Over the years — and most recently with our Now That I Know Better series — the Strategist has surfaced hundreds of baby products that newish parents swear by. An expat mom living in Paris told us about the “French diapering lotion” she’s found to make bum rash a nonissue. Another mother, the editorial director of Herman Miller, shared her discovery of an actually beautiful, non-kiddie-colored bouncer seat. A frequent-traveling dad singled out the stroller that fits best in the overhead bin.
We’ve also covered play mats at every price point, breast pumps that make nursing not quite so crazy-making, kimono-style onesies that lessen time on the changing table, and numerous suggestions for changing pads that render a physical “table” unnecessary, too. Our recommendations have come from parents as well as child-safety experts, doulas, and even interior designers. And now, in an effort to ensure your nursery not become a mausoleum of swaddle blankets you never learned to use and motorized swings your baby never learned to like, we’ve collected the most essential of these obsessively vetted items in one place, and organized them by category. You’ll find multiple options for staples like cribs and strollers (because every kid and parent is different, of course, and it can thus be impossible to call any one baby product the absolute “best”), and a range of price points, as well. In other words: From this point on, you can feel free to ignore all those friends’ Google Docs, and build your entire registry right here.
A suction breast pump you can take anywhere$13 $13 $16 19% offBuy at AmazonRead StoryA portable (but still very powerful) breast pump$182 $182 $200 9% offBuy at AmazonRead StoryA hands-free pumping bra$20Buy at AmazonRead StoryA breast milk storage kit that's compatible with most pumps$30 $30 $40 25% offBuy at AmazonRead StoryA comfortable nursing bra$65Buy at Negative UnderwearRead StoryThe nipple ointment recommended by a pediatric E.R. doctor$20Buy at AmazonRead StoryA firm and fairly inexpensive nursing pillow$47Buy at AmazonRead Story A splurgy, comfy nursing pillow beloved by lactation pros$199Buy at BabyshopRead StoryStatus Formula (if you decide to not just go with Similac)$32Buy at Organic Baby ShopRead StoryA formula mixing machine that will save you sleep$200Buy at Buy Buy BabyRead StoryBreast-shaped bottles$23 $23 $28 18% offBuy at AmazonRead StoryColorful anti-colic bottles$38 $38 $43 12% offBuy at AmazonRead Story A speedy bottle warmer$28 $28 $45 38% offBuy at AmazonRead Story Easy-on bibs$20Buy at AmazonRead StoryCleanup cloths that don't get dingy$12Buy at AmazonRead StoryA foldable high chair that clips on anywhere$90Buy at AmazonRead StoryA stylish high chair that grows with your child$269Buy at Crate and BarrelRead Story Actually spill-proof sippy cups$17Buy at AmazonRead StorySilicone bowls that double as stacking toys$16Buy at AmazonRead StoryA sleek cradle$350Buy at AmazonRead Story A well-priced, no-frills crib$79Buy at IkeaRead StoryAn extra-safe, nontoxic crib$399Buy at AmazonRead StoryA travel crib with a folding bassinet$90Buy at AmazonRead StoryA travel crib so well-designed it can be your only crib$239Buy at AmazonRead StoryThe smart bassinet that rocks your baby back to sleep$1,495Buy at Happiest BabyRead StoryA singing elephant that mesmerizes babies$35 $35 $38 8% offBuy at AmazonRead Story A SIDS-preventing crib mattress$300Buy at AmazonRead StoryA calming under-the-mattress vibrating pad$28Buy at AmazonRead Story A sound machine you can clip to the stroller$24 $24 $30 20% offBuy at AmazonRead StoryThe ur-noise machine that works just as well for babies$48Buy at AmazonRead Story A star projector that lulls them to sleep$150Buy at The GrommetRead StoryA simple, attractive night light$24Buy at AmazonRead StoryA two-in-one bluetooth nightlight and sound machine$70 $70 $100 30% offBuy at AmazonRead Story The easiest-to-use swaddle$33Buy at Happiest BabyRead StoryA merino wool sleep slack$37Buy at YHUSTLRead StoryA cotton-cashmere blanket less expensive than it looks$85Buy at The White CompanyRead Story The cozy blanket babies can't live without$94Buy at NordstromRead StoryA pacifier attached to a stuffed toy (so it won't fall out)$17Buy at AmazonRead Story A highly recommended closed-loop baby monitor$218Buy at AmazonRead StoryA highly recommended smart baby monitor$290Buy at AmazonRead StoryA snuggly pod where your baby can lounge$40Buy at AmazonRead StoryA raft where they can napFrom$175Buy at DockATotRead Story The $30 bouncer that works better than $200 models$30Buy at AmazonRead StoryA tried-and-true portable bouncer seat$200Buy at AmazonRead StoryA bouncer approved by Herman Miller's editorial director$200Buy at Monica + AndyRead StoryA bang-for-your-buck glider$399Buy at AmazonRead StoryA sleek and durable changing pad for the diaper bag$8Buy at Buy Buy BabyRead StoryA changing pad that folds up into its own little bag$28 $28 $30 7% offBuy at AmazonRead StoryA cushy, easy-to-clean changing padFrom$130Buy at Buy Buy BabyRead StoryA head pillow for the changing table$15Buy at AmazonRead StoryUnfussy (and eco-friendly) starter diapers$12Buy at AmazonRead StorySplurge-worthy frill-trimmed diapers$95Buy at CoterieRead StoryExceptionally pure wipes$13 $13 $15 13% offBuy at AmazonRead Story A One-handed wipes dispenser$20Buy at TargetRead StoryBritish mum-recommended rash ointment$11Buy at AmazonRead Story'French diapering lotion'$17Buy at AmazonRead StoryAn actually effective diaper pail$70 $70 $80 13% offBuy at AmazonRead Story Onesies you can use like tissues$9Buy at AmazonRead StoryAn easy-on terry romper$24Buy at Oliver and RainRead StorySlightly less-expected organic cotton onesies$24Buy at Mini MiocheRead StoryA struggle-free Hadagi$44Buy at MakieRead Story Cute, cheap baby pants$22Buy at AmazonRead StoryFabulously priced footies$15Buy at Primary.comRead Story Socks that won't fall off$15Buy at AmazonRead StoryStay-on baby bootiesFrom$22Buy at AmazonRead StoryA sun-and-swim hat$14 $14 $15 7% offBuy at AmazonRead StoryA more-secure baby wrap$45 $45 $48 6% offBuy at AmazonRead Story An under-$100 baby carrier$99Buy at Macy'sRead Story A carrier that holds babies (and toddlers) in every position$168 $168 $179 6% offBuy at AmazonRead StoryA Fjällräven-style diaper bag$50Buy at AmazonRead StorySee-through mesh pouches for all your diaper-bag stuff$17Buy at AmazonRead StoryThe well-priced stroller choice of a mom who tried 25 others$260Buy at AmazonRead StoryThe constantly recommended city- and plane-friendly stroller$530Buy at AmazonRead Story The grow-with-your-family stroller$1,000Buy at NordstromRead StoryA two-in-one car seat/stroller$500Buy at Buy Buy BabyRead StoryA safe and not overly complicated car seat$200Buy at AmazonRead StoryA top-rated car seat for Uppababy devotees$300Buy at Buy Buy BabyRead StoryStacking cups that will very quickly come in handy$5 $5 $7 29% offBuy at AmazonRead StoryA mesmerizing singing elephant$35 $35 $38 8% offBuy at AmazonRead StoryPeruvian hand-knitted dolls$72Buy at Blabla KidsRead StoryA nice-looking and affordable play mat$44 $44 $50 12% offBuy at AmazonRead StoryA play gym they can use for every stage$140Buy at AmazonRead StoryHours-of-entertainment activity center$95 $95 $142 33% offBuy at AmazonRead StoryA beach tent-slash-play fort$44Buy at AmazonRead Story Books they can eat$37Buy at TargetRead Story A teether that's also a training toothbrush$7 $7 $8 13% offBuy at AmazonRead StoryA teether toy set including a giraffe that's not Sophie$11Buy at AmazonRead StoryA kale-shaped teether$19Buy at Oli&CarolRead StoryA silicone teething bracelet$23Buy at Irreversible BijouRead Story Affirmation ABC flash cards$22Buy at AmazonRead Story A developmental toy that doubles as nursery decor$60Buy at TargetRead StoryA Montessori-approved walker wagon$79Buy at AmazonRead StoryA budget-friendly subscription toy boxFrom$20Buy at KiwiCoRead StoryA high-end subscription toy boxFrom$80Buy at LoveveryRead StoryLovely organic baby wash$13Buy at TargetRead Story Luxury Italian baby wash$55Buy at Santa Maria NovellaRead StorySuper-soft wash cloths$19Buy at California BabyRead StoryA folding baby bather$27Buy at AmazonRead Story A simplified snotsucker$11 $11 $13 15% offBuy at AmazonRead Story A not-too-scary baby nail file$17 $17 $20 15% offBuy at AmazonRead StoryThe Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.