and these vapor bombs did the trick. I would toss one into a pre-bedtime bath and let the soothing scent open up my kids' nostrils/soothe their achy little bodies. My toddler wasn't a fan until I let him pop them into this " magic brush" and encouraged him to "paint" with the fizzy bubbles. Whatever works, amiright?! Promising review:"Will forever be keeping these on hand! My daughter loves her 'bath fizzy' and requests them now. Bought them originally when she was sick with RSV to help open her up before bed, but they have become essential around here. She definitely seems to sleep better when we use them during bath/before bed! The smell is great and not overwhelming." — B Reese Get a pack of 10 from Amazon for $19.99. 10. A BabyBjörn Harmony Carrier, so you can do all kinds of things hands-free, like take your baby on a Target shopping trip, do chores around the house, make a salad, brush your hair, whatever! They'll likely get a nice, snuggly nap in while you get stuff done. It'll be a win for everyone! Since the birth of my son in 2022, I have been on the hunt for a baby carrier I love. It took me two years to find one that finally fit the bill! This one from BabyBjörn is pricey but has all the features I was looking for in a carrier. Many of the other brands I tried were SO difficult to figure out — how should the straps go? How do I get the baby in? How do I get the baby OUT?! The Harmony simplified all of those concerns with its easy-to-use clasp system. I could buckle my daughter in on my own, allowing me to go on more outings alone with her and my toddler. My neighbors definitely all had a glimpse of me wearing my daughter while pushing my son on his trike at the same time. (I am EXHAUSTED, to say the least.) Additionally, the material is very lightweight, whereas other brands I've tried left me and my tot feeling hot and sweaty. I used this one throughout the entire summer, and while I was, of course, warmer from having a baby strapped to me, I wasn't overtly dying of heat. It was also designed with padded shoulder straps and a pressure-relieving waist belt, which was MUCH appreciated. When your tyke inevitably spits up all over it, you can just toss it in the wash! Truly love this product. Get it from Amazon for $239.99 (available in nine styles). 11. Tubby Todd All Over Ointment — aka parents' saving grace for any skincare issues their tyke throws their way. It's formulated with plant-based materials like Jojoba Esters and Camellia Leaf Extract that naturally moisturize skin but *without* any heavy fragrances. It's a thick, reliable cream that soaks in quickly and works wonders on everyone and everything. Tubby Todd I have yet to come into contact with a parent who doesn't rave about the Tubby Todd brand — and for good reason. I've been using their bath products since my son was born (shampoo, conditioner, bubble bath) but only recently gave their All Over Ointment a try with my daughter. I don't know why I waited so long. It's INCREDIBLE. She has more sensitive skin than my son did as a baby, and a little of this has gone a long way in keeping her skin moisturized. Most recently, I used it on my son's cheeks after he had been rubbing them against his sleeve nonstop, causing bright red irritations. I applied it before bedtime, and by the morning, he was as good as new — no redness left at all! Tubby Todd products are great for sensitive skin, are designed for all ages, and have been clinically Dermatologist and Pediatrician tested. Additionally, Tubby Todd is a family-owned small business. Promising review:"Saved my baby's skin from eczema, red spots, and dryness. Consistently put this on after baths and throughout the day and her skin issues cleared up within a week. My daughter is almost four now, and we still use it to moisturize dry patches and itchy skin. My husband and I also like to use it when our skin gets dry during winter months. It's magic." — Kat C. Get it from Tubby Todd for $22+ (available in 3.5oz or 8oz) or a two-pack from Amazon for $58. 12. 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. My son has these bibs in a variety of styles: Super Mario Bros, The Legend of Zelda, and Mickey Mouse. They're super cute and make for silly photos, but best of all, they can be easily rinsed off or thrown into the washing machine. I've put the bibs in with his regular laundry and then dried them on cool — they come out nice 'n' clean. I've loved them so much it was a no-brainer to get my daughter her own Disney Princess set! We also have a Bumkins Nintendo-themed splat mat I simply could not live without, as it catches all the food debris my son tosses over the edge of his highchair. Promising review:"This is easy to put on and easy to clean. We just rinse, wipe and dry. I can see our son may be able to take it off one day, but that's part of the process. I like how light it is compared to the silicone bibs we have." — hmfan24 Get a pack of two from Amazon for $13.95+ (available in 22 styles and sets). 13. A portable MyBaby white noise sound machine you can attach directly to your baby's car seat or stroller in hopes they'll *fingers crossed* get an excellent nap in while walking around your neighborhood. Promising review:"Our newborn photographer had one at my son's newborn shoot, and it calmed him down, so we bought one and started using it. He's now 19 months, and we use it for every nap and every night at bedtime. There are several sounds on it, including a lullaby, a heartbeat, white noise, and, I believe, the ocean. We only use the lullaby on it because it works for my son. The great thing about it is that it has a setting where you can choose to have it on continuously (basically until you turn it off or the batteries die), or you can click a button to change it so that it goes off after 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or 45 minutes. So, if your LO only requires the sound to actually fall asleep, you don't have to try to sneak into their room to turn off the sound. And you also don't have to try to sneak into the room to turn it back on. I simply love this thing and can't say enough good things about it. I have recommended it to friends as well. And for the price, you can't beat it!" — NurseBS88 Get it from Amazon for $15.99. 14. A shopping cart cover to create a barrier between your kiddo and all of the unseen germs lurking around — certainly can't hurt and will also prevent them from, literally, sucking on the cart itself (babies are wild). I used this cover with both of my kids (pictured above) and am *very* glad that I did. As you can see from my son's first time in a shopping cart at Target (left), all he immediately wanted to do was chew on it — which is disgusting and germy! The cover protected him from sucking on unknown It was an excellent item to stow away for baby number two, and as you can see (right) we're making use of it! Promising review:"Love! I was in the market for a nice shopping cart cover. My newest baby definitely is one that puts everything possible into his mouth, so a shopping cart cover was a must this time around. It's easy to unfold and fold up. A little tricky to put on the first time, but I'm sure I'll get used to it. It seems to be fairly padded. Covers a standard Walmart cart thus far. I believe it will work for high chairs as well. I do wish it came with its own toys. I would definitely recommend for children who are comfortable sitting up on their own." — Alicia Get it from Amazon for $24.49+ (available in three styles). 15. Miss Mouth's Messy Eater Stain Treater Spray you'll be very glad you bought after you let your kiddo eat spaghetti in public for the first time — trust me. Promising review:"My 1-year-old has taco meat stains ALL over the sleeves of his shirt. The stains were 2–3 days old, too. I sprayed the shirt, let it sit for about 15 minutes, and then washed the shirt with regular laundry soap. Almost every bit of the stains came out. Definitely buying bulk in this product!" — Sloan Avery Get it from Amazon for $7.59+ (available in a variety of quantities) 16. 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. The Baby Shusher is safe to use in a crib, has adjustable volume, and it can be set to make noise for 15- or 30-minute intervals. Additionally, it comes from a small business. Promising review:" I was so tired of 'shushing.' Literally, I shushed so hard and for so long, it made me light-headed. My baby has serious FOMO and fights naps like the plague. This helps so much! Even during the worst fits, this helps calm her, and she's out in minutes. Great for the car too!" — Jami Get it from Amazon for $34.99. 17. 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. Sophie the Giraffe has become a valued member of our family. I ran out to buy it when my son started teething (badly) as he simply refused every other type of teether we already had (of course). I was skeptical as to why a toy giraffe would cost nearly $30, but I soon learned it clearly had magical powers. Sophie has apparently been around for over 55 years (who knew!) and is made entirely of natural rubber. She has various chewable parts (ears, horns, and legs) that Noah was able to grasp onto himself way easier than any other teether. She's becoming my go-to baby shower gift, and, of course, I re-purchased her for my daughter who now has teeth coming through. PSA: Do not wash Sophie with water or if you do, do not get water into the squeaker hole! I've seen a number of TikTok videos noting that if you do this the inside can potentially get moldy. Promising review:"I was super hesitant to spend $25 on a teething toy. It's honestly just a regular squeaky toy, but the other reviews were spot on, and my child absolutely LOVES his Sophie. Something about that rubbery smiley giraffe is just so darn appealing to babies. She is without a doubt one of his very favorite toys, especially once he started teething." — Courtnee Thompson Get it from Amazon for $27.49 (available in six styles). 18. 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! I have both a Hatch Rest and a Hatch Restore, and they've both been essential to my kids' nighttime routines. We keep a Hatch Rest in our bedroom and my daughter's room and the Hatch Restore in my son's room. I love that I can control both the lighting and sound of the devices on my phone with Hatch's easy-to-use app. My husband typically gives the baby a bottle before bedtime in her room; while he's doing that, I turn on the 'rain sounds' that we've been using as white noise for our little ones. However, the most helpful feature on both devices is the ability to adjust light brightness. We're still getting up for middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes, so it's been invaluable to be able to raise the light a bit when doing so but then be able to quickly lower it once the baby has settled back into sleep. It's also not a harsh light and has a bunch of different color options, so it's been easy enough to find a brightness that suits our needs. My toddler uses it as a night-light (which is also helpful on the few times he needs us during the night). Get it from Amazon for $169+ (available in three colors). 19. 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. Amazon My best friend and I both have this mattress for our kids and have literally laid face down on top of it to see if it truly is breathable — good news, it is! I've recommended this mattress to quite literally every parent I know. Promising review:"I know this mattress is a bit pricey, but it was totally worth the money!! I was ridden with anxiety when my 5-month-old started rolling on his tummy at night. This mattress is 100% breathable! One night I woke up to find baby rolled over and had his arm below but it still made a difference, he could breathe through the mattress!" — Paulina Rivera Get it from Amazon for $199.99. 20. 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. Check it out on TikTok! I have this toy and even have a backup of it for my parents' house — it's that good. As a baby, my son was a very energetic little guy, and he had been fond of this toy since he was about two months old! He loved aggressively kicking the piano (of course), pulling at the toys on the bar, and (once he learned how) would often flip onto his stomach and hit the keys of the piano with his hands. Once he became mobile, we detached the piano, and he played with it separately. Since my daughter was born we've started the process all over again and now she's enjoying it as well! The attached mat can also easily be tossed into the washing machine and the dryer, which is essential for kiddos who spit up on everyyyyything. Overall, this toy gets a 10/10 from me, even if the songs do get a bit annoying (just part of the territory these days!). Get it from Amazon for $39.88+ (available in three colors). And if/when you fall in love with the super catchy song, you can also check out the singing stroller toy and musical storybook to keep the fun going. 21. 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). The number one item I simply could not live without is the Baby Brezza Formula Pro Advanced. Literally I would happily spend my last penny on this product because it has made that much of a difference in my life over the last few years. It's essentially a Keurig for baby bottles. It has the capability of mixing formula with the proper amount of water and dispensing it at the *perfect* temperature for baby. It has a button on it so I can easily choose how many ounces I want for a bottle, depending on how recently the baby has eaten sometimes we need only need 2 oz instead of 4 oz, etc. The bottle settings will stay in place so while my baby is screaming (she gets hangry!) I just have to place a bottle under the dispenser and hit the 'start' button. It's so easy I can literally do it with one hand while holding her. The spout has to be cleaned every four bottles, which I just do with hot water and a paper towel, and the water needs to be refilled once a day (like a Keurig). Other than that, all I have to do is ensure the formula container is filled. My husband set it up like a baby bar cart in the nursery so we don't have to stumble down our stairs to the kitchen while bleary-eyed and half asleep in the middle of the night. It really is a godsend and I don't know what I'd do without it! Get it from Amazon for $192. 22. 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. When I had my first child I used the Baby Brezza Bottle Sterilizer and Dryer, which is absolutely fantastic, but still had to hand wash and scrub the bottles before popping them into the machine. This new FANTASTIC model takes that completely out of the equation. I got it before having my daughter and it has truly changed my life — not an exaggeration. I haven't used a bottle brush ONCE and she's almost 8 months old! It has six different cleaning modes, but I always use the 88-minute one that does all three features. The only somewhat downside is you'll need to purchase detergent tablets, but I promise you it's worth it. Here's what you'll need to do: fill the front partition of the machine with your bottles/nipples (or pump parts, whatever) and drop the detergent tablet into the bottom. Next, empty any water from previous cycles from the water basin and replace it back in the machine. Finally, fill the top container with clean (I used filtered) water up to the max line mark, then pop that back in as well. Choose which cycle you want to run and, BOOM, you're done! The whole water dumping/refilling process probably takes about...... five minutes? It is a bit bulky, so rather than keep ours in the kitchen we leave on top of our washing machine. It's also worth noting it holds four bottles at once, so we typically need to run it twice a day. TL;DR: It's a miracle machine. Get it from Amazon for $299.99. 23. 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. I switched to the Nanit monitoring system when my daughter was born in 2024 because the app has an incredible split-screen option that lets me watch both kiddos at once — it's been a game changer. It's super easy to set up, and once you've done so, there's nothing more to do but the occasional software update. The app itself is simple: it shows you a view of your kiddo's crib, notes how long they've been asleep, if they're crying, or if they're standing. The audio and picture is so clear (including the night mode) and the camera itself is unobtrusive to my kids' rooms' decor. I also love that even if I'm out (rarely) I can check in on my sleeping babies for some peace of mind. Promising review:"This baby monitor is an absolute parenting game-changer — a solid 10/10 in every possible way! The seamless synchronization with your phone, even when you're away from home, is revolutionary. The real-time alerts for sound and motion keep you informed about every move your little one makes. The standout feature is the ability to meticulously track your baby's sleep patterns, capturing every waking moment, putting down, and sweet falling asleep. Revisiting memories of your baby sleeping is an emotional treasure, and the expert advice on optimizing sleep for your child is a priceless addition. If you seek a baby monitor that seamlessly integrates advanced technology with practical parenting insights, look no further. This monitor has elevated my parenting journey, offering unparalleled peace of mind and heartwarming memories. A resounding 10/10!" — Savannah Wooden Get it from Amazon for $218.99. 24. 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! I use this little tool to remove boogers from my kids' noses (which they absolutely hate). It's not an easy task because babies are VERY squirmy, but the Oogiebear definitely helps make the process go a bit more seamlessly. Absolutely recommend. Promising review:"I mean does my child love it? No. But does it take less than a second to use and get the boogers I'd expect Shrek to possess and not my 3-month-old baby? Yes it does! He's happy as soon as it leaves his nostrils, which again only takes a second. And it's easy to clean!" — Kaitlyn Spires Get it from Amazon for $9.98. 25. A modern high chair from Stokke that'll transform into a perfectly-sized mini chair as your child grows. They'll be able to use it right up against your kitchen table to dine alongside the family and it'll look great alongside your other furniture. This high chair can really do it all. It holds up to 300 pounds (!!!) and it has an adjustable seat and footplate positions for the utmost comfort. Additionally, when your tyke outgrows the need for a highchair, you can remove the pieces to turn it into an actual chair for their playroom! We've tried a few high chairs out (as is a perk of my job, obviously) and this one is my crowned winner. My son (and now my daughter) fit the mostly comfortably in it, it's the easiest to clean (BY FAR!) and the legs don't stick out very far (so no one is tripping over them). I love that it comes in an array of stylish colors (we have walnut to match our wood floors and furniture) and that it can be used into toddlerhood. He's 2.5-years-old now (wahhh) and has recently decided to use it in its "chair" form without a tray/straps. Not only does he eat all of his meals in it, but he also happily sits in it to do fun crafts. There was no question that we needed another one for my second baby — this time around we also used the newborn converter seat so she was able to sit at the table with us. It's definitely one of the items I recommend everyone to put on their registry! Promising review: "I have tried several other high chairs and they are so difficult to clean and bulky. I wish I would have started with this one! You can pull it right up to the table, it's not bulky at all, and it's so incredibly easy to clean. Don't let the price scare you... Spend the money... Out of everything baby/toddler related, a high chair is the thing you use the most on a daily basis and for the longest amount of time so making sure you love it is crucial!" — Kelli Novak Get it from Amazon for $219 (available in 17 colors). 26. 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, considered yourself warned they can potentially turn this adorable hose on you at any given moment. 😅 See it in action on TikTok! This gadget is both a blessing and a curse. On the very positive side, my son loves it! He uses it to fill up cups, "clean" his toys, and tickle his own feet (adorable). I've used it to thoroughly wash both of my kids' hair and rinse soap suds off of them in bubble baths. However, I gotta warn any fellow parents that there is a VERY high chance you are going to get sprayed by your child at SOME point once they enter the toddler years. If you don't mind getting a little wet on occasion, this toy is a 10/10. Promising review:"A baby registry must-have! I saw this item on TikTok and knew I had to have it! It's great for all ages! My 3-month-old loves it, and so does my 5-year-old! All you need are batteries and then you're good to go!" — brittany Get it from Amazon for $24.95+ (available in five colors). 27. Velvet hangers in a perfectly tiny size that'll help you hang your little one's finer clothing items nicely — the velvet creates a non-slip grip to keep micro-fashions organized and in place. Amazon, I have these in both of my kids' closets and have zero complaints! I, admittedly, tend to go overboard when it comes to stocking their closets with cool/fashionable 'fits so it's been nice to have a reliable hanger to place them on when I don't want items to get wrinkled in a dresser drawer. It's a nice bonus they come in many fun colors (I have pink ones in my daughter's room just for a touch of fun). Promising review:"I bought these blue hangers for my newborn baby boy. Amazing quality and a great size for newborn clothing. His closet looks amazing with these hangers." — Elizabeth Geris Get a set of 50 from Amazon for $23.49 (available in 10 colors). 28. Double-zip pajamas to keep baby's little tootsies covered throughout the night *and* a must if you're getting up in the middle of the night for diaper changes (go double-zip or go home, pals). Carters My kids both basically only slept in Carter's double-zip pajamas for the first 12 months of their lives. The sizing is spot-on (which cannot be said for all baby clothing brands), and they wash really well (there is not much shrinking at all). The double-zip is ESSENTIAL, so I didn't have to take their pajamas all the way off when quickly changing diapers during the night. I also simply love how adorable they are! The cotton and fleece options have fun designs (including holiday themes) and often have cute little creatures on the feet, making me squeal with delight every time I dress them in them. I've tried a lot of different pajamas, and these have simply become a staple in their closets. Get them from Carter's for $14 (available in sizes NB–9M and 17 styles) and check out all of their double-zip styles. 29. A Skip Hop Baby Activity Center that'll grow with your baby, making it worth the money *and* the space it takes up in your home. It features a rotating seat (with a cover that is, thankfully, machine washable), an array of toys around the edge, and can be transformed into a play table. Heather Braga / BuzzFeed This is one of the few things my daughter actually enjoyed hanging out in (she's very difficult to please). She's teeny tiny, so we had to plop a pillow underneath her feet so she could spin on her own. She LOVED the pop-up owl toy, and I typically put other little toys around it (which she promptly threw across the room). It kept her occupied for a bit so my husband and I could try to wrangle our toddler / eat a meal as fast as possible. My son also loved using this as a tot and enjoyed it as a play table when he outgrew it! She's more mobile now, so we're going to swap it back to a table shortly (whenever I get a spare moment...). Promising review:"It was a great purchase because I could tell he was getting bored in the bouncer, but I also wanted him to be more physically and mentally stimulated. All I can say is that he thoroughly enjoys it. It was easy to assemble, and it's sturdy." — Will Get it from Amazon for $141.99. 30. A 10-pack of muslin burp cloths, a must-have for anyone with an infant who is spitting up constantly or a toddler who is forever suffering from a runny nose. These are no doubt a key item for any parent with a kiddo under the age of two — you might as well go ahead and order two sets. I think I own a minimum of 20 burp cloths, not kidding. They wash super well, are soft to the touch, and are very absorptive. I use them to clean spitup, snotty noses, spilled bottles, etc. Promising review:"These burp cloths are so soft and super absorbent. Muslin doesn't seem like a thick material, but it can absorb a lot of liquid. They have survived a few spit ups and come out of the wash just as good as new. I was told you can never have too many burp cloths and I agree! These are definitely worth your money." — Marie O. Get a pack of 10 from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in 16 styles). 31. A BabyBjörn bouncer, so your eager-to-sit little one can comfortably survey the room, indulge in a little Ms. Rachel or dancing fruit (IYKYK), or bounce to their heart's content (honestly, whatever works). Heather Braga / BuzzFeed The BabyBjörn bouncer was an item I bought for myself when my son (pictured left) was DYING to be able to sit up but wasn't there just quite yet. We'd plop him into this bouncer and he'd be THRILLED to sit for a bit and watch my husband make his morning espresso (haha) or happily watch Encanto for the trillionth time (don't judge my parenting screentime). Honestly, he was just so happy to be upright! My daughter loved it as well! We attached toys to hers to play with in an attempt to keep her busy long enough for us to shove dinner down our throats. She was a bit wilder than my son and LOVED to aggressively bounce in it. It easily folds down, so throwing it in the car and bringing it to someone else's house is a breeze. Both of my kids loved this thing, and I'd definitely recommend it to any parent to have on hand. Promising review:"From the moment I put him in the chair, he was calm and happy. It's very well made, easy to move from room to room, and the cover is machine washable. The design is simple and brilliant. The straps can be put on with only one hand. Super easy to get him in and out. He is four months old now and starting to figure out that he can make it bounce. The cover is solid canvas and soft. The seams are very strong. It makes zero sound while he bounces. I now have a moment here and there to do things around the house while my little man plays in a safe, comfy little seat. Highly recommend!" — Zuya Get it from Amazon for $209.99 (available in 12 styles). 32. A Bugaboo Butterfly stroller designed for traveling families — it's sleek, suuuuper compact, and has a spacious storage compartment despite its smaller size. Other parents will look on with envy when they see you open/close this bad boy one-handedly — a miracle in its own right. Heather Braga / BuzzFeed I own this Bugaboo stroller and it's definitely worth the splurge. Honestly, the brand just continues to impress me and makes my life as a new mom easier and easier. It's super lightweight (16 pounds total) and actually does pop up/close without hassle. You truly only press two buttons, and it unfolds like magic. My husband and I couldn't believe how simple it was to put together and how compact it was when closed. I'd also say the Butterfly is a great stroller option for anyone living in a city or with a smaller living space. It has a strap so you can literally throw it over your shoulder and carry it — perfect whether you're traveling or just bringing it back and forth from your car. I've taken my son to visit my parents in North Carolina many times, and it fits in an overhead compartment without a problem. The wheels handle bumps and debris with ease. We've been using it anytime we're on the go or running quick errands instead of our bigger stroller option. Overall, I've found it a great stroller option and recommend it to any soon-to-be/new parent who will listen. Get it blue from Amazon for $479 (also available in green, taupe, and black). 33. A game-changing diaper rash spray that'll make diaper changes a lot more simple — and you won't have to get any gunky paste under your nails. Amazon Boogie is a small business — I was first introduced to them through their Boogie Wipes product (another must-have) which you can also grab on Amazon for $11.47. Promising review:"I won't buy anything else again. I love the fact that I don't have to get my hands dirty with cream and can just spray it on my baby. It's AMAZING for every diaper change use and keeps the rashes gone." — Brittanie Jenkins Get it from Amazon for $9.97. 34. A glider/recliner you will likely spend more time sleeping in than your actual bed (unless you have an angel baby, and in that case, I am extremely envious). This one has all the bells and whistles you could possibly think of — adjustable headrests and armrests (support for you *and* baby), smooth power reclining, rocking and swiveling abilities, storage pockets, and a USB-charging point that'll save your day (night) when you're nap trapped with a dying phone. Amazon My sister is due with her first little one this summer, and one of my most significant pieces of advice was to find the PERFECT nursery chair. I made the mistake of not having one with my son and had many uncomfortable nights toughing it out in a regular old chair. We chose this one because of its reasonable price tag, built-in features, and water-resistant fabric. Not to mention, it's easy on the eyes! It's modern enough that once she no longer needs it in her baby's room, she can repurpose it in another spot in her home. Promising review:"Was easy to assemble, reclines, will adjust to body shape. Definitely able to sit in the chair with two babies in arms and still have enough room to be comfortable." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $639.99+ (available in seven styles). 35. And a mason jar cold brew maker, because if your kids are anything like mine, you aren't going to have a solid night of sleep in a long (loooong) time. Reviewers absolutely love this version and also use it to brew their favorite iced teas. Cheers! County Line Kitchen is a small business specializing in mason jar–style cold brew makers, pitchers, and accessories. Promising review: "This has been a hit in my house. Makes the most delicious cold brew and is of great quality. Has saved a ton of money on going out and on pods I used to buy. I try to let it sit for 48 hours so I can dilute it with a little water to get it to last longer, and throw it in my dishwasher in between uses. Perfect!" — Jo Get it from Amazon for $28.99+ (available in two sizes and colors). Some reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
