
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!
IKEA Hemnes Dresser
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
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
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!
Infant Optics DXR-8 Baby Monitor
Jennie Utsinger said: The Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Monitor is a popular, high-quality video baby monitor with a 3.5" LCD color display. With an excellent image and sound, the monitor includes pan/tilt/zoom, night vision, two-way talk, and temperature sensor. A unique feature is the ability to change lenses on the camera. Both a normal and zoom lens are included, and a wide angle lens can also be purchased.
Skip Hop Moonlight & Melodies Nightlight Soother
Nancy L. said: White noise often helps baby sleep. This Skip Hop baby sound machine features four melodies, four nature sounds, and white noise with heartbeat that play with an adjustable volume. The owl's belly will glow to offer a soft and dimmable nightlight for baby, while a starry nighttime scene projects on any surface. Set the timer to shut the lights and sounds off, or arrange for continuous play.
Baby Merlin's Magic Sleepsuit
Thera Thibeault said: Designed specially to dampen baby's startle reflex, this sleep suit is worth every penny when transitioning out of a swaddle or a sleep sack. Available in several colors and in either microfleece or cotton, the sleep suit keeps baby feeling cozy and snuggled but allows them to move arms and legs, unlike a swaddle.

Arm's Reach Co-Sleeper Mini Ezee 3 in 1
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
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.
Ergobaby Omni 360
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
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
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
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
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
LizzieInMD said: Topper for food pouches that allow toddler to eat by herself without making a mess!!
Planet Wise Wet Bag
Kelly R said: Available in three sizes, these wet bags are great for holding soiled cloth diapers. A large wet bag with a waterproof liner will hold dirty diapers until laundry day, keeping smells and wetness inside while the smaller sizes are great for when you are out-and-about to contain the mess of one or two dirty diapers. I always turned the liner of my bag inside out and washed it along with the load of diapers.
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.