At a base level, being a parent is hard. Add in a second (or third) child, trying to work your nine-to-five, keeping up with other family and friends, getting some shut eye, and then chores, bills, more chores, more bills — it can become insurmountable. Which is why we turned to the experts (moms) to find the products that'll make parenting a bit easier, more flexible, and generally less daunting. Our Good for You Awards is here to showcase the best of the best.
Looking for more feel-good products? Check out our full list of Good for You Award winners here.
Food & Beverage
Best High Chair: Lalo The Chair
It’s the high chair that doesn’t scream “a child lives here.” For design-minded parents, we suggest buying this for its versatility and aesthetic. It can transform into a booster seat and play chair when you purchase the add-ons.
Best Water Bottle: b.box Tritan Drink Bottle
Moms at theSkimm tested this, and reported it was beaten, dropped, lost (and then found) a million times over, and somehow was still in one piece and functional. It's easy to clean, doesn't leak, and is sturdy as heck. So…it’s a hard yes.
Best Dishware: Avanchy Bamboo Suction Plates
We’ve talked about these before, but we’re highlighting them again. They’re durable, environmentally friendly, and have incredible suction power so kids won’t be able to throw dinner across the room. Plus, the suction can be removed so the plates will age with your family.
Best Bottle Sterilizer: Baby Brezza Bottle Sterilizer and Dryer
Skimm moms used this machine to clean bottles and pump pieces, and found it to be efficient, reliable, and user-friendly. One noted that it’d make an excellent registry gift.
Best Snack Cup: Munchkin Stainless Steel Snack Catcher
The top flap means less mess, while the wings help with control and dexterity. If you’ve got a baby that loves puffs, this is your solution to snack time.
Entertainment
Best Affordable and Educational Subscription Service: KiwiCo
Boxes are available for a wide range of ages, from 0-36 months to ages 12+. Everything is designed to inspire, and products are often tested by kids to see what resonates. Baby boxes include sensory toys and books, while boxes for older kids explore topics like chemistry and art.
Best Toy Subscription Service: Lovevery Play Kits
A mom at theSkimm has had a subscription for two years and truly loves getting the shipments every couple of months. She feels like the research is done for her, so she doesn’t have to worry about providing the right toys during specific developmental stages. PS: One of the biggest perks of the subscription is getting access to experts on the accompanying app. They’re available for all questions and respond promptly.
Best Activity Center: Explore & More Baby's View 3-Stage Activity Center
This is one of the best designed baby activity centers out there that will also hold your baby's attention. We love that it grows with them in three stages, converting from an activity center to a play table.
Best Bike: Strider Sport 2-in-1 Rocking Bike
These bikes can aid young kids in perfecting their balance and coordination. They're high-quality, ideal for handing down to siblings, and help your child prepare to ride a traditional bike. Once they’re a bit older, you can detach the rocking base and off they go.
Best Building Block: MAGNA-TILES
Kids of Skimm’rs loves these. They’re a great tool to increase creativity, learn shapes and colors, and promote family time. Also a huge pro: They’re durable and age with your kids, so not only can a preschooler continue to use them, but so can their younger, second sibling.
Sleep
Best Convertible Crib: Nestig The Wave Crib
This three-in-one crib doesn't require parents to buy an extra conversion kit — everything comes in one package. It starts off as a mini crib, then a regular crib, and finally can be converted into a toddler bed. Moms love the rounded corners, straightforward assembly, and overall quality and style.
Best Sheets and Sleep Bags: Gunamuna
Specifically the crib sheet and swaddle sleep bag. Materials are gentle and safe for baby skin, with no harmful chemicals, toxins, and irritants. The swaddle sleep bag can help lull your baby into a sound sleep, and has a zipper for easy diaper changes.
Best Pajamas: Burt’s Bees Organic Cotton Pajamas
Burt’s Bees has the most adorable selection of pajamas that are not only high-quality, but are super functional for parents. They utilize zippers, and most designs are gender-neutral, so they can be passed down.
Best Travel Crib: Guava Lotus Travel Crib
This travel crib fits into a compact carrying case that you can wear as a backpack, which makes maneuvering through the airport with a baby, stroller, diaper bag, and purse, dare we say, actually doable. It can also fit into the overhead compartment of a plane, which means that it doesn’t need to be checked.
Best Baby Monitor: Nanit Pro Camera
This camera is sharp, uses a secure encryption method to keep your data safe, and has sound and motion alerts. You’ll be able to see your baby from anywhere so you get peace of mind. Choose between the flex stand, wall mount, or floor stand. If you want to dive deep with data, choose one of Nanit’s Insights plans.
Health
Best Sunglasses: Sunnies
These are affordable, cute, and most importantly, sturdy. They have polarized lenses, 100% UVA and UVB protection, and are made with an anti-slip coating so kids can play with ease. One mom reported that her son has done just about everything to his pair and yet they haven’t broken after 1.5 years.
Best Nipple Cream: Earth Mama Organics Organic Nipple Butter
A popular pick amongst moms at theSkimm, this cream is safe to use before breastfeeding and doesn’t need to be wiped off. It soothes dry, cracked nipples, and is made of a blend of organic herbs and oils. It can even be used on lips, cuticles, cracked heels, and more.
Best Humidifier: PureBaby® Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
This device is very easy to use, quiet, and parents love that you can choose to turn the light off if it’s bothersome. A big pro: It shuts off when water level is low. It’s got two mist settings and the nozzle can be rotated 360 degrees.
Best Baby Lotion: CeraVe Baby Moisturizing Lotion
Developed with pediatric dermatologists, this fragrance-free lotion contains three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E. It’s lightweight, nongreasy, and provides all-day hydration for baby’s skin.
Best Snot Snucker: Frida Baby NoseFrida
Thanks to the filter in the barrel (change after every use), you’ll be able to clear your baby’s airways without sucking in snot yourself. It’s noninvasive and easy to clean.
Hygiene
Best Ointment: Tubby Todd All-Over Ointment
Not shocking news, but babies have sensitive skin, especially newborns. We had one mom test this on her baby’s rash, cradle cap, and eczema, and it helped to clear symptoms in a matter of days. It’s also great to use during dry winter months when skin needs extra moisture.
Best Nail Scissors: Frida Baby Easy Grip Nail Scissors
Moms love this tool because it makes cutting your baby’s nails easy, thanks to the asymmetrical handles, rounded blade tips, and ergonomic grip. It also has a cap to cover the blades for safe storage.
Best Diaper Pail: Ubbi Diaper Pail
100% mom-approved — we never got a report of a stinky diaper when this pail was in testing. (We attribute this to its steel body, which doesn’t absorb odors.) It also takes any standard size garbage bag, which is a huge win in convenience. It’s got a child lock, can hold up to 55 diapers (newborn size), and looks pretty darn sleek.
Best Hair Brush: Frida Baby DermaFrida
This 100% silicone brush can be used in the bath to exfoliate and distribute shampoo. One mom reported that it actually soothes her daughter, so not only is it removing dead skin and preventing cradle cap, but it also acts as a mini massage on particularly cranky days.
Best Wipes: WaterWipes Original Baby Wipes
Plant-based and plastic-free, these wipes are gentle and hypoallergenic. They’re unscented and made of 99.9% water, with a drop of fruit extract.
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