Good Housekeeping's 2024 Parenting Awards

This backpack from State Bags has a roomy interior and a plethora of easy-to-access pockets. It comes with a changing pad, an insulated bottle holder and attached stroller hooks for added convenience. As if that weren’t enough, it also has a laptop sleeve and a luggage sleeve, truly making it a take-everywhere bag.

LAB RESULTS: Testers unanimously gave it perfect scores, raving in particular about its comfort and spaciousness. “I liked how many compartments there were in this diaper bag,” one said. “It helped me stay organized.” Others highlighted how the stylish design was gender-neutral and didn’t look like a baby bag, while GH Textiles Lab pros commended the padding in the straps.

BabyBjörn’s mega-popular baby carrier has gotten an upgrade with a new woven melange fabric that’s soft, stylish, durable and comfortable. Like previous versions, it offers optimal support with its pressure-relieving waistband and padded shoulder straps. Designed for newborns through toddlers, it can be used in four different positions as a baby grows.

LAB RESULTS: ’I think this is the best baby carrier I have ever used!” one mom exclaimed, describing the material as “high-quality and very well made.” Testers said it was easy to put on and take off and noted that their babies appeared to be comfortable.

Baby carriers can be very expensive, but Momcozy’s version is a fraction of the cost of others without any sacrifice of ease of use or support. Designed to be worn in three positions as a baby grows, it has an X shape in the back to help distribute weight for a pleasant carrying experience. There’s even padding around the leg opening to make it comfortable for the baby.

LAB RESULTS: Testers appreciated how easy it was to put on and said it was both lightweight and compact enough to carry during outings. All agreed that it was comfortable to wear, and some pointed to the crisscross straps in the back as a favorite feature, with one saying, they “made the baby feel lighter.”

Less bulky than structured carriers, wraps are ideal for keeping infants (in this case, up to 9 months) snug against parents. Solly Baby’s fan-favorite style is made of luxurious Tencel modal, a lightweight, breathable and incredibly soft fiber also used for cozy garments like pajamas. When not in use, it folds down into its own pocket for easy storage.

LAB RESULTS: Agreeing that it was comfortable and secure, testers praised the convenience of the design. “I was glad to have close contact with my baby while being able to take walks, go to stores or just do work around the house and have my hands free,” one mom said. Another noted that it was versatile enough for multiple caregivers (including grandparents) to wear while watching an infant.

Ideal for when a toddler is too big for a baby carrier yet still needs to be held at times, Regalo’s adjustable support belt has a built-in seat to reduce strain on the back and arms. The seat is padded for the little one’s comfort and has built-in pouches storage of essentials.

LAB RESULTS: Parents said they loved having it on hand when away from home. ”I like that it’s super easy to pop on quickly and that it can give my arms a break from carrying my toddler,” one said. Another noted that it was great for travel and social gatherings because it was easy to store under a stroller. As a bonus, testers liked its appearance, with one calling it “clean and simple.”

Keep bath time tear-free with this dual-purpose body wash and shampoo from Johnson’s that aims to cleanse babies’ delicate skin without irritation. Bathing can have a drying effect in general, but this formula contains moisturizing ingredients that can help protect skin.

LAB RESULTS: “The product was not drying at all on our newborn or our toddler, and it felt very nourishing for both of them,” said one parent. Several other testers liked the product’s scent, describing it as “subtle and lovely.” Parents found that on top of being moisturizing, the product lathered well without leaving residue on skin.

Making bath time more fun, this new launch from Aveeno Kids is designed for ages 3 and up. It uses gentle ingredients like skin-softening and soothing oat kernel extract. Besides being beneficial for skin, it creates big, fluffy bubbles.

LAB RESULTS: It was tested by GH chemists, who liked the ingredients and noted the abundance of bubbles that formed under flowing water. Parent testers enjoyed using it for kids of all ages with sensitive skin and couldn’t think of a single complaint. “We love this product,” one told us. “It is easy on the skin and tear-free.” Another added, "The bubbles were long-lasting and rinsed off easily.”

This novel towel from The Fuzzy Sprout makes wrapping up babies after baths much easier. A parent snaps it behind their neck to free up both hands while lifting the baby, and then it unsnaps easily once the baby is wrapped. As a bonus, it helps keep the parent dry.

LAB RESULTS: It earned perfect ratings from parents, who raved about the snaps, which prevented the towel from slipping into the water. “The clip around the neck is truly a game changer for navigating the bath exit!” said one. “We have always thrown our towel over our shoulders, and this is a whole new world of helping keep our child safe and also not getting soaked.”

This tub from The First Years has a reclining seat that’s adjustable to provide the right amount of support through four stages: newborn, younger infant, early sitter and toddler. The seat adjusts just like a poolside chaise longue and eliminates the need for an infant sling.

LAB RESULTS: Parents said it was super-convenient and the perfect size. “The convertible nature of this tub is appealing for when our daughter gets bigger,” said a parent of a newborn. Our Lab pros found that the reclining function was easy to use and the seat was sturdy when force was applied to it.

This floating dinosaur from Dr. Brown’s isn’t just an adorable toy—it’s also a bath thermometer that measures water temperature every 15 seconds and displays it with color-coded indicators. When it’s not bath time, the dinosaur attaches via suction to the bath wall for convenient storage.

LAB RESULTS: It gave parents peace of mind during bath time. “I really enjoy that you can easily throw it in the bath and just look for the flashing red/green light to let you know if it’s a safe temp,” said one. “It’s a bonus that it’s fun for my little one to play with.”

Philips Avent claims that this bottle, with a unique nipple that releases liquid only when a baby actively sucks, makes it easier for babies to switch back and forth between breast and bottle. Available in different flow rates to match a baby’s development, the bottle is made of glass that is suitable for fridge storage, warming and sterilization.

LAB RESULTS: Our testers agreed that it really worked: One mom who said she had tried seven other bottles proclaimed, “These saved us! This is the only bottle my breastfed baby will willingly take.” Our kitchen gear experts love that it’s made of glass instead of plastic and that it's quick to assemble and easy to clean.

This Australian-made formula from Bubs, recognized for its high-quality whole-milk base, just recently became available for purchase in the U.S. It’s enriched with prebiotics and probiotics for digestive and immune support and received the Clean Label Project Purity Award, meaning it has been tested for over 400 toxins and contaminants.

LAB RESULTS: GH’s Nutrition Lab director said, "It has everything I’d look for in a quality formula.” Our team of registered dietitians highlighted how it contains vital vitamins and minerals and is made without corn syrup, maltodextrin and growth hormones.

Dr. Brown’s pitcher simplifies formula preparation for busy caregivers. It can mix up to four 8-oz bottles at once, and it features a unique plastic blade that helps formula dissolve without clumping. The pitcher also comes with an adjustable stopper to minimize the entry of air (and, as a result, babies’ gas).

LAB RESULTS: In tests, it was easy and efficient to use. “I found it to be a very effective and convenient solution for preparing formula,” said one tester. Users noted that it gave the formula a “smooth consistency" and liked the large capacity. Plus, it was easy to take apart and clean. One tester called it a “lifesaver for busy parents like me.”

Thanks to smart temperature control, this bottle warmer from Philips Avent adjusts its heating pattern based on the initial temperature. It can even defrost frozen milk as well as keep milk warm for up to 60 minutes before automatically shutting off.

LAB RESULTS: Testers gave it high scores and compliments like “very easy and intuitive to use,” “quick and even heating," and “less bulky and more aesthetically pleasing [than other bottle warmers].” Users appreciated the simple dial and the open design that could help minimize mold. One parent pointed out how quietly it operated, saying, “You don’t even notice it is working.”

This useful device from Baby Brezza washes, sterilizes and dries baby bottles and other accessories. Constructed with 20 dedicated spray jets for powerful cleaning, it can accommodate up to four bottles at a time.

LAB RESULTS: Parents called it “efficient,” “straightforward to set up” and a “solution” for those who use bottles frequently. “It is easy to use and quiet,” added one. “I threw in other items like pacifiers and sippy cups and they all came out perfectly clean.” Our kitchen appliance and cleaning experts also gave it high praise for ease of use and for the fact that its exterior surfaces did not get overly hot to the touch.

Holle’s whole-grain oat cereal is gently processed from the whole grain kernel, so it retains the vitamins and fiber. It’s also grown sustainably: It's organic and Demeter-certified biodynamic, meaning it meets strict farming and processing standards. The cereal can be mixed with warm water or milk as a first food for babies 6 months and up.

LAB RESULTS: It thoroughly impressed our Nutrition Lab director, who said, “The biodynamic farming methods make this more innovative than other choices on the market, and its quality is much better.’ Parents highlighted its simple ingredients and especially liked its lack of sugar.

Making meal prep easier for parents, Little Spoon offers appropriately sized finger foods that are packed with vegetables. It also introduces kids to new flavors and textures. There are 10 meals to choose from, and they get shipped to your home.

LAB RESULTS: Our registered dietitian praised this offering for giving parents an easy, nutritionally balanced option to have on hand during the transition to table food. One parent tester told us, “I appreciate that the meals were balanced and portions were generous.” Another said, “I didn’t feel guilty or like I was taking a cheap shortcut when feeding my baby even though this was a huge time saver."

Featuring microwavable meals that are ready in a minute or less, Nurture Life makes its meals weekly and delivers them fresh instead of frozen. Each meal is designed to be a good source of protein and veggies (which are sometimes hidden). You can choose your own plan; options start at six meals per week.

LAB RESULTS: Testers liked the variety of the offerings and the fact that they could quickly give their kids a fresh and nutritious meal. “I would recommend this service because of the convenience, quality, flavor and ease of use,” one parent said. Another told us, “I felt like our daughter was getting a well-balanced meal with each one.”

Designed to give parents an easy way to continue offering common allergens starting at 8 months old, these puffs from Ready, Set, Food! contain a variety of nuts along with egg, milk, sesame, soy and wheat. The puffs are made from organic corn and have no any added sugar.

LAB RESULTS: Parents told us their kids enjoyed eating these puffs as a snack. One said, “I loved the resealable packaging, which made these easy to take on the go, as well as the fact that they helped expose my daughter to so many common allergens.” Because puffs are so easily accepted by children, our Nutrition Lab director called these an “easy way to stay consistent with allergen introduction.”

This electrolyte mix from Cure not only comes in a variety of kid-approved flavors — including fruit punch, mixed berry and pink lemonade — but also is made without unnecessary additives like added sugar. Each packet contains a blend of sodium, potassium and glucose and can be mixed into water to create a tasty beverage.

LAB RESULTS: Kids thought the flavors were great, while parents appreciated that it had no added sugar. Our registered dietitian agreed, calling this brand one of the better electrolyte powders she’d seen on the market. “The packaging is really cute, and the individual powder packs are convenient for taking on the go,” a tester said.

Offering overtired parents a safe sleep space for their newborns, Happiest Baby’s high-tech bassinet keeps infants swaddled on their backs while rocking them and playing white noise similar to what they heard in the womb. It even responds to their fussing, adjusting its settings automatically. There are several ways to get the Snoo into your home: You can buy one new; purchase a pre-owned model from the company at a discount; or rent one from $159 a month (around $5 per day).

LAB RESULTS: Parents have consistently told us this bassinet helped them get more sleep and helped teach their babies to fall back to sleep on their own. Parents also loved how stylish it looked and the usefulness of its connected app: “I liked the ability to track my baby’s sleep in the app as well as when she was waking herself up,” one user told us.

Combining a modern aesthetic with a grow-with-the-child capability, Delta Children’s crib converts into a toddler bed (with a rail purchased separately) and into a daybed or sofa. It's Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it has been tested to ensure that it meets strict chemical and VOC emission standards, and it offers great value compared with other cribs on the market.

LAB RESULTS: Testers loved the style of the acrylic spindles, but the best part was the ease of use. “This crib was easy to put together, and it was also very easy to adjust the height,” one parent told us. “I’m looking forward to being able to convert the crib later on into a toddler bed and then eventually into a daybed as our child grows.” Our analysts highlighted that it came with all the tools for DIY assembly and had very few pieces.

Naturepedic proves that you don’t have to sacrifice quality when you go green. This crib mattress is certified organic but is constructed in a way that makes it both breathable and waterproof to protect against accidents. Plus, the cover is removable and washable to help keep it clean over time. The mattress is two-sided with varying firmness levels, meaning it can grow with a child from infancy through toddlerhood.

LAB RESULTS: The firmness and breathability were important to our parent testers. They unanimously said it was easy to set up and fit their cribs properly. “I like how lightweight the mattress is,” one commented. ”It makes it easy to change the sheets.” GH Textiles Lab analysts appreciate that it’s GOTS-certified organic, meaning the entire manufacturing process follows strict standards.

Made of 100% organic cotton, this Pottery Barn Kids crib sheet has a pretty yet neutral print (it is available in four colors) to match nearly any nursery. It also uses secure elastic around the top and bottom to keep it in place on the mattress. The weave is a lightweight, crisp and breathable percale. Plus, it's made in a factory that is Fair Trade Certified, with a focus on theeconomic, social and environmental aspects of the production process.

LAB RESULTS: “The design was simple and elegant,” said one parent. “I love how light and airy it feels.” Another added, “It feels soft and fits the mattress well. I like that it has a little bit of color but can easily match most decor.” And though this print is new, GH product experts have used this sheet with other designs for their own children and swear by it.

This swivel glider from Storkcraft combines style, comfort and convenience into what just may become one of your favorite pieces of furniture. It has a full 360-degree swivel motion, the ability to let you recline (and sit up) with the push of a button and a charging port with both USB-A and USB-C charging capabilities. It also is Greenguard Gold Certified and is made with durable upholstery fabrics.

LAB RESULTS: “It’s the most comfortable swivel chair I ever tried,” one mom told us. “The design is elegant, and the leg rest is just perfect!” Besides using it for nursing and bottle-feeding, parents enjoyed sitting in it while reading with their children and just relaxing. Testers also liked the light, neutral color, and one said it had a “smaller footprint than other armchairs” and thus didn't take up too much floor space.

Not only is this Birch mattress two-sided to allow for the growth of a child’s body — it is firmer on one side for ages 3 to 7 and softer on the other for ages 8 to 12 — but it’s also made with natural materials, including cotton, wool and latex. Plus, it has coils in the center for support and durability. Beyond that, it is GOTS, Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade Certified.

LAB RESULTS: We’ve been testing this mattress for years, and it has consistently earned high scores from every parent. Testers liked how it was firm for good support but said it remained comfortable and that their children slept well on it. One parent called it “superior, without a doubt” to the previous mattress they had used, while another said, “This was my daughter’s first mattress, and she loves her new bed.”

Smaller than an adult pillow, Bedgear’s youth model has a cushy feel with a moisture-wicking cover. The fill is a blend of shredded foam and silky fibers for an ideal balance of softness and support. It has a mesh gusset around the edge that’s designed to increase airflow and prevent overheating. As a bonus, it comes with a pillowcase.

LAB RESULTS: This pillow was a hit with our testers. It earned perfect ratings from all parents, who said it kept its shape better than other pillows on their kids’ beds. “The pillow is the perfect size for our child and really does have a cooling effect,” one noted. “Our child that used it is a hot sleeper, and this helped him be cool and comfortable at bedtime. It’s also the perfect balance of firm and soft.”

Brooklinen combines its popular sheets with fan-favorite Sesame Street character designs. The fabric is made of organic cotton in a lightweight percale weave that feels crisp and breathable. The sheets also offer smart bed-making features like long- and short-side labels and an envelope closure for the pillows. They’re available in three prints and in six sizes, from crib to queen.

LAB RESULTS: Parents and their young kids all loved the prints. “I like to give my kid options for sheets, and he continually picks these,” one tester noted. Another told us, “The sheets became softer with every wash” and added that they “fit beautifully” on the mattress. And while the kids adored the characters, parents liked how the designs were still tasteful.

Besides offering a great value for a set of three, these KeaBabies swaddle wraps have helpful features like a soft yet sturdy hook-and-loop closure and a zippered bottom that lets you change diapers without un-swaddling the baby. The fabric is made of organic cotton, and the set comes in a range of colors and prints, all in soft hues.

LAB RESULTS: Textiles analysts were impressed by how secure the closure was, while parents noted that it was surprisingly quiet to open. They especially loved the zipper, offering comments like,
“I really liked the zipper at the bottom to easily check for any necessary diaper changes” and "The zipper bottom makes nighttime changes must easier and faster.”

Sleep sacks give babies the comfort of a cover without the risk of a loose blanket, and this one from Joi by SIJO is made of super-soft Tencel fabric. It features snaps over the shoulders for easy dressing, two-way zippers for diaper changes and a tag-free design for comfort. It comes in three sizes to fit ages 0 to 36 months, and there are various options for solid colors and prints.

LAB RESULTS: “I loved the incredibly soft fabric, the simple shoulder snaps and the two-way zipper, which made diaper changes much easier,“ one parent told us. “I also liked that it left my daughter’s arms free.” Parents found it to be a good transition from the swaddling phase, while analysts in our Textiles Lab highlighted how the zippers and snaps were easy to use.

Capable of capturing up to 99.97% of airborne allergens and particles like dust, pollen, pet dander and smoke, this air purifier from Honeywell is ideal for large rooms and nurseries. It features a color-coded Air Quality Indicator display that allows for quick and easy monitoring from anywhere in the room, while the built-in VOC sensor provides real-time feedback and adjusts cleaning levels automatically.

LAB RESULTS: Our Home Improvement director, who is a father of two, says this is the one he’d trust in his own home and in kids’ rooms, where effective air cleaning, quiet operation and a bevy of user controls are essential. Testers were equally impressed. “It was very effective,” one noted. “I was actually shocked at how well it was able to detect irritants in the air.’’

This humidifier from Vicks does more than add moisture to the air during dry winter months — it also functions as a color-changing night-light to help create a calming bedtime environment. Plus, it’s quiet, lightweight and compact, and no filter replacement is ever required.

LAB RESULTS: It delivered solid output and operated quietly in Lab tests and had a lot of convenience features that made it easy to clean. Our testers also gave it perfect scores for being easy to set up, move around and fill with water. Parents loved being able to adjust the nozzle to direct the moisture where needed and noted that they could easily unplug the lightweight machine and move it to another area. “The kids loved the night-light feature while they were falling asleep,” one added.

This camera from Maxi-Cosi has noise and motion detectors, and it streams to a smartphone or the included display, which doesn’t require Wi-Fi and can operate within a 600-foot range. It employs AI (with Wi-Fi) to “translate” what a baby’s cries mean (e.g., hunger or sleepiness). You’re able to pan, tilt and zoom the camera as needed to capture the room.

LAB RESULTS: It aced our Lab tests, earning a high score for its top-quality performance. Even with its high-tech features, parents found the monitor simple. “It was easy to set up,” one told us. “The monitor and the display did not need to be paired; it started working as soon as I turned them on.” Testers also valued the fact that it could be used without Wi-Fi, making it travel-friendly and helping ensure privacy.

This three-in-one device from Nanit combines a sound machine, a night-light and an audio monitor and can be controlled via an app. It offers 11 sound options (testers especially loved White Noise and Nature) and the ability to set both the color and brightness to help with winding down and waking up.

LAB RESULTS: Parents gave it praise like “easy to use” and “super helpful” and liked that they could control the color and brightness of the light. Some even shared that it improved their children’s sleep quality: “My child started sleeping better after a day or so of using it,” one said. Another tester reported: “We use this sound machine with our 7-month-old baby, and she seems to love it and is sleeping through the night.”

Versatile enough for home or travel use, this sound machine from Yogasleep features an adjustable amber night-light, backlit buttons for easy operation and a rechargeable battery. Plus, there’s a handy strap for easy clip-on use. Choose from six sound options, including white noise, nature sounds and melodies.

LAB RESULTS: Said a parent tester, “This one has it all: great sound, portability and great design.” Our reviewers agreed that it helped children fall asleep, and they highlighted its portability and built-in carabiner strap. “It’s easy to hang from just about anywhere and so easy to use that my 1.5-year-old figured it out by the second day,” said one tester. Other parents pointed out that the battery life was impressive such that it didn’t require frequent recharging.

Focusing on a simple aesthetic with an engaging sensory environment, Skip Hop’s play gym enables babies to develop their curiosity, fine motor skills, vision and more. It includes a plush mat, wooden arches, a mirror, a tummy-time pillow and five nature-inspired toys with contrasting patterns and crinkle sounds. The brand notes that it was developed in collaboration with experts in Montessori education.

LAB RESULTS: Our reviewers gave it high marks and praised the quality materials. “I liked the plushness of the mat and the different fabrics for the baby to feel,” one parent told us. “I also love the tummy-time pillow. It's perfect for an infant who needs a little extra help getting started with tummy time.”

Fisher-Price recently updated this fan-favorite gym with more piano key light patterns, more toys and more music. It’s designed to be used from newborn days through toddlerhood — i.e., as a baby transitions from tummy time to sitting to carrying the piano around. You can even change the settings to be more age-appropriate as a child grows.

LAB RESULTS: Testers loved its adaptability and unanimously gave it perfect scores. “I love that this product grows with a baby as they get older,” said one parent. Our reviewers found the activity mat easy to clean and transport, and several found it entertaining themselves. As one put it, “It's enjoyable for my baby as well as for me...double win!”

Pennycake gets the whole family involved with this game that's designed to inspire everyone to open up and share stories. Players ages 4 and up spin the wheels to receive story prompts, and once a story is crafted, it can be recorded in the included family storybook.

LAB RESULTS: Kids and parents had a blast sharing stories and crafting narratives. One parent tester found that it brought his family closer together, saying, “It allows you to open up and share things you normally wouldn’t.” Others found the six themes “fun” and said that the open-ended prompts sparked imagination. “This experience was a great one,” raved one parent, who then asked, "Where has this game been all my life?"

Lovevery’s new reading program focuses on phonics, language and motivation to help make learning to read an enjoyable experience without introducing screens or other digital distractions. It comes in three parts designed for various reading stages from pre-K through second grade.

LAB RESULTS: Our kids’ book editor called it “the most comprehensive and organized system to teach reading I’ve seen outside a school setting,” and she recommends Part 3 specifically for early elementary kids who are struggling to read. Parent testers were impressed by how “thorough and well-crafted” the set was and by how much was included in each box.

This bouncer from Ergobaby can be put into three positions to help it last from newborn through toddler stages. In the starting position, the newborn insert provides support from head to hips; the middle position allows the baby to rock and self-soothe; and in the highest position it turns into a chair. You can opt to add the brand’s Ocean Wonders Toy Bar for another play option.

LAB RESULTS: Parent testers gave it perfect scores for ease of assembly and how intuitive it was to secure babies inside. “I really love the buckle fasteners. They are super easy to use to get the baby in and out of the bouncer,” said one. Reviewers described the design as “very padded and comfy."

This animal-print floor cover from Rugs.com has a whimsical yet subtle aesthetic. It has a medium pile — not too flat or too fluffy — and is made of polypropylene for easy care and stain resistance. It comes in three soft colors and nine sizes, including round and rectangular options.

LAB RESULTS: It was a favorite among parent testers, who especially loved how soft it felt and how well it could be vacuumed. They said the fibers didn’t shed, snag or fray at all. “This rug is extremely soft, and the design is great,” one said. “We really like the pattern,” another commented. “It is great for a child’s room or a playroom.”

Combining a spacious storage area for bulky toys with shelves on top for smaller items and books, this system from Step2 is thoughtfully designed, with wood surrounded by plastic edges for safety. Its versatile lid is fully removable and doubles as an art board or a chalkboard.

LAB RESULTS: It was easy to put together both in our Lab and in at-home tests. Plus, all our reviewers agreed that the bin was exceptionally roomy and held a lot. Beyond that, they loved how useful the shelves were for additional storage. “From afar it looks like a nice piece of furniture,” one parent said, then added, “The chalkboard part was a hit with my kid.”

The fabric-covered foam pieces from Nugget can be used as a modular kids’ sofa or as building blocks for imaginative play. The four-piece set includes a base, a cushion and two triangular pillows. It comes in multiple fabric options and in plenty of colors, including neutral and bright shades.

LAB RESULTS: Testers loved using these to build forts and lounging on them to read and watch movies. As one parent put it, “The possibilities are endless.” Parents appreciated that the pieces were durable and the washable covers easy to remove. Some also noted that it was comfortable for adults to sit on with kids; one proclaimed, “We sit on the Nugget every day!”

Meant to help toddlers learn to steer, balance and stop before they learn to ride a pedal bike, this Woom model can be used by kids as young as 18 months — even by a child who is a new walker. It is lightweight at just 6.5 pounds (which helps with maneuvering) and sits low to the ground, and it comes in seven colors.

LAB RESULTS: Analysts were impressed with the quality construction and attention to detail, and parents agreed. “I like how lightweight the bike is for having such high-quality materials,” one parent said. “Also the low frame allows my daughter to step onto the bike herself, which makes it easier for a new walker.”

Ideal for 3- to 8-year-olds, Avenlur’s indoor jungle gym has a smart design that incorporates a slide, a climbing wall, a swing, monkey bars, a climbing net and more. Besides building strength, it encourages creativity and imagination. It’s made of pine wood and folds down for storage.

LAB RESULTS: “The quality is fantastic,” one parent told us. “There are a ton of good climbing structures for the kids to play on and learn agility and have fun!” Testers were able to assemble it on their own and highlighted how it was a great addition to a large play area.

Made to help protect and soothe sensitive skin, Millie Moon’s wipes contain extracts of aloe and avocado and are pH-balanced — without added lotion or fragrance. The pouch is easy to open and close, and the wipes themselves are thick to prevent tears.

LAB RESULTS: Our parent reviewers — who used these during diaper changes, meals and everyday cleanups — unanimously said they preferred these over wipes they had previously used. They also gave them high scores for their texture and wetness. “Very soft and durable,” one noted, while another said they were “easy to use and dispense.”

Not only are these Coterie wipes larger than others (so you can tackle more with one wipe), but also they’re made with quality materials that feel soft and sufficiently wet. You can even purchase them in a travel-size pack: The wipes are the same generous size, but the container is compact for easy toting.

LAB RESULTS: Parents praised the wipes’ thickness and texture, while dozens of testers rated them softest during a blind comparison review in our Lab. Our product analysts also noted how easy it was to open and close the container, helping prevent the wipes from drying out.

Huggies wipes have been popular for years, but this new version is thicker than previous ones. The wipes are made of 99% water and without fragrances, making it suitable for sensitive skin. It still offers the same raised-textured feel as the brand’s other wipes .

LAB RESULTS: Analysts highlighted that the wipes had no odor, unlike some that are fragrance-free but still give off a slight scent. Parents scored them perfectly for wetness, with one saying, “They feel premium, substantial and well made. I could clean up a blowout with just two wipes.”

Oxo Tot’s simple cushioned changing pad provides a soft surface for the baby’s comfort; an adjustable strap with a one-handed buckle for safety and convenience; and a wipeable surface for easy cleaning. It can be used both on the floor and on a changing table.

LAB RESULTS: One parent said it was “easy to clean” and had a “good shape,” noting that she would purchase this over other changing pads she’d used. Lab analysts liked that the surface was slightly grippy to help keep wriggly babies in place and that the strap had a fabric cover to prevent irritation.

This CeraVe ointment helps treat and prevent diaper rash by creating a protective barrier while locking in moisture. It contains three types of ceramides along with ingredients like mineral oil and dimethicone, which our chemist notes are all considered effective and safe.

LAB RESULTS: Parents couldn’t believe how well this cleared up diaper rash. Analysts noted that it had a light and silky texture when they reviewed it in the Lab, while parents raved that it absorbed nicely; one said the ointment “melts onto the skin like butter.” They also loved the easy-to-use packaging.

Standing out from other one-piece baby clothes, this Hanna Andersson sleeper is full of features. For starters, its fabric is Tencel lyocell, which is super soft and smooth against skin. Beyond that, it has a two-way zipper and cuffs that can go over hands and feet to create a closed garment. It comes in a variety of prints and sizes newborn through 3.

LAB RESULTS: Our fiber scientists praised the soft fabric and the versatile design, and parents said they preferred this over other zipped pajamas. “We love the option to have their feet in or out,” one tester told us. Another said, “I love the material these pajamas are made out of! They are so soft and breathable, and they stay that way after being washed and dried multiple times.”

These socks from Honest Baby Clothing have everything you could ask for in a baby sock: soft fabric, a stay-in-place band to prevent slipping and grippers on the bottom for traction. Not to mention that the assorted packs offer great value and come in plenty of colors so as to match any outfit. They’re available in three sizes for ages newborn through 24 months.

LAB RESULTS: “Thrilled and will definitely recommend,” one tester said. “These are some of the only socks we have found that actually stay up.” Our reviewers said they were great for both infants and toddlers and stayed on well through crawling and walking. Textile analysts and parents raved about the softness.

Designed for early walkers, Nike’s innovative baby shoe offers exceptional mobility and support. Its knit upper material offers support without bulk, while the sole is flexible to mimic the feeling of walking barefoot. There is also a wide toe box to allow for natural flexing of the toes and a grippy outsole for traction.

LAB RESULTS: Our textiles pros and parent testers were all impressed by the quality construction. “The shoe was clearly made with a baby's foot in mind,” one tester said. “It is wide, allowing the baby to spread their toes, and the opening allows you to easily slide the foot in. It is also very lightweight!” Parents told us they received tons of compliments on the adorable style.

This style from Stonz checks all the boxes for top-notch toddler footwear: a wide opening, flexible soles, breathable (and washable) fabric and spacious footbeds. The sole is thick, making it protective against rougher terrain. It's available in toddler sizes 8 to 12 and plenty of versatile shades for boys and girls.

LAB RESULTS: “They are extremely easy to put on and take off,” said one parent tester; another raved that her toddler was able to get them on and off by herself. And parents said their kids found them super comfortable to wear, while they themselves loved the fact that they were machine washable.

With a minimalist yet fashionable aesthetic, Igor's rain boot has smart features with function and comfort in mind. It has a zero-drop design, meaning the heel and toes are kept level, and a soft removable insole creates a cushiony feel while walking. The shoe is available in toddler and little-kid sizes, with several solid-color options.

LAB RESULTS: Besides looking “super cute,” these were also super comfortable, kid testers found. One mom said her daughter wore them to school even when it wasn’t raining! Another praised them for being “easy to put on and take off for my son” and said that they were nonslip.

Cold pads are lifesavers for soothing and healing after giving birth, but they can be a headache to put together properly. This new option from Lansinoh is the perfect solution: It’s a soft, thin pad that’s infused with aloe vera and witch hazel. Simply freeze it, then put it right into underwear when you’re ready to use it.

LAB RESULTS: A second-time mom said these were much better than other postpartum pads she had previously tried: ”These stay cold longer and are less bulky. They are also much colder, so you feel instant relief.” Another mom added, “I liked how easy they were to use. I also liked how big they were.”

Dermoplast’s pain-relieving spray is commonly used in hospitals across the U.S. but just recently became available for at-home use too. Its solution is a blend of benzocaine with aloe and lanolin, designed specifically for pain, burning, itching and general discomfort in the perianal area after childbirth.

LAB RESULTS: “It really, really works!” raved a mom tester. “It’s also easy to use and works fast.” Another mom agreed: “I loved how relieved I felt after using this! It felt amazing, and I was able to relax after birth.” A third mom added that the can lasts for a while, “which is very helpful, as you need to refresh your pain relief often.”

Hands-free breast pumps allow moms to multitask, and this newer model from Zomee offers strong suction with a lightweight design. Each pump has a 6-ounce capacity and three pump modes. And with its LED display, you don’t need an app to run it.

LAB RESULTS: Our parenting experts and a lactation consultant we spoke with were big fans, while nursing moms loved its functionality. One said the pumps “were thinner than some, which makes them not as noticeable,” while another noted, “I absolutely love the large container; it probably holds the most milk I’ve seen for this kind of pump.” They also said it was easy to find the right nipple shield size.

Medela’s manual pump is a useful backup to keep on hand. It has a handle with two sides: one to stimulate the milk flow and the other to extract the milk. The parts are designed to mimic a baby’s sucking rhythm, helping it provide milk effectively.

LAB RESULTS: Parents who regularly used an electric pump said they found it handy in a variety of situations, such as helping to clear clogged ducts, when the parts for their regular pump weren't clean and when they were in a car or otherwise didn’t have access to their main pump. One called it “a fantastic tool to have in my pumping journey” and another said, “It was simple to use and effective in expressing milk.”

With a seamless design that lies flat against skin, this Momcozy nursing bra can be worn all day long. Built-in padding helps provide support without an underwire. and it has a breastfeeding clasp for easy access. It’s available in sizes S through 3XL in a variety of neutral colors.

LAB RESULTS: Testers said the smooth fabric was more comfortable than other nursing bras they had tried and looked seamless under clothing — even white T-shirts. They also loved the adjustability and the padding. “It was really soft!” one exclaimed. “It didn't have an underwire, but it made me feel really supported.”