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If you're searching for the best baby products and parent gear, look no further. BabyCenter's Love It Awards are generated by thousands of reviews and recommendations from parents in our Community, as well as research by our editors. Below, see the winning products in categories from bottles, diapers, and breast pumps to strollers, pacifiers, and potty seats.
It seemed unlikely that anyone could improve upon the extraordinarily adaptable original UPPAbaby Vista, but the Vista 2 somehow managed it, with the same ability to carry up to three children with add-on accesssories. It comes with an included lie-flat bassinet as well as a toddler seat to handle your child's transpo needs from birth right through preschool. The bassinet clicks in and out of the stroller so you can carry your sleeping baby around the house without waking them after a walk, and you can even use the carrycot (in UPPAbaby's parlance) as a full-time safe sleeping spot with UPPAbaby's bassinet stand (sold separately). Parents appreciate the extra-large storage basket, that the Vista stands when folded, and the other V2 upgrades: a roomier toddler seat, a redesigned sun canopy, and a no-rethread harness.
At less than 15 pounds, the Graco NimbleLite is a lightweight stroller that has all the features of a full-size stroller, including parent and child trays with cup holders, one-step folding, a large storage basket, and a full sun canopy. A huge advantage of this stroller is that it can be used as a travel system with all Graco infant car seats. That means you'll likely be able to use it from birth until your child is in preschool.
BOB strollers are synonymous with running for a reason – they're a favorite among both dedicated and casual runners, thanks to mountain bike-style suspension and air-filled tires that make for a smooth ride. The Revolution Flex 3.0 also has the advantage of a seat that reclines almost fully to keep your little one comfy, plus an easily adjustable handlebar to customize for each parent.
The Joovy Caboose is lightweight, compact, maneuverable, and relatively inexpensive. It's designed for a baby and older sibling, with room for an infant car seat in the front and a rear seat and platform in the back so toddlers and older kids can sit or stand. The rear seat is a bench seat that faces back toward you, but you can buy a full, forward-facing second seat as an add-on if you prefer. We love that the Joovy comes with a reclining front seat and a built-in snack tray. Plus, the front seat has a universal car seat adapter, so it will hold almost any infant car seat.
This travel system comes with the Chicco Bravo stroller, a KeyFit 30 infant car seat, and a coordinating base. One of the coolest features of the Trio is that you can detach the seat from the stroller and use it as a lightweight frame stroller with the infant car seat. That will make the stroller lighter and more convenient during the early months with your baby, and when your child outgrows the infant car seat you can put the regular seat back in. The Trio travel system comes in three different designs, so you can choose a fabric color that you like. Helpful features include a one-handed fold, a three-position reclining seat, and parent and child trays with cup holders.
The Chicco KeyFit 30 has head and body support to accommodate newborns as small as 4 pounds, and is lined with EPS energy-absorbing foam for improved impact protection. It can be used with or without its stay-in-car base, making it useful if you're taking a different car. The base is very easy to install securely, with leveling bubbles that let you see when things aren't quite right.
The Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 may be the only car seat you'll ever need. It has a lifespan of an impressive 10 years, and your child can use the DLX from birth all the way to the big-kid stage. It transforms from a rear-facing and front-facing car seat with a harness to a high-back booster and finally a backless booster for big kids. The seat also includes important safety and parent-friendly features, including an easy-to-adjust harness system, 10-position headrest, six-position recline, and a removable, machine-washable cover for easy cleaning.
The Graco Tranzitions booster is actually three seats in one, making it ideal to grow with your child. It converts from a car seat with a five-point harness to a high-back booster to a backless booster, and can be used for kids up to 100 pounds. Many parents appreciate the seat's light weight and narrow design, which is helpful for fitting three car seats in the back of cars with limited space.
The Graco Pack 'n Play Travel Dome LX Playard is a feature-packed play yard that your child can use from infancy through toddlerhood. The changing station allows for quick diaper changes, and the portable bassinet (also called a "travel dome") folds compactly and has a carry bag so you can bring it wherever you go. Remove the portable bassinet and changing pad to reveal a full-size bassinet, or a sleep and play space for children weighing up to 30 pounds. Like all Graco Pack 'n Plays, this one folds easily with the push of a button. It has a built-in storage organizer for baby essentials, too.
The versatile JuJuBe B.F.F. Diaper Bag does so much to make life easier. You can use it as a messenger bag or a backpack. It has Teflon-coated material that repels dirt and stains, and it's machine washable. It has plenty of compartments to hold everything you and your baby need, including two exterior insulated bottle pockets to keep milk cool or warm. And for your baby's comfort, there's a memory foam pad for diaper changes on the go.
The Ergobaby 360 has major parent-friendly features, including the ability to carry your baby ergonomically in all four positions: front facing out, front facing in, hip carry, or on the back. Moms love that they can breastfeed easily while their baby is in the Ergo, thanks in part to the baby hood that provides privacy and sun protection. Every caregiver will appreciate the padded waistband and shoulder straps, which distribute your child's weight evenly to help you avoid aches and pains, even when you're toting a 4-year-old. Another major bonus of this carrier? It's machine washable!
Made of 95 percent cotton and 5 percent spandex, the Boba is incredibly comfortable and lightweight, with just enough stretch to securely hug your baby close to you. It's endlessly adjustable and fits babies and parents of all sizes. Boba offers a library of videos, step-by-step tutorials, and even an education team to help make baby wearing easier. You can buy the Boba in several different patterns and colors, and it's machine-washable.
The Osprey Poco is a feature-packed baby backpack with everything parents and kids need to stay comfortable and happy. For little ones, there's a padded cockpit and harness, ventilated side panels, adjustable stirrups to support little legs, a sturdy sun shade, and a removable, washable drool pad. For parents, there's lots of storage, including pockets in the hip belt for easy access to small items. The backpack is highly adjustable to fit parents of all sizes, and has a lightweight folding aluminum frame.
Philips Avent Natural bottles are wide, with flexible nipples that feel like a breast and may appeal more to babies who are breast- and bottle-fed. The bottles also have a specialized valve located in the nipple that vents air to help prevent colic. Parents like that these inexpensive bottles are simple to use and easy to clean, with only three parts to deal with (four if you count the cap). The nipples come in various flow rates that are easy to figure out based on your baby's age. And if you don't like plastic bottles, these come in glass as well.
This warmer from Philips Avent heats bottles and baby food jars safely and evenly. It can heat a 5-ounce bottle in three minutes, and has a neon light that shows heating progress and when the milk or food is ready. An internal sensor detects the starting temperature of formula or breast milk and makes sure it doesn't get too hot. Parents appreciate the "keep warm" feature – once the bottle is heated, the Avent warmer automatically keeps it warm for an hour before shutting off.
This pacifier is the kind many hospitals use, and it's hard to beat. Made for newborns up to 3 months old, it has a simple design that many babies take to. It's shaped to fit comfortably in your newborn's mouth without interfering with the natural development of your baby's teeth and gums. Plus, it's made of durable, BPA-free silicone that you can clean in the dishwasher or a sterilizer.
The Boppy Original Nursing Pillow is a versatile pillow that will come in handy throughout your baby's first year. It wraps easily around your waist and lifts your baby to a more comfortable position while you're breastfeeding or bottle feeding. You can also use it on the floor to prop up your baby, to support your baby during tummy time, and later to cushion your baby as she gets the hang of sitting up.
Made from 100 percent organic cotton, Burt's Bees burp cloths come in lots of fun prints and are large enough to handle almost any mess or spill. They're two-ply for extra thickness and absorbency.
The Haakaa is a favorite among moms and lactation consultants alike because it's easy and effective. It uses simple suction to express milk, so you don't need to pump it – just attach it to your breast, squeeze once or twice, and milk starts dribbling out. While breastfeeding on one side, many moms like to attach the Haakaa to their other breast to catch milk letdown that would otherwise go to waste. The Haakaa is made of a food-grade silicone that's safe for moms and babies. Since it's just one piece, it's a snap to clean: Just put the Haakaa in boiling water for two to three minutes.
Moms love Spectra pumps because they're portable, they're very quiet and lightweight, and they offer exceptional technology. The Spectra S1Plus has a plug and a rechargeable battery, which is helpful if you don't always have an outlet nearby when pumping. It's a closed system, which is more hygienic because the tubing stays dry and doesn't need to be cleaned. The Spectra closely mimics the experience of breastfeeding, with a massage mode that simulates a baby's natural sucking and adjustable suction levels to create a natural flow of milk. Moms also love the nightlight on this pump for late-night pumping sessions that won't wake your baby or your partner.
Moms rave about this bra, which is designed with soft-as-silk stretchy fabric that molds to your changing body during pregnancy and postpartum. It's comfortable and supportive, with a wide band that won't dig into your sides and removable foam cups that give better shape and support. It comes in over a dozen colors from neutrals to brights and pastels. To nurse, unclip a cup and pull it down.
Similac is a trusted brand that offers standard formula, formula for sensitive tummies, formula for babies needing specialized nutrition, and organic and non-GMO options. The Similac website can help you narrow your choices with a helpful Formula Finder tool. Similac formulas contain no artificial growth hormones. Parents especially like the brand's Pro-Advance and Pro-Sensitive varieties. And you can get savings and other benefits by joining Similac's StrongMoms rewards program.
These wipes have it all – they're gentle on sensitive skin, yet sturdy enough to handle even the toughest of messes. They're made with plant-based materials and are 99 percent water and 1 percent other ingredients, including aloe and vitamin E. The packaging is convenient, too – it's a flip-top container that's ready to go with you or stay at home (no need for a separate tub to hold the wipes). Also, the wipes come out easily, so there's no frustration in the midst of a diaper change.
Pampers Swaddlers have plenty of thoughtful features, including a cut-out for your baby's healing umbilical cord stump and a soft, quilted liner that pulls wetness away from your baby's tender skin. The color-changing indicator lets you know when your little one needs a diaper change. Swaddlers provide up to 12 hours of overnight protection – which means fewer middle-of-the-night diaper changes.
With snaps and hook-and-loop fastenings, Miosolo diapers are as easy to put on and take off as disposables. They have an absorbent inner layer and a waterproof outer layer, and both are washable. You can adjust the fit for smaller or larger babies, so you may be able to use these from birth until potty training. And with patterns this cute, you'll want to!
Many parents swear by this purple container to treat a diaper rash. The formula in the Maximum Strength Paste is 40 percent zinc oxide, which is the highest concentration you can buy over the counter. Its consistency is thick and creamy, and it forms a protective barrier on your baby's skin to reduce discomfort and irritation.
This diaper caddy can hold it all, from diapers and wipes to medicine, sunscreen, and other baby essentials. It has a pull-open drawer for small items, a locking handle for carrying, and a changing pad for easy diaper changes no matter where you are in the house.
The Playtex Diaper Genie Complete diaper pail has an odor-lock system with double air-tight clamps to seal in the toughest odors. The fully assembled unit has a convenient foot pedal, so you won't need to handle it until it's ready to empty, which might take a while: It holds up to 270 diapers.
The Nanit Plus is a smart camera system that watches over your baby from a bird's-eye view and delivers real-time encrypted video in HD to your smartphone or tablet. The accompanying app, called Insight, offers two-way audio so you can chat with your baby or soothe him with your voice. The camera unit is portable so you (or another caregiver) can bring it to whichever room your baby is in. The impressive app provides sleep metrics, highlight reels of your baby's previous night's sleep, and even personalized sleep coaching from experts.
The Skip Hop Silver Lining Cloud Activity Gym features five celestial-themed toys including a musical sheep, light-up star, and baby-safe sun mirror. The dreamy mat is extra cushy and comes with a puffy, cloud-shaped tummy time pillow. With removable arches and toys, washing is easy – plus, you can continue to use the play mat as your baby grows and starts sitting. And the mat folds up in a snap so you can stash it away when you need more space in your living room.
Unlike most swings, the 4moms mamaRoo4 doesn't swing back and forth or side to side but instead mimics the motions of a swaying parent. You can choose from five unique motions and speeds including "car ride," "kangaroo," and "rockabye." There are four sounds, or you can play your own music using the bluetooth feature. The seat reclines to almost any position – even a full recline. The swing comes with attachable toys, and its seat cover is removable and washable so you won't have to worry too much about blowouts or spit-up.
The snazzy Fisher-Price Infant-To-Toddler Rocker has a lot to offer, including a removable toy bar. Parents love that it rocks with your baby's movements and has a vibration mode to help babies relax. You can adjust the reclining position and use the fold-out kickstand to make this a stationary seat. When your child outgrows the infant rocker, this transforms to a toddler seat. And it weighs just 7 pounds, so it's easy to move from room to room.
This stylish and streamlined activity center has a bunch of fun toys for your baby to explore, including a wobbly lamb rattle, stars that sway, and a sun spinner. The seat lets babies spin 360 degrees around, and the discovery window means that your baby can look down to watch herself play the electronic piano with her feet. The Skip Hop activity center will be useful for a long time – it has an adjustable height platform, and when your child outgrows the activity center it transforms into a play table with a plastic chalkboard surface.
The Jumperoo is a freestanding jumper and activity center combination that babies go crazy for. It has lights and sounds that go off as your baby jumps, and colorful and enticing rainforest-themed toys for your baby to grab at. Your baby can bounce and spin 360 degrees, supported by a steel frame and four pinch-free covered springs. Three height adjustments help you find the right fit for your growing baby. And though it's bulky, this jumper folds up easily so you can move it from room to room or store it.
This feature-packed walker is designed to grow with your little one, from crawling to cruising to full-fledged walking. The removable activity panel is fun for floor play – it features a barnyard of playful friends, lights, and more than 70 songs to keep your baby entertained. Once your little one is cruising, pop the activity panel back onto the frame and this becomes a fun-to-maneuver walker with spinning gears, piano keys, colorful rollers, light-up shape sorters and buttons, and a telephone handset.
This full-service crib mobile has movement, lights, and music to engage your little one. You can adjust the level of stimulation by choosing which features to use at any time. When your child is older, just remove the overhead arm and continue to use the music box and nightlight in your child's crib. The adorable animals and the black-and-white swirls move gently, which will help your child's developing sight.
Parents rave about the Rest, which combines a nightlight, sound machine, and time-to-rise feature in one handy gadget you control with your phone or tablet. You can program the Rest to turn on and off on a specific schedule, and control everything remotely via the Hatch Baby Rest app. Parents say that the sound quality is excellent and that they enjoy the 11 sounds and lullabies. They also love the time-to-rise light, which helps train older children to wait until a specific time in the morning before getting up.
The Nook Pebble Air is designed to allow maximum airflow to your baby for safer and better sleep. The core is made of CertiPUR-US foam, which meets the highest standards for air quality and is made without toxic flame retardants, formaldehyde, or heavy metals. The mattress is also GREENGUARD Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It weighs only 7 pounds, so it's easy to handle. And it's dual-sided – one side is ultra-firm for infants and the other is slightly softer for toddlers. Plus, the Air has a natural water-resistance so liquid can't absorb into the mattress cover.
The stylish Babyletto Hudson is an eco-friendly convertible crib that transforms from a crib to a toddler bed to a daybed, so you can use it for years. Made of sustainable New Zealand pine, it has an appealingly modern design and comes in several color options. It also coordinates with the Hudson dresser, bookcase, and nightstand if you like a cohesive look. This crib is GREENGUARD Gold Certified, meaning it's been tested for more than 10,000 chemicals and passes stringent standards.
The Halo BassiNest 3,0 adjusts to almost any bed height, and swivels and rotates 360 degrees to give you easy access to your newborn. You can lower one side of this stylish cradle when it's time to attend to your baby's needs, and lift off the "basket" from the base to take it anywhere in your house for safe sleep. The mattress is waterproof and comes with a fitted sheet. The BassiNest also has nightlights, plays four soothing sounds, and has two levels of vibration to comfort your baby.
The Halo Sleepsack Swaddle makes it simple to wrap your baby up nice and snug, with Velcro-secured wings that help you get a perfect fit. There are lots of other helpful features, too. The zipper opens the swaddle from the bottom for easy diaper changes. There's plenty of room for your baby to stretch his hips and legs (the Sleepsack Swaddle is rated "hip healthy" by the Hip Dysplasia Institute). We especially love that parents can use this Sleepsack without the swaddle feature, too, meaning it will be useful for longer. And you can help your baby transition from swaddled to unswaddled sleeping by taking just one arm out at first, then both.
The Graco Changing Table is a classic, and it checks all the boxes. It has simple, clean lines that coordinate well with many cribs. Safety features include an extra-deep table with a railing and a water-resistant changing pad with safety straps. Two open shelves give you extra storage space for diapers, wipes, blankets, toys, and other supplies. It's easy to assemble and reasonably priced, too.
Best nursery glider
Carter's by DaVinci Adrian Swivel Gilder with Storage Ottoman
The Adrian glider is sleek and modern-looking, glides forward and back, and swivels 360 degrees so you can feed and snuggle your baby with ease. Parents say it's very comfortable for both shorter and taller moms and dads. The performance linen fabric is pretty and practical (it's water-resistant and stain-repellent.) And the chair and ottoman are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, meaning they've been tested for more than 10,000 chemicals and are low-emitting.
The Siesta is a good-looking, modern highchair that can be used from birth through the toddler years. The seat reclines in five positions, including flat, so you can use it to hold even the youngest babies. There are also nine height positions, so when it's time to eat, you have options. Use the highchair tray or remove it and slide the chair up to your family's dinner table. The Siesta folds up compactly, which is nice if you're short on kitchen space.
This baby food maker has plenty of bells and whistles. The Babymoov Duo Meal Station is a six-in-one device that allows you to cook, blend, warm, and defrost; it can even be used as a bottle warmer or sterilizer. The two side-by-side compartments allow you to steam and blend simultaneously, saving time in the process. Other nice features include the large steaming bowl and blender, which allow you to make up to a week's worth of food quickly.
These baby bibs are hard to beat. They're lightweight, stain-resistant, and effective. Plus, they come in tons of cute designs. SuperBibs have a big pocket to catch food before it ends up in your baby's lap, and an adjustable neck closure. You can machine wash these bibs or rinse them out and hang them up to dry – they dry so quickly they may be ready for your baby's next meal.
This cup has a spoutless rim: Kids get a sip by tilting the cup and sucking on the edge. Once your child stops sucking, the valve reseals itself and won't spill even if chucked on the floor. Parents like that it's easy to clean, since there are no spouts, straws, or other extra parts. The design is dental-health friendly and helps kids develop muscles that are used for drinking.
This ergonomically designed feeding set helps you introduce new foods and transition your baby to self-feeding. Silicone makes for a durable bowl that is heat-safe and freezer-friendly. Storing leftovers is easy with an included clear silicone lid that you can label with a dry-erase marker. Bonus: The spoon is double ended, with one end for dipping into purees and the other end for scooping up solids.
These sprout-shaped spoons help your baby learn how to feed himself independently. Safety and functionality are key components of Olababy's design. The soft silicone tip is very gentle on your baby's gums, meaning he won't hurt himself while trying to take his first bites. The spoon's flexibility makes it easier for your baby to scoop up food. And the wide, easy-to-grip base stands upright to avoid touching surfaces. Added bonus: These double as teethers, and you can put them in the freezer first for added soothing power.
The easy to use Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Sling 'n Seat Tub has four setups for different stages of your child's development. The soft mesh sling is perfect for newborns, and it comes off when your older baby or toddler is ready to splash around. To clean the tub, simply rinse and drain it, and hang it up by its hook to dry. This tub comes with a squeeze bottle and cute, whale-shaped scoop to make bath time more fun.
The Me4kidz all-purpose first-aid kit is colorful and compact, with pod compartments that keep everything organized and easy to find in case of an emergency. It comes with 100 first-aid essentials, and thanks to the stackable pods, you can break it down into even smaller mini first-aid kits.
This infrared forehead thermometer collects 100 data points to deliver a temperature reading in seconds. It's ideal to use in households with multiple people: It's no-touch, so you don't have to worry about cross-contamination. Plus, you can take your baby's temperature without even having to wake up your little one.
Made in Sweden, the NoseFrida operates on parent power, but don't worry – thanks to the long nose hose and disposable filter, you will not suck your baby's snot into your own mouth. The nostril cover has a wide opening, so it easily seals your baby's entire nostril but doesn't go inside. The unit is easily washed, and you can run most of the pieces through the dishwasher (top rack only).
These probiotic drops are designed to support your baby's digestive health, which may help relieve colic and gas. The drops contain L. reuteri, a probiotic that has been shown to cut down babies' crying time and spit-up. (It's similar to probiotics that exist naturally in breast milk.) Add five drops to a bottle of breast milk or formula daily, or give it to your baby with a spoon.
The sleek Summer Infant My Size Potty looks and feels just like a grown-up toilet for your potty training toddler. It includes a handle with a flush sound, and the flip-up lid helps boys learn how to go standing up. The removable bowl and clip-on splash guard make clean up really easy, and a built-in wipe dispenser promotes good hygiene.
Parents in the BabyCenter Community love Regalo's sturdy baby safety gates, which come in plenty of varieties, including extra-wide and tall options. This basic baby gate is adjustable and versatile. It works for smaller doorways and larger ones, with an included extension kit that takes it to a maximum width of 47 inches. A nice feature is that you can install this as a pressure-mounted gate (easier installation) or as a hardware-mounted gate (sturdier). It's made of steel and has a walk-through door with multiple locking features.
Marcella Gates is executive editor at BabyCenter, the world's number one digital parenting resource, and is an expert on pregnancy and parenting. As a mom of three, she loves that her professional life is focused on supporting and empowering parents and expecting parents. Gates lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her family.
