Cool Baby Stuff That's Surprisingly Useful

Parents share their top picks for cool baby stuff that is both clever and useful!

Check out cool baby gadgets, unique products and other essentials to add to your baby must haves. Our list is filled with unique and innovative picks that will make the first phase of parenthood a little easier, cleaner, or more fun! These would make really cool baby gifts or perfect additions to your baby registry.

What cool stuff for babies have you discovered? Add your fun picks to the list!

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    SnoofyBee Clean Hands Changing Pad

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    Vanessa M. said:   What a smart product! Parents of wiggly babies and toddlers know that diaper changes can be downright messy. The SnoofyBee Clean Hands Changing Pad fastens with velcro gently around baby's middle to prevent messy hands. The sides have clips to hang small toys to distract baby with! Folds into an easy to carry diaper clutch that comes in a variety of adorably chic patterns.

    Summer Infant Pop 'n Sit Portable Booster

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    Molly Weber said:  This chair, equipped with a tray for feeding, accommodates children from six months old up to 37 pounds. It's great if you are traveling or planning a picnic or beach day as it folds up easily.

    BabySwingSling

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    Erin P. said:  If you have little ones and live near a playground that has swings, but no baby swings, this is a cool baby gadget to have in your bag o' tricks! It converts any swing into a baby swing so that your babe can enjoy swinging safely.

    NoseFrida Snotsucker

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    C. Wal said:  The NoseFrida is the second best thing to be dispatched from Sweden, the first 1st is obviously Ikea :) You will be grateful for the ability to ease the precious' congestion easily & quickly. This tool takes the place of old-fashioned bulb aspirator and it works one thousand times better. This tool should be in every medicine cabinet for the dreaded first cold season. It is pediatrician endorsed and readily available at most retailers who sell baby gear.

    4moms mamaRoo Baby Swing

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    Joseph Kelley said:  The original infant seat that replicates parents natural motions. Developed by putting sensor vests on parents to understand their motions to calm babies and then replicated the bouncing and swaying in the mamaRoo to soothe and entertain better than traditional infant seats. Bluetooth enabled - control motion and sound from your compatible smart device.

    phil&teds Lobster Highchair

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    Joseph Kelley said:  This high chair is a great option for trips, a day at the park, or even visiting friends without an extra high chair. It folds flat and weighs less than 4 pounds. There is an adjustable, four-point harness to keep your little one strapped in. Optional dishwasher-safe food tray included.

    Blooming Bath

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    Joseph Kelley said:  Why would anyone want to bathe their baby in a hard plastic tub when they could surround their little one in the cuddly softness of an adorable plush flower? Handmade from the softest polyester plush materials, the Blooming Bath’s petals conform to any sink to cradle and protect baby for a safe, comfortable and fun bathing experience.

    Munchkin Medicator

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    Joseph Kelley said:  This is a mess-free, liquid medicine dispenser for infants designed by a pediatrician. The design bypasses taste buds so the chances of spitting up are lessened for medicine. Dispenses liquid medicine at a safe flow rate for baby.

    ezpz Mini Mat

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    This placemat makes clean-up a breeze for even the most inexperienced eater! The practicality of this suctioning mat cannot be ignored- it keeps your child from accidentally (or purposely) throwing their plate to the ground and therefore their meal as well. Made from 100% food-grade silicone and BPA, BPS, and PVC free, it's an eating surface you can feel good about.

    GB Pockit Stroller

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    Joseph Kelley said:  The World’s Smallest Folded Stroller (Guinness World Records)! Lightweight, convenient, and ultra-compact when folded, the GB Pockit Stroller is the perfect urban and travel stroller for families constantly on-the-go. At under 10 pounds, the stroller can quickly fold in two steps and will accommodate children up to 55 pounds.

    Milk Snob Cover

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    Originally from Germany, the creator of Milk Snob covers dreamed of creating beautiful yet practical products for moms around the world. She created a well-fitting and stylish infant car seat cover that provides protection against the elements and allows proper air circulation with added utility to act as a nursing cover. It comes in several fabric designs and is a must for trendy parents.

    BooginHead Squeez'Ems

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    Vanessa M. said:  Baby food pouches are so convenient for feeding baby on the go. However, the cost can add up and some store bought pouches may contain additives that can upset baby's tummy. Squeez'Ems are reusable baby food pouches that parents can fill with baby's favorite purees for easy feeding whenever out and about. Each pouch is dishwasher safe, BPA free, and environmentally and economically friendly. Screw-top lid is easy to fill, and cap is attached to eliminate lost parts.

    Owlet Smart Sock Baby Monitor

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    Joseph Kelley said:  With Owlet it’s easy and simple to monitor your baby’s heart rate and oxygen levels while they sleep. Integrates seamlessly with the Owlet app. Owlet is intended to provide peace of mind. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, mitigate, cure, or prevent any disease or condition.

    SNOO Smart Sleeper Bassinet

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    Nancy L. said:  The SNOO Smart Sleeper is designed to help newborns (and their exhausted parents) get some much-needed sleep. SNOO automatically provides white noise and a rocking motion for baby. But what sets this apart is that it increases the volume and speed of rocking in response to baby's cries. Once baby calms, it slows down. The unit comes with a mattress, fitted sheet, and three sacks to swaddle baby.

    Doona Infant Car Seat & Stroller

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    Joseph Kelley said:  An infant car seat and stroller in one! The integrated wheels flip down and the handle extends to convert into a stroller. With a weight of about 16 pounds, it weighs about the same as just a stroller.

    Boon Snug Spout

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    Once your little baby gets to around age 1, the pediatrician will start pushing the sippy cup over the bottle, and that's where the storage nightmare begins. Each cup has its own lid, sometimes a straw, you will inevitably discover one or another of them has gotten mold, and of course your child's favorite one is often misplaced. Enter the Boon Snug Spout! These universal sippy covers turn any cup into a sippy cup, can be turned inside-out and cleaned in the dishwasher, and generally result in restored parental sanity.

    Fisher-Price On-The-Go Baby Dome

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    Nancy L. said:  Fisher-Price's On-The-Go Baby Dome is easier to carry around than a pack and play. It is lightweight, folds flat, and can be used for play and sleep indoors or out. The dome closes completely to keep out bugs while outdoors and the breathable mesh fabric makes the space safe and comfortable for baby. It has a UPF20 canopy for sun protection and comes with two removable toys.

    Mac Sports Folding Wagon

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    Lisa R said:  Who didn't love their Radio Flyer wagon as a kid? Mine took a beating for years and even doubled as a garden wheelbarrow before finally retiring, as good as new, into my parents' basement. For those of us who have the space, a Radio Flyer is still a great choice for pulling the kids around the neighborhood. However, if you need something with a little more versatility, a folding wagon is the modern choice. Many models are durable enough to take camping or pull along a sandy beach, but light and compact enough to toss in the car, store in an upstairs closet, or hang on a wall in the garage.

    Pikler Climbing Furniture

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    Based on the philosophies of Dr. Emmi Pikler, the Pikler triangle and/or arch is a piece of furniture designed to let babies and toddlers move freely, safely, and develop new skills at their own pace, without too much interference from their parents. This device is especially good for active toddlers that love to climb.

    Baby Brezza Formula Pro

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    Dawn R said:  This incredible formula bottle maker uses patented technology to measure, dispense, and mix a perfect temperature and consistency powder formula bottle with no air bubbles. It is always ready when you need it and works with most bottle sizes and major formula brands.

    Sleeping Baby Zipadee-Zip

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    Molly Weber said:  This product is a great transition for babies who are used to being swaddled but are no longer able to remain in the swaddle. It still provides the security of snugness while also allowing your child use their arms to push from stomach to back while wearing it.

    Neat Solutions Table Topper

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    Molly Weber said:  This is such a simple idea that has been a huge help for me when we are eating out with my 14 month old. It's a disposable placemat that sticks to the top of the table. It covers a good amount of space right in front of your little one so you don't have to worry (as much) about food falling on to the table top that was wiped down with a bus rag. I keep about five of these in a small pocket in my diaper bag at all times because they take up barely any space.

    BEABA Babycook

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    Kelly R. said:  Make healthy homemade purees from fresh ingredients with this handy baby food maker that steams, blends, reheats, and defrosts. With its large capacity, you can make baby food in bulk and freeze extra in ice cube trays. This machine really came in handy when my kids were little!

    Infantino Squeeze Station

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    Vanessa M. said:  If your baby is like mine, he loves eating from those pricey baby food pouches. I find it very convenient to carry the baby food pouches in my diaper bag, and I love being able to feed my baby easily without a spoon, bib, or mess! With this cool baby product, you can skip buying the expensive pouches at the store and create your own pouches instead. This would make a great baby shower gift!

    Joovy Loo Potty

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    Nancy L. said:  Looking for an ultra cool potty for your bathroom? The Joovy Loo Potty has a sleek, unisex design. The potty has a sealed inner bowl and only two parts that fit together. Spills and messes won't get trapped, and there is a built-in splash shield. The large grab handle makes it easy for caregivers to dump out and clean up.

    The Beebo Bottle Holder

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    Molly Weber said:  If you've ever felt like you needed an extra hand, this product can help with that. It fits nicely over your shoulder and allows you to position the bottle at the appropriate angle for feeding. This will fit almost any bottle and can be rolled up and stored in your diaper bag when you're on the go. Great for any parent, but especially those who have more than one youngster to take care of at once.

    Snuza Hero Baby Movement Monitor

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    Kristy Pepping said:  As a parent to a newborn, you are constantly worrying. This can be especially true when you put your baby down for a nap or bedtime. This device clips to a baby's diaper and detects their breathing. If the device feels your baby's breathing is off, it will vibrate. This is usually enough to restore your baby's normal breathing pattern. If not, you will be alerted and can check on your baby. Great if you are worried about SIDS or infant RSV.

    Baby Shusher

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    Kristy Pepping said:  For my three kids, the repeated "shush" sound worked miracles to make them stop crying. This cool baby sleep aid says it for you to make it even easier. You can set it for 15 or 30 minutes and it's super portable!

Primary photo:   Jonathan Borba on Unsplash

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