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Buzz Feed
21-05-2025
- General
- Buzz Feed
42 Essential Baby Products For Your Home
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 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.
New York Times
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Is There a New Baby in Your Life? We Have the Perfect Presents
Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter This beloved teether has been around since the 1960s. It's made from soft-yet-strong rubber, so you don't have to worry about a baby puncturing it when they get their first few teeth. In the early 2000s, Sophie the Giraffe was like the Murakami Louis Vuitton collection — a Parisian must-have among celebrities. Halle Berry, Kate Hudson, and Elton John (and their babies) were all spotted with the smiling, speckled rubber mammal. The animal's natural features — long limbs and a neck that can reach a baby's itchy gums — create the perfect teether. My son was given Sophie by a family friend, and he gnawed on it as soon as he began teething. It later became a casual figurine that he shared with his sister, long after all of his teeth had come in. Brooklyn White/NYT Wirecutter These round, sturdy shades come in a variety of colors and offer reliable UV protection. The included cloth carrying case can also be used to clean the lenses. Sometimes Mr. Golden Sun can be a little on the harsh side. Thankfully, shades like the Babiators Classic Tortoise Keyhole can make kids feel super-cool while also protecting them from the sun's intense rays. Younger kids are likely to snatch off shades, so it may take time for little ones to get used to wearing them. But a baby who loves seeing themselves on a camera or in the mirror (like mine does) may revel in how stylish they look and agree to keep them on. Babiators are a longtime pick in our guide to kids' beachwear, and they have a winning one-year warranty that covers loss as well as damage. Folkmanis This soft puppet looks just like the real thing. Your fingers control the mouth and hands, so it is even more believable for little ones. If the baby in your life is anything like mine, they'll be absolutely giddy over a soft plushie that can 'speak' and clap, and that they can snuggle up with. (You'll get to sharpen your ventriloquism skills, too.) Puppets like the Folkmanis Dutch Rabbit puppet can provide some enriching, imaginative playtime for a baby. And this is a toy that's likely to stay in rotation for many years to come: Older children may be interested in putting on a puppet show of their own. This company has hundreds of hand puppets, all of them thoughtfully made and incredibly durable. Brooklyn White/NYT Wirecutter This piano comes with pre-set songs, a recording feature, and stickers with the names of the keys. It also has a volume dial so an adult can control just how loud the music time gets. My daughter is learning to walk, but in the meantime, she's crawling all over the FAO Schwarz Giant Dance-On Piano Mat, and laughing and clapping at the notes. The keys respond to a gentle amount of pressure, so she doesn't have to work too hard to get the mat to produce sound. I'll admit it — I've been playing 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' on this mat, too. Babies have a ball with interactive toys, and this piano is one that can teach cause and effect, as well as introduce them to music (it plays five songs, including 'Chopsticks,' 'Beethoven's 5th Symphony,' and 'Für Elise'). Studio Roof This mobile is part adult arts-and-crafts project, part decoration for a child's room. It takes about 45 minutes to construct the recyclable Studio Roof Butterfly Dance Mobile. And it doesn't involve any tape or glue — just cardboard that fits tightly together and string. You'll also need a small metal hook, to screw the mobile into the ceiling over a child's crib or play area. The result is a dangling set of colorful creatures that gently sway in the breeze. And when a child has outgrown the mobile, it can be recycled or used as compost, since it's colored with vegetable ink. Sweet dreams are practically guaranteed. Brooklyn White/NYT Wirecutter This cotton towel has floppy bunny ears on its hood. It's gentle on a baby's skin and can be personalized with a child's name. $49 from Pottery Barn Kids Nothing says 'I got this with you in mind ' like a present with a baby's name on it. When my mother got to bathe my daughter for the first time, she thought the Pottery Barn Kids Bunny Critter Baby Hooded Towel was the most darling thing, and it was part of an incredible bonding experience that neither of us will forget. You can personalize the towel, for an additional $16 (regardless of the length of the child's name). Since the towel is only 31 by 23 inches, my baby will only be able to use it until a few months after her first birthday, but it's a sweet keepsake that I know she'll cherish. There are also other animals to choose from, such as a crocodile, a puppy, and an elephant. Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter These wooden cubes make the most of each side, with debossed illustrations of animals, Chinese characters, and the English translation. The earlier children are exposed to a second language, the easier it is for them to pick it up. These Uncle Goose Chinese Blocks are printed with simplified Chinese characters for animals and numbers, so a baby can get exposure to new words in two languages as soon as they begin babbling. The blocks include some basic characters, like those for dog and cat , but we found some others were a bit less accessible for little ones just learning words (like emu and hedgehog ). And if a baby is teething, they may also try to gnaw on the blocks, but they won't splinter. Uncle Goose also makes versions in Hebrew and Japanese. Gund This peek-a-boo honeypot contains three tiny friends from the Hundred Acre Wood. Winnie-the-Pooh books are classic tales of friendship and adventure, and many kids love them from babyhood up through grade school and beyond. Gund makes a cuddly 12.5-inch Pooh, Eeyore, and Tigger. But for infants, we love the more-unusual Winnie the Pooh Plush Playset. The 8-inch cloth honeypot opens up to reveal three little noise-making stuffies: a rattling Pooh, a crinkling Piglet, and a squeaking Tigger — all perfectly sized for a baby's grip. We recommend pairing this set with The Complete Tales of Winnie-the-Pooh , an unabridged and beautifully illustrated version of A.A. Milne's classic stories. Petit Collage This wooden elephant toy is great for introducing kids to a variety of musical instruments. My youngest daughter is a pro at transforming anything into an instrument. She taps on boxes, clangs toy cars together, and even shakes her bottles and cups to hear the liquid slosh. As much as she likes to have impromptu jam sessions, I knew she'd have a blast with the Petit Collage Wooden 5-in-1 Elephant Music Toy. Using the small stick, she can play the drum and cymbal, tap at the xylophone, and run along the three distinct-sounding güiros. The elephant's ears also produce a nice clack. Kids can find the music in anything, and I find joy in helping them along. Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter With five colored rings and a rocking base, this multifaceted toy is both educational and fun as children learn to hold and shake things. The engaging Fisher-Price Rock-a-Stack Ring is exciting for a baby, even if they aren't quite sure how to stack the rings in the proper order. (Some guidance and a little trial and error will do the trick.) The red top ring doubles as a rattle, adding another element of play. The rings also have purpose beyond the first year: They can be used to teach colors, the shape of a circle, and size differences. I use the rings as bath toys, too, since they're so lightweight that they float. Kiddobloom This three-piece set comes plain or with kid-friendly characters. As babies start to eat solid food, you can make mealtime more enticing by giving them special tableware. The Kiddobloom Stainless Steel set includes a plate with three compartments, a 13-ounce bowl with handles (easy to pick up to drink cereal or soup), and a 6-ounce cup. (We recommend the plate in our guide to the best plastic-free feeding tools for babies and kids.) Missing the pop culture characters often found on plastic options? Opt for a set etched with pictures of a fire truck, princess, or frog. The pieces are made from 18/8 stainless steel, so they should last until long after a child has moved on to adult dinnerware. Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter Getting kids to drink from a cup without a lid takes time and practice. But the festive Baby's First Mini Sipper Training Cup, from Nuby, does a good job of helping ease the process. Another pick in our guide to the best feeding tools, this cup has grippy silicone walls that are simple to grasp, and the weighted base helps reduce spills. At just 2 ounces, the cup fits a tiny amount of liquid, so you may have to refill it frequently. If a child does manage to tip it over, though, there's less to clean up. PlanToys Babies will enjoy the multicolored toy alligator that plays follow the leader. Once a baby learns to walk, the next step is zooming a little faster, many times with something in hand. Plan Toys' cheery Rainbow Alligator gives a little one something to hold onto, and it provides added fun of being 'chased' around. Babies who are not yet walking can push this little gator, as they would a toy train or a truck. With its vibrant colors and gentle clacking sounds, this toy pleases the senses and results in endless fun. Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter These soft, snap-on booties keep a baby's feet warm — and they stay on. One of the great puzzles of early parenthood is figuring out how to keep a baby's socks on. If an infant isn't pulling socks off with their hands, then they're flinging them off with their vigorous kicking. (Who knew those little legs were strong enough to send socks flying?) But the Zutano Cozie Fleece Gripper Baby Bootie stays put, since each one has a snap securing a band that goes around the baby's ankle. These fleece booties are thicker than socks — they won't fit under shoes — and they're best for babies in the pre-walking stage or for little ones to wear indoors like slippers. While the 3- and 6-month sizes have soft soles, in larger sizes (they go up to 24 months) the booties have nonslip gripper soles. The fleece version comes in about 10 colors and some two-toned options; they are also available in organic cotton and faux fur versions. Rachel Hurn/NYT Wirecutter Little ones can bounce around with glee while staying securely in place. This jumper can generally work for tots from about 5 months old, since neck control is required. Wirecutter has longstanding guides to baby swings, bouncers, and rockers that you set on the floor. But for eliciting joy in babies, it's hard to beat a hanging seat on a massive spring. We've long recommended the Graco Doorway Bumper Jumper as an alternative choice in our bouncers guide. And several Wirecutter babies have had a ball bouncing themselves to giggle land in the suspended seat. Of course, you do need to ensure your doorway provides a safe and secure fit for the jumper's clamp. Once you do that, the fun begins. Doug Mahoney/NYT Wirecutter This high-quality, easy-gliding sled will last through multiple kids (or even generations). wooden Kids' Pull Sled and Cushion Set is our sled pick for the littlest snow lovers. It's expensive, but writer Doug Mahoney's four kids have used it over about 10 years — and it's still in great shape. Under the wooden runners there are metal bars, which add durability, and the side rails prevent tots from tipping out. Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter Of all the infant sleepers we considered for our guide to the best pajamas for kids, Kyte Baby's Ribbed Zipper Footie PJs stood out. The soft ribbed fabric is derived from bamboo, and it feels notably plush and supple. That stretchiness makes this sleeper easy to put on and take off wiggly babies, and the two-way zipper simplifies middle-of-the-night diaper changes. It comes in about a dozen muted colors, as well as in the non-ribbed original version (this one isn't quite as plush, but is available in more fun prints). Brooklyn White/NYT Wirecutter This stuffed toy sparks curiosity and encourages interactive play. This sweet, soft stuffy comes with its own little wraparound bee blanket. The Douglas Baby Bee Hug is a trusted friend for a little one to cuddle up with before bedtime — and as a baby grows, they'll look forward to getting their friend all ready for a night's rest. Plus, as the child learns to make the 'B' and 'Z' sounds, they'll have fun naming the insect and mimicking its beloved buzzing noise. Connie Park/NYT Wirecutter These thoughtfully designed boxes are for kids from birth to age 4. They come with ample guidance and educational materials for parents. If you like the idea of giving a new baby a whole box of age-appropriate toys — or a toy subscription that keeps arriving as they grow — Lovevery's high-quality offerings are aesthetically appealing, in a minimalist sort of way. Each box comes with half a dozen or so Montessori-inspired toys, along with written instructions on age-appropriate play. These boxes are definitely a splurge (and they're far from necessary). However, the included toys, mostly crafted from wood, are well made and presented, and they're beloved by many new parents looking to make the most out of playtime. This article was edited by Amy Miller Kravetz and Kalee Thompson.
