We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
1. A bestselling Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes Musical Toy that'll play classical melodies (think Mozart, Chopin, etc.) and display twinkling lights to help calm your cranky youngster in no time.
Promising review: "The best baby distractor EVER! Every person with a child must have this toy! I had about five tucked in various places in case one got lost. My son loved them from basically birth and sometimes it would distract him for hours of noncrying! (heaven for a new mother) Of course in the beginning you have to keep pushing the button for them but compared to swinging him in his car seat that was easy! Then when he got older, he would spend entire car rides just playing with this one toy. I give it to everyone I know who has a baby." —NH-Mommy
Get it from Amazon for $8.88 (also available in five other styles).
2. A pack of brightly colored stacking cups with more than 80 5-star reviews for a reason — it keeps kids entertained for hours on end. What more could you ask for?
Bonus: These have holes in the bottom for water play and come with a cute star ring to keep them together.
Promising review: "The best $4 I have ever spent! Such a simple and inexpensive toy that has entertained my 10 month old so much and has been his most used toy so far. He has been playing with these since about 5/6 months old and he just comes up with new ways to enjoy them which has been so much fun to watch him discover. He started by just grabbing them and tasting them. Now he puts them inside of each other, looks for other toys to fit inside them, and pretends to drink out of them. I know this is a long review for a $4 item, but I really want to express how great such a simple toy can be. I will be buying this as an add on for every baby gift/shower that I need!" —GW
Get a pack of nine from Amazon for $6.91.
3. A pack of spill-proof Munchkin snack catchers to save you headaches *and* time when snack time rolls around. No more Goldfish crackers all over the floor!
Promising review: "What a lifesaver! I mean really! My daughter loves her snacks. She also loves to make a mess, give them to the dog, or fill her car seat up with them, then cry when she has nothing to eat. My wife picked one up at Target and man...we used it so much, we couldn't clean it fast enough. SOOOO we bought a few more. and for less than $5 for two...this is a no-brainer!" —jeffgrantMEDIA
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $5.96 (available in two color combos and as a four-pack).
4. A genius sight word Bingo game because it's basically a proven fact that kids are more enticed to learn when a game is involved. Working through sight words will be much easier for you *and* way more fun for them.
The set comes with 36 playing cards, 264 playing chips, a caller's mat and cards, and a storage box. This version is a fun twist on the classic, but instead of calling out numbers, the leader calls out words (there are 46 most-used words), players search their cards for a match and place a red chip on the match. Once a player has covered the spaces on their card needed to win, they call BINGO!
Promising review: "My 4-year-old daughter and 5-year-old nephew love this! They learned how to read all these words in under a week. They begged to get level 2 bingo after. Level 2 was a bit more challenging but they were up for the challenge. I give them a dot that says 10 cents on it for every word they get right. Since there are so many words the change adds up quick for them and they make about 2 or 3 bucks each per game. This has highly improved their reading ability. If only there was a level 3!!!" —Loulou
Get it from Amazon for $12.99.
5. A pack of silicone pouch lids that'll feel like a miracle if your kid just LOVES to squeeze drink/snack pouches until they explode. The lid has a flow-control valve to prevent spills while still allowing them to sip it. #Worthit.
Check out why a mom calls this pouch topper the "coolest thing" in this TikTok.
ChooMee is a small biz based in Northern California, owned by a mom, that specializes in innovative products that solve everyday feeding challenges.
Promising reviews: "I am OBSESSED. I saw these on TikTok and ran to Amazon...so glad I did! My toddler loves yogurt/applesauce pouches but started purposely dumping and squeezing the contents out. But these make it absolutely impossible for her to do that without making it difficult to eat! I tested them, and it’s SO easy to drink out of, but I was unable to squeeze anything out. 10/10 recommend. I’m definitely buying more" —Amanda
"One baby/toddler product worth buying! As a mom whose daughter (15 months) likes to feed herself I hardly ever bought the food pouches because of the big mess they make. These tops seriously make motherhood a little easier! Total win in my book!" —Brittany Jones
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in five color combos).
6. A pack of colorful laminated flash cards if you want to encourage your lil' genius to learn their letters and numbers. Toddlers are already eager to learn, so this is a fun way to help them absorb more knowledge!
Promising review: "My 2-year-old mastered their numbers, alphabet, colors, shapes, and identifies all animals and objects on the cards. When I first received the cards I thought they may be a little too advanced for her age (18mo old at the time), but I was dead wrong! After about a month and a half of using the flash cards she mastered them! We usually 'play' with the flash cards for only about 10 minutes before her bedtime. This is a great tool in the early developmental stages for any toddler. I’m excited to get her the next card set. Material = durable, same as a normal deck of cards. Size = a little bigger than your typical deck of cards. Fits nicely in pocket or purse, great for keeping toddlers busy while traveling. Overall = A+." —M. Abdallah
Get a pack of 58 cards from Amazon for $12.99 (also available for babies).
7. A leave-in conditioning spray for curly hair so you can wrangle tough tangles without spending tons of time (and energy) combing through impossible knots. The best part? Your kiddo won't be in pain, so they won't fight you on it!
Reviewers say this spray will leave wavy or curly hair (from 2a–4c hair) shiny, soft, and bouncy.
Promising review: "My 4-year-old has long, curly hair. She sleeps like she’s in a MMA ring and subsequently wakes up with hair matted and tangled. She cries if you brush it because it’s obviously a nightmare. I got this and spray it all over her dry hair and HOLY MOLY where has this been?! The brush glides through her hair with no issue. I don't know what magical unicorn made this stuff but I swear by this now!" —Meghan Anne
Get it from Amazon for $8.26 (also available in a smaller size and as a two-pack).
8. Plus, a detangling brush reviewers love for curly hair that's prone to knots and tangles. It saves you time *and* spares your child a painful brushing process.
Reviewers swear this brush works on all hair types: straight, wavy, or curly (from 3a hair–4c hair).
Promising review: "Can I just go ahead and say that I'm pretty sure this thing is magic. My 4.5-year-old daughter has the tangliest (What? It's a word.) hair in the known universe. The worst part is that she also has a very sensitive head. Tears have been shed, on both of our parts. The second I used this brush on her, I knew it was special. She even loves it! She doesn't like me to use anything else to brush her hair, and her hair always looks shiny and smooth afterward! Wonderful product!" —BeccaInPink
Get it from Amazon for $11.99 (available in 10 colors and as a two-pack).
9. A TikTok-famous grape cutter to make the extremely tedious task of cutting your kiddo's grapes more bearable. You'll eliminate choking hazards while saving precious time. It can also be used for pitted olives, grape tomatoes, and more.
Promising review: "Such a TIME SAVER! Omg I’m OBSESSED with this product! Lets me cut grapes and olives for my toddler EFFORTLESSLY. Amazing product. DEFINITELY worth the purchase, especially for me since my daughter loves to eat grapes daily and most time more than once a day. This has made it so easy my husband and I almost cried hahaha." —Makeda
Get it from Amazon for $11.95 (available in colors navy and opal).
10. A truly precious Smily Mia Penguin pacifier that'll soothe your baby *without* them constantly dropping it on the dirty floor. It's made to mimic a boob and designed to stay on their hand.
Promising review: "At 3-months-old my baby was constantly chewing on her hands. I would have to hold teethers in her mouth for her since she was not advanced enough to pick items and hold them herself. This teether gave her the ability to hold it herself! She loves it SO much! Now my baby is 6 months old and still loves this thing. I have recommended it to all of my friends with babies and will probably buy more as a gift." —Woodlee
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in 14 colors/styles and as a two-paack).
11. A space-saving *and* lifesaving Graco Slim Snacker high chair great for smaller areas because you can quickly fold it up and put it away when it's not in use.
Promising review: "Amazing highchair! Seriously, can’t say enough nice things. I love how easy it is to clean, to fold, to use. The storage bin underneath has been incredible! It’s very sturdy, lightweight, and not top heavy at all! And it works at our counter height table! The recline option is great too-so easy to adjust even when my son is in it. I looked at a lot of high chairs before getting this one and SO glad I did. This may be my favorite baby purchase to date as far as simplifying and improving my role as Mom." —Sarah C.
Get it from Amazon for $89.97.
12. A National Geographic geode kit when your little one would love nothing more than to break open some crystals and examine the insides. It comes with a learning guide, goggles, and two display stands.
This kit comes with 10 different-sized geodes, goggles, and a display stand.
Promising review: "My 9-year-old niece gets these every year for Christmas. It is a new gift every time! She loves to put on safety glasses and swing that hammer! The geodes are always beautiful. She also loves the element of surprise! This is a wonderful gift that will engage even kids who are not into the sciences. Every year she takes pieces in to share with her class. She also loves to give pieces away as little gifts or mementos. Nat Geo never disappoints!" —Kristin D.
Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in four styles).
13. Some plastic knives so you can encourage their kitchen participation in a way that doesn't slow you down. These are good for basic chopping but aren't sharp enough to cut them.
Note: Children still need supervision while using them, of course.
Promising review: "I’ve only had these for a couple of days, but already my 4-year-old daughter keeps asking me for things to chop up. They’re perfect for the little chef in your life or the kid who wants to be a big helper. So far she’s easily (and safely) chopped up: lettuce, apples, bananas, strawberries, potatoes, even carrots! I can run my hand along the blade and not cut myself and yet it’s designed in a way that you can still chop through veggies and fruits. Another pro is they are super easy to clean and dishwasher-safe. They came exactly as pictures for me: in three different sizes and colors, with a slight grip texture on the handle for little hands. They’re nice and lightweight as well so it’s not cumbersome for younger kids. Love them!" —Abby Roeller
Get a set of three from Amazon for $9.95 (available in two color combos)..
14. A Whiskware pancake batter mixer that combines wet and dry ingredients without having yet another bowl to clean. Plus, you'll whip up your kid's fave breakfast in a flash! It has a built-in BlenderBall wire whisk, so all you have to do is shake everything up and get cooking.
Promising review: This is the best breakfast invention after the waffle maker. LOVE IT! As someone who makes pancakes or waffles three to four times a week (my kids are pretty spoiled, but breakfast is key to getting through the first part of the school day), this is the easiest and fastest way to get that done. I just add everything to the bottle, shake, and pour into the waffle maker or griddle. When I am done, just add some water, shake again, empty, and then place everything in the dishwasher." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
15. Crayola Globbles if getting your child to sit down for an activity is not in the cards. They can squish 'em, sling 'em, stretch 'em, and more! Don't worry — reviewers say these don't leave a sticky residue behind.
Promising review: "I waited over two months to write my review! My 4-year-old daughter plays with these DAILY! YES they do attract dirt and hair. HOWEVER, they are so easy to rinse off, it's not a big deal! We took these to a family gathering and ended up giving two away because they were SO loved! The two we gave away went to a 12-year-old and my 19-year-old brother. They discovered throwing them at the ceiling fan and watching them shoot across the room, which was pretty entertaining! None of them have busted or ripped and they are definitely NOT gentle with them! I will definitely be buying more!" —Heather Hambrick
Get a six-pack from Amazon for $10.68 (also available as a 16-pack).
16. A pack of reusable 500+ puffy stickers because when boredom strikes, there's nothing like a TON of stickers to keep 'em busy. Kids can easily peel and stick 'em on their own! They can also be removed from smooth surfaces without leaving a sticky residue.
The stickers feature letters, numbers, vehicles, butterflies, deep-sea life, animals, fish, dinosaurs, and more.
Promising review: "The stickers are packaged in individual bags, one sheet per bag. There are different themes (space, trucks, rainbows, etc.) to each sheet. I got them because my 4-year-old is a sticker monster and just wants to stick a million stickers to a piece of paper and then color around it. It seems like a wasteful project, but heck, it occupies him for a solid half hour and mama needs the break!" —Dog Mommy
Get a pack of 20 sheets from Amazon for $5.99.
17. The Pink Stuff when you're ready to tackle the mysterious marks your little ones have left all around the house for you. You'll be shook by how quickly and easily this stuff can lift the stains you've been battling for ages.
Promising reviews: "I saw this on TikTok and had to try it. Being a mom and a babysitter, we have the occasional crayon or marker on surfaces it is not supposed to be. This takes it right off without a ton of elbow grease. I also used it on my Converse today. They were covered in dirt and grass stains from doing yard work and now they look brand-new. This stuff is a lifesaver!" —TammyC117
"If you’ve ever got lipstick on anything you know how hard it is to remove. My 4-year-old loves makeup and thinks she is the next Picasso. This stuff removed it with only rubbing it over it. No scrubbing at all. I’m completely sold!" —Buyer
Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (available in two sizes and various bundles).
18. A two-pack of super soft and stretchy sheets many reviewers say they'd buy again — they're just that good. These sheets are designed to fit perfectly on most pack-n-play mattresses, so you won't have to worry about them bunching up.
Promising review: "Do they make these in adult sizes? These are the softest sheets I've ever felt in my life. They are SO soft, perfect for cold or warm nights. I've purchased two packs now and they are the only sheets that fit our Graco pack n play PERFECTLY. They also sell these for cribs and bassinets, which I will likely purchase!" —Kate
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $13.99 (available in 15 colors/patterns).
19. A Melissa & Doug magnetic calendar that'll help inquisitive preschoolers learn the days of the week, months, and weather with a fun, hands-on activity! This is a great way to get their day started while you're still nursing your morning coffee.
Promising review: "My 4-year-old loves loves loves this! He gets excited to change the magnets every morning. I had some magnet strips and made additional magnets for activities (preschool, zoo, library, Grandma's house). I am really happy I bought this, and it has helped teach him months, and days of the week. Determining the weather is fun too. One day we came home after school and he couldn't wait to change the weather from sunny to raining. I highly recommend this for preschoolers, it's a lot of fun." —Hammyg3
Get it from Amazon for $17.49.
20. And a Melissa & Doug activity book complete with some child-safe scissors so they can work out their pent-up energy by focusing on a project that motivates them to use their motor skills.
Promising review: "Scissors skills are important both in and of themselves and because it strengthens the hand muscles to be used for learning to write. My 4-year-old LOVES this book. We received it this week and she has used it for a couple of hours each day. Many of the pages are cutting things out and putting them together (four-scoop ice cream cone, pizza with pepperonis, the components to build a house or a car, puzzles). We've used tape or glue to put the components together. This book is interesting enough to have caught the attention of my older children as well, although I make them let her do the cutting. :D Would make a great gift as it is so unique." —Mom of 7
Get it from Amazon for $7.99.
21. A marble run set to get those 4-year-old creative juices flowing with an activity that will keep them occupied for hours. There are endless maze possibilities and they'll sharpen their problem-solving skills in the process.
Promising review: "This keeps my 4-year-old son entertained for hours at a time! I have been using Amazon for years but this is my very first review. I wanted to write a review since this is such an amazing product! We bought it for my son's fourth birthday and he LOVES it. There are so many ways to build it up! Even though he could play with this independently, the whole family joins in. The colors are amazing and you can see the marbles going through everything!" —Taryn
Get it from Amazon for $47.99 (available in four styles).
22. An Itzy Ritzy adjustable stroller organizer for parents who know the struggle of trying to juggle all their stuff *and* their kids' stuff. Now you'll have a place for the essentials in the form of a chic accessory that'll earn you tons of compliments on the playground.
Itzy Ritzy is a small biz owned by parents of three babes that specializes in creating safe, stylish parenting gear.
Promising review: "I love this stroller caddy! I switch it between strollers whenever we go anywhere. I have four kids and a lot of things to hold. The cup holders on our stroller aren't large enough to hold my phone, so this works perfect. Mine and my husband's phones, keys, snacks, anything you need easy access to. Definitely makes being out and about easier with a 2-month-old!" —AudraD
Get it from Amazon for $24.60+ (available in seven styles).
23. A scratch paper art set if you're looking for a way to keep them busy that never gets old. This'll bring back memories of your own childhood when scratching the surface and seeing your artwork underneath felt truly magical.
Promising review: "Love it! Love it! My 4-year-old was glued to these for a day and a half and that meant this mommy could finish her work deliverables. My kid is not into painting, crafts, drawing, and all but loved this product so much! It’s very easy to use and creates very little mess (scratching off) and looks nice too. ❤️" —Ana
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
24. A pair of ~handy~ faucet extenders when the youngsters are old enough to use the sink but not quite tall enough to reach the water. You no longer have to strain your back to boost 'em up to reach the faucet, so it's a win-win.
Combining this with a step stool is a parenting match made in heaven! Your child will be more independent and you won't have to pick them up each time they need to brush their teeth or wash their hands.
Promising review: "Wonderful for helping small kids wash their hands. The faucets in our apartment are really short, and even with a step stool it's a small struggle for our 4-year-old to reach the water and she usually ends up getting water on herself from trying to wash her hands. This was perfect to add to her bathroom sink. It was incredibly easy to put on and it's easy for me to take off, but not so easy that my kid can knock it off. Would highly recommend this for anyone with sinks that need to be more accessible to kids." —B. DeKo
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $11.49.
25. Some FridaBaby vapor drops so you can give your child some much-needed stuffy nose relief and open up their airways for a good night's sleep. It's made with organic lavender and eucalyptus essential oils, so your house will smell downright heavenly, too.
Safe for babes 3+ months.
According to Johns Hopkins, you may want to avoid diffusing oils around large groups and young children due to the side effects of different oils.
Promising reviews: "Immediate difference. My 5-month-old was suffering nights of awful congestion/coughing and restlessness. We tried all we could do before getting Breathe Frida and I wished we had it sooner. The first night she woke up only a couple of times in comparison to the ones before. The second night she had no middle of the night wakeups. Although these drops are not meant for cool mist humidifiers, we put them in there, just to see how it would work. We will have to get a diffuser or a warm mist humidifier in order to prevent our cool humidifier from getting damaged."—Angela
"My little one was sick with RSV and he needed the humidifier on every night. With just the humidifier on, he didn't seem to be able to breathe any better but I got this vapor and during sleep and naps he started sounding so much better. I could tell it was working and it also made his room smell nice instead of like a sick baby! He got much better much faster than I thought with all the extra things we were doing, and this is one I wouldn't leave out of my 'getting baby better' routine!"—Lindsey
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (also available as a three-pack).
26. And a reviewer-beloved FridaBaby three-step cradle cap system to help your poor baby get some sweet relief ASAP. Lather up their head with the foam sponge, gently massage and loosen the flakes with the bristle brush, then lift the flakes with the fine-tooth comb. Problem solved!
Read more about cradle cap — aka seborrheic dermatitis — at Seattle Children’s and the American Academy of Dermatology.
Promising review: "My six-week-old had bad cradle cap all of a sudden and this brush worked miracles. I wish I had it from birth. We have continued to use this brush even though the cradle cap has gone and it does wonders on the scalp and keeps the hair looking healthy. Highly highly recommend. Plus, my baby enjoys the gentle scalp massage from the soft bristles." —LM01
Get it from Amazon for $13.99.
27. A Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza card game for facilitating an epic family game night that everyone will love — yes, even the kids! The sheer amount of laughing fits that are about to happen...? Prepare for hiccups.
Pass out all the cards to the players and keep all the stacks face down. Everyone takes a turn putting a card down in the middle while saying "taco," "cat," "goat," "cheese," and "pizza," in that order. If the picture on your card matches the word that's said, everyone races against each other to slap their hand on the central pile of cards. Whoever is last must take the pile of cards and add them to their stack, and the person who runs out of cards first wins!
Promising review: "My 13-year-old daughter and I played this with three family friends. I won't name names, but somebody wound up laughing so hard they peed their pants. My only caution is to make sure everyone cuts any long fingernails before playing, especially if players are super competitive. Battle scars are a thing. I can't recommend this game highly enough — it's SO amazingly fun!!!!!" —Fuzzy Kate
Get it from Amazon for $9.84.
28. A canvas growth chart if the phrase "you're growing up too fast" tugs at your heartstrings. This helps you keep track of your (not so) baby's height without marking up the walls. It can be rolled up for safekeeping whenever you want to take a walk down memory lane.
Promising review: "I have a very tall 4-year-old boy, who is growing up so fast. So investing in a growth chart was a great addition to his room. Makes it much more fun knowing his exact measurement in height, plus it puts a smile on everyone's face." —brian martinezk
Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (available in three colors/styles).
29. A cult-fave stain remover that'll help you tackle the new stains that turn up on your child's clothes every time you turn around! Reviewers say this stuff has *literally* saved their clothes. The concentrated formula helps eliminate stubborn stains, including grass, blood, and oil.
Promising review: "This stuff is amazing at taking stains out of clothing. I have a 4-year-old and he can't keep anything clean, and it works great on food/dirt/grass stains. It has even removed set-in stains. I was happy to find that it came in a bigger bottle, as it is the only stain remover I use." —Nicole
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $14.77 (also available in larger sizes and various multipacks).
30. A bath toy organizer to organize the living nightmare that is your child's bath toys. It suctions right to the shower wall and the mesh design ensures the toys will dry quickly!
Promising review: "[It] has the perfect amount of storage for all of our toddler's bath toys and for his bath wash and bubbles too. All the toys end up drying and we have had no issues with it staying suctioned on the wall and we bought it a few weeks ago now. Definitely worth it!"—Heather
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in three styles, including pre-stocked with toys or by itself).
31. A machine-washable Tiny Twinkle full-sleeved bib when your messy eater has ruined one too many outfits. This bib offers way more coverage than most, which means you'll cut down on all the soiled clothes you have to wash after mealtime.
Tiny Twinkle is a small biz based in Phoenix, Arizona that creates high quality, safe products for babies, children, and parents.
Promising review: "Whoever designed this bib should win an award! I have a VERY messy eater, normally we would have to undress her down to her diaper to have meals, and cleanup always took forever because she was covered in whatever she was eating. With this bib, we keep her fully dressed (it even covers part of her pants and her tray covers the rest) and clean up is so much easier, we just wipe her hands and face and slip the bib right off. It’s super easy to clean, I usually rinse it under the sink with a bit of dish soap and hang to dry, but once a week I throw it in the washing machine for a deep clean and it’s fared well in the washer and dryer! LOVE this bib!!." —Heidi L Payne
Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in two sizes and 35 colors).
32. Some durable toy hammocks for holding all of your lil' munchkin's stuffed animals instead of them ending up in one giant pile on the floor. You can thank me later.
Promising review: "My 4-year-old has a zoo of stuffed animals. I needed an easy way to store them in her small room. This worked great. I hung it by myself with no problems at all. Came with two nets, one held a BUNCH of her stuffed animals. I couldn’t be happier." —Belinda
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $12.87 (available in six colors).
33. A whale-shaped bath spout cover because bath time shouldn't be ruined by a perfectly preventable bonk on the head. Cover the faucet with this and a bath will never end in tears again!
Promising review: "I have a toddler who tends to be more mobile in the bathtub than I care for. This thing has saved his noggin so many times. Great padding — it doesn’t hurt when he bonks his head, stays in place (my son could not remove it at 15 months and has since given up), and cute. Can’t imagine not having this." —MM
Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in colors blue and grey).
34. A bug bite suction tool so you can come to the rescue and prevent a full-on meltdown when a bug bite occurs. This tool sucks out the insect saliva or venom to reduce or eliminate itching, redness, and swelling. It can be used for mosquito bites, wasp/bee stings, and more.
Promising review: "This is a MUST-HAVE in our household. I was a huge skeptic but decided to try it out of desperation. My youngest daughter is highly allergic to mosquito bites and gets huge welts that itch horribly after being bit. This product drastically reduces her swelling and itching. All of my girls (and myself) immediately ask for it after being bit. It takes away, or at least drastically reduces, the itching immediately. We also used it on fire ant bites, and my daughter said they felt better almost immediately!" —Reyka Smith
Get it from Amazon for $9.80 (available in three colors and as a three-pack).
35. A touchless forehead thermometer with LED digits for taking the easiest and quickest temperature readings of all time. The built-in sensor gives you a reading in ONE second, so you can even take it while they're asleep.
Promising review: "This is a great thermometer — accurate, looks great, a must have! If you have kids, forget about sticking a thermometer in their ears. I have four kids now and a thermometer is a must have. Hold this thing close to the forehead, push the button in and you get a reading in about one second. This thing looks good, feels good, and is accurate. We’ve used different thermometers in the past. The head scanner that you run across the forehead...no good. In-ear thermometers...accurate, but expect a battle. Rectal thermometers...very accurate, but expect a war. This is the easiest one out of all of them. We find it especially useful when we need the quick 'I don’t feel that great' check...i.e., man cold. Overall, highly recommend!."—BearDownChi1
Get it from Amazon for $22.98+ (available in colors white and black).
36. A pack of toilet seat covers you'll love when it's time to potty train *and* for use in public bathrooms where you want to be extra careful about germs. It's better than trying to line the seat with flimsy strips of toilet paper, ya feel me?
Promising review: "I cannot say enough good things about this product. I brought them along on a recent trip to Greece. My 4-year-old needs to hold on to the seat when she goes, and these toilet seat covers are a godsend in public restrooms!!! They cover exactly enough of the seat where she can hold on and not touch anything gross! They stay dry while she is seated and stay stuck to the seat until you remove it. I even used them myself when necessary. I will purchase these again and again!!" —Irene
Get a pack of 24 covers from Amazon for $9.99 (available in two sizes and larger multipacks).
37. And a pack of motion-activated toilet night-lights if you've lost count of how many times you've been woken up to assist with midnight pees. This will result in fewer wakeup calls *and* a less messy bathroom in the morning.
Promising review: "I absolutely love this product. Especially because with a husband and a son, they tend to sprinkle on the toilet seat in the middle of the night. With the color set to any bright color (like white, yellow, green, or blue) it illuminates every single sprinkle on the seat! You will no longer have a bottom wet with pee in the middle of the night! When I purchased this I bought a case of AAA batteries thinking I would have to change them often (with six people in the house they get used often). However I have not had to change the batteries once in a few months! Also the sensor is super sensitive so it turns on as you come through the door, or even a little before. Just a great product all around. Definitely recommend for households with children, you won't have to leave your bathroom light in all night anymore either! #MomWin." —Angela
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $11.50.
38. Bob Books, Set 1: Beginning Readers that'll help build confidence in kids who are in the early stages of learning to read and sounding out words. The stories start out with easy three-letter words and gradually become more complex throughout the book.
The set comes with 12 books.
Promising review: "My 4-year-old daughter has known letters and sounds since just past her second birthday and could 'read' a few sight words, but she had a hard time mastering the process of sounding out a word. For the last two years, she would read the word 'stop' as 'sss- tuh- ah- puh,' but didn't understand how to really blend the phonemes. But somehow, as soon as we got them for her, Bob Books finally unlocked the part of her brain that could really solve the puzzle of phonics! I'm thrilled by the amount of progress we've seen in just TWO DAYS-- going from 'getting' phonics, but not really reading, to completely consolidating and understanding the two concepts. She's also very suddenly taken up a lot of initiative in independent writing and spelling. I couldn't recommend these books more highly. They are a miracle!!" —Juniper
Get the set from Amazon for $12.64
39. And a pack of laminated math posters — hang 'em on the wall to make those dreaded homework sessions much more bearable (for everyone, tbh). This is great for students in elementary through middle school ages.
Promising review: "Great learning tools, ordered for a third grader. Large and easy to read. Helps with learning different aspects from time and money, to multiplication and fractions. Was surprised to see all the content it had to offer." —Amazon Customer
Get a 12-pack from Amazon for $13.99.
40. A pack of perfectly inconspicuous corner guards because your child has probably had a nasty run-in with a sharp corner at some point. Now you can protect them from these ouchy accidents!
Promising review: "Must-have. I love these. We just moved in with family, and they had a coffee table with super-sharp corners and I have a little one who pulls up on everything and is trying to walk. To say I was on edge is an understatement. My sister-in-law didn’t want an obnoxious baby-proof item around her house, but these were so discreet she didn’t even notice that I had installed them. They are so soft that my little one started gumming on them to soothe his gums, LOL. They were super easy to install, stuck on very well and with not much effort, and came with plenty so if I need them I’ll have them handy. Super satisfied! If you’re thinking about getting them, please do!" —Amazon Customer
Get a 12-pack from Amazon for $8.98 (also available in packs of 18 or 24).
41. And some magnetic locks you'll wish you'd installed ages ago — reviewers don't call them a game changer for nothing! They're just that good at keeping kids out of the drawers and cabinets. No screws or tricky installation required! They're hidden inside the drawer, so they won't stick out like a sore thumb.
The set comes with 12 locks (with strong 3M double-sided tape on the back) and two keys.
Promising review: "Works perfect! I love that it does not have any visible parts. The magnet idea Is genius! Perfect for my apartment cabinets. When I leave I can just easily remove them because of the 3M tape it comes with. Very easy to install and my toddler can’t get in. WIN!" —Cathy R
Get a 12-pack from Amazon for $29.98 (also available in larger multi-packs).
42. A game-changing sandwich cutter and sealer if you want to stop paying top dollar for Smuckers Uncrustables and make your own version at home. Plus, your kid will think you're a real-life superhero.
Promising review: "Awesome sandwich cutters!!!! My 4-year-old got stuck on those Smuckers frozen crustless sandwiches and wouldn’t eat anything not shaped like that and the round press is PERFECT for making an at-home one. Love the other shapes too but the round one is the whole reason I bought this set." —Kaylee M.
Get it from Amazon for $16.97.
43. CeraVe moisturizing cream when you need help treating those terrible eczema flare-ups, stat. It can also help relieve dry, chapped skin due to harsh weather. It provides intense moisture without using any parabens, dyes, or fragrances.
Psst! This product has the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance.
Promising review: "We tried so many creams marketed for eczema (most containing oatmeal) and they all made my baby's eczema worse. We were desperate to find a cream that would help and stumbled upon this cream. It did wonders clearing up his eczema and as long as we use it daily it keeps it from flaring up again, this is glycerin-based and doesn't contain oatmeal." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $8.97 (available in two sizes).
44. A USDA-certified organic baby healing balm reviewers swear by for healing skin irritation due to cradle cap, acne, rashes, and more. It's made with plant-based ingredients, including chamomile, cocoa butter, coconut oil, calendula, and avocado oil.
Be sure to read more about cradle cap — aka seborrheic dermatitis — at Seattle Children’s and the American Academy of Dermatology.
Era Organics is a family-owned-and-operated small biz that specializes in products made with plant-based ingredients to help treat various skin issues.
Promising review: "This stuff is AMAZING; I wish I could give it 10 stars. My baby had cradle cap and baby eczema really bad, his entire face had broken out. Once I put this on his skin it cleared up in two days. My husband had a rash on his arm and it cleared that up too. I recommend this to anyone. In the pic is my son's face & the other side is two days later. As a matter of fact, I’m ordering some more as soon as I finish typing this just to have it on hand." —Sheri Watson
Get it from Amazon for $26.99.
45. An inexpensive portable white noise machine to replace those annoying sounds that make it difficult for your child to fall asleep with calming, spa-like sounds. This is also great for traveling to new places where the background noise is too much to handle!
Promising reviews: "We use it at night, during the day at home, and even on the go. With our first baby, we had white noise on our phones, this just makes our lives so much easier. We just leave it next to the baby with timer, and she sleeps for a few hours." —Tatiana Figueiredo
"This product has been a lifesaver! Our child LOVES the sound of rain/white noise and this has calmed her down in the car seat sooooo much. She dislikes the car seat and the portable machine has made our lives easier. We used it about every day for a month before the batteries finally died. Worth the money 100%." —Brianna
Get it from Amazon for $12.98.
46. A Summer Infant potty training toilet toddler parents swear by because it makes using the toilet less frightening and helps make the transition to using the "big potty" much easier. It has lights, music, and realistic flush sounds so they'll actually look forward to using it.
FYI, it also has a built-in wipe compartment, a removable easy-to-clean bowl, and a clip-on splash guard.
Promising review: "Pretty much everything on this cute little potty is likable. Its small size makes it ideal for toddlers, its flushing noise mechanism makes it fun for the kiddos, and it’s relatively easy to wipe down and clean. Just take the removable potty to the bathroom, flush the goods down, and give it a quick rinse in the shower. My 2-year-old loves this potty over a few others we purchased and I’m glad I paid the few extra bucks because it’s helped him potty train quicker and more effectively because it’s more realistic and he actually enjoys sitting on it. Plus it’s the got pee trapper adapter for boys making sure there are no extra messes for parents and caregivers!" —MssyNorX
Get it from Amazon for $44.99 (available in three colors/styles).
47. Tushbaby's hip carrier if you *literally* need to take a load off when it comes to carrying your kid around. This will help prevent back strain and it has plenty of storage pockets for your parenting essentials.
Tushbaby is a small biz run by three California mamas and specializes in products that bring a little more ease to daily parenting life.
Promising review: "This is probably my favorite thing I've picked up as a random purchase. It's comfy to wear. My toddler loves it. I love the pockets and pouches. I used this trick or treating. I also use it for doctor's visits, my older son's games, grocery shopping, doing chores around the house, and during the holiday events. It is literally my favorite purchase. Can literally carry my toddler for hours without getting tired or him being uncomfortable. Well worth the price point. Amazing design." —Letha Rolland
Get it from Amazon for $84.99+ (available in colors grey and black/gold).
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.