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Drool, spit-up, dirty diapers. There’s no getting around it: Babies can be messy. (And all this is before they start eating solids!) To the rescue: baby grooming kits.
Not only are baby grooming kits one-stop-shops for products such as shampoo, conditioner and lotion, they also often contain items such as nail clippers or scissors (those fingernails can get sharp), nasal aspirators (for suctioning out snot), and other important devices like thermometers and medicine spoons.
How we chose the best baby baby grooming kit
We turned to the What to Expect community to gather a consensus on brands and specific baby grooming kits that parents have used and loved for their own children. We selected baby grooming kits that had overwhelmingly positive reviews regarding quality and function.
We also only selected kits that were under $50, to ensure that nabbing these essential items wasn’t cost-prohibitive for parents.
Other factors to consider when buying a baby grooming kit
How comprehensive it is. These are items that you’ll be using regularly, and so it’s a good idea to make sure that the products that are in there are truly worth having around. Some good baby grooming items to have in your kit include:
Convenience. Many grooming kits come with carrying cases to make storing and transporting these essential items easier. If your kit doesn’t come with one, you might consider purchasing one separately to ensure things don’t fall to the bottom of the diaper bag.
Cost. It’s always a good idea to balance price and quality as much as possible. Some cheaper kits, for example, might not hold up well to daily use or have certain items that don’t work well. But you shouldn’t have to pay an arm and a leg for baby essentials that you will use daily, which is why we aimed to prioritize kits that hit that sweet spot.
Here are our top baby grooming kit picks.
Why Trust Us?
What to Expect is the world’s most trusted pregnancy and parenting brand for a reason. Our product recommendations are based on expert parent insight, advice from medical professionals and feedback from the millions of parents and parents-to-be in our community. Our editors adhere to the highest research and reporting standards and our team of vetted OB/GYNs, pediatricians and other health professionals ensure our recommended products are safe and effective for you and your baby.
Some parents say the thermometer isn't as reliable as other models
so you may want a backup
Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It
Whether you’re at home or on the go, this grooming kit from Safety 1st contains just about every care product that your baby needs for a fairly accessible price point — making it a favorite among What to Expect community moms. (It’s also well-loved on Amazon with nearly 16,000 five-star reviews.) “I have this one and it's awesome! Comes with a nice bag they all roll up in too,” says one mom.
The set comes with 25 items, including a newborn cradle cap comb and soft-bristle brush, a nasal aspirator, bottle medicine dispenser and 3-in-1 thermometer — all in a compact clutch that’s small enough to stash in a diaper bag. It also comes with a 1-year limited warranty.
There’s one at Target called the Safety 1st Deluxe Grooming Kit and it’s $20. I have it on my registry. It comes with everything: nail clippers, comb, thermometer, little nose sucker thing, etc.
I liked having a kit because it had all the essentials and I have a way to keep it all together. I got the safety first kit with my first and I still use it and will use it [with] this little.
If you’re looking for a simple kit stocked with the absolute necessities, check out this great option from FridaBaby that What to Expect parents love. The kit comes with ergonomic nail clippers, an S-shaped nail file that’s designed to mimic the natural contour of babies’ nails, a silicone bath mitt and brush, the Windi (the brand’s signature gas-passing device) and the beloved NoseFrida, aka WTE parents’ favorite nasal aspirator.
While the kit is missing some common grooming items like a comb, medicine spoon or thermometer, it’s an easy way to nab the basics that you’ll likely use almost every day with your baby. The included carrying case is ideal for keeping things organized in your diaper bag.
All of the products in Noodle & Boo’s Healthy Hair kit — shampoo, cream rinse and a leave-in conditioner — are made with plant-based, natural ingredients that will leave your little one’s hair soft and shiny. “I’ve used noodle and boo on my almost 2 year old since she was a newborn! And even her pediatrician comments in what beautiful skin she has,” says one WTE mom. “Her hair always looks nice and her curls hold up beautifully.”
The hypoallergenic products were formulated with sensitive skin and eczema in mind, although it does contain fragrance — so check with your baby’s doctor before purchasing if your little one has skin issues. We especially love that they come in pump bottles so you don’t have to fumble around with caps during bathtime. The version of the kit sold by Maisonette also includes 2-ounce, travel-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner. Just note you’ll have to buy nail scissors, combs, brushes and other grooming supplies separately.
Noodle and boo! We use the shampoo and their lotion. It makes him so soft and smelling so fresh like a baby. I wish someone would’ve told me, we’ve tried 3 other brands and this is my favorite.”
If you’re looking to cover as many bases as possible with one purchase, this is the kit for you. This grooming kit from the American Red Cross contains plenty of standard baby grooming items, including a brush, comb, nail clipper, fingertip toothbrush and more. But it really stands out for its health gear. The kit includes a nasal aspirator, digital thermometer and case, medicine dropper and medicine spoon, along with a baby safety guide for easy reference. The storage tote also comes with clear panels, so you can easily see what’s inside.