Meet the Winners of the 2023 What to Expect Mom Must-Have Awards

Clarity and accuracy are crucial when it comes to pregnancy tests, and Clearblue checks both of those boxes, which is probably why our community members have named it the Best Pregnancy Test Brand for three years straight. 

The Clearblue digital pregnancy test has a Smart Countdown feature that tracks the test’s progress via flashing blocks, just in case you forgot to set a timer. When the blocks disappear, the results are clearly displayed as the words “Pregnant” or “Not Pregnant” — no need to interpret faded lines. What to Expect parents appreciate how easy the test is to use and read, and that the design takes the guesswork out of such an emotional experience.

Clearblue’s test claims to be 99 percent accurate when taken the day of your expected period. But if you’re someone who likes to check things two or three times, you’ll be happy to know these tests come three to a box. 

Good to know: The test’s extra wide absorbency tip minimizes mess and collects extra urine to reduce user error. 

Packed with all the nutrients pregnant women need — like folate, vitamin D, iron and DHA — it’s no surprise that Nature Made’s Prenatal Multivitamin won this award for the fourth year in a row. But what our community members love most about these prenatal vitamins is how gentle they are on the stomach and taste buds. Many moms praised the softgel capsules for being easy to swallow, and free from both the chalky aftertaste of uncoated pills and the excess sugar of gummy vitamins. Nature Made is also USP-verified, a third-party certification that tests supplements for quality. As always, consult your doctor before adding any new supplement to your diet.

Good to know: The jars are available in a number of sizes, from 60, 90 or 150 softgels, with one softgel equaling a serving.

As your bump grows, your hips and back take on more pressure while you sleep, which can be uncomfortable and even painful. What to Expect moms swear by the Momcozy U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow to help make pregnancy sleep a little easier.

Momcozy’s pillow has a U shape that hugs and gently supports your entire body, including your head, back,neck and feet. The pillow is so plush and the material so soft and cozy, that many moms say they continue to use it postpartum to provide support for nursing, sleeping or just sitting. 

Good to know: There are a number of different color and fabric options, but if you tend to run hot, you’ll want to choose one that'sn made of cooling fabric.

A great option for affordable, quality maternity clothes is Motherhood Maternity. Here, you can find everything from maternity underwear to dresses to nursing-friendly clothing. And, as many What to Expect Moms point out, this site often has some amazing sales. Motherhood Maternity is also very size-inclusive: One community member wrote that this was one of the few stores where she could find plus-size maternity clothes. 

Good to know: In addition to their own line, Motherhood Maternity carries a wide range of maternity brands, including Seraphine, Beyond Yoga, Paige, Splendid and more.

Frida Mom is known for creating game-changing products you never really knew you needed (until you do!), and its postpartum recovery kit is no exception. Each item in this 11-piece kit is meant to relieve pain and help you heal after giving birth. From ice maxi pads that reduce perineal swelling to a numbing foam that eases burning, you’ll be thankful for every item — and even more thankful for the easy-to-follow instructions. 

The Frida Mom postpartum kit also comes with a storage caddy to keep everything organized, and make it easier to tote your gear around the house. 

Good to know: The kit includes four pairs of disposable postpartum undies, four Instant Ice Maxi Pads, 24 witch hazel pad liners, Perineal Healing Foam and a storage caddy and carry case.

You’ll often find yourself fighting the urge to buy every bodysuit, sleeper and outfit set. But at Carter’s, you can give into the temptation every once in a while thanks to its low prices. In addition to the affordability, What to Expect parents rave about the retailer's adorable designs and vast size range, offering clothes from preemie to 14. (And unlike many other baby clothes brands, Carter’s also tends to run true to size). Though the clothes are affordable, Carter’s fabrics are also high-quality: Parents note that they tend to hold up well and don’t stretch out over time, even after many washes. 

Also good: Parents like that Carter’s has several annual sales, including the semi-annual Baby Love Sale, allowing them to further stretch their dollar.

If you want to try a little of everything, check out their eight-piece baby gift bundle, which includes: two pairs of pull-on pants, one cardigan, one bodysuit, one long-sleeve shirt, one cap, one pair of socks and one plush toy.

Good to know: Not only does Carter's frequently have sales, but you can join the brand's loyalty program to earn points that convert into additional discounts off future purchases.

Nursery furniture can be some of the priciest new-baby gear expecting parents have to invest in, so it’s helpful to find pieces that serve multiple roles. Not only does the Graco Remi 4-in-1 Convertible Crib and Changer come with a built-in changing table and tons of storage (there are three small drawers in the changer as well as a full-size drawer under the crib), but it’s built to last — literally. The four-in-one design means that you can use the Graco Remi as a crib, toddler bed, daybed and eventually, a full-size bed.

What to Expect parents praise the versatility, stylish design and built-in storage this crib offers. In particular, parents tell us they appreciate what a solid long-term investment it is, as well as how easy it is to convert from baby crib to toddler bed to daybed to full-size bed. (Just note that all of the conversion kits, including the toddler guardrails, are sold separately.) The overall footprint is smaller than a full-size crib and separate changing table would be, so parents also say it’s a good option for smaller bedrooms.

Good to know: It’s Greenguard Gold-certified, meaning its materials have been screened for more than 10,000 potentially dangerous chemicals. Also important: Don’t forget to order the crib mattress, which is sold separately.

Though pricey, What to Expect parents agree that the Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor is the best of the best. Not only does the Nanit Pro deliver all the must-have features you’d expect in a video monitor at this price point — a night light with gradual dimming, two-way audio, a 1080p HD camera, night vision, movement alerts, multiple white noise options — but the company’s sleep analytics are also top-notch. The app logs when your little one falls asleep and wakes up, then offers useful analysis and tips. Multiple What to Expect parents noted how helpful it is to be able to track their baby’s sleep patterns over time. 

In addition to the excellent sleep analytics, the app itself is straightforward to use. It’s easy to add additional viewers, and caregivers don’t have to log in and out to access the feed. The video quality is crystal clear, and many parents note how reliable it seems to be, even in areas where Wi-Fi is spotty. Many parents also appreciate that the app allows caregivers to access the video history, so you can scroll back through the footage if you need to. 

This bundle includes the Nanit wall mount, which is designed to position the camera directly above your child’s crib — this is ideal for babies, and allows you to take full advantage of the sleep analytics. But if you’d prefer to spend a little less, you can just get the camera with the flex stand. Though you’ll sacrifice some of the sleep analytics, this is a good option for travel or families who have two children sleeping in the same room.

Good to know: Nanit’s sleep analytics are free for the first year, and after that they’re $5 a month.

Trusted by families for generations, Dr. Brown's bottles are known for making feeding and digesting easier. The line of Anti-Colic bottles feature a two-piece vent that keeps air from coming into contact with the milk. This prevents your baby from swallowing air, which can lead to spit-up, burping and gas. With the Options+ bottles, you can remove the vent as the baby's feeding progresses for a more age-appropriate bottle. (This can make them easier to clean, as the one complaint some parents have about Dr. Brown’s bottles is that they have many small parts.)  

But the vent isn’t the only feature that makes Dr. Brown a favorite among community members. Many What to Expect parents note how their baby had little troubling transitioning from breast to Dr. Brown’s bottle and back. This is likely due to the bottle’s nipple, which is shaped like a breast to help reduce nipple confusion and provide a consistent flow of milk. Crucially, many parents also note that Dr. Brown’s bottles are secure and less likely to leak.

Good to know: Dr. Brown’s Anti-Colic Options+ are available as glass or plastic, and narrow- or wide-neck. The best one for you really comes down to personal preference. Wide bottles tend to be a little easier to clean, though narrow bottles, which are pictured here, are easier for babies to eventually hold on their own and also easier to fit in a cabinet.

Boppy’s original support nursing pillow is a timeless parenting item that continues to win over What to Expect mothers year after year. And that makes sense, given that it was designed by a mother. The pillow’s C-shape and firm polyester fiber filling makes it easier to keep baby in an upright feeding position which, in turn, helps reduce spit-up, burping and gas. It also supports mom’s arms and back, which can become stuff during long feeding sessions, and is comfortable to use.

But the Boppy is more than a nursing pillow. Moms say they appreciate the simple but effective design and the fact that this pillow offers long-term versatility. As baby works towards developmental milestones, the pillow can be used as an aid for tummy time (6+ months) and sitting (9+ months.) Older babies and toddlers often like to play with and snuggle the pillow, too. 

Good to know: Both the Boppy and its removable slipcover are machine washable, and moms say they appreciate how easy it is to get on and off to clean. And remember, your baby should always be awake and supervised when using the Boppy. 

Enfamil offers an extensive line of baby formulas, but Enfamil NeuroPro seems to be a go-to for many families. The formula provides brain-building nutrients like DHA and immune-supporting prebiotics, ensuring your baby is getting the fuel they need to hit their milestones. Available as a powder or ready-to-feed formula, Enfamil NeuroPro is structurally similar to breast milk, which may make it easier for your baby to digest.

Be sure to consult with your pediatrician before starting your child on formula, as they may recommend finding one that addresses common feeding issues, such as colic or milk protein allergy. Fortunately Enfamil has options for both. Many What to Expect parents say the brand’s GentleEase formula was incredibly helpful for their little ones with sensitive stomachs.

Good to know: Enfamil’s container is dishwasher safe, so you can buy formula refills instead of a new tub every time, saving you money. 

Breast pumps have become increasingly high tech in the past few years, and there are more wireless and hands-free options than ever. But when it comes to sheer power and efficiency, What to Expect moms agree that the Spectra S1 Plus is still the very best electric breast pump on the market.

Spectra offers four different electric breast pumps: the S1 Plus, S2 Plus, S3 Pro and 9 Plus. But our community is particularly fond of the hospital-grade S1 Plus. (So much so that this is the third year it’s won this award!) Although the pump is compact and lightweight, it packs the same power as larger models, with some moms saying it helps them express twice the amount of milk as other pumps. 

In addition to being powerful, moms love that the Spectra 1 is comfortable and relatively quiet. It’s also wireless, which is especially helpful for pumping moms who have to travel and aren’t always near an outlet. 

Good to know: The Spectra S1 features a nightlight and digital stopwatch, both of which can come in handy during late-night pumping sessions.

Moms appreciate a good two-in-one item, so it’s no surprise that the What to Expect community love Kindred Bravely’s Sublime Hands-Free Nursing and Pumping Bra. This best-selling bra has three layers — full-coverage, pumping and nursing — all of which can be accessed by unhooking the brand’s patented Easy Clip. The pumping layer securely fits all standard pump flanges, as well as wearable breast pumps. 

Many maternity brands sell separate nursing and pumping bras, but it’s common to switch between pumping and breastfeeding throughout the day, making it frustrating to have to change bras, which makes this bra so unique.

Made of a nylon spandex blend, Kindred Bravely’s bra is comfortable and supportive but not constrictive, which you’ll be thankful for as your breasts continue to change in size and shape postpartum. Moms rave about how soft and comfortable the fabric is, and also note that it’s nice that it doesn’t scream “nursing bra.” In fact, many moms continue to wear Kindred Bravely nursing bras long after they’ve weaned.

While you’re stocking up, be sure to check out the brand’s underwear, pajamas, loungewear and more. The brand’s Sublime Sports Bra is another popular choice among What to Expect moms and offers excellent support for exercise.

Good to know: Kindred Bravely has one of the most inclusive size ranges of any maternity or nursing bra brand. This one is available in sizes S-XXL and S-XXL Busty.

Although parents may have mixed opinions about pacifiers, the AAP actually suggests that parents consider giving infants 1 month and up a one-piece pacifier at nap time and bedtime, because they may help reduce SIDS risk. Among What to Expect community members, Philips Avent Soothie is the pacifier of choice.

Made from durable, hospital-grade silicone, the Philips Avent pacifier has an orthodontic-friendly nipple that ensures the natural development of baby’s teeth and gums. It’s also BPA- and latex-free, as well as dishwasher safe, so it’s easy to clean when it inevitably falls on the floor. The material is super soft and easy to hold onto, and many parents told us this was the only pacifier their little ones would take.

What some parents love most about the Soothie is that it’s designed to promote bonding. You can place your finger in the nipple, enabling you to help your baby suckle themselves to sleep. 

Good to know: Soothies come in several colors and sizes. Select the 0-3 month size for your newborn (which we’ve linked to above), then upgrade to the bigger size around 3 months. 

For the third year in a row, What to Expect parents have named Graco’s 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 the best convertible car seat, with some saying it’s the only car seat their child has ever used. That makes sense, given its longevity. As with all convertible car seats, the 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 adapts to your growing baby’s needs. But this particular car seat takes it the furthest, giving parents up to 10 years of use with its final stage: a backless belt positioning booster that’s suited for children between 40 and 120 pounds. Talk about stretching your dollar!

It’s also easy to install, thanks to the brand’s In Right Latch system, which allows you to quickly click it into place. However, some parents note that the harness can be difficult to tighten and the straps can be tricky to loosen, which isn’t ideal if you’re in a hurry. Parents also appreciate how durable and high-quality the materials are, with many saying it’s easy to clean and has held up well to toddler wear and tear.

Good to know: The car seat cover can be taken off — without uninstalling the seat — and thrown into the washing machine for easy cleaning.  

Chicco’s KeyFit 30 Infant car seat gives parents peace of mind. Not only does this infant car seat have excellent safety ratings and all the essential features you’d expect, such as LATCH connectors and two bubble level-indicators that are easy to read to verify that the seat is properly angled in the base. There’s also the ReclineSure feature, which allows you to position the car seat to best fit within your vehicle without sacrificing safety. Crucially, it’s also easy to install — some parents say they’ve been able to do so in a matter of minutes.

Although it’s not the most lightweight option, the Chicco KeyFit is still lighter than some other models, and many parents say it’s easy enough to take in and out of the car and clip into the corresponding travel system. Suitable for children up to 30 pounds or 30 inches tall, the car seat can also hold a 4- to 11-pound-newborn with the use of the included removable insert.

If you’d prefer to spend a little more for a higher weight limit, consider the brand’s upgraded KeyFit 35. The KeyFit 35 is suitable for children up to 35 pounds or 32 inches tall, so you can use it for longer.

Good to know: The One-Pull Harness makes it easy to tighten the straps.

Although Uppababy offers several excellent options, the What to Expect community loves the Vista V2, deeming it the Best Stroller for the fifth consecutive year. 

Wondering what makes this pricey stroller so appealing? To start, the Vista V2’s shock-absorbing wheels make for a smooth ride, while the rain shield, bug shield and UPF 50 canopy keep your little one safe from all the elements. There’s also the massive basket beneath the seat that can hold up to 30 pounds of baby gear. Meanwhile compatible accessories like the carry all parent organizer and changing backpack provide more space to store your essentials. The Vista also folds and stands on its own for easy storage.

But it’s the stroller’s longevity that really wins over parents. Though it’s undeniably expensive, the Vista V2 can be used from the newborn stage up to 50 pounds. As your family grows, you can add the RumbleSeat and PiggyBack ride along board (both sold separately) to push up to three kids at once. 

Good to know: One of the most compelling reasons to invest in the Vista over other Uppababy strollers is if you think you’ll continue growing your family in the next few years. But if you don’t think you’ll need a convertible stroller, you can save money and get many of the same features by purchasing the Uppababy Cruz V2.

Let’s face it, toting your baby around can be a literal pain on your arm, back and hips. Fortunately, Ergobaby offers a supportive and comfortable line of carriers to make the task a little easier on your body. There are many varieties to choose from, including the wrap-style that’s ideal for newborns, but our community is partial to the Omni 360.

This best-selling carrier allows you to hold baby four ways: in front and facing you, in front and facing out, on your hip or on your back. The Omni 360 features a hidden baby hood for sun protection and a pillow to support their neck. But the Ergobaby carrier isn’t onlyconcerned with the baby's comfort. It also has a thick lumbar back pad and extra padded shoulder straps to help reduce any added strain. 

What to Expect parents appreciate that this carrier is comfortable for both adults and babies, as well as how easy it is to adjust and switch between caregivers. Because it grows with your baby and offers excellent back support, many parents say they were able to use it far longer than they expected. 

Good to know: The Omni 360 is machine washable and has a storage pouch to hold diapers and other essentials.

A four-time Mom Must-Have winner, Aveeno is a favorite among our community members, especially those whose babies have sensitive skin. The hypoallergenic baby wash and shampoo is made from oat kernel extract, which can soothe irritated skin and serve as a natural moisturizer. Aveeno’s baby wash and shampoo is also free from irritants like parabens, sulfates and phthalates. 

But babies aren’t the only ones who benefit from the gentle cleanser. Adults with sensitive skin can use the tear-free wash to clean their face, without it stripping skin of much-needed moisture, making it a good purchase for the whole family.

Good to know: Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Wash and Shampoo has a sweet but mild scent, which many parents love. But if you’d prefer to avoid fragrance, the brand also has an unscented formula that’s especially good for little ones with eczema.

Huggies’ Little Snugglers are an especially good choice for babies with sensitive skin. Free from fragrance, lotion, paraben, elemental chlorine and natural rubber latex, these diapers won’t add more irritants to your baby’s rash-prone bottom. They also feature a gentle-absorb liner and leak-locking system to keep baby’s skin dry until the next diaper change. (And a color changing line will let you know when that time comes.) 

Parents also highlight the secure band to prevent blowouts, flexible material and “amazing” absorbency. Available from newborn to size 6, Huggies’ Little Snugglers offer quality leak- and skin-protection at an affordable price. 

Good to know: Huggies Little Snugglers Diapers have an umbilical cord cutout, to protect your newborn’s belly button and help it heal. 

You can never have too many diapers — or diaper options. With diapers, a lot comes down to fit, and what works for one baby might not be quite right for another. But What to Expect parents love the Pampers Swaddlers Diapers for how consistently well-fitting and leak-proof they are. 

The flexible bands on these diapers offer more stretch to accommodate your growing baby. The material is soft enough to be gentle on baby’s skin, but still strong enough to contain messes. In fact, Pampers claims its Swaddlers Diapers provide up to 12 hours of dryness protection. Additionally, the brand’s Dual Leak-Guard Barriers along the leg cuff further prevent leaks where they happen most. Many parents found these claims to be accurate, saying Pampers’ diapers are the best they’ve tried to prevent blowouts and leaks.

These diapers lack the patterns and designs of its competitors, but some parents like that, as the diaper doesn’t show through clothing. 

Good to know: Pampers Swaddlers are a great choice for newborns, given their long-lasting protection and umbilical cord notch. 

When it comes to both healing and preventing diaper rash, What to Expect parents overwhelmingly recommend Aquaphor. A thick ointment containing 41 percent petrolatum along with mineral oil and lanolin, Aquaphor creates a heavy, protective barrier to keep sensitive baby skin moisturized and soft. 

While not the cheapest diaper rash cream on the market, a little bit goes a long way. You really just need a small amount of ointment, since it spreads easily, and this tube is likely to last you a long time.

Parents also appreciate how versatile this product is, with one calling it “great for the whole family.” Unlike some other diaper rash creams, which are only designed to be used on baby’s bottom, Aquaphor has countless uses: You can use it as a lip balm, ointment to soothe skin irritations or everyday moisturizer for dry patches, for example.

Good to know: Aquaphor contains lanolin, which some little ones can be allergic to. Reach out to your pediatrician if your baby develops redness or sores after using this diaper rash cream. Also note that there are multiple types of Aquaphor, all of them great, but the brand’s Healing Ointment Advanced is the top pick among What to Expect parents.

It makes sense that What to Expect parents pair their Pampers diapers with Pampers wipes. Although the brand offers a variety of baby wipes, including fragrance-free and organic options, our community favors the Sensitive Wipes. 

Free from parabens, perfume and alcohol, these wipes are as gentle as a washcloth and water, but have a pH balancing lotion that helps the skin protect itself from irritation. They’re also thick, so you’ll swipe them less and use less in general — parents love that the fabric is strong, so they’re less likely to tear. Speaking of, Pampers Sensitive Wipes come in a pop-top package that helps keep wet wipes fresh and limits dispensing to one at a time, reducing waste and stretching your dollar. 

Good to know: Pampers Sensitive Wipes are certified hypoallergenic.

Skip Hop offers a variety of high-quality diaper bags, each one equipped with plenty of pockets and useful accessories. So it’s no surprise that What to Expect parents voted it the Best Diaper Bag Brand for the fifth consecutive year. 

Again, Skip Hop has diaper bags in all sizes and styles, from totes to backpacks. But the Skip Hop Forma Diaper Bag Backpack is a highly-rated pick. This multi-functional backpack has a spacious interior to store everything you need to diaper, feed and entertain baby on the go. It also has two insulated bottle pockets and includes two packing cubes and a changing pad. The bag’s extra-wide dual zip opening makes it easy to grab items (quickly) with one hand. 

Yet despite all this room, the bag is relatively small (8 x 14 x 16 inches) and lightweight (1.4 pounds), so you won’t feel like you packed up everything your baby owns. . . even if you did. 

Good to know: The Skip Hop Forma Diaper Bag Backpack has a laptop sleeve for devices up to 15-inches wide.

Also a What to Expect Feeding Awards winner, Graco’s convertible high chair is a favorite among value-minded parents. Featuring seven different stages, this takes your child from infancy (standard high chair) to toddlerhood (table and chair). 

What to Expect parents also love that this is the rare baby product that can be used for two children simultaneously: Families of two have the option to transform the high chair into a toddler chair and booster seat. In addition to customizing the type of seating, you can also choose from five heights, three footrest positions and three reclining positions to find the ideal set up for your child. 

And since high chairs tend to get dirty, you’ll be happy to hear you can toss the seat pad in the washing machine and the tray in the dishwasher for easy cleaning. Parents tell us that the liners are easy to remove and machine-wash.

Good to know: Graco Table2Table chair can be folded for compact storage.

Many parents find themselves debating between a baby swing (these products are typically larger but offer greater movement options, such as back and forth as well as side to side) and a rocker (these are usually more portable, but have a more limited range of motion). Happily, with the Graco Duet Soothe, you can have both in the same product. 

In swing mode, the Duet Soothe has three positions, a vibration function, an overhead mobile and music and nature sounds, all of which do a great job at keeping little ones entertained, parents say. But you can also detach the seat to use it as a rocker, which is lightweight and easy to move around the house. What to Expect parents appreciate this versatility, especially because it offers options as you figure out which type of seat your baby prefers.

Good to know: Though bouncers, swings and rockers are excellent for soothing fussy babies, little ones should never sleep in these products, as the inclined seat puts your baby at risk for suffocation. If she falls asleep in the Duet Soothe (or any other inclined product), move your baby to a safe sleep environment (such as a crib, bassinet or playard) right away.

When you think of playards, you probably think of Graco Pack 'n Plays — and for good reason. The company offers a full range of playards from bare bones to souped-up models. For a happy medium, parents love the Portable Playard, telling us they appreciate the affordable price point and the fact that it offers long-term use.

This not-too-large playard keeps your little one contained while still providing plenty of room to wander. As with all Graco playards, it features the push-button fold for quick hassle-free packing. Folded up, it’s compact and easy to put in your car or store for later use.

If you’d like to get more use out of your playard before your baby enters the exploring stage, another popular option is the brand’s On the Go Playard. This slightly more expensive version comes with a removable full-size bassinet for smaller, less mobile babies to rest while they are home or away. This makes it a great option for families who want baby to sleep in their bedroom (which the AAP recommends for the first 6 months to reduce SIDS risk) but would prefer not to invest in a separate bassinet or mini crib. 

Good to know: Though very compact when folded up, some parents do find this playard a little trickier to set up than others on the market. 

Your little escape artists will be no match for SwaddleMe’s Original Swaddle. The 100 percent cotton swaddle provides plenty of comfort and room for natural movement, but keeps their startle reflexes in check. This is due to the swaddle’s "wings," which wrap around the baby and are secured with Velcro. What to Expect parents also called out how easy these are to use — even those who said they had a hard time learning how to swaddle!

Because the fabric stretches, you can easily adjust the swaddle’s size as your baby grows. That said, SwaddleMe comes in three sizes — preemie; small (0-3 months), and large (3-6 months), as well as a variety of colors and patterns. And at around $11 per swaddle, a nice bonus is that they’re also one of the most affordable swaddles on the market.

Good to know: The SwaddleMe Original Swaddle comes in packs of two or three, depending on the retailer, so you’ll always have a clean one on hand. 

Once a baby has graduated from a swaddle, some parents transition them to a sleep sack to allow for normal movement while providing a little extra warmth. (The AAP says cribs should be free from loose objects, including blankets, until your child is at least 1 year old.) And many parents opt for the Halo Sleepsack, a two-time What to Except Sleep Award-winner and three-time Mom Must-Have Award-winner. 

Made of 100 percent cotton, the wearable blanket has a two-way zipper for easy diaper changes, which parents love. Another pro: the sleep sack can be used through the toddler years, with sizes suited for babies up to 24 months. The sleepsack’s spacious design provides plenty of room, which is important for proper hip development, while the lack of sleeves keeps baby from overheating. The Halo Sleepsack should be used over regular sleepwear for a comfy night’s rest.

Good to know: If you’re looking for a swaddle that can also transition to a sleep sack, opt for the brand’s SleepSack Swaddle. This style is very similar to Halo’s wearable blanket, but it has Velcro flaps that can be used to swaddle baby for the first few months. Once she shows signs of rolling over, usually around 3 or 4 months, you can wrap the flaps around her body and position her arms out.

For the third year in a row, What to Expect parents have deemed Lovevery the Best Baby Toy Brand. With blocks, play gyms, crawl-through tunnels and more, Lovevery offers an array of aesthetically-pleasing, sustainably-made toys that support your child’s development. But the brand is best known for its Lovevery Play Kits, Montessori-inspired subscription service that delivers a box of toys and books for your baby’s particular developmental stage every two to three months. 

In addition to the variety of toys, parents love that each kit comes with a play guide that provides information about your child’s stage and suggestions on how to play with the toys to help with their development. 

Good to know: Play kits are available for newborns to 4-year-olds, but some of the toys (including the blocks, music set and some others) are sold separately if you’d prefer not to commit to a subscription.

Dreft continues to be a must-have for parents after 80-plus years on the market. Made of biodegradable surfactants, the brand’s hypoallergenic detergent is strong enough to clear tough stains but gentle enough so as not to irritate baby’s skin. 

Parents can choose between Stage 1 for newborns or Stage 2 for more active kids. They also have a "family-friendly" option that can safely clean the entire household's laundry, as well as a spray stain remover which I may have used on my own clothes from time to time. What to Expect parents call out the great scent in particular, so you can have a gentle formula that still makes clothes smell fresh and clean.

Good to know: In addition to removing stains, Dreft’s detergent leaves clothes with a subtle fresh scent that many parents say they come to associate with babies. But it’s not overpowering, so many find it works just as well to clean the entire family’s laundry with this detergent.

Your baby is bound to get sick, especially if they are around other kids at daycare (or pretty much anywhere else). They’ll also experience some pain when they inevitably start to teethe. In these instances, you’ll want to have Infants' Tylenol Pain and Fever Reducer Liquid at the ready, which What to Expect parents love for how effective it is at quickly bringing down baby fevers.

Containing 160 mg of acetaminophen per 5 mL dose, Tylenol’s baby-friendly medication provides temporary relief to your little one without upsetting their stomach. Each box comes with clear instructions on dosage and administration, taking away some parental worry. 

Be sure to keep all medication out of your child’s reach, preferably in a locked cabinet. Additionally, you should consult your pediatrician or a pharmacist before giving medicine to a child 2 years or younger. 

Good to know: Infants' Tylenol Pain and Fever Reducer Liquid comes in grape or cherry flavor.