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23 Life-Changing Baby & Toddler Products On Amazon That Moms Swear By
It isn't often that you hear about life-changing baby and toddler products on Amazon that moms swear by — but when word gets out about one, all parents need to know about it pronto. Raising kids takes a village, but instead of the typical small town kind of help found years ago, Amazon reviewers make up the modern village that keeps you informed of innovative parenting products. Depending on your needs, there's a game-changing product for your baby or toddler that makes life less stressful, saves time, and brings a smile to their little faces.
Maybe your toddler's quick feet and hands and superior climbing skills have you worried they'll get hurt in your home — no worries, there are TV tethers and ergonomic, non-slip step stools to take some of the stress out of those situations. You may have a baby who is constantly losing pacifiers, hats, and earmuffs — we found genius products that will remedy those problems. Or, perhaps, you need affordable innovations that make midnight feedings quicker and night lights less glaring. For every parenting problem you can think of, there's probably a great solution at your disposal.
Here are 23 baby and toddler products that parents absolutely swear by, because they don't just make parenting easier, they make life easier.
1. A Shark Tank-Winning Pacifier Holder That Keeps Pacifiers From Getting Lost
PullyPalz Pacifier Holder, $20, Amazon
The moment your baby lets go of a pacifier, you can pretty much kiss it goodbye for good. Binkies seem to go missing in the blink of an eye, which is why this plush monkey pacifier holder, which proved a winner on Shark Tank, is so genius. MoMo Monkey holds most pacifiers from the most popular brands, including Nuk, MAM, Avent Soothie, Playtex, Tommie Tippee, Dr. Brown's, and Nuby, and can be attached to baby carriers, bouncers, and strollers. It also comes as a frog or a cow.
"This toy has saved our car rides with my 6-month old!" writes one reviewer. "She would cry and cry, lose her nuk and her toys in her car seat. This offers a great distraction from being away from mom in the back seat."
2. An Affordable Mattress Pad That Makes Midnight Diaper Accidents Less Stressful
American Baby Company Mattress Pad, $13, Amazon
When your baby calls for you in the middle of the night, it usually means one of two things: they're hungry or they had a diaper accident. This mattress pad is a waterproof cover that fits securely over a crib mattress and does an incredible job of shielding it from accidents. It has a pocketed design, doesn't make "crinkling" noises like some other pads, and can be tossed in the washer and dryer for easy cleanups (pro parenting tip: keep at least two on hand at all times).
"My 3 month old son vomit all the milk that he had drank on his mattress but luckily, I had this waterproof fitted sheet over the mattress," writes one reviewer. "The milk did not get to the mattress. It was machine washable. after the wash, it still looked nice. The fabric was nice and fit perfectly over the crib mattress. I would buy it again once it has worn out."
3. An Insulated Thermos That Keeps Food Warm For Up To Five Hours
Thermos Foogo Food Jar, $11, Amazon
This insulated food jar, made from stainless steel, keeps food warm up to 5 hours and maintains the crisp freshness of cold foods for up to 7 hours. So if you travel with your toddler around mealtime, this is the perfect way to keep their food at the ideal temperature. It's the perfect size for small hands, packs 10 ounces of food, and is cool to the touch, no matter how hot the food is inside. Made from BPA-free materials and dishwasher friendly, this thermos is perfect for daycare or school.
4. A 3-In-1 Swing That Grows With Babies Through The Years
Edu-Play Outdoor Swing Set, $30, Amazon
Keeping your baby and toddler occupied and having fun isn't just a joy to watch, it gives you a chance to have a seat and take a much-needed breath. Unlike many other baby toys that your child can outgrow in months, this 3-in-1 swing can be adjusted to suit babies (as young as 6 months), toddlers, and even young children (up to 7 years old and 66 pounds). It has sturdy ropes to grip, a seat that adjusts to an incline for younger babies, and a removable back and T-bar.
5. A Door Cushion That Keeps Little Ones From Slamming Doors Shut
Cushy Closer, $11, Amazon
Having a toddler means dealing with loud slamming doors more than a few times a day as they experiment with every feature in your home. This cute chevron door cushion easily attaches to door knobs and provides a buffer that prevents your baby from slamming the door — and accidentally hurting their fingers in the process. You'll still be able to close a door all the way, but the experience will be much quieter, which also comes in handy when you're checking on a sleeping child.
6. A Smarter LED Night Light That's Never Blindingly Bright
Sycees Plug-In LED Night Light (6 Pack), $14, Amazon
Buying a nightlight for your baby or toddler can backfire if it's so bright it actually keeps them awake. These plug-in LED night lights are light enough to let your toddler (and you) see where they're going if a midnight potty break is in order, but are never so bright that they keep them awake and alert. You'll get six lights in a pack and each has a sensor that automatically dims the light at dawn, they won't block the second outlet, and they're energy-saving.
7. An Infant-To-Toddler Training Toothbrush With Handles That Prevent It From Acquiring Germs
Dr. Brown's Infant-To-Toddler Toothbrush, $8, Amazon
When your baby is an just starting to learn how to brush their teeth, this two-in-one training toothbrush is great because it's soft, flexible, and shaped like an elephant, which provides a welcome distraction. It's got easy-grip handles, and comes with a fluoride-free toothpaste that has a pleasant pear-apple flavor. The toothbrush also has soft bristles that are perfect for sensitive gums.
8. A Toddler Step Stool With Anti-Skid Slip Resistance
Perfechi Step Stool, $19, Amazon
When your toddler is old enough to require a step stool to help them wash their hands and use the potty independently, you'll want to feel confident that it's one of the safest designs around. This ergonomic stool fits the bill. It has an extra-wide base for optimum support and a cute footprint design with anti-skid, slip-resistance pads. The indented front is better suited to toilet bowls for a more comfortable potty experience, and you can even purchase a matching potty seat.
9. These Full-Length Bibs So You Don't Have To Do Laundry Three Times A Day
Momloves Waterproof Sleeved Bib, $15, Amazon
Bibs and art smocks only cover half the problem when your biggest concern is keeping clothing from getting stained and dirty. This waterproof sleeved bib, which is designed for babies and toddlers ages 6 months to 3 years, can be used as a craft smock and adheres in the back like a traditional bib but with one amazing difference: It has full sleeves to protect clothing and bare arms. This PVC-free bib can be wiped down with a cloth and tossed in the washing machine, and it dries quickly.
"So far so good," writes one reviewer. "I wash it after every use as my child gets pretty messy. It dries within an hour and allows me to use it in the next meal."
10. A Stimulating, Musical Activity Center For Infants
Fisher-Price Kick & Play Piano Gym, $25, Amazon
It's one of the most popular infant toys around, and for good reason — this play piano gym provides hours of fun and stimulation, teaches cause and effect, and is a great intro to musical sounds. Use the mat for tummy time when your baby is gaining head control and when they're on their back, let them kick the large keyboard. It's also got five activity toys that include a hippo teether, elephant clackers, a rollerball frog, and more. This activity center is easy to transport and even plays music for up to 15 minutes at a time (with volume control).
11. A Highly Rated Toddler Utensil Set With A Carrying Case
Lullababy Toddler Utensils Baby Fork & Spoon Set, $13, Amazon
With a nearly perfect rating, this toddler utensil set stands out in a crowded market because its spoon and fork with rounded tips have no-slip soft handles, an ergonomic shape, and they come with a convenient carrying case for on-the-go feedings and easy travel. Self-feeding is much easier with this set and each utensil is latex-, lead-, BPA-, and phthalate-free.
"Excellent set of fork and spoon for my 1 year old," writes one reviewer. "The spoon and fork is much more sturdy than most of the sets out there. We used this set to replace a flimsy set we had bought earlier. The size of the spoon and fork are perfect for her."
12. An All-In-One Hat, Scarf, And Ear Muffs Solution For Cold Days
Connectyle Hood Hat Scarves With Ears, $17, Amazon
Picture this: It's a busy, cold morning and you're searching under beds and behind shelves for your toddler's hat, scarf, and ear muffs. A better scenario: You reach for this adorable hood hat scarf, dress them in seconds, and their head, ears, and neck are completely covered and insulated. This cute piece is made from 100 percent acrylic material and is warm and stretchy enough to provide room for your child to grow in it, according to reviewers.
13. The Spill-Proof Straw Cups That Can Be Reused Over And Over Again
The First Years Take & Toss Spill-Proof Straw Cups (4 Pack), $3, Amazon
This spill-proof cup comes with a built-in straw that comes with a leak-resistant travel lid and can be used multiple times. Its fast flow straw keeps liquids away from developing teeth, and has a snap-on lid that's translucent enough so you can see how much of the drink is left. They're dishwasher-safe, too.
"We LOVE these cups!" one reviewer writes. "Our feeding therapist recommended going with a straw cup rather than a spout, but he was pretty young to figure out a bite-to-suck straw or to suck hard through a valve straw since all of his liquids are thickened to nectar consistency. These were perfect! Easy to suck, so easy to clean, those were my requirements!"
14. A Safe Play Pen That Doubles As An Activity Center
Best Choice Products 8-Panel Playpen, $120, Amazon
Whether your baby is playing indoors or in the yard, this large eight-panel playpen provides safe and secure borders where they can roam freely — but not so freely that they run the risk of hurting themselves. The biggest difference between this playpen and others is that this doubles as an activity center with an activity board with ball spinners and a play telephone. Each swinging hinged door has a safety lock and you can set it up in various shapes to suit your environment.
15. An Amber Chew Bead Necklace For Teething Babies
Baltic Wonder Amber Teething Necklace, $18, Amazon
They seem like magic and too good to be true, but parents swear by this amber chew bead necklace to relieve inflammation and pain caused by teething. Made with 100 percent Baltic amber, this necklace is said to work wonders as your baby's body heat helps the amber release succinic acid that has an analgesic effect on gums, can be a natural anti-inflammatory, and it can even put the brakes on excessive drooling. It's not to chew on — it's just to wear — so remember to never let your baby chew on these beads and always remove them prior to naps and bedtime.
One reviewer writes: "I can say that it is well-made, sturdy, and has a wonderful hidden screw clasp that I can't even locate half the time, let alone my son. I do not worry about this necklace coming apart. It is too short for him to get it into his mouth while wearing it, so I don't worry about that either."
16. A Baby's First Sit-Me-Up Floor Seat With Linkable Toys
Fisher-Price Sit-Me-Up Floor Seat, $30, Amazon
When your baby is getting too big to be in a reclining seat at all times but isn't strong enough to sit on their own, this sit-me-up floor seat is an uber -popular choice to bridge that developmental gap. It has a removable, machine washable seat pad and comes with two toys that can be linked to the front bar for play. Great for the family that's on-the-go, it folds in half and can be taken and stored anywhere. Parents say this seat provides great head support and makes their babies feel like part of their world.
17. Colorful Sippy Lids That Make Any Cup Or Bottle Perfect For Babies
Cukeng Sippy Lids (6 Pack), $16, Amazon
What to do when you're out at a guest's home and have forgotten your child's sippy cup? Keep a spare sippy lid in your diaper bag at all times that stretches to easily convert any cup or bottle into a spill-proof baby-friendly drinking vessel. These lids are made from safe, 100 percent food grade silicone and are free of chemicals and toxins. They fit over most cups and bottles and are safe for babies and toddlers ages 8 months old and up.
"My daughter already had so many bottles," writes one reviewer. "These lids were the perfect solution because I can use them with my bottles we already had. She also love the elephant design very much. no leak and easy to pack up and carry on to go. Highly recommend!"
18. A Soft, Gentle Baby Nail File Alternative To Clippers
Angel Love Baby Nail File (3 Pack), $5, Amazon
If you're nervous to cut your newborn or infant's nails, try these Czech float glass nail files, which are safe for the smallest, thinnest nails. These non-porous, non-germ absorbing files are described as having the texture of a cat's tongue and are said to trim nails safely and quickly, without even disturbing your little one.
"This is the perfect alternative to clipping baby's nails," writes one reviewer. "We have used this file a few times now and the rubbing files the nails and doesn't hurt the tips of baby's fingers. Exactly what we needed."
19. A Potty Training Urinal Shaped Like A Frog With An Aiming Target
Foryee Frog Potty Training Urinal, $7, Amazon
Don't feel guilty if you can't, for the life of you, figure out how to train a baby to use a potty standing up. Given their height and, well, the fact that potty training is messy no matter what, this fun, frog-shaped potty training urinal is the ideal solution. It has a suction cup that sticks to tiles, an adjustable height that grows with children, and a removable bowl insert that is a breeze to clean. But the best part, by far? There's a center frog "tongue" that provides the perfect aiming target.
20. A Bottle Warmer For Quicker, Easier Midnight Feedings
Philips Avent Bottle Warmer, $21, Amazon
Midnight feeding are stressful enough — make them easier by investing in a bottle warmer like this one that can gently, evenly heat 4 ounces of formula or breastmilk in just three minutes. It has a defrost setting for breastmilk and baby food, and it fits all Avent bottles, toddler cups, and most food jars. It's latex- and BPA-free as well.
"Works wonders!" writes one reviewer. "I always hated boiling water to warm up my breast milk this makes it incredibly easy especially during the night."
21. These Disposable Squeeze Pouches For Travel-Friendly Homemade Baby Food
Infantino Squeeze Pouches (50 Count), $14, Amazon
These disposable food pouches can be filled with up to four ounces of semi-solid homemade pureed veggies, fruits, meat, and yogurt. You can store these pouches in the fridge or freezer and they have child-safe caps and front panels that you can use to label each. Instead of fumbling with utensils and plastic containers when you're out and about, these pouches provide an easy, less messy solution.
22. The Strong TV Tethers That Give You Peace Of Mind
Safety Baby Metal Furniture/TV Straps (2 Pack), $15, Amazon
It's a lot easier to have peace of mind as the parent of a toddler when you've tethered all heavy furniture, like a TV and TV stand, to the wall with these metal furniture/TV straps. These adjustable straps are designed with durable, handcrafted triple stitching and are made with an anti-tip design.
"This strap works well to make sure the TV does not fall forward," writes one reviewer. "I was able to use the screws above a generic TV stand and had no issues. The TV is very secure and I will be purchasing a second set."
23. The Ultimate Diaper Application Brush That Requires You Have Zero Contact With Sticky Creams
BabyBum Diaper Cream Brush, $10, Amazon
Changing diapers gets to be no biggie after the first few times, but applying diaper cream is always a sticky situation. This flexible, 100 percent silicone diaper cream brush applies a perfect layer of cream to your baby's backside every time and has a suction cup base that lets you store it anywhere.
"I tried this last night after a year of hand-wiping butt cream on everyday because my LO has very sensitive skin," writes one reviewer. "It worked great! I was skeptical at first because I wasn't sure how well the spatula would actually get the paste in all the necks and crannies but it was very flexible and soft and worked like a charm."
Romper may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from Romper's editorial and sales departments.
