The Baby Must-Haves Parents Swear By

Parents share their picks for the baby must haves that make the newborn and infant stages so much easier! Expecting moms and dads, this is a great place to start after you pick your baby registry site and need to fill out your wish list.

From the coolest baby gear to our favorite no-nonsense essentials, we're continually updating this list with baby product recommendations from parents who have been there and done that.

If one of your favorite baby essentials is missing from the list, please add it in. We want to know about all of the baby products that you just couldn't live without...or wouldn't want to!

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    NoseFrida Snotsucker

    Don't let the name disgust you because the NoseFrida Snotsucker is, hands down, one of my favorite baby must haves! The Snotsucker is a wonderful little aspirator that allows you to easily suck away baby's dried and wet nasal mucus. Everything suctioned up stays in the cylinder, and the disposable filter prevents any transfer of ickiness to the mouth. After use, simply clean with hot water and mild soap and let air dry.

    JJ Cole Bundleme

    Vanessa M.:  If you live in a region that gets cold in the winter, a JJ Cole Bundleme is a baby essential. The innovative design keeps baby snug as a bug in her car seat. The thick, faux shearling blanket material zips up around baby, and the top can be held up to briefly cover baby's face from the cold while transporting in and out of the car. The Bundleme is not just for car seats - it works great with strollers too!

    SnoofyBee Clean Hands Changing Pad

    Vanessa M.:   What a smart product! Parents of wiggly babies and toddlers know that diaper changes can be downright messy. The SnoofyBee Clean Hands Changing Pad fastens with velcro gently around baby's middle to prevent messy hands. The sides have clips to hang small toys to distract baby with! Folds into an easy to carry diaper clutch that comes in a variety of adorably chic patterns.

    Boppy Nursing Pillow

    Kristy Pepping:  Boppy is a nursing essential if you plan on breastfeeding! It comes in several colors and styles. You can bring it with you to the hospital to help with nursing. Plus, when not nursing you can use it for tummy time, to prop your baby up after feedings and even for learning to sit up.

    Skip Hop Pronto Changing Pad

    Brigitte Nohra Miller:  This little changing bag is perfect for an easy and quick diaper change when you’re away from the comfort of home, whether you are traveling or simply out shopping or at a restaurant. This tiny bag is ingeniously designed to hold diapers, travel-sized diaper cream and wipes. It is so easy and handy to have and carry on: you can clip it to the diaper bag and easily grab it whenever you need to use it. A baby must-have item for moms on-the-go!

    Munchkin Snack Catcher

    Molly Weber:  These are the only snack cups I will use now that my little one has figured out how to take the top off of any other cup. The lids for these screw on securely and provide an opening for your toddler to reach in and grab the snacks themselves without spilling. This has been a lifesaver for car rides - no more blueberries all over the back seat!

    Summer Infant Contoured Changing Pad

    Kristy Pepping:  This changing pad is top-rated, has raised sides to prevent rolling and a strap to secure squirmy babies. Plus, the bottom is skid-proof; ideal if you are using a flat dresser to place it on.

    Baby Bandana Drool Bibs

    Kristy Pepping:  Babies may not be eating solids for some time, but bibs are infant must haves for any stage. These wrap gently around babies' necks and can be used as early as three months old. They are ideal for wiping post burping or as a drool solution for teething.

    Planet Wise Roll Down Wet Diaper Bag

    The Planet Wise Wet Diaper Bag is a convenient way to keep your little one's wet and dirty clothes and diapers together, while keeping other items in little one's diaper bag/backpack dry. The bag is waterproof, easy to wipe, and can go straight in the laundry.

    Cozy Greens Baby Car Mirror

    This baby car mirror gives parents and caregivers peace of mind; they can check on their precious little ones in rear-facing car seats without having to look back. Made of shatter-proof mirror surface, it comes fully assembled and takes less than a minute to install. The straps securely keep the mirror in place.

    Skip Hop Activity Gym

    Skip Hop activity gyms come in a couple different styles, featuring soft arches for hanging toys, colorful designs on the mat, and a cute tummy-time pillow - all of which provide lots of sensory and engaging fun for baby. Each hanging toy has its own unique texture or purpose, and the mat includes a mirror that baby will love. Mat can be used alone once baby learns how to sit.

    4moms MamaRoo Baby Swing

    This is the filet mignon of baby motion swings; not only does it come with five different motions and different speeds, it is also bluetooth enabled. Parents and caregivers can control the motion and sound from their smartphones. The toy mobile with the plush, crinkle, rattle, and mirror balls give baby something to look at, too.

    The Original Mommy Hook

    Stephanie W.:  The Mommy Hook is ESSENTIAL for city mamas! The hook attaches to your stroller and is strong enough to hold several bags- great for groceries, running errands, even holding your purse! It comes in different colors too.

    Vulli Sophie la Girafe

    Kristy Pepping:  Even though your infant won't need toys for a while, this little giraffe is both practical and cute. It's made of soft natural rubber that is BPA free. So it provides an easy first toy to grasp and a teether when those pesky teeth start appearing.

    Baby Einstein Discover & Play Piano

    Stephanie W.:  I love anything Baby Einstein, but my little girl absolutely adores this piano! It plays different classical pieces, teaches numbers, instruments, animals and their sounds, and will do all of this in English, Spanish and French. A great way for even the littlest of babes to start learning new languages!

Primary photo:   Janko Ferlič on Unsplash

Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.