The Baby Must-Haves Parents Swear By

Parents share their picks for the baby must haves that make the newborn and infant stages so much easier! Expecting moms and dads, this is a great place to start after you pick your baby registry site and need to fill out your wish list.

From the coolest baby gear to our favorite no-nonsense essentials, we're continually updating this list with baby product recommendations from parents who have been there and done that.

If one of your favorite baby essentials is missing from the list, please add it in. We want to know about all of the baby products that you just couldn't live without...or wouldn't want to!


 

    WubbaNub Pacifier

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    The two-in-one pacifier and plush toy combination of the WubbaNub is designed for a baby to grip, making it easier to hold onto and keep track of her pacifier...not to mention the many plush animal options couldn't be any cuter! All WubbaNubs are latex-, BPA-, and Phthalate-free and made with a medical-grade silicone pacifier.

    Zutano Cozie Fleece Baby Booties

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    Yoli B said:  I do not exaggerate so please believe me when I say the Zutano booties are the real deal! They are literally the only thing that will stay on your little one's feet. You will not be disappointed at all with this addition to your list. Seriously...add it now!!

    Baby Banana Infant Toothbrush

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    Kelly R. said:  This cute baby teether/toothbrush is easy for baby to hold, has silicone bristles that massage sore gums and new teeth, and helps develop good hygiene practices.

    SwaddleDesigns Muslin Swaddles

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    Kristy Pepping said:  Swaddle blankets are great for keeping babies warm and cuddled up. Chances are you will get some in the hospital, but once you are home, this brand is great. They are oversized so it makes swaddling super easy and snug for squirmy babies. Plus, it comes with directions if you need some swaddle assistance.

    Britax Marathon Car Seat

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    Kristy Pepping said:  I highly recommend a Britax car seat. These can be pricey so it's a great baby shower gift for friends to go in on together. It will last you many years because it converts from rear-facing to forward-facing. Although it states it can be used for infants, I would recommend buying an infant car seat until they are a little older and then start using this car seat once they outgrow the infant one.

    Crane Cool Mist Humidifier

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    Kim Rogers said:  We ended up buying a second one to have in the nursery and mom/dads bedroom. Immediately helped clear up newborn congestion.

    Thule Urban Glide 2 Jogging Stroller

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    Sarah Calamita said:  This is the most amazing, lightweight stroller. It is sleek and handles all terrains. There is a UPF 50+ shield on the top. Both the single and double are great. You can also attach a car seat to it with an adapter if your child isn't ready to be jogged.

    The First Years Sure Comfort Tub

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    Kristy Pepping said:  Chances are you have a large tub, shower or even a sink that could work to fit this tiny tub. You will need to give your baby sponge baths until the umbilical cord comes off and this tub allows just enough water for these baths. Plus, it comes with a sling for added support. And once the baby is older, this tub works well to support their head or even to sit up.

    Cloud Island Wipeable Changing Pad Cover

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    Vanessa M. said:  Having a wipeable changing pad cover like this one by Cloud Island makes baby changing a wee bit easier (pun intended!). Especially with baby boys, the second the diaper comes off, you can bet they will sprinkle a bit now and then. Easy cleanup, fewer loads of laundry, and cute patterns! Register for at least two, so you will always have a clean cover at the ready.

    BabyBjörn Bouncer Balance Soft

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    Amy S. said:  For a few years, this was the most important material item in our house! This seat allows baby to sit, recline, or sleep in a soft but supported position, and you can gently bounce baby to sleep with your foot. We appreciated its sleek Scandinavian design and the fact that it was easy to store (it flattens out so you can slide it underneath a couch), but mostly felt grateful for the comfort and rest it brought to both of our babies. This is truly the ONE thing I’d recommend to any new parent!

    IKEA Hemnes Dresser

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    Kim Rogers said:  It’s the perfect height for diaper changes, deep enough to comfortably fit a changing pad, and ample storage to keep all of baby’s clothes, bath products, extra sheets, etc. Plus, it is very affordable.

    Bumbo Changing Pad

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    Kim Rogers said:  Diaper changes can be messy and this changing pad wipes clean. No laundry necessary, just wipe down the changing pad afterwards and it is good to go for the next change.

    Jool Baby Corner Guards

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    Alexandra F. said:  I wish I'd discovered these corner guards years ago when my first was toddling around! They do their job of protecting little heads from sharp corners, stay on better than many of the other brands I've tried (looking at you, Safety 1st!), and are clear so they don't clash too badly with your furniture. I was surprised by how small they are in comparison to other corner guards (about an inch in diameter and little less than that in height), but it seems to make them stay on better since there is not a lot of extra material for little hands to pull on or bump into. Plus, they are very well-priced!

    Arm's Reach Co-Sleeper Mini Ezee 3 in 1

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    Stephanie W. said:  In the early days, having your baby by your side at night is super helpful, especially when they require multiple nightly feedings. What's great about the Arm's Reach bassinet is that one of the sides is low enough to be set up so that it is flush with the side of your bed. No need to reach over anything to get to your babe! Plus, it can be converted to a pack n play when your child is old enough!

    Dekor Plus Hands-Free Diaper Pail

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    This diaper pail is a baby must have because it's completely hands free, good for disposable or cloth diapers, holds up to 60 newborn diapers, and and has a child-proof safety lock. The pail liners do a great job of holding in all odors. Once the diaper years are over, it can convert from a diaper pail to trash can.

Primary photo:   Janko Ferlič on Unsplash

Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.