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For a short time, these will be some of the most important, helpful, and must-have daily-use items in your and your little one's lives.

Promising review: "I say this is a baby essential, but it’s really an all-age essential. You can use it to treat and prevent diaper rash, use it for small scratches the way you would use Neosporin, or use it for dry or irritated skin. I also use it to groom my brows and set them in place, along with using it as a lip balm. I would definitely invest in the big tub!" —Chai

Usage: For as long as a child is still sleeping in their crib or until they get their first "big kid" bed.

Promising review: "I had tried to convince myself I didn't need this mattress and even purchased a different one when we set up the nursery since our baby would be in a bassinet in our room initially anyway. We ended up switching our baby to his crib around five months, and inevitably, every night he'd end up flipping over onto his belly and burying his face in the mattress. I found myself unable to sleep and instead just watched his vitals on the Owlet to make sure he was still able to breathe. After two nights, I took the plunge and ordered the Newton, and am so glad I did! You can absolutely breathe right through it with ease, so I feel so much better about having our little guy sleep on his stomach with his face buried in it. I haven't had to clean it yet, but I love the fact that the whole thing is easily washable because it's only a matter of time! He also is sleeping great on it — usually 10–12 hours! Definitely worth it, in my opinion, especially if you have a stomach sleeper!" —Dana

Get it from Amazon for $299.99 (available in three colors).

This was the third (maybe fourth) white noise machine I purchased for my baby/toddler's room, and it's still getting the job done after nearly a year. There's a lot of city traffic and a very busy intersection outside our apartment windows, and the Douni masks all of it (except for the occasional blaring ambulance siren). The wood grain is a nice change of pace from all the other white, black, metallic gadgets populating our home. Super powerful sound too!

Promising review: "I would recommend this to anyone who wants a sound machine for themselves or their kids. I may make it a baby shower gift in the future. The only bad part is that I may have to buy two more for myself and my new baby on the way. I’m glad I found one I love." —Deb W

Get it from Amazon for $30.87+ (available in two colors)

Promising review: "It's cute! It protects the baby from the faucet, even the lift thing for the shower, too! Love, love, love the fins that adjust and tighten! It keeps the cover from sliding around." —A

Usage: You'll use this every single day for baby/toddler until they're no longer drinking from bottles. That's at least one year and change, maybe even two. But keep it to sterilize other things too!

Bottle cleaning is the KP duty on your tour of babyhood (don't forget that you enlisted). A splash of water, a turn of the crank, and in around 30 minutes, all of those rancid-smelling baby bottles are sterile and dry. Our Papablic gets a workout multiple times a day, which is why this is a more economical and environmentally friendly option than constantly running the dishwasher (especially if the dishwasher is you and not an actual appliance). The first time I traveled without it, I realized how much easier (and better smelling) it made our lives. Cleans easily with a bit of vinegar mixed with water.

Promising review: "I use this almost exclusively on my 5-month-old and have since she was a newborn. I LOVE it. It’s so much easier than using clippers, and it does come with clippers if you ever need them. It’s so gentle that it doesn’t hurt them if you accidentally slip, but it does work to file the nails down! When she was a newborn, I used it when she fell asleep on me after feeding (much easier when she’s asleep), and now that she only sleeps in her crib, I use it while distracting her with Baby Einstein. I definitely recommend this product!" —Kathryn

Get it from Amazon for $9.49+ (available in six colors).

I'm here to tell you that the Diaper Genie has been a part of our babies' lives since their first diaper changes at home. It's not perfect, but it is close. Once that diaper is slam-dunked in there, I only have to change the bag about once a day. Yes, you will get hit with the smell when you open it, but just don't get too close. Otherwise, all odors are contained when the lid is closed. 

Promising review: "I have used these before and love that they keep everything clean and not smelly. I personally have put an additional air freshener on the inner lid to keep it extra fresh. This is also a really good gift for a new mom." —Rebekah 

Promising review: "I bought these for my Diaper Genie. I’m a first-time mom, and I was gifted a Diaper Genie, but I wanted a more affordable refill. Looking to save money anywhere I can. I came across these, and they’re great! They’re really sturdy and do not have a scent to them. At least, I can’t smell anything. This will always be my go-to refills." —Shirley 

Promising review: "If you are looking for a great baby shower gift, look no further. This kit has been a lifesaver when it comes to my newborn. As far as the product 'Windi' is concerned, I thought I would never use this. Now I think the fart straw is the handiest product on the market with my colicky, gassy baby. The head-scrubber gently exfoliates. The snot-sucker is way nicer than a bulb syringe. I have used every product in the kit, and my son is still only 6-weeks-old." —SP

Promising review: "Like many have already said, this is an expensive playmat! And, as others have also acknowledged, it is so worth it! I got this when my baby was only a couple of weeks old. She's our first, so I wanted to get a playmat that seemed like it would last from child to child but would also age with my baby. This fits that want perfectly!" — GraceO

Promising review: "These are essential for every newborn household. They can be used as burp cloths, changing pads, towels to wipe up spills, or cloth diapers. I use them every feed, every day. When I change my son, I use them to cover his 'business' to prevent unwanted spray. I use them underneath my kids when changing them to protect whatever surface I’m working on. When my kids get a nasty rash, I use them as cloth diapers to air them out to heal. They are the first thing I reach for when my kids' spit up. Plus, since they are white, you can bleach them out to give them a superior clean." —Rebecca

Usage: For daily (and more importantly, nightly) use for the first year and until your child is no longer drinking formula. 

The Baby Brezza has been one of my best investments for year one (and beyond) in Babyland. Late-night feeds no longer become about fumbling, spilling, mixing, warming, and minutes later delivering a so-so bottle to a crying child. No, in seconds, a measured and warm concoction is in hand and then in the baby's mouth. Just add water to the tank and formula to the dispenser, and serve bottles ranging between 2 and 10 ounces, warmed to three different temperatures. The time, effort, and stress this wonderful machine has saved me from is emotionally immeasurable and worth the price tag. It even forces you to clean it after every four uses because that formula gets gunky, and you get lazy. Beyond worth it! 

Promising review: "A little pricey but worth it! We love this and wish we would have purchased it so much sooner. Make sure to buy an extra filter, though, as it needs to be cleaned after three uses. If you're hesitant to purchase, don't be. Making bottles in the middle of the night a million times easier." —Amanda Jacobson

Promising review: "I am a first-time mom and did my research on great bottles for your infants that are similar to the nipple and prevent gas or colic. The Comotomo bottles are outstanding! My son took to it at 2 months without any issues. He is now 4 months old and can still go back and forth with ease from breastfeeding to the bottle. The bottles are easy to clean. The texture is great, making it easy for you and your baby to grip. The shape of the nipple on the bottle and how wide the area is don't allow my son to suck in a lot of air. This prevents a lot of painful gas." —Odette

Promising review: "This no-touch thermometer works perfectly for both adults and kids. It gives accurate readings in just one second, which is especially helpful when taking a child’s temperature. The fever alarm is a great feature and makes it easy to know when a temperature is higher than normal. I also love the 2-in-1 mode, which adds extra convenience. Simple, small and easy to use, clear display, easy cleaning and very reliable—great thermometer for the whole family." —C.

Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in six colors).

Promising Review: "All bottle brushes are NOT created equally. This one is better than the others. Go ahead and spend the extra because it's totally worth it. Here's why ... I spent the first couple of months using a less expensive brush. I figured it would be fine. But I noticed a white haze really starting to build up at the bottom of the bottle. (Breast milk is notorious for being hard to clean!) The bristles on a regular brush can't touch it (especially the corners), no matter how you work it. Sure, the sides of the bottle were getting clean, but not the bottom. I sucked it up and got this brush, and now because of the sponge on the end, I can get that pesky residue out of the whole bottle. Nice to know it's actually clean before giving it to my baby." —JessiM

Promising review: "I love, love, love this purchase! It is nice to just throw this in the undercarriage of your stroller, and that’s all I really need when going to the mall or a quick run into the store. I keep a couple of diapers in here and enough wipes for small trips. Fits in my backpack/purse, too, so I don’t have to lug around a giant diaper bag. Also super easy to clean/wipe because it has a plastic inlay! This is just a terrific all-in-one!" —MZ

Get it from Target for $21.49+ (originally $22.99; available in two colors).

Promising review: "Boogie Wipes are an absolute lifesaver, especially during cold and allergy season. They are incredibly gentle on sensitive skin and don’t cause irritation, even with frequent use. The chamomile and vitamin E leave the skin feeling soft and soothed, not dry or red like regular tissues. The fresh, clean scent is light and pleasant, and the wipes are perfectly moist—not too wet or sticky. They work great for babies and kids, but honestly, adults can use them too! Perfect for runny noses, messy faces, or quick cleanups on the go. If you have little ones, these wipes are a must-have. High quality, gentle, and effective—definitely a product I’ll keep buying. Highly recommended!" —KittyBlinky

Get it from Amazon for $5.47+ (available in three pack sizes).

Promising review: "This bath rinse cup has been a fantastic addition to our bath time routine. It has a removable rain shower insert, which makes rinsing my daughter’s hair and body gentle and tear-free, which is a huge relief for both of us. The handle is comfortable to hold, even with wet hands, and it is never too heavy, even when full. The cup’s versatility to switch between a steady stream and a soft shower is perfect, depending on which child we are bathing and what they prefer. It’s also super easy to clean. The price is super reasonable for how functional it is, and I would highly recommend it to any new parent!" —Henry

Promising review: "This is SUCH an awesome find. My kids never nap when we travel because seeing the light gives them FOMO. This stayed up all weekend without falling and blocked light better than my actual blackout curtains at home. Plus it folds small so you can throw it into your suitcase anywhere you go. My kids napped on our recent vacation thanks to this sucker." —M

Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in four colors and patterns).

A $250 camera? Yes indeed, and worth every penny! The Nanit is a big-time investment in everyone getting a good night's sleep. The camera mounts above the crib and streams live HD and night vision to iOS, Android, Kindle Fire, or Echo Show devices. That essentially means your phone becomes a monitor (via the app) that you're less apt to lose and won't forget to charge. The night vision allowed us to hang back whenever we heard a noise, so we could make better decisions about whether the baby "got this" or we needed to handle the situation. We get weekly reports on our baby's sleep patterns as well as updates and tips sent directly to the app. Not sure how we lived without this, would recommend to every parent.

Promising review: " I love this camera! The video quality is crystal clear, even at night, and the app is easy to navigate. The setup was simple, and I love the overhead crib view. The sleep tracking and breathing monitoring features give great peace of mind. Definitely feels like a worthwhile investment!" —Ola 

Get it from Amazon for $283.99+ (available in two styles). 

Promising reviews: "An essential for my baby. Every diaper change was an event full of crying and screaming until I bought this. Then it became a bonding time full of coos and smiles. I absolutely love this thing. It is super easy to set up and use, and you can buy the wipes in bulk, which likely saves you money as well. If your baby cries every time you change the diaper, I highly recommend this." —Jorge

"When this was given as a gift, I never thought we’d use it. But now I love it!! Diaper changes are so much easier when you’re not putting cold and wet onto baby’s tushy. Love it and will give it as a gift to new parents!" —Amy L Jimenez

Promising review: "I originally purchased the Blooming Bath but it was difficult to use with a tiny newborn in our sink since it’s so deep. It took two of us to bathe him. I received this Angelcare bath today and we loved it. I was able to bathe my son by myself. It’s soft but structured so it kept him in place. I was worried he would slide out but it held him in a comfortable position very well. I liked that it’s perforated so I could fill the tub a few inches and it keeps him warm while also allowing the water to go through as I rinse him. Plus there’s no worry about mold or mildew with this product. Definitely recommend." —darksideoftheluna

Get it from Amazon for $19.78+ (available in three colors).

Promising review: "Love our Boppy! We had a baby in the NICU, and this was a lifesaver for us. Figuring out ways to feed with the bottle and for breastfeeding. Now that our girl is a little older, we are using it to help with our tummy time!" —Becca

Get it from Amazon for $49.99+ (available in 12 colors and patterns). 

Promising review: "Easy to fill, quiet, good mist, and really improved my son's congestion. He is two, and we have been using one from his baby shower for some time and saw no improvement; been using this for about a week and saw a quick change in his cough, congestion, and runny nose." —Cmarie

Get it from Target for $39.99 (available in two colors).

Promising review: "Such a great product for cleaning bottles, breast pump parts, and even nebulizer cups!! Highly recommend this if you use any of those items! Makes cleaning a breeze!" —Happy Mommy

Get it from Target for $6.99+ (also available in a 12-pack).

Promising review: "This is a must for every home with toddlers that love to splash. I used to yell and get mad about all the water that was on the ground, but now they can actually play and enjoy bath time. And it suction cups well and stays in place! Worth every penny!" —erika

Get it from Amazon for $44.95+ (available in two sizes and four colors).

Usage: Until the thing falls apart, your floors could always use a little extra cushion and covering.

Promising review: "Love this mat for baby's play area. It is white and gray, which is a lot more pleasant than the bright primary color options out there. It is easy to assemble and clean, but also cushions the floor for whenever the baby tips over from trying to sit up or crawl. Totally worth it in my opinion." —Maria K.

I use these to clean just about everything (kids and anything kid-adjacent that has been touched by a kid)! 

Promising review: "Love them! They don't have that 'wipe smell' and clean well, and I keep a package everywhere we go! My kids have sensitive skin, and these haven't bothered them at all!" —Heather

Get a box of 336 wipes from Amazon for $18.19 (also available in other pack sizes). 

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Plus, kids' mattresses, baby shower gifts, storage and organization solutions, travel must-haves, quiet toys, toddler tricycles, and finds from Walmart.

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.

John Mihaly is the father of two small humans and one very small canine and the former SEO Strategy Manager & Editor for the BuzzFeed Shopping Team, and who enjoys writing about kids' toys and gifts and the occasional mens' fashion story!