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 stroller fan designed with super bendy legs so you can easily attach it to a stroller, car seat, jumper chair, or wherever else you need it, then easily reposition and move it later. Even if they don't have too many words yet, your kiddo will still appreciate that extra bit of cool on a hot day!
Promising review: "Absolutely love this thing! I didn’t expect much of it but after reading the awesome reviews I decided to give it a shot. It has flexible tripod legs that are able to wrap around things and stand upright as well as a moveable head. It is super efficient for its size and I love that it also has an LED light that I was unaware of. My little girl has a low heat tolerance so this is just what I needed to keep her cool in the heat. Thank you for an amazing product. Worth every penny!" —Olga
Get it from Amazon for $23.99 (available in three colors).
2. And an aaaadorable Mickey-shaped stroller hook to sturdily hold onto all those heavy bags full of bottles, diapers, toys, extra clothes so you don't have to. Getting your baby out of the house takes enough effort, you deserve to skip that extra bit of heavy lifting.
Promising review: "We got this for our Disney trip. It was perfect to hold our water bottles as we navigate the parks, it was also great for our little big kids to hold on to when we were walking through big crowds! It also worked well holding all of our bags! The hook is huge and of substantial weight. The bonus is that it’s also adorable — perfect for any Disney fan!" —LnASmom
Get it from Amazon for $19.
3. A leave-in curly hair spray conditioner that'll transform their otherwise messy, frizzy 'do into a head full of beautiful curls without taking any extra effort on your part — you can even spray it on dry hair. And it's paraben-, sulfate-, and phthalate free, thank goodness.
Reviewers say this spray will leave wavy or curly hair (from 2a–4c hair) shiny, soft, and bouncy.
Promising review: "This stuff is fantastic for curly girls! I spray it in my daughter's dry hair in the morning, run my fingers through her ringlets (never ever comb or brush curly hair dry), then clip the top back. It smells amazing, and the price on Amazon is better than other national retailers I've found it at. The price is worth it. Minimizes frizz and keeps curls soft and natural looking. My daughter has soft/fine thick hair." —Carolyn Smith
Get it from Amazon for $9.69.
4. And a detangling brush so you can effortlessly rid your munchkin's hair of knots with wayyy less frustration, tears, and pain for both you and them. Over 50,000 people have rated it five stars, so you know it's gotta be good!
Reviewers swear this brush works on all hair types: straight, wavy, or curly (from 3a–4c hair).
Promising review: "I'm a single dad of a 6-year-old girl and combing her hair is the hardest part of taking care of her. She gets really bad knots in her hair. This brush is the only thing that has ever worked. Thank you so much. She even likes to comb her own hair now." —Nguyen P.
Promising review: "Best detangling brush I've ever used! My daughter has really curly hair and puts up a fight every time I have to brush it! This brush has made bath time a much more enjoyable experience for both of us! 😅 If you have thick, curly hair this brush is a must-have!" —Tiffany Marie
Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in five colors).
5. A LOL-worthy Shrek-shaped toothpaste cap that'll transform their bedtime routine: no more squabbling over brushing their teeth, only extra giggles because they can't wait to, well, use the toothpaste. 😂
Casual Chicken is a small business based in Irvine, California, that sells an array of unique 3D-printed items.
Promising review: "My kids went from dreading getting their teeth brushed to looking forward to their 'Shrek poops' on their toothbrush. Thank you!" —Kate DeJuliis
Get it from Casual Chicken on Etsy for $9.99.
6. And a TikTok-beloved toothbrush holder and dispenser because you're tired of cleaning up the toothpaste mess your child leaves when they squeeze their own — this does it for them, both wasting less (aka saving you $) and leaving your counters free of globbed bubblegum-flavor paste.
It features two different toothpaste dispensers (so they have options!), six toothbrush slots, and two cups that sit on top.
Promising review: "To All MAMAS: A TRUE MUST-HAVE from a mama who KNOWS!!! Every household with kids should have this thing, actually EVERY HOUSEHOLD, REGARDLESS! No more finding toothpaste everywhere but down the sink drain, no more throwing half a tube away because of lost caps. Insert your favorite brand in the dispenser and voila! Simply press your brush against lever and a perfectly portioned dollop every time. When it’s time to rinse, grab one of the four cups that are hidden in the top and bottom of this little masterpiece. Rinse your brush, open the storage compartment, hang brush, and shut lid! Bristles are covered and protected from the wide array of germs that like to inhabit bathrooms." —Jen
Get it from Amazon for $17.99 (available in three colors).
7. An under-$50 baby gate with a truly simple installation that doesn't require any drilling — it mounts like a tension curtain rod, with pressure on either side. Grown-ups only need one hand to open it (key when your arms are already full), and you won't have to worry about your toddler getting into the dog's food.
Y'all, this beauty has over 60,000+ 5-star (!!!) ratings, so you know it's gotta be good. It's 30 inches tall and expands to fit openings between 29–34 or 35–38.5 inches wide. This gate will not fit an opening between 34–35 inches. Just make sure to measure before you buy!
Promising review: "Best gate I have ever owned. I have two small kids, a dog, and two cats. Plus, lots of stairs. I have gone through so many gates in the last three years. Most broke over time or came loose. This gate is worth 20 stars. Amazing quality. It has stood the test of time! reliable, sturdy, easy to use, easy to install. The gate swings both ways! That's a HUGE plus. I feel so secure having it knowing that there is no way my kids or dog can knock it down or get over it. It is tall too. Buy this one. Coming from the girl who is the queen of gates. This one is one-and-done." —L. Randall
Get it from Amazon for $39.99.
8. A pack of Crayola Globbles to be the perfect distraction for your kids the next time they say "I'm bored"! They just might spend hours chucking them at the walls, ceiling, and whatever other targets they want (or that you designate as okay) just to see if they stick (they will). Thankfully though, reviewers say they don't leave any residue behind!
Yes, they easily wash clean with soap and water without losing stickiness, so the fun can keep going even after they end up in one of your houseplant pots.
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!" —Kindle Customer
Get a pack of six from Amazon for $10.27.
9. And a Melissa & Doug scissor skills book — it comes with a pair of child-safe scissors so their 2 p.m. energy burst can channel into a busy-but-fun activity that also just might help improve their fine motor skills.
Promising review: "I was looking for toddler scissors for my 2-year-old but I was hesitant about introducing a new 'toy' that could potentially be used for hair cutting of her nearly non-existent hair. This pair of scissors is ALL plastic and no metal blade!!! My husband looked at this thing and gave me the 'what you paid $8 for plastic scissors, it won't cut' look.... and to his surprise, CUTTTT and it even made the noise that normal scissors would make when cutting — AND it was a sharp straight cut! BOOM, win for mom!! The kiddo has to work to open it with one hand, but she's slowly getting the hang of it and guess what... it works for left or right-handed kiddos because mine is still working out the kinks on which hand she wants to use, both ways cut nicely! The pages are a little thicker and are colorful and fun with lots of different things to cut, changing directions, different shapes and it's perfect for the beginner. Melissa & Doug brand, we are huge fans!!" —Cody Cakes
Get it from Amazon for $7.99.
10. A 2-sizes-in-1 Skip Hop Three-Stage whale-shaped tub that besides being downright adorable, features a mesh sling to make it the perfect size for your newborn to fit cozily. Then when they've grown out of it, simply remove the sling to make the tub bigger!
Promising review: "Love it! A must have for newborns! Love this! So uncomfortable washing a newborn. With this, it’s so much easier. Can actually let the baby lay there while I wash her. Just have to move her up every once in a while since she squirms. And I like that she’s in the water soaking. Definitely recommend this." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $39.99.
11. A Whiskware pancake batter mixer you can use to prove that pancakes ARE achievable on busy mornings. Thanks to the BlenderBall wire whisk that sits inside, you simply add your mix and other ingredients, shake to combine, then pour from the spout. You could even keep it in the fridge to make more the next day — and just think of how many dishes (huge mixing bowls, table and teaspoons, measuring cups) you'll save!
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.
12. A car baby monitor equipped with a camera that easily mounts to the backseat headrest so you can always see your lil' one perfectly clearly from the front. It can make a big difference in your peace of mind if you've been pulling over like, every five minutes to check on your kiddo.
PSA: please keep your eyes on the road when the car is in motion.
Promising review: "This camera is a new mommy must-have. I was using a mirror and constantly was readjusting it and relying on my mirror to see his mirror and it was stressful. I knew there had to be something better when I ended up driving at night with my 2-month-old to the hospital and he was freaking out and I couldn’t see him so I was pulling over to check on him every few minutes and it was a nightmare. This camera has been my saving grace. I was hesitant at first reading reviews saying it’s not night vision but mine automatically switches even in parking garages to night vision. I love that I can see my baby and not have to fix a mirror. Or turn my head to see fully what’s going on with him in the back. I really really recommend this for peace of mind!! —Jennifer K
Get it from Amazon for $27.19.
13. A marble run set with so many possibilities, your little problem-solver will spend hours finding all kinds of creative ways to put it together — then experience a thrill of success when they watch marbles spin, drop, and roll through the mazes they made with their own two hands. You just might have some fun with it, too!
Promising reviews: "My 5- and 3-year-olds (and me) have spent hours building towers and watching marbles clatter down these chutes, steps, gears and spirals, HOURS! And they’re not bored yet! It’s also educational learning the physics of slopes by experience. Plus, it comes with enough marbles that losing a few doesn’t matter." —Joyce Parker
"This is a really neat toy that has provided literally hours and hours of enjoyment for my 4-year-old nephew (and me!). The pieces fit well together, it is very sturdy and stands up well even on carpet. There are an infinite number of ways to build these runs, and this toy never gets boring. Highly recommended." —Becca
Get it from Amazon for $38.42+ (available in three sizes).
14. A fancy touchless forehead thermometer, which works in mere seconds to tell you anyone's temperature. So go ahead, let your baby keep sleeping — you can take their temp without waking them up.
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 multiple 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 $19.99.
15. And a pack of stick-on fever indicators that will be a staple in your medicine cabinet, because all you have to do is stick one of the cute bugs on their head, and either an N, 99, 101, 103, or 105 will appear to tell you their approximate temperature. Hate fighting with your sick toddler to get their temp? Now they can just wear a fun sticker!
Of course, these aren't a replacement for a thermometer, but can be useful to help you track what their fever's doing: spiking, going down, or staying the same. Each sticker is supposed to work for about 48 hours.
Promising review: "We had a stressful day of trying to keep our 3-year-old's fever down and he was exhausted. I had these in the cabinet and stuck one on at bedtime. It immediately lit up N, which matched the thermometer. While putting him to bed I saw it go to 99 so when I checked on him in 30 min I brought the thermometer '99.3.' We used it throughout the night to monitor whether or not we should wake him for more medicine. I think of it as a peace of mind sticker. He loves stickers and got a big kick out of it. He’s had it on about 13 hours now with no complaints. There’s a shiny N there now, and this paranoid mama still checks with a thermometer occasionally to make sure it’s accurate." —Nateric
Get eight stickers from Amazon for $6.50.
16. A smart sight word Bingo game because learning them doesn't have to be frustrating — instead, make practicing fun! It features 46 different words, and several different ways to win.
The box comes with 36 playing cards, 264 playing chips, caller's mat and cards, and a storage box. It's similar to the classic game, but the leader calls out words instead of letter/number combos. Then each player searches their card for a match, and when they have one, they mark it with a red chip. Once someone has all the spaces covered on their card (or whichever spaces you decide count as Bingo), they get to yell BINGO!!
You can also get Sight Words Level 2 or Bingo for lots of other skills — including Multiplication and Division, Rhyming, Colors and Shapes — on the company's Amazon store page.
Promising review: "Our first-grader was feeling really discouraged with her sight words and I've been trying to think of ways to encourage her and get her excited to learn things she doesn't already know. She loved this game! We played with the whole family and her 3-year-old sister even enjoyed playing (we show her the cards and have her find the word that matches on her Bingo card). I think this is a great way to make learning/practicing sight words fun! I am very happy with this purchase and I can see how it would be great for teachers in the classroom as well!!" —Jennie
Get it from Amazon for $12.99.
17. A pack of alphabet, number (1-10), shape, and color flash cards designed specifically to help toddlers get a head start on all kinds of learning. They're smartly made to be the size of regular playing cards, meaning it'll probably be easy for your toddler to hold them and play with them.
Promising review: "My 2-year-old mastered the her 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 $13.99 (also available for babies).
18. A water resistant potty training watch because life as a toddler or preschooler is full of fun and interesting things...so much so that they might sometimes forget that they need to use the bathroom. This reminds them with flashing lights and music! Set the looping timer at one of the 5 time increments (every 30 mins, 60 mins, etc.), and watch them excitedly jump up and head to the potty whenever it goes off!
Oh and you don't have to turn it off at night either — it can tell when someone's wearing it, and only alarms when it's on. Genius!
Promising review: "Good grief this thing works miracles. My 3-year-old son just seemed to have all types of issues with potty training. He loves (this watch) and only takes it off to charge it. I’ve even noticed he now wakes up in the middle of the night to go to the restroom on his own. We take the watch off to charge it overnight but I’m sure the watch is contributing to him understanding his body. Seriously I can go on and about how this watch is perfect for stubborn babies learning to go the 'potty'. Just buy it." —Natalie Peterson
Get it from Amazon for $24.45.
19. And an anti-slip potty training seat with a ladder so they can easily use the "big potty" with no worry whatsoever. The ladder adjusts to different heights so you know it'll fit your toilet, and it easily folds up when a grown-up needs to go.
Promising review: "Bought this for our son who we are starting to potty train. It is made of durable plastic. It is easy to assemble (there is a one page illustration on how to assemble it) and there is no need for tools to assemble this. It is foldable for easy storage. Our son loves this as it gives him a sense of independence: (1) the step ladder enables our son to climb and sit on it on his own — yay! (2) the handles on each side provide for additional support, and (3) it doesn’t slip as it rests on our toilet. There is a removable cushioned seat included for added comfort. The height of the potty training seat can be adjusted to fit the height of the toilet. Would recommend this product." —Jhyza
Get it from Amazon for $35.99 (available in seven colors).
20. A Melissa & Doug magnetic calendar boasting slots for the days of the week, months, the weather and temperature, activities for the day, and mood so your preschooler can start updating it every morning. It might help them start anticipating events big and small, from weekends to sunny days to birthdays!
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 $21.99.
21. An anti-nail-biting pen, if you feel like you've tried everything to help them break the habit. According to reviewers, it tastes HORRIBLE. Like after wearing it for a little bit, it might make your kid gag the moment they even THINK about nibbling their nails or sucking their thumb.
Promising reviews: "I love this stuff!! It’s taste horrible, which was great to help stop my 4-year-old from biting her nails. In about three days she completely stopped now and her nails have grown.." —Denise Batista
"Our son has sucked his thumb since birth and it’s such a hard habit to break, even though he’s old enough to want to stop. When we initially received it, I opened the cap and got a little on my finger so I licked it to see what I was getting him into — it is GROSS! (In this case, a very GOOD THING!) So bitter. Lasts quite a while in your mouth. We’ve tried lots of things to help him stop and nothing has worked until THIS!!!" —Kaitlyn
Get it from Amazon for $16.95.
22. A shopping cart cover that, besides potentially making your baby a little bit more comfortable, will also block them from all access to those germ-ridden handles while you get your grocery shopping done.
Promising review: "A must-have item. No joke. This thing is a game changer. We used to just carry our daughter in the store because the cart seats are so dirty and uncomfortable. But this thing has made shopping so much easier. It takes like less than a minute to put it on the cart, and its sturdy and comfy and my daughter loves it. I also like the pockets, toy loops, and clear phone pocket. And they fit any cart — Walmart and Costco carts both fit great." —Amber Brown
Get it from Amazon for $28.99+ (available in nine prints).
23. A Diaper Genie because it's a classic for a reason — poopy diapers are SMELLY, and this helps block that stench from wafting through your nursery and the rest of your home. It holds up to 270 newborn diapers, so you won't be changing the bag out all the time either.
Chandni says: "This pail saved me a dozen trips daily to our garage to dispose of poopy diapers in the trash. It does a great job of locking in the stench and keeping our nursery smelling fresh, despite my kiddo's valiant efforts. Doesn't mean the smell doesn't hit hard when the lid is open, tbh, but I'll still take that as a win."
Promising review: "I have heard both sides of the Diaper Genie...whether it's worth the money or not. After using it for nine months, I am a full supporter! Babies poop A LOT and after giving birth sometimes just standing up takes all your energy. This will save you countless trips to the garbage can all day long. It contains the smell really well. We have only recently (after nine months) started having it smell every once in a while. This is due to his diapers smelling worse now that he is eating solids and because he doesn't poo as much, so the diapers sit longer. If we stay on top of changing it out before it fills up, then we can still use it at 9 months old. Buy it!!" —A.Clark
Get it from Amazon for $47.99+ (available in three colors. You can get a bulk pack of refill bags for $13.99).
24. A set of plastic knives so your eager toddler or young kiddo can help you chop all kinds of veggies. With time and practice, that *might* even help you get dinner on the table faster! The serrated blades make it easy for them to cut slices, but aren't sharp enough to cut skin.
Of course, children should still be supervised while using these knives!
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 want 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.
25. A bath toy organizer with so many good things going for it: it comes with both heavy-duty suction cups *and* adhesive hooks so you can choose the best way to hang it in your bathroom, is made of breathable mesh so it and toys can drip dry overnight, and will keep your tub nice and neat.
Promising review: "For the price, this thing is unbeatable! The suction cups have held tight to the shower wall since I installed this stuff. It holds all my kid's toys and allows the water to run off of them to prevent mold. I think this is a must-have for bathtime organization!"—internalburn
Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in two sizes and pre-stocked with toys or by itself).
26. A reviewer-fave stain remover because sometimes it seems like kids can magically conjure messes with their bare hands. This will be like your secret potion to negate even their most powerful hexes (er, stains).
Promising review: "This is the best stain remover I have ever used! I wish I would have found it years ago! My daughter is 6, and I can't think of how many stains this product hasn't gotten out for us, even old set-in stains that I thought were hopeless. A friend turned me on to this stuff, and now I will never go without it! A must-have for anyone with kids." —Lauren Ruffin
Get a pack of three from Amazon for $11.60.
27. Bob Books, Set 1: Beginning Readers perfect for introducing your kiddo to reading. They start with the most basic words — the first story uses only four letter sounds (M, A, T, S) — to help them practice sounding out words until they can confidently read the whole mini book on their own. This set comes with 12 books, which slowly add new letter sounds as they go!
This is set 1 of 5; you can get each of the other sets in the series for $16.19+ each.
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 a set from Amazon for $14.87.
28. A pack of sink extenders that fit on almost any type of faucet to make it simple for your kiddo to actually reach the water themselves, no need for you to lift them up so they can wash their hands (although they'll probably still need a step stool).
Promising review: "Must have for toddlers and small children! LOVE this! My 1- and 3-year-old love washing their hands now, and my back gets a nice break. Adding the faucet extenders and a stepstool to our bedtime/morning routine has been a godsend. Great bargain for the price." —TeaBea21
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $11.49.
29. A four-pack of super fun dino ice pop molds so your homemade popsicles are even MORE of a treat than they already are!! Fill 'em with fruit juice, yogurt, or smoothies for an easy, delicious, and lower-sugar dessert no one will be able to get enough of. Rawr!!
Promising review: "These are unbelievable. We have the dinosaur ones and they are absolutely adorable. The mold peels off beautifully, and the size is just right for my preschoolers. I'm making healthy smoothies (frozen spinach! Chia seeds! Ground flax!) and making ice pops with them, and my kids think they're eating a fun dessert. Brilliant. I'll be giving these as gifts for a good while." —LucieBlue
Get a pack of four from Amazon for $12.99 (also available as penguins, monsters, or zombies).
30. And a brilliant sandwich cutter and sealer because they make do-it-yourself Smuckers Uncrustables quick, simple, and cheaper than the typical $10 for a box. You can customize ingredients for variety and it comes with three different shapes!
Promising review: "These have been a GAME CHANGER in this house!! My son has always begged me for Uncrustables but my wallet didn’t agree with them. I LOVE being able to make them at home and customize them to exactly what they would like them filled with! I make two weeks' worth of sandwiches at a time and store them in sandwich bags in the freezer so in the morning during the school year we can just grab and go! Love them!" —Katherine Smaczniak
Get it from Amazon for $15.96.
31. A pack of 12 truly genius magnetic cabinet locks that stick with adhesive instead of needing drilling into every single drawer. Because they go inside the drawer, no one will be able to see them or know they're there, but they'll still make sure your lil' explorer doesn't somehow find their way into the junk drawer and scatter stuff everywhere!
You simply use one of the two magnetic keys to open each drawer.
Promising review: "These are awesome! I spent hours with a drill and screwdriver installing push down locks on cupboards five years ago. I now have another crawling baby and those ones are all broken. I was dreading installing new ones and saw these. They literally go on in seconds, the bracket means it lines up perfectly, and the adhesive is strong! My older kids think the magnet key is super fun. Baby stays out of the chemicals and I put one on the trash door so the dog stays out of the trash so everyone gets to live longer. Win-win. I also love that you can 'turn' them off and on so when my kids are bigger we can flip the switch but if little kids were visiting we could put them back on." —Joseph J. Krakker
Get a set from Amazon for $33.99.
32. Plus a pack of clear, nearly-invisible corner guards so you don't have to frantically lunge to put your hand between your newbie walker's head and the coffee table with a sharp corner. Well, you still might lunge, but these provide some nice backup protection juuust in case!
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 it from Amazon for $9.98.
33. An EZPZ First Foods Set designed specifically for babies 4–6 months old. You get a bowl that suctions firmly to the table or hi-chair tray, a tiny cup, and a couple of spoons, aka the basics you need to help them explore all kinds of different food for the first time, all while minimizing mess!
EZPZ is is a woman-owned biz that creates developmentally-focused, minimalist tableware for little ones.
Promising review: "Must have for BLW! So good ! I now have a few of these and they are perfect for starting BLW! Baby can easily grip and it’s a perfect portion size. Also, aesthetically pleasing as well! Huge bonus!" —Emily J.
Get it from EZPZ for $37.49 (available in 11 colors) or from Target for $37.49 (available in three colors).
34. And a set of clever starter spoons that can help your tot learn to feed themselves. The little grooves in each spoon grip onto purees and mashed foods so their favorite peas and carrots won't fall out even if the spoon ends up turned upside down in (or out of) their mouth. It's a great way to help them independently try lots of different new fun flavors!
The set comes with two spoons: the stage one spoon is meant to be used as a teether as well as an introduction to holding utensils and trying purées. The stage two spoon holds more food and can also work with solids as they grow into them!
Note: Because these spoons don't have a stopper, you need to supervise your baby to make sure the spoon doesn't get stuck too far into their mouth. Recommended for ages 6 months+.
Promising review: "Great skill-building utensil. My baby loves gnawing on these for teething just as much as he loves eating with them! I love that you can load the spoon and hand it to baby to feed themselves. My little one just turned 6 months and uses these spoons with wild success. A must have for BLW or feeding, in general." —Christopher
Get a set from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in four color sets and packs of two, four, or six spoons).
35. An eight-color set of washable dab and dot markers so you don't have to stress anymore anytime your mini Monet wants to paint a masterpiece — they won't spill or drip the way regular paints and brushes do.
The set also comes with directions to download a 101 Easy Dot Paint activities e-book! TBH we had a set of these when I was little and my sister and I LOVED them.
Promising review: "A must-have for toddlers. My son started using this when he was 2 and now he is 3. We've used this everyday and he never gets tired of it. He just loves doing dab and dot with letters and numbers. I also love the free printables included and I love how easy it is for my son to hold it with his tiny hands. I definitely recommend it." —Heriberto Mendoza
Get a set from Amazon for $17.99.
36. A kiddo-height bookshelf because it lets them choose books themselves — it just might help encourage a love of books and reading before they even learn to read! Plus it's super sturdy and will make that messy pile of books look nice and neat.
37. A smart faucet splash catcher — with it, you'll never have to walk into your kitchen again only to confront like, a FLOOD of water all over the cabinet for the third time TODAY. Why? This will absorb the mess before it can spread.
Hustle Sew Shop is a small biz based in Saint Helens, Oregon that makes a bunch of different useful, handmade goods, and everything can be personlized.
Promising review: "This product is awesome! I have four kids who take care of the dishes after dinner each night and to say they are messy would be an understatement! This little water catcher has solved the puddle that used to surround my faucet at the end of each night. Thank you!!" —cadencewilliams2
Get it from Hustle Sew Shop on Etsy for $13.50+ (available in six colors and four sizes).
38. A pack of toilet seat covers you'll be relieved you tossed in your bag the next time you have to take your toddler to a public restroom, because it'll keep their hands from DIRECTLY. TOUCHING. (*shivers*) nasty public bathroom seats.
Promising review: "If you're a germaphobe like myself, this is a must have in your diaper bag. The thought of placing my son or daughter on a public toilet with only a seat liner is disturbing especially since they're both little and still hold onto the toilet seat for support when peeing/pooping. These cover the toilet completely and even cover the lower part of the toilet where dangling legs and pants/skirts touch. My only complaint about these is that they are not flushable. It's difficult trying to gather the liner up (they are rather large) without touching the toilet or the possibly wet liner (because it partially fell in the water) and then scrunching it up to fit into a sanitary napkin bin. Other than that, these are great. Also, I don't use the adhesive strips at all since I have two little ones who usually need to go right away so we don't have the time to remove the adhesive backing. I usually just place the liner on the toilet and then carefully plop my kid on top and all's well." —Ting
Get a pack of 24 covers from Amazon for $9.99.
39. A pack of two Munchkin snack catchers designed specifically to be effortless to snack from while also preventing any spills from happening whatsoever. No more Goldfish cascading across the backseat or following your tot's trail of Cheerios from the kitchen to the playroom.
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 pack of two from Amazon for $6 (available in two color combos).
40. A simple, durable canvas growth chart because it'll track your little one's height — how are they already 2 inches taller?? — and if/when you move, you'll be able to bring the whole thing with you. Reviewers like to store it away after the kids are done growing as a cute keepsake.
I still remember being a senior in high school, finding my old growth chart, and taking a moment to marvel at how much I'd changed over the years. (Yes, seriously! I thought it was fascinating and awe-inspiring.)
Promising reviews: "This is a very cute addition to our playroom! Looks nice and she loves measuring herself (daily)." —Truth
"The designs on this are adorable and look great in my toddler's room. It's soooo tall, too. You'll be able to measure even your giant kids before they go off to college. It rolls up nice and small so it will be easy to store and take out when they are too big for the cutesy designs but you still want to torture them with your parental nostalgia." —Truth
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in two colors).
41. The gentle, fragrance- and paraben-free CeraVe Baby moisturizing cream, which will help intensely moisturize your munchkin's dry, peeling skin (which can be worse in the winter but happens year-round) — so much so that some reviewers call it a "holy grail." It can also help calm down eczema flare-ups!
It has the National Eczema Association's 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 $14.35.
42. The Pink Stuff, because it will be your new secret weapon against all kinds of kiddo-created scuffs and stains, from Sharpie and lipstick on walls to sticker residue on tile floors (gotta love the way a 3-year-old decorates).
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 gotten lipstick on anything, you know how hard it is to remove. My 4-year-old loves make up and thinks she the next Picasso. This stuff removed it with only rubbing it over it. No scrubbing at all. I’m completely sold!" —Anastasha
Get it from Amazon for $5.97.
43. A wooden puzzle that may look familiarly like Tetris, and yes, that's kind of the point! They'll rearrange the 40 pieces in various combinations to solve how to fill the whole board, giving their problem-solving skills a workout. Bonus: no screentime's required!
Reviewers say this is a great toy for ages 3–12.
Promising review: "I ordered this for my K–1 after-school class and they line up to use it! It is also a favorite of the autistic children I have in the class — it keeps them calm and focused for a good while. It also helps test determination because it's an easy puzzle until you get to the end and you have to move stuff around to make everything fit! Endless possibilities! I highly recommend it! The pieces are small and wooden — would not recommend for ages of children who like to put toys in their mouths." —C. Delgado
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
44. A cradle cap brush and comb made with flexible, rubbery bristles to help you gently loosen your baby's dry, scaly skin with minimum distress.
If you're new to this whole parenting thing, no need to worry. Cradle cap — aka, seborrheic dermatitis — is a very common dry scalp condition that affects infants.
Promising review: "The pictures posted here are legit. It makes removal so much easier and gives more consistent removal than my previous method of washcloths or just scratching the cradle cap off with my fingernails. It’s amazing and gross and wonderful. My babe doesn’t even flinch when I spend 10 minutes clearing his scalp of all the goo. It seems to be soothing to him. I just apply baby shampoo, then brush a little with the blue brush. Then I slowly start to comb in sections all in one direction. Then I go back and forth in multiple directions. It’s shocking the amount of dead skin that comes off. I’ve even used it successfully in his eyebrows (he gets some cradle cap there, too). This is a KEEPER!" —ZMomUtah
Get it from Amazon for $4.99.
45. A box of Avarelle hydrocolloid patches because they'll suck out all that gross gunk lurking in your teen's (or your) pus-filled pimples overnight, so by morning they'll be at least somewhat smaller if not almost all the way gone. They can also help you or your teen resist picking at your zits through the day, too!
Promising review: "I was skeptical when I saw these in a BuzzFeed article but for so little a price, took the chance, and I'm SO glad I did! I had a cystic acne pop up and it hurt. I stuck one of the three different sizes over the spot in the evening, did my thing, and then went to bed. Got up the next morning and WHAT?! It was gone?! There was gunk all inside the patch. It was gross, scary...satisfying? I don't know what type of witchcraft this is, but I LOVE IT!! My teenage kids use them, and we've never been happier to see our acne disappear. And I'm a 49-year-old woman...didn't think anything could surprise me anymore, but this did! It's a wonderful product, a must-have for anyone who needs a way to get rid of a zit in less than a day. (I've ordered this product twice and will again.)" —Heather W
Get 40 patches from Amazon for $8.49.
46. A citric acid-infused toilet-cleaning bomb so you can quickly take care of that smelly toilet in the kids bathroom — or maybe even convince your teen or tween to do it themselves, because watching it fizz before giving the inside of the bowl a light scrub is kind of fun. And it smells like lemon, lavender, and orange!
These are both made and sold by the mother-daughter team at Juniperseed Mercantile, a Littleton, Colorado-based small business with a passion for great skincare, simple living, and the earth.
Promising review: "My teen boys are actually awakening to the idea of toilet cleaning with these!!" —Amy Jankovich
Get a pack of 8 from Juniperseed Mercantile on Etsy for $13 (available in larger quantities).
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.