Babies and kids should really come with an instruction book, but sadly they don't! Never fear though, we're here to help you through those uncertain and sometimes stressful early years with a list of must-have products for first-time parents. Kids are unpredictable at best, so it's nice to know you can count on these products to do their jobs, such as special utensils made for little hands or a portable sound machine that ensures they'll sleep soundly wherever you go.
From feeding to bathing to entertaining, we've got what you need to keep your baby happy and living their best life. Whether you urgently need butt paste to soothe a nasty case of diaper rash, or a special water mat to ensure tummy time's not a disaster, you'll find what you need on this list. Since I first had kids a few years ago, some of these items are new to me, and boy, do I wish they were invented when my kids were babes! If you're a first-time parent, take note of this list and keep it handy for those times you need a helping hand. The best news is most of these products can be at your door in a flash, no stressful shopping trip with kids required!
We hope you find these products as awesome as we do. Just an FYI: We are a participant in the Amazon affiliate program, and may receive a share of sales from links on this page. Prices on Amazon fluctuate so anything mentioned below might change as soon we publish it!
This Fridababy Windi Helps Colic Immensely
Amazon
Is this Fridababy Windi a little undignified? Yes, but does it work when you're at your wit's end with non-stop colic screaming? Also a resounding yes. It simply and effectively helps baby pass gas that's causing discomfort and hours of hysterics.
These Burp Cloths are Multipurpose
Amazon
These burp cloths are a definite must-have for babies, who are known to spew uncontrollably in their first months until they learn how to digest! The gentle muslin fabric is super-absorbent for all sorts of messes and gets softer with every wash. Plus, when the baby's done with the spitting up stage, these make excellent cleaning cloths!
This No-Contact Infrared Thermometer is Genius
Amazon
If you've ever tried to take a baby's or small child's temperature, you know what a daunting task that can be. This no-contact infrared forehead thermometer makes it so easy to get an accurate, fast reading. Simply point at the baby's head and in one second you get your reading - and it can store up to 50 temperatures so you can continuously track in case of fever so you can report to the pediatrician.
These Suction Cup Plates Make Feeding a Bit Neater
Amazon
Babies are known to be major mess-makers during feeding time, but you can keep things a little neater when you use these cute suction plates. It sticks to highchair trays or tables with suction cups so the baby can't just pick up the plate and toss it on the floor. Plus, it has sections so you can separate food like purees from solids.
This Fridababy NoseFrida Helps Babies Breathe
Amazon
Yes, this Nosefrida tool is a little gag-worthy, but I've never found anything better when my babies had stuffy noses and were screaming because they couldn't breathe. You simply insert the tube gently into the baby's nose then suck out the snot - there's a filter so it won't get into your mouth, thankfully. It works like a charm! Just don't think too hard about what you're doing and it'll all be fine, I promise.
These Toddler Utensils are Made for Small Hands
Amazon
These toddler utensils are made for new eaters exploring the world of food beyond milk or formula. They have special guards so babies can't choke themselves when using, and ergonomic handles to ensure a good grip for little hands. They come in a ton of colors and get great reviews for
This Baby Toothbrush is Safe and Effective
Amazon
Within the first six months, the baby's going to be sporting some new pearly whites so it's a good idea to start brushing early so they get used to the process. This baby toothbrush is super safe to use, and easy for them to grip. And it has bristles on the top and bottom to make brushing even faster!
This Bib Covers Everything
Amazon
This bib is a testament to how messy little eaters can be! But it's an excellent idea whether you're dining at home or in a restaurant to contain the chaos. Simply wipe it down after meals and you're good to go!
These Halo Sleepsacks are Lifesavers
Amazon
Trying to swaddle a very irate baby at three in the morning in the dark? No thank you, very much. These Halo Sleepsacks were the only things my babies wore to bed for at least the first six months. And when they're past the swaddle stage, remove the swaddle wrap and they become regular sleepsacks!
This Straw Trainer Cup Works at Any Angle
Amazon
When toddlers are learning to use a straw, they can get pretty frustrated quickly since they usually tip the cup up to drink. That won't be a problem with this straw training cup, since the straw is weighted it works at any angle. And the cups are no-spill, which is a huge bonus.
These Fruit Feeders Help with Teething
Amazon
I loved these fruit feeders when my kids were little. They're great for teething - just fill them with frozen or fresh fruit and let baby chomp away. It contains the mess and keeps them happy, win-win!
These Water Wipes are So Gentle
Amazon
These Water Wipes are the best, hands-down, in my opinion. My kids were super sensitive to the regular baby wipes that have that cloying baby powder smell, their skin always got so irritated. These are so gentle you won't have that problem, and they're also great for new-mom showers (dry shampoo and a couple swipes with a baby wipe!)
This Aquaphor is a Must-Have
Amazon
Babies' and kids' skin gets chapped so easily, whether it's from diaper rash or a runny nose. This Aquaphor healing ointment is my go-to for soothing angry skin. I love that it's multipurpose and a tub will last you well into their toddler years!
This Car Mirror Helps You See What Baby's Up To
Amazon
A car mirror is essential to see what baby's up to when they're in a rear-facing car seat. Simply attach it to the headrest and you can see what's up with a simple glance in your rearview mirror. It's great when you're stuck in traffic and baby's freaking out - you can easily locate the pacifier to get some quiet time!
You Control this Sound Machine Nightlight From Your Phone
Amazon
This sound machine nightlight is going to be your new best friend if your toddler wakes up at the crack of dawn every day. You can control the sound, light brightness, and ok-to-wake settings from your phone, so it's super-customizable. And it's got nearly 21,000 rave reviews from happy parents, so you know it's going to work!
These Teether Pops Work So Well
Amazon
Teething is the worst, but you can make it a whole lot better with these teether pops. Simply fill with water, breastmilk, regular milk, or what have you and freeze - the icy cold treat helps baby feel better immediately! They also won't melt everywhere since they're enclosed in a silicone covering with holes at the top for the liquid to flow once it melts.
This Cetaphil Baby Wash Smells Heavenly
Amazon
This Cetaphil baby wash and shampoo is not only incredibly gentle, it smells so heavenly. It has organic calendula to soothe, moisturize and soften skin and the light scent is amazing. I continue to buy it even after my kids grew out of the baby stage because I love it so much for myself!
These Stacking Cups are a Classic for a Reason
Amazon
These stacking cups were maybe the most played with toy of my kids' younger years. They're so versatile and kids are fascinated with them. You can play with them in the bath, use them to learn colors, hand-eye coordination, and so much more.
These Stacking Rings are a Huge Hit
Amazon
Just like the stacking cups, these stacking rings are an instant classic that babies and toddlers can't get enough of! The colorful rings have all different textures to keep it interesting, and they're safe in case babies want to mouth them (along with everything else they can grab!) These rings have nearly 23,000 stellar reviews for being great helpers for developing motor skills.
This Boudreaux's Butt Paste is the #1 Best Seller
Amazon
This Boudreaux's Butt Paste is the hands-down best diaper cream you can buy - it's a number 1 best seller on Amazon for a reason! With nearly 20,000 happy caregivers leaving great reviews, you know it's going to do what it says, which is soothing diaper rash on contact. I love that it's free from unnecessary or harmful things like preservatives, dyes, parabens, and talc.
These Snack Cups are So Handy
Amazon
With over 43,000 reviews, parents have long sung the praises of these handy snack cups. Basically from the time they can feed themselves, they'll want a snack in their grasp 24-7. These are great for containing snack spills and perfect for small pieces like Goldfish or Cheerios.
This Baby Sunscreen is Incredibly Safe
Amazon
I searched high and low for a safe, effective baby sunscreen when my kids were babes, and landed upon this terrific one by thinkbaby. It's broad-spectrum SPF 50+, water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, and dermatologist recommended. It's also safer for the planet since its active ingredient is highly biodegradable zinc oxide.
This Water Play Mat Will Make Baby Love Tummy Time
Amazon
Babies, in general, hate tummy time with the passion of a thousand suns. Know what will make it a much more fun process for you both? This water play mat, which has interesting sea animals that move with a baby's touch!
This Infantino Baby Carrier is So Versatile
Amazon
There are a million baby carriers on the market, but I love this Infantino Flip because it's so versatile. It's a four-in-one design that has a convertible facing-in, facing-out design for babies through older toddlers up to 32 pounds to let you comfortably carry them for a long time! It also has over 30,000 rave reviews for being so easy to use and a great value.
These Dr. Brown's Bottle Brushes Do the Job So Well
Amazon
When my kids were babies and we occasionally used bottles, these Dr. Brown's Bottle Brushes were the absolute best way to keep them clean. The dual sponge and bristle design helps get every last bit of milk or formula off to leave bottles sparkling clean. Plus, there's a handy suction cup stand so it'll always be in reach of the sink!
These Outlet Covers are a Safety Must
Amazon
Babies are curious little creatures and have no sense of self-preservation, so these outlet covers are a must-have safety item! I like that they're clear so they don't call attention to themselves and they're easy for adults to install but hard for little fingers to remove. You'll get a set of 30 for pocket change, which is quite a deal on an actual life-saving product.
This Portable Sound Machine Means Good Sleeping Anywhere
Amazon
When my kids were little, one of my biggest fears was being somewhere without our white noise sound machine when it was naptime or bedtime. The good news is someone invented this portable sound machine, that's small enough to clip onto strollers for on-the-go snoozes and easy to pack for travel should you be intrepid enough to attempt with an infant. Just because it's portable doesn't mean it's not powerful, you'll get the same white noise, deep white noise, and gentle surf sounds as the full-size models.
This Mushroom-Shaped Pacifier is all the Rage
Amazon
This might be the coolest pacifier I've ever seen, and I so wish it was invented when my kids were small! The mushroom shape is easy for babies to use, and it has a stem so it's easily graspable by tiny hands. It's shaped to mimic a breast, so it's extra-soothing and familiar for tiny babies under 6 months.
These Soft Maracas Make Music Fun
Amazon
What's cuter than a baby rocking out with a set of soft maraca rattles? Not much, I say! Music is so important for developing babies and toddlers, and these rattles are a fun way to get them started early. They also happen to have over 45,000 stellar reviews right now on Amazon!
These Overnight Diaper Booster Pads Help Everyone Sleep Better
Amazon
Even the most robust nighttime diaper can't stand up to most kids for overnights. Until now - these overnight diaper booster pads keep babies and toddlers drier, longer, so they won't wake you up in the middle of the night when they inevitably soak through. Over 7,000 very happy and well-rested parents say these are a total game-changer.
These Corner Guards Keep Kids Safe
Amazon
I never noticed how pointy furniture was until I had kids. Chances are, you've got some sort of square or rectangle furniture at just the right height for kiddos to crack their heads on. Avoid a trip to the ER and possible permanent scarring with these easy-to-apply corner guards.
This Shampoo Rinsing Cup Makes Bathtime Better
Amazon
In general, kids love bathtime - except for the shampoo rinsing part. This hair rinsing cup was key in helping my kids enjoy all aspects of bathtime since it prevented water from getting in their faces, which they hated for some reason. And at 6, my youngest is still using it to rinse her own hair in the bath!
This Potty Training Toilet is Sized Right
Amazon
Usually, the biggest hurdle with getting kids to use the potty is getting them comfortable being up so high on the toilet, which is daunting if you're only two feet tall. Enter this perfectly pint-sized potty trainer that looks just like the real thing to get them used to going like a big kid! It's got nearly 13,000 stellar reviews because kids take to it so quickly!
This Nuk Cup is My Go-To
Amazon
Not all sippy cups are created equal, but my absolute favorite is this Nuk cup for littles. It's so easy for them to hold, holds the perfect amount of liquid, and has a durable nipple in case your kid's a chewer like mine were. And it comes in so many fun patterns, including Mickey and Elmo!
These Baby Shoes Actually Stay On
Amazon
These Robeez baby shoes are the only ones I've ever gotten to stay on my kids' feet. They're elasticized in the back, so they're comfy but have a really secure fit. And they come in so many cute patterns and styles it's hard to pick just one!
This Baby Gym is Amazing
Amazon
This Nemo-themed baby gym mat is super close to what I actually had for my kids, and they loved every second they were using it! It's a very convenient, safe place for babies to explore, and there are so many interactive toys they can grasp. I also love the "seaweed" pillow that helps with tummy time!
This Wearable Blanket is So Much Safer
Amazon
When kids are tiny, wearable blankets or sleepsacks are so much safer than regular blankets, and they actually stay on to keep the baby warm! These ones from Burt's Bees are made with very soft 100% organic cotton and comes in three sizes to fit infants to little toddlers. The patterns are SO cute, I can't stand it.