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Parenting and product experts reveal the best for you and your family.
Parenting may be overwhelming enough, but throw in all the products you have been told you need to buy and you may find yourself in trouble. Fortunately, experts from the Good Housekeeping Institute are here to evaluate the top childcare products on the market to find ones that are truly effective and worth buying.
Director of Health, Beauty and Environmental Sciences, GH Institute
Director of Cleaning and Home Care, GH Institute
Senior Test Editor of GH Institute Kitchen Appliances
Director of Textiles, Paper and Plastics, GH Institute
We have received more than 450 applications, covering all product categories, designed for babies, toddlers, children of all ages and their caregivers. Our team of experts—scientists, engineers, editors, etc.—review each application based on criteria surrounding innovation, problem-solving ability, and value, and then personally evaluate top competitors. These winners include popular innovative products that have just been launched on the market, as well as reliable products that have stood the test of time.
This ingenious cradle is like extra hands for newborns, responding to the baby's cries through white noise and rocking movements, and helps over-tired parents get some rest. It comes with a swaddle that can be fixed on a clip to allow the baby to lie on his back safely, and it is connected to an app so you can monitor sleep activity and adjust any settings. When you need to transition to a crib, the weaning function makes it a breeze. Reason for award: Product experts and consumer testers have noticed that when using SNOO, sleep at night increases significantly, which for many people means better overall health. Although it is expensive, there is a leasing model that costs less than US$5 per day.
For those extremely tired nights as new parents, the convenient BassiNest can keep your baby very close, but still in a separate sleeping space recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It can easily rotate so you can get up, and this latest version can also be detached from the base, so you can take it with you throughout your home when you take a nap during the day. Reason for winning: We have been fans of Halo Cradle for many years. This latest version raises the stakes through smart upgrades, such as full rotation, storage bag, night light, soothing sound and vibration, and removable mobile bed.
Many mattresses on the market are made from petroleum foam, but this brand provides an organic choice for parents who like to buy natural materials for their children. It uses GOTS certified organic cotton and wool, GOLS certified organic latex and pocketed spiral inner springs. The height is 9.5 inches suitable for children, but there is also an 8-inch version specifically for bunk beds. Reason for the award: Its comfort, support and sustainability characteristics make it the perfect choice for children-whether it is their first real bed or a refreshing time. Most importantly, the price is lower than other organic mattresses that are usually sold for adults.
Too much sunlight makes it seem impossible to take a nap or go to bed early during the day, but this handy window sticker is the perfect solution for total darkness at any time of the day. It is a roll, you can cut into the right size, detachable without leaving residue, and can be used repeatedly. Suitable for people of any age, whether traveling or at home, ordinary blinds and sun blinds can let in light. Reason for the award: Our experts were impressed. It blocks light better than a hood and makes it easier to fall asleep. It is also easy to customize the size, apply it to the window and remove it after a few days.
Hanna Andersson is known for her iconic pajamas. These pajamas have many interesting prints, but now you can create your own designs. They offer long-sleeved and short-sleeved suits with sizes suitable for the entire family (from babies to adults), so you will end up with an interesting item and matching family pajamas. You can tie dye, oil paint, embroidery or more-the options are endless. Reason for award: The brand uses high-quality organic cotton in these incredibly soft and comfortable pajamas, which are durable. You will get a blank canvas with interesting decorations, and their prices are much lower than the printed sets.
This WiFi monitor uses a combination of sensors and artificial intelligence to provide indicators about sleep, exercise, room temperature, breathing patterns, etc. It can even detect movement in an ultra-dark room. The system complies with HSA/FSA conditions, so your costs may be borne by these costs, and specific features will not increase subscription fees. Reason for the award: Our product experts like that this monitor does not require any direct contact with the child to obtain data, and it can sound an alarm even if there is no Internet connection. The package also includes the tools you need to install.
This incredibly unique system combines car seat and stroller into a single design, saving you time and space. It has groundbreaking significance for travel and city life, making getting in and out of a car or airplane a breeze. Designed for babies and easy to use, especially for the first few months of life when your hands always seem to be full. Reason for the award: It can be converted from a car seat to a stroller in a few seconds, and then back again. Our experts like that it does not require an additional adapter and can be easily operated with one hand.
With this splurge worthy stroller, you will feel relieved on steep hills and rugged roads: the built-in electric motor can provide you with power to traverse the most rugged terrain. It is powered by a rechargeable battery and even has sensors on the handlebars to help downhill. Both the nursing staff and the children will rejoice at the smooth feeling of riding. Reason for the award: In our test, the stroller can intelligently adapt to various surfaces from sand to pebbles, which left us a particularly deep impression. Most importantly, we were able to use nearly four miles of electric assist before needing to recharge.
Whether it is a walk on the beach or a snowy trek, the versatile Veer can handle any adventure you experience. It has a seat belt to keep the child in place safely, and an adaptor can be used to fix the baby car seat, which is very suitable for two children from birth to about five years old. As a bonus, there are also snack trays and internal storage space, so you can take whatever you need with you. Reason for award: It is a trend leader in the industry, and our laboratory professionals are impressed by the sturdy frame. Testers with heights ranging from 5 feet to 6 feet said that pushing and pulling are very comfortable. Not to mention, the child testers said it was super fun too!
This bathtub adopts a unique design, allowing clean water to flow in and out of dirty water continuously. The water from the faucet first passes through the thermometer to make sure it is at the right temperature, then enters the water tank where you wash your child, and finally flows out through the drain pipe on the other side. If the thermometer shows that the temperature is too hot or too cold, there is a plug that can be released before it reaches your child. Reason for award: Bathing babies is tricky enough, so the last thing you should worry about is keeping the water in the bathtub clean. Its smart functions make it stand out from other bathtubs on the market, and it has a wide range of uses, from newborns to babies that can sit up and use it.
This four-piece suit allows parents to take a bath more easily and comfortably. Its knee floor pads, elbows resting on the bathtub, spout covers to prevent collisions, and a shower douche can wash off soap. Each item in the series has convenient functions, such as the storage bag at the elbow rest and the curved lip on the irrigator to prevent water from entering the eyes. Reason for award: Most products focus on making babies and children happy and safe in the bathtub. We like this set and focus on making parents feel comfortable. In addition, the coordinated gray pieces can match almost any bathroom decoration.
Original WaterWipes is loved by fans for its simple ingredients (99.9% water and a drop of fruit extract). It is effective and safe for sensitive skin. This new upgrade is a larger version that can be used all over the body. In addition, their texture helps to clean, whether it's between bathing, after playing, or while eating. Reason for award: An XL wipe effectively cleans up the mess that usually requires several smaller wipes in our review. We also like that they are fragrance-free and convenient to carry around.
Babies and young children cannot blow their noses, so when they have a stuffy or runny nose, the caregiver should clear the mucus. Just connect the tube to the child’s nostrils and suck out the nasal mucus through the mouthpiece on the other end. It is non-invasive and uses a replaceable filter inside to ensure that bacteria are not spread. Reason for the award: For many years, this gadget has been a fan's favorite for rescue during colds. It is fast, simple, and can actually clear a blocked nose. The internal filter protects you and is completely dishwasher safe, so you can continue to reuse it.
This ingenious tool has a short handle that is easy to grasp, a tapered head that allows them to touch the back of the teeth, and a double-sided design that can clean the top and bottom together, thus facilitating independent brushing by babies and toddlers. The bristles are soft and gentle, and with a safety barrier, children will not stick the toothbrush too far back. Reason for award: Its well-thought-out function makes it easier for children to learn to brush their teeth-not to mention that it is easier for parents who are afraid of toothbrush struggle every day. It is safe, clean and effective, and comfortable to use.
These turban-style bibs are made of multiple layers of fabric: breathable muslin on the outside, absorbent terry cloth and waterproof lining on the inside to prevent saliva or milk from leaking. There is also a buckle at the bottom of each, which can be used to fix the silicone gum in the suit or as a nipple clip. Reason for award: It is soft and absorbent, but you don't have to worry about saliva seeping into the other side and wetting the baby's clothes. We like the buckle to make it easier to carry the teether, but it is carefully hidden underneath, so there is no strap hanging down.
Amara has a special dehydration technology that can help lock in the taste, texture and nutrition you usually get in homemade baby food. Just add water or breast milk during feeding, and your baby can be fed with organic and simple ingredients without all preparations. Reason for the award: Good Housekeeping's registered dietitian likes it to be organic, plant-based, shelf-stable, and not over-processed. It has a variety of choices, including various fruits, vegetables and grains.
Babies as young as 6 months old can now start to taste these new purees, which are designed for early eaters and are easy to swallow. Choose pears with cashew butter, apples with walnut butter, or bananas with peanut butter, all of which are organic, nutritious and well distributed. Reason for award: Early introduction helps prevent peanut and tree nut allergies, but until now, they have not been widely used in baby-friendly textures. We are also very happy that they were developed by pediatric allergists.
This kefir pouch provides children with convenient, healthy and delicious snacks. It has a similar texture and taste to a yogurt drink, but it is 99% lactose-free and rich in probiotics. There are four different flavors to choose from, the packaging is colorful and interesting, and you can find them in most grocery stores.
Reason for award: It provides children with probiotics in the form of real food, rich in other vitamins and minerals, and is an organic food certified by the United States Department of Agriculture. Our registered dietitian also likes that their sugar content is not too high.
Learning how to drink from an open cup is an important milestone for young children because it helps promote language, oral development and swallowing. This perfectly sized version has smart design features to help them master skills. For younger babies, the brand also offers Tiny Cup styles. Reason for award: It may look like just a cup, but it has convenient features, such as a small size that is easy to grasp, a comfortable silicone material, a weighted base to prevent tipping, and a tilted interior to avoid suffocation.
Taking your baby out to eat can be a hassle, but this convenient set makes preparations easier. It comes with a disposable bib, placemat and a pack of wet wipes to help you in messy situations. In addition, it is compact enough to fit in a diaper bag, so you never have to remember to pack it. Reasons for the award: Although it is cheap, it is very practical: the bib has a crumb bag to catch falling food, the placemat has an adhesive strip that can be glued to the table, and the wet wipe bag can be resealed. We also like its neutral design.
Food Cubby’s semicircular divider allows you to turn any plate into a plate with multiple sections to separate the flowing food. The suction bottom is suitable for any dishes you already have in your home, and the small size makes them easy to store or carry with you. Silicone is durable and can be used in dishwashers, so you can reuse them. Reasons for the award: They are perfect for picky eaters of all ages who don't like mixing food, and they provide children with a solid surface to scoop food while they master the use of utensils.
For young children, the only thing better than ABC blackboard is a book featuring their favorite people and objects. This customizable item allows you to choose which photo to place on each page, with the corresponding alphabet. The pages are thick and durable, suitable for small hands and spiral binding, so they are easy to read. Reason for award: The website is easy to use, making such personalized photo gifts a breeze. Toddlers and kids love writing on the blackboard and spend a few hours flipping through them for entertainment. This version especially makes learning the alphabet an unforgettable experience.
This pure cotton floor covering is between the game mat and the rug. It is machine washable, easy to care for, neutral, and can match any room decoration. The textured surface not only provides a unique sensory experience, but also provides a forest background for imaginative games. It is handmade by artisans, and the result is a complex design that babies, children and parents will love. Reason for award: The brand is known for its washable cotton gaming carpets, and its new design goes a step further with 3D components. Babies can lie on a soft surface, toddler children exploring different textures, and children who want to create scenes with toys, it is all versatile.
Many children like to "help" in the kitchen, but it is not easy to find a safe space to keep them safe. Unlike the step stool, the learning tower has four sides, so parents can free their hands with their children. With four adjustable heights, it can lift children onto the counter so they can help bake, prepare food or stay with their families. Reason for award: It has withstood the test of time and is still a favorite for children to reach a higher surface. Our engineers found that it is easy to assemble and has a strong and stable structure. It also grows with your child from toddler to childhood.
This modern, unisex diaper bag is both practical and stylish. Suitable for all caregivers, it can be carried as a handbag, backpack or hung on a stroller. It is also made of high-quality materials, such as cotton canvas and leather accessories, and the zipper opens and closes to store everything safely inside. Reason for award: We like its spacious space with multiple storage compartments, but it still won't scream "baby bag" from the outside. Although most diaper bags on the market are designed for moms or dads, this bag can be used by either party or both parties without sacrificing style.
The parents of a newborn cumbersomely track everything from changing diapers to feeding to sleep, but this system can do all the work for you. Most importantly, the smart camera will tell you the room settings, the innovative diaper has a sensor that can know when it gets wet, and the app integrates everything in one place. Reason for award: There are many baby monitors on the market, but none of them are like this system. The camera quality alone is top-notch, not to mention all its additional features. We also like that the diaper structure is the same as Pampers Swaddlers, which performed best in our diaper test.
This absorbent diaper pad adds an extra layer of protection to help prevent overnight diaper leakage. It can enter almost any diaper (although we recommend adjusting the size to make room), and then it will capture the extra liquid like the core of the diaper. Through training pants size, there are three different sizes suitable for newborn diapers. Reason for award: It is easy to use and practically effective. It feels like a normal diaper, so the baby will not be disturbed by the extra layer, and parents swear this is the perfect solution to prevent the terrible diaper leakage in the crib.
Nursing bras and breast pumping bras are both essential items, but their appearance and function are usually different. This innovative style combines two bras into one, so you don't need to change them all day. Just cut out one layer to breastfeed, or cut out two layers for breastfeeding. This rimless bra is available in XS-XXL sizes and is suitable for cups B to I. Reason for award: It is very comfortable and convenient, and it is safe to hold the pump flange. A postpartum tester particularly liked that it has good coverage (even at the back) and that it supports large busts.
When you are forced to stay near the exit, pumping breast milk may cause stress and restriction on you. Elvie changed this situation, thanks to its wireless and tubeless design inside the bra, allowing mothers to express more flexibly. The biggest attraction is that it allows mothers to move around freely without being restricted by machines. Reason for award: In our road test, we found that it is very quiet during use, so other people in the same room cannot hear it, and it can effectively take out milk. Although optimization requires some learning curve, the ability to do it anytime, anywhere while pumping is a huge breakthrough.
These popular leggings have a built-in support belt that can relieve back pain, especially in the second and third trimesters. The fabrics are completely opaque (ie opaque!), and the over-relief fit helps them stay in place without feeling tight. Even better: the fabric is thick enough that they can be used as pants. Reason for award: Most pregnant women's tights either slip off or feel too tight, but they have the ability to stay in place while still feeling comfortable. A tester said that after trying on these, she wanted to wear these.