With a new baby on the way, it can feel overwhelming when you turn to friends and family and ask them plainly, "What should we get?" There are the basics everyone will suggest you buy — a crib, changing pad, diapers — and then there's the other stuff . . . the cutting edge, tech-first, family favourites that make life just a little bit easier [1]. So whether you're looking for a new baby monitor or a twist on a bassinet, here is the best baby gear for the year.
Baby Bjorn Bouncer Balance Soft
The Baby Bjorn Bouncer Balance Soft [2] ($198) is a family favorite for a number of reasons. Its ergonomic design means baby's hips are always in the correct place, and it has three angles so baby can be near-flat against the ground or up at an angle to watch and see what their parents are doing.
Puj Tub
The Puj Tub [3] ($45) fits neatly into your sink (you'll want to measure your sink first, though) so you can easily wash your baby.
The Play Gym by Lovevery
The Play Gym by Lovevery [4] ($140) is a purposeful playmat with five different developmental zones, or flaps, at each edge. Each one offers an array of essentials for each of your baby's learning stages, providing for what they want to see, touch, and explore as they grow.
WubbaNub Pacifier
Not only does this WubbaNub Pacifier [5] ($17) look cute, but it also act as a weight, which means you'll be popping that paci back in a lot less.
Ubbi Diaper Pail
The Ubbi Diaper Pail [6] ($80) is the unsung hero of the nursery. The pail's steel body and tightly sealed lid keep the smell of dirty diapers at bay.
Hatch Baby Grow Smart Changing Pad and Scale
The Hatch Baby Grow Smart Changing Pad and Scale [7] ($130) is a two-in-one device that caters to nervous new parents. Worrying about whether your baby has eaten enough is a top concern in the first few months, so having a reliable scale at-home that syncs with your phone is a smart way to stay informed.
Hatch Baby Rest Night Light Sound Machine
The Hatch Baby Rest [8] ($60) is a nightlight that enables parents to set light programs based on their babies schedule. It's synced to a phone via Bluetooth, so you can make adjustments as needed without stepping inside the bedroom.
HaloVa Diaper Bag
This water-resistant HaloVa Diaper Bag [9] ($36) is supereasy to clean, so you never have to worry about spilling milk or formula on it. If you'll be carrying bottles with you, you'll like that this has insulated pockets.
Ike & Leo Teething Toys: Baby Infant and Toddler With Pacifier Clip
These Ike & Leo Teething Toys: Baby Infant and Toddler With Pacifier Clip [10] ($16) are not only supercute, they're dishwasher safe and BPA-free. Plus, they come with a pacifier clip; you clip it to your child's clothes and it ensures that the toys don't touch the floor.
Original Woombie Swaddle
Every new mom needs a quality swaddle. The Original Woombie Swaddle [11] ($21) is made of four-way stretch fabric, making it easy to snugly swaddle your baby.
MiaMily Carrier
While there are many types of carriers, the MiaMily Carrier [12] ($129) has a built-in ergonomic hip seat, a hidden storage pocket, and a seat for your baby to sit on, which helps redistribute weight.
Veer All-Terrain Cruiser Wagon
While the Veer All-Terrain Cruiser Wagon [13] ($599) is technically a wagon, parents have been using it in place of double strollers. It meets stroller safety standards and has all of the same functionality required of a double stroller, but with the option to have fun when you want to use it as a wagon. To make it more stroller-like, just pick up some accessories, like the Infant Car Seat Adaptor or canopy.
Britax Back Seat Mirror
If you fear driving alone with your little one in the backseat, Britax's Back Seat Mirror [14] ($19) alleviates much of the stress of the unknown when your new baby is behind you.
Joovy Spoon Walker
Don't be surprised if your little one wants to walk before they crawl once they get the Joovy Spoon Walker [15] ($80). Always keep children away from stairs when using this.
Nuna Leaf Grow
The Nuna Leaf Grow [16] ($290) is motor- and noise-free and a great place for baby to relax.
4Moms MamaRoo 4
The MamaRoo is nothing new, but this version, the 4Moms MamaRoo 4 [17] ($250), has a few additional features, including 25 different motion patterns and speed combinations (which you can control via Bluetooth on your phone!). The seat now fully reclines; you can hook up music or sounds through a phone or iPod with an AUX cable; and the plush fabric is easy to remove and machine washable.
Baby Goat Hair Brush and Comb Set
Keep baby's hair clean and cute with the help of this Baby Goat Hair Brush and Comb Set [18] ($11).
Halo SleepSack Swaddle
Infants will be warm and cozy in this Halo SleepSack Swaddle [19] ($22).
Munchkin Shine Stainless Steel Bottle Brush
Keep germs away with the Munchkin Shine Stainless Steel Bottle Brush [20] ($10).
Dr. Brown's Original Baby Bottles
Never run out of clean bottles again with these Dr. Brown's Original Baby Bottles [21] ($14 for three).
Baby Shusher Sleep Miracle Soother
Lull little ones to sleep with ease thanks to this Baby Shusher Sleep Miracle Soother [22] ($35).
Bubzi Co White Noise Sound Machine & Sleep Aid Night Light
Sleep will be closer than ever with this Bubzi Co White Noise Sound Machine & Sleep Aid Night Light [23] ($30).
FeverFrida The Thermonitor Bluetooth Thermometer
Make sure your baby is well taken care of with this helpful FeverFrida The Thermonitor Bluetooth Thermometer [24] ($70).
Kolcraft Sleepy Little One Mattress
Cozy and comfortable, you will give the gift of a good night's sleep with this Kolcraft Sleepy Little One Mattress [25] ($40).
Rotating Star Sky Projection Night Light
Sweet dreams are never far away with this Rotating Star Sky Projection Night Light [26] ($20).
Busy Baby Activity Chair
Little ones will love how they can stay entertained in this Busy Baby Activity Chair [27] ($139). It has a mirror, rattle, squeaky toy, and more.
Lily Miles Baby Diaper Caddy
Diapers have never looked better, thanks to the Lily Miles Baby Diaper Caddy [28] ($21).
Sophie the Giraffe Natural Teether
What is a baby without a Sophie the Giraffe Natural Teether [29] ($24)?
Aden + Anais Muslin Swaddle Blankets
It seems like every parent loves Aden + Anais Muslin Swaddle Blankets [30] ($45 for four); just visit any newborn playgroup and you'll see them everywhere.
Skip Hop Moby Waterfall Bath Rinser
Skip Hop's popular Moby whale is back for more bathtime fun! Rather than using a bowl to clean baby, this Skip Hop Waterfall Bath Rinser [31] ($9) features interior fins that create a steady flow of water, while the rubber lip fits on baby's forehead and prevents soap from falling into his eyes.
Skip Hop Baby Pronto Portable Changing Station
This Skip Hop Baby Pronto Portable Changing Station [32] ($30) is great to keep in the car, or even in your diaper bag as the main changing station.
Copper Pearl Multi Use Car Seat
The Copper Pearl Multi Use Car Seat [33] ($25) has so many purposes. Use it to hide baby from the sun (or germs!), and you can even use it as a cover-up while breastfeeding.
Crane USA Humidifiers - Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
This Crane USA Humidifiers Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier [34] ($36) can protect sensitive newborns' skin from drying out and irritation.
Sleepi Mini — Mint Green
The Sleepi Mini — Mint Green [35] ($599) is the leader in space-saving cribs. Use the oval shape while baby is still a newborn, and hook up the extension kit to make it appropriately sized for kids up to 3 years old.
Munchkin High Capacity Drying Rack
Not only is the Munchkin High Capacity Drying Rack [36] ($9, originally $14) dishwasher-safe, but you can also dry nipples on the top shelf.
Medela Quick Clean Breastmilk Removal Soap
"Breast milk can get thick and greasy, so you'll want something that makes cleanup a breeze, like the Medela Quick Clean Breastmilk Removal Soap [37] ($7, originally $8).
Dock-a-Tot
As if the Dock-a-Tot [38] ($195) wasn't already the trendiest baby product to put on your registry, the brand just keeps on releasing more and more picture-perfect patterns that bring baby Instagram games up times 100. The marble pattern is just so pretty! But beyond that, it's great for creating a womb-like environment.