A new baby brings So. Much. Stuff. into your house. A lot of it is impractical (infants do not wear shoes!) or inconvenient to use, and so it ends up collecting dust in the nursery closet. But, there are those few fabulous items that busy parents rely on day in, day out — the ones that actually do what they promise and make life a little easier for sleep-deprived moms and dads. Here are 12 seriously game-changing products that all moms-to-be will want to add to their registries.
Halo Bassinest Swivel Sleeper
This bassinet-cosleeper hybrid keeps your newborn as close to you as possible without actually bringing him or her into your bed. Vibrating, white noise and music functions help lull babies to sleep. Plus, it swivels so you can easily get out of bed. $250, Babies R Us
Snuza Hero Baby Movement Monitor
Bringing your first tiny, fragile baby home from the hospital can be nerve-wracking. Most new parents spend a lot of time making sure their sleeping baby is still breathing. Alleviate that anxiety by clipping this genius movement monitor to baby’s diaper. A reassuring light blinks as baby’s belly moves up and down with each breath, and an alarm sounds if no movement is detected for 20 seconds. $120, Target
WaterWipes
You don’t want chemicals touching your little one’s silky skin, but tired moms don’t have time to use a wet washcloth at each diaper change. These soft wipes are made with just water and a drop of grapefruit seed extract, so they won’t irritate baby’s sensitive skin. Also great for wiping sticky hands and faces once your babe starts eating solid food. $18 for 240 wipes, Diapers.com
BabyBjörn Bibs
Whoever decided that bibs should be made of cloth clearly has never fed a baby! Instead, opt for these brilliant BPA-free plastic bibs that make post-meal cleanup a snap. No more banana-covered laundry! $10-14, Target
Chic Buds Clutchette
New moms, your days of carrying around a fashionable handbag stocked with all of your own on-the-go necessities are over (who has time to reapply lipstick anyway?). For the next few years, your baby’s diaper bag is your purse. But, you still need a few essentials when you leave the house, and this cute phone-charging clutch is perfect for tossing into baby’s bag and easy to grab when you’re quickly popping into Starbucks or the bank and don’t want to lug the whole diaper bag. $50, ChicBuds.com
Mamaglo Essential Dress
Yoga pants and a nursing tank constitute the unofficial “new mom uniform,” but once in a while a lactating lady actually needs to get dressed up! This chic and clever LBD gives you easy access for breastfeeding and the side draping is perfect for covering up while baby nurses. $78, Mamaglo.com
Boudreaux’s Butt Paste
This emollient diaper cream was formulated by a pharmacist with the direction of a pediatrician — and it has kept at least one particularly adorable baby girl (mine!) rash-free for eight months. One 16-ounce tub can easily last for six months of frequent diaper changes. $20, Drugstore.com
Ubbi Diaper Pail
Yes, it is frustrating to spend $70 on something that literally holds poop. But, when your baby’s nursery smells fresh and clean because dirty diapers are stashed in this coated steel pail that locks in odors, you’ll be glad you shelled out the cash. $70, Babies R Us
Woombie Swaddle
You have to be an origami expert to properly swaddle a screaming, flailing infant in a blanket. Save yourself the hassle and just zip your little peanut into this cozy sack. Snug fit gives babies the sensation of being held, and bottom zipper makes 2 a.m. diaper changes a bit easier. $25, Woombie.com
4moms Infant Tub
Bath time is a breeze with this high-tech tub that keeps a stream of fresh water flowing. A color-coded thermometer alerts mom and dad if water becomes too hot or cold. $50, Buy Buy Baby
Hugaboo Baby Seat
Having a safe place to set baby while you make breakfast or take a hot shower is a life-saver for a new mom. The Hugaboo protects wobbly babies from tipping over while they perfect their sitting skills. $50-70, MyHugaboo.com
Jessica Simpson Nursing Cardigan
If you plan to breastfeed, you might want to stock up on a few of these handy cardigans. They will quickly become the versatile workhorses of your post-partum wardrobe. Side panels can be used as a nursing cover for on-the-go feedings. $44, Destination Maternity
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