Best for storytime: Slumberkins Narwhal Snuggler
Having a new baby comes with endless gifts from well-wishers. While an abundance of toys, books and clothes is not inherently an issue, new parents may begin to worry about spoiling their young child from an early age. Enter Slumberkins, which pairs an adorable stuffed animal toy with a matching book focused on a specific theme of personal and moral development. We received a fluffy Narwhal, coupled with an accompanying story promoting Growth Mindset. The set together fosters a can-do attitude and teaches children to approach challenges with enthusiasm and a strong sense of self. We were also treated to the Big Foot set, which encourages self-worth through a sweet story about rejecting materialism and embracing inner creativity. Slumberkins are the perfect gifts to give conscientious parents who aim to raise thoughtful, kind, and confident children.
Best baby clothes: MakeMake Dress
Babies inevitably grow out of their clothes, which often means that much of children’s clothing is made of flimsy and environment-unfriendly material. MakeMake Organics offers adorable and beautifully crafted garments that are perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions. Each outfit is Instagram-ready, but won’t leave your child fussing with discomfort. My daughter wore the Cotton Ruffle dress in Driftwood for her one month photo shoot, and the compliments were endless. MakeMake offers clothes for babies and toddlers as well as nursery and bath time essentials like sheets, towels, and play mats, all featuring their soft and cozy organic fabrics.
Best swaddle: Dreamland Swaddle
A big parental fear prior to childbirth is the lack of sleep. There is now an entire market for sleep-saving products, many using savvy technology, from motion-sensor rocking bassinets to oxygen-monitoring anklets. The Dreamland weighted swaddle addresses the same need without unnecessary or habit-forming bells and whistles. It couldn’t be easier to use, is super-soft, and the gentle weight provides instant relaxation for babies, prompting longer stretches of sleep. It’s machine washable, escape-proof, and features a two-way zipper for quick diaper changes. You can choose whether to swaddle your baby’s arms or keep them free. It’s worth the price and makes a great gift for sleep-deprived parents.
Best for formula users: Baby Brezza Formula Pro Advanced
When a baby is hungry, time is of the essence. If new parents use formula, the Baby Brezza Formula Pro Advanced will help them mix up a bottle in no time. The device works with formulas from all the major brands and water to mix up the ideal balance and consistency. Parents can also customize the amount from one ounce to ten ounces and select from three different temperatures. And an indicator light will also turn on when it’s time to clean the funnel. A WiFi enabled version for $20 more allows parents to set up a feeding from the accompanying app and provides notifications when supplies are low for reordering.
Best hook-on highchair: Chicco Caddy Portable Hook-On Chair
Most restaurants have high chairs, but the houses of friends and family may not be so accommodating. This hook-on chair works on most any tabletop, saving new parents from the agony of eating with a child in their laps.
Best plate: Silikong Suction Plate for Toddlers
Most kids throw food on the floor. Efficient, enterprising kids throw the whole plate. Make them work harder for their messes with this compartmentalized plate that sticks to most surfaces.
Best for a night out: Darden Restaurants Gift Card
New parents can use plenty of help around the house, but they could also use a break and some one-on-one time (with each other—or a plate of pasta). A simple gift card may not seem thoughtful, but they’ll forgive you—especially if you pair it with a promise to babysit.
Best diapers: Huggies Little Snugglers Newborn Diapers
This is the equivalent of handing a new parent cash. And everyone loves cash.
Best for on-the-go: JJ Cole Bundle Me Winter Baby Car Seat Cover and Bunting Bag
Say goodbye to blankets (which can bunch in awkward spots, slip off, and even get tangled in stroller wheels). Say hello to easy, cozy transfers between strollers and car seats.
Best for boogers: FridaBaby Baby Nasal Aspirator
A newborn doesn’t come out of the womb gracefully blowing its nose into a tidy tissue fold. You gotta go get those breath-restricting boogers. And the best snotsucker on the market is the NoseFrida. It’s hygienic, weirdly entertaining, and comfortable for the child, unlike most bulb-shaped booger busters.
Best for car rides: Yogo Baby Car Roller Sunshade
These top-rated sunshades protect your baby’s delicate skin from the blazing sun. And unlike cling-on shades, they neatly roll up when not in use, eliminating the eyesore factor.
Best for diaper changes: Beba Bean Pee-Pee Teepee
Because no diaper change should come with a free fountain drink.
Best baby monitor: eufy baby monitor
Best earplugs: Etymotic Research MP9-15 MusicPRO High-Fidelity Electronic Earplugs
Because someone in the house should get some peace and quiet. When one parent is tending to a screaming baby in the middle of the night, it’s not always possible for their spouse to find a quiet spot to catch some Zs. These Etymotic plugs are designed to combat the noise at rock shows, so they have an outside shot at working on a cranky child. (Note: We would never condone wearing earplugs simply to neglect a loud baby.)
Best stuffed animal: Cloud b Soothing Sound Machine
This cute lamb plays 8 sounds, including white noise and gentle lullabies. An auto-off timer (set in 30-minute intervals) conditions their baby to sleep without the noise—and makes it so mom and dad don’t have to tip-toe back in to turn it off.
Best door silencer: ICObuty Door Silencer
Mom finally got the baby to sleep after hours of rocking, nursing, singing, and cooing. She gently places her little bundle of joy down in the crib, sleepily tip-toes out of the room, closes the door behind her, and—CLICK—”Wahhhhhhhhhhh!” For under $10, you can help your favorite new parent avoid such a scenario.
Best privacy blanket: WeeSprout Nursing Cover for Breastfeeding
Look for one with generous size (for maximum privacy) and an open neckline (for maximum bonding), that’s also machine washable. This one from WeeSprout checks those boxes, plus it can be used eight ways.
Best for the nursery: Uncommon Goods Personalized Birth Announcement
Showcase the newborn’s stats with this personalized birth announcement, drawn in the style of a nursery-appropriate coat of arms.
