Finding the best baby products for your registry can feel overwhelming with thousands of options claiming to be “must-haves.” After testing hundreds of baby essentials through the first twelve months of daily parenting, I’ve identified the 16 products that truly earned their place in our home, and which ones are worth your investment in 2025.
Your registry is full of promise. Beautiful photos of perfectly styled nurseries, glowing reviews from other parents, and that hopeful feeling that maybe you’ve cracked the code on what you’ll actually need.
Then reality hits. Half those “must-have” items become expensive shelf decoration within weeks, while a handful of products become so essential you can’t imagine daily life without them.
This isn’t about what photographs well or what every influencer recommends, it’s about what survives the chaos of actual daily use and keeps delivering value month after month.
Each product is reviewed using my HLM Rating Scale: Price Point (was it worth the cost?), Functionality (how well does it do its job?), Aesthetic (how it looks in your home), and Clean Factor (how “clean” the materials are — organic, non-toxic, safe).
My Year-Long Testing Method
I tracked every product that became part of our daily rhythm— from those blur-filled newborn weeks through my now-confident toddler’s adventure-packed days. My criteria was ruthless: if I wasn’t reaching for it daily, if not multiple times a day, it didn’t make the cut.
These sixteen products passed the ultimate test: they integrated seamlessly into our lives and actually made parenting easier, not harder.
1. Coterie Diapers
The only diaper that hits a every point on my HLM scale. They’re soft, exceptionally absorbent, and hold up through the night without leaks (as promised). They don’t feel bulky, which makes them more comfortable for baby, and they keep skin dry. This means fewer rashes, less fuss. Yes, they’re pricier, but after a year of use, I wouldn’t switch.
But here’s what really sets Coterie apart: they’re the cleanest diaper on the market. Coterie stands out as one of the few truly Total Chlorine Free (TCF) diapers (third party verified), while even other popular “clean” brands (like Millie Moon and Honest) are only Elemental Chlorine-Free (ECF), meaning they still include chlorine derivatives.
What makes them so clean: Coterie diapers are free of many other questionable ingredients like parabens, phthalates, heavy metals, alcohol, rubber, latex, and chlorine bleach (as mentioned above). They’re also free of fragrance, dyes, parabens and free of 200+ potentially harmful chemicals. The company also provides a toxicity report that is available for download and their diapers are tested by dermatologists and not on animals.
Why they’re worth it: Most “premium” diapers make big promises but fail where it counts— overnight protection and comfort. Coterie delivers on both fronts, plus the peace of mind that comes with the cleanest ingredient list in the industry. The fewer middle-of-the-night sheet changes alone make them worth the investment.
HLM Rating:
- Price Point: 4/5 (Premium price but worth it for performance)
- Functionality: 5/5
- Aesthetic: 4/5 (Minimalist design)
- Clean Factor: 5/5 (Total Chlorine Free, third-party verified, free of 200+ harmful chemicals)
2. Lovevery Toys
We’ve cycled through different kits every few months, and every single one has been worth it. These are thoughtfully designed to match developmental stages, meaning my baby actually plays with them, instead of tossing them aside. High-quality materials, no loud battery-operated flashing lights and shrills, and they look beautiful in your home.
Why they’re worth it: Every toy serves a developmental purpose. Each piece is intentionally designed to challenge and engage your child at their exact stage, which means they actually play with them instead of abandoning them after five minutes. Plus, they have an app that shows how to use every toy in a variety of ways to support diffrent learning moments.
HLM Rating:
- Price Point: 4/5 (Subscription cost adds up but toys last and resell well – don’t believe me, check your local Facebook marketplace)
- Functionality: 5/5
- Aesthetic: 5/5 (Neutral, Montessori-inspired)
- Clean Factor: 5/5 (Non-toxic, sustainably sourced)
3. Nanit Pro Baby Camera (Stand Version)
I chose the stand over the wall mount, which was perfect for the early months. We could move it easily between rooms and different nap spots. By the time baby started standing, I regretted not purchasing the mounted option, because they can grab the pole.
One of the other amazing things about Nanit is if you’re a parent that wants your baby’s breathing monitored, Nanit has a breathing band you can purchase, that doesn’t use sensors, electronics, or radars.
Pro tip: You can buy the travel stand and case separately if you want mobility later. (I definitely recommend the travel case, it keeps the monitor protected and everythign organized. But, here’s my biggest gripe with Nanit… the travel version won’t track breathing or sleep stats. Which still makes no sense to me.
Why it’s worth it: The app data helped us identify sleep patterns and optimize our routine. The video quality is clear, even in no light, and the two-way audio can be useful. Plus, the app will send you notifications if there’s movement detected (which you can turn up or down the sensitivity), the temperature in the room is out of desired range, or if it loses connection. I will be doing a product review in the next month on Nanit, so stay tuned.
HLM Rating:
- Price Point: 4/5 (Higher price but strong features)
- Functionality: 4/5 (Minus one for travel stand limitations)
- Aesthetic: 4/5 (Sleek, blends in)
- Clean Factor: 4/5 (Safe materials, but mostly tech plastic, and I don’t LOVE that it has to be connected to WiFi at all times)
4. Hatch Rest Sound Machine (2nd Gen)
Doubles as a sound machine and nightlight, both of which we’ve used daily. The app makes it easy to adjust volume or light color without tiptoeing into the room. We use the same sound setting every night and for naps. Baby knows it’s sleep time the second the waves start crashing.
Why it’s worth it: The consistency is everything. No more fumbling with buttons in the dark or waking baby while adjusting settings. Plus, every now and then I’ll forget to turn it on, and can use my app to turn it on, even when I’m out of the room.
HLM Rating:
- Price Point: 5/5
- Functionality: 5/5
- Aesthetic: 5/5 (Small, modern design)
- Clean Factor: 4/5 (Safe materials but uses WiFi)
5. Nuna PIPA UBRN Travel System
This stroller and car seat combo has been one of my best investments. The stroller folds and unfolds with one hand, fits in car trunks without wrestling it, and glides over uneven sidewalks like butter. The car seat is lightweight but sturdy, and clicks in seamlessly, without a base.
Why it’s worth it: City life demands gear that moves as fast as you do. This system handles everything from narrow coffee shop aisles to bumpy park paths. The one-handed fold is a game-changer when you’re juggling a baby and diaper bag.
I wrote a detailed review of this entire travel system that covers everything from safety features to real-world testing scenarios. You can read my full Nuna PIPA UBRN review here if you want the complete breakdown.
Watch my video of how operational the stroller and car seat are, and how quickly you can put your baby in the car and fold the stroller down!
HLM Rating:
- Price Point: 4/5 (Premium but built to last multiple kids)
- Functionality: 5/5
- Aesthetic: 5/5 (Nuna’s design is unmatched)
- Clean Factor: 5/5 (GREENGUARD Gold certified)
6. Nestig Crib
Starts as a bassinet, grows into a full-size crib, then converts to a toddler bed. That’s three products in one purchase. It’s solid wood, non-toxic finish, and moves easily on wheels. Which is surprisingly useful when you want to rearrange a nursery or get into those hard-to-vacuum corners.
Why it’s worth it: The longevity factor is unbeatable. Most cribs become an expensive decoration after 2-3 years. This one adapts as your child grows, making the investment worthwhile for years.
Pro tip: Buy their sheets. These are hands-down the softest sheets I’ve ever felt. I genuinely wish they made them for adult mattresses. They’re GOTS-certified organic cotton jersey, handmade in Brazil by local artisans using OEKO-TEX certified, non-toxic, all natural dyes. But beyond the clean credentials, the designs are actually cute and the colors they chose are beautiful and elevated — not the typical just missed the mark-colored baby aesthetic.
HLM Rating:
- Price Point: 5/5 (Three stages in one purchase)
- Functionality: 5/5
- Aesthetic: 5/5
- Clean Factor: 5/5 (Sustainably made, non-toxic)
7. Sleep Sacks
We’ve used a rotation throughout the year: Halo Swaddles in the newborn days, Love to Dream Transition Swaddle for rolling stages, Kyte Baby Sleep Sacks for breathable comfort, and Yoofoss Baby Sleep Sacks for everyday lightweight use now in the summer. Every single one served its purpose and made sleep safer and easier.
Why they’re worth it: Each stage of baby’s development needs different sleep solutions. Having the right sleep sack for each phase meant better sleep for all of us. And, you can’t put a price on safety.
HLM Rating:
- Price Point: 4/5 (Quality sleep sacks last, but you need multiples)
- Functionality: 5/5
- Aesthetic: 4/5 (Varies by brand)
- Clean Factor: 5/5 (Kyte & Yoofoss are bamboo or cotton)
8. Mori Pajamas
I’ve had two sets for every growth stage and have additional sets for at least another year. They’re soft, wash without pilling, and last through growth spurts.
What makes them so clean: Mori uses a sustainably sourced blend of organic cotton and bamboo that’s naturally hypoallergenic and temperature-regulating. Their organic cotton is certified, meaning it’s been tested for GMOs and harmful substances from farm to product. Bamboo is naturally antimicrobial and moisture-wicking, making it ideal for sensitive baby skin. The fabric blend creates pajamas that are gentle enough for eczema-prone skin while being incredibly durable.
Plus, they have really cute, simple patterns — not the overwhelming cartoons you see everywhere. Think subtle stripes, soft florals, and minimalist prints that actually look stylish hanging in your nursery.
Why they’re worth it: Most baby pajamas shrink, fade, or pill after a few washes. These maintain their softness and shape wash after wash. The investment pays off in durability and the peace of mind that comes with truly clean materials against your baby’s skin.
HLM Rating:
- Price Point: 4/5 (Higher than average PJs but long-lasting)
- Functionality: 5/5
- Aesthetic: 5/5
- Clean Factor: 5/5 (Organic cotton and bamboo blend)
9. Boppy Nursing Pillow
I still use this four times a day. For nursing, bottle feeding, or even to prop my baby up when we’re reading books, it’s been essential. If your baby is bottle-fed, it works just as well for comfortable positioning.
Why it’s worth it: Your arms, and their little head will thank you. The support it provides during long feeding sessions prevents the neck and back pain that comes with hunching over your baby multiple times a day.
HLM Rating:
- Price Point: 5/5
- Functionality: 5/5
- Aesthetic: 4/5 (Depends on cover choice)
- Clean Factor: 4/5 (Cover materials vary, washable)
10. Olio Flynn Glider
This chair is a cloud. Supportive, smooth gliding motion, and comfortable enough for cluster feed nursing sessions.
I wrote a full review you can read here, but the short version: if you can swing it, run, don’t walk to buy it.
Why it’s worth it: You’ll spend hundreds of hours in this chair during those first crucial months. Choosing a mediocre glider means months of backaches and uncomfortable feeding sessions. This chair is ultra supportive and becomes your sanctuary during those loooong nights.
HLM Rating:
- Price Point: 4/5 (Splurge item – but is an investment and it holds up)
- Functionality: 4/5
- Aesthetic: 6/5
- Clean Factor: 3.5/5 (The Sheepskin Bouclé is not OEKO-TEX certified, as it is a performance fabric that resists spills and stains well, so I compromised)
11. Burp Cloths
Get more than you think you need, and don’t get precious about them— these will see the worst of it. We used them constantly for spit-up in the early days, and now they’re perfect for wiping down after meals. I use them daily to clean up my toddler after he eats.
Why they’re worth it: Stock up generously and abandon any attachment to keeping them pristine… these workhorses will handle everything from explosive newborn situations to toddler meal fiascos. Having an abundance means you’re never caught empty-handed when mess strikes.
I have both the burts bees and the . While I don’t love most of my other burt’s bees products, these burp rags have been staples. (I especially love the avocado pattern.)
Pro Tip: Skip the $25 designer burp cloths (looking at you, Mushie). You’ll burn through these all day long. Go bulk with organic packs instead—start with 30 so you’re never scrambling when the laundry piles up.
HLM Rating:
- Price Point: 5/5 (Inexpensive and essential)
- Functionality: 5/5
- Aesthetic: 3/5 (You can buy really beautiful ones like Mushy, but you go through upwards of a dozen a day, so that would really add up)
- Clean Factor: 4/5 (Choose organic cotton when possible)
12. Hatch Baby Grow Smart Changing Pad & Scale
I don’t use the scale every day, but when I do, it’s incredibly helpful. It’s how I realized I’d lost my milk supply (you can read about that here) and how I calculated how much freezer milk to prep for my Nanny and husband for a week-long work trip. The pad is soft, wipes clean easily, and works perfectly without the scale feature. In the first few days of baby’s life, you’re supposed to track
e v e r y t h i n g, and there are tons of apps for that like huckleberry (my favorite), Snoo app, etc., and this one also has that option. Poops, feedings, etc.
Why it’s worth it: The growth tracking gives you peace of mind, and the data helps you make informed decisions about feeding, and you have solid data when your pediatrician, lactation consultant, etc. asks. Even without using the scale daily, having it available is reassuring.
HLM Rating:
- Price Point: 4/5 (Worth it if you use the scale)
- Functionality: 4/5 (Would have times it would want me to zero out after nursing, so I would lose that feeding data).
- Aesthetic: 5/5
- Clean Factor: 4/5 (Safe foam, wipeable)
13. Boon Drying Rack + Accessories
We started with bottles and pump parts, now it’s baby plates, utensils, and sippy cups. The “grass” holds everything upright, the accessory pieces are perfect for hanging smaller items, and it doesn’t take up a ton of counter space.
Why it’s worth it: Air drying is gentler on baby gear than the dishwasher, and this system keeps everything organized. Plus, you avoid having baby items share the same dishwasher water with your regular dishes— which honestly feels better when you’re dealing with bottles and pump parts. The modular design grows with your needs.
HLM Rating:
- Price Point: 5/5
- Functionality: 5/5
- Aesthetic: 4/5 (Fun but visible on counter)
- Clean Factor: 4/5 (BPA, PVC, phthalate-free)
14. Miss Mouth’s Stain Remover
I don’t know what’s in this, but it works better than anything I’ve ever tried. Raspberry stains? Gone. Blowouts? Gone. I now use it on all my laundry now, Tide pens are a thing of the past. I’ve even used it on furniture, and the stain literally disappears before your eyes.
Why it’s worth it: Baby life is messy life. This stuff tackles stains that would otherwise ruin clothes and furniture. The peace of mind alone is worth the price.
HLM Rating:
- Price Point: 5/5
- Functionality: 5/5
- Aesthetic: 4/5 (Not that it matters)
- Clean Factor: 4/5 (Non-toxic formula, not organic-certified)
15. Baby Lotion & Bodywash (Baby Leaves)
Gentle on skin, smells lovely, and free from the questionable stuff you don’t want on baby’s skin. We use both the lotion and bodywash daily as part of our bedtime routine.
Why they’re worth it: Baby’s skin is delicate, and these products are formulated specifically for sensitivity without sacrificing effectiveness. The calming scent has become part of our sleep routine.
HLM Rating:
- Price Point: 5/5
- Functionality: 5/5
- Aesthetic: 5/5 (Also, doesn’t matter)
- Clean Factor: 5/5 (EWG Verified, hypoallergenic)
16. Vegan Leather Playmat
One of our best purchases. Especially as baby started sitting, then standing— when he tipped over, it was incredibly plush and really avoided lots of tears as he was learning. It’s easy to wipe clean, has enough grip so it’s not slippery, and it’s comfortable for adults to sit on too. Floor play is a big part of year one.
Why it’s worth it: Traditional play mats are either too thin for real protection or impossible to clean. This strikes the perfect balance. Soft enough for safety, durable enough for daily use, and stylish enough to leave out in your living room.
HLM Rating:
- Price Point: 5/5
- Functionality: 5/5
- Aesthetic: 5/5
- Clean Factor: 4/5 (Non-toxic, but synthetic material)
What Sets These 16 Apart
These products share four non-negotiable qualities that separate the essentials from the expensive mistakes: Uncompromising Durability (they withstand relentless daily use), Problem-Solving Functionality (they address real parent pain points), Effortless Maintenance (because parents don’t have time for complicated cleaning routines), and Evolutionary Design (they adapt and remain useful as your child develops).
When you’re curating your registry or making those big-ticket decisions, these four criteria will guide you toward purchases that deliver long-term value instead of short-term appeal.
Final Thoughts
Parenting throws enough curveballs without having to second-guess your baby gear choices. Finding products that consistently deliver on their promises transforms those overwhelming early days into something more manageable— and dare I say, enjoyable.
These sixteen essential baby produts proved themselves through every stage, every mess, and every middle-of-the-night moment. They’re not just products I’d repurchase, they’re the foundation that made my first year of parenting infinitely smoother. And I hope they can do that for you too.
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