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!


 

    Ergobaby Omni 360

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    Stephanie W. said:  This baby carrier is a lifesaver, and can be used on babies of any size. The 360 can be used with newborns without an insert, and once babies are tall enough they can be turned around to face outward so they can see the world! They have been deemed "hip healthy" by the international Hip Dysplasia Institute.

    MyBaby SoundSpa On‐the‐Go

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    The MyBaby SoundSpa On-the-Go is a great compact, portable device to have during car rides and travel with baby; it comes with a clip so you can attach it to baby's stroller, diaper bag, car seat and more. Includes four sounds: heartbeat, ocean, white noise, and lullaby. The volume can be adjusted, and it's loud enough for baby to hear, but quiet enough not to be distracting for parents.

    Fisher-Price Deluxe Bouncer

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    Kristy Pepping said:  If you were to ask me what was my single most used registry item was? I would tell you hands down, the Fisher-Price bouncer. This chair sits a baby at an angle so great for post feedings or colicky babies. Plus, it plays music or vibrates. There is a strap to secure the baby and a removable mobile.

    Infantino Spiral Activity Toy

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    Molly Weber said:  For days when you're on the go and your little one needs to spend some extra time in the stroller or infant carrier, having a toy attached to look at and play with can help keep them entertained and content for longer. This one can be easily attached to any car seat or stroller. It's soft and has a variety of attachments for your baby to reach for or look at while out and about.

    Green Sprouts Muslin Burp Cloths

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    Kristy Pepping said:  Burp cloths are baby must haves! You will be feeding your baby frequently and burping is an important post feeding step. Having several on hand will make your feedings easier and less messy. Green Sprouts is made from organic cotton muslin. Plus, they are oversized which is great for protecting your clothes and your guests' while holding your baby.

    ChooMee SoftSip Food Pouch Tops

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    LizzieInMD said:  Topper for food pouches that allow toddler to eat by herself without making a mess!!

    Monica + Andy blankets (and clothes!)

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    Sarah Calamita said:  The fabric is soft and organic and the patterns are adorable. The store is a haven for new moms with virtual & in person music and all things baby/pregnancy classes.

    DockATot® Deluxe+ Dock

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    Sarah Calamita said:  Every baby has their own specific way they like to sleep. My son would only sleep if I was holding him. I was too afraid to sleep myself while holding him that I became sooo sleep deprived. At week 2 we tried the DockATot which is supposed to replicate in mom's arms and low and behold he loved it!

    HALO Sleepsack Micro-Fleece Swaddle

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    Sarah Calamita said:  I love this because it comes in a variety of sizes. The baby one just zips right up (who can really swaddle with a blanket in the middle of the night!!??) We used up to age 2.

    Graco Blossom 6-in-1 Convertible High Chair

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    Kelly R. said:  This versatile Graco high chair will grow with your child, functioning in a variety of different ways from a reclining infant high chair for bottle feeding through a youth chair. You can also use the pieces separately to seat two kids when one of your children is in the booster phase.

    Summer Infant Snuzzler Infant Support

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    Kristy Pepping said:  This is great to keep baby in the proper position in the carrier, especially for those newborn days where head control is not formed. Plus, it's adjustable for growing babies.

    Fisher-Price Sit-Me-Up Floor Seat

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    Stephanie W. said:  The sit-me-up is perfect for little ones who can hold up their heads but aren't quite stable enough to sit on their own! It has a high back for plenty of support, and it comes with toys and hooks to add your own. There are a few different cute patterns. Easily folded up for storage as well.

    UPPAbaby VISTA Stroller

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    Sarah Calamita said:  If you are a city girl this is your stroller! It's cute, comfy, folds quick, seats 2 kids, easy to lift and has a ginormous basket (I could fit all my groceries under it)!

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.