Before I gave birth to my third child this past winter, I thought I knew all there was to know about baby gear. He’s only 18 months younger than my middle child, so I assumed not much had changed. Then I discovered all the new stuff out there — baby products that are absolute game changers. So even though I didn’t plan to buy many new things the third time around, I couldn’t resist picking up some of the innovative, cool baby gear that’s really been life changing with baby #3.
And here’s the thing: These baby gear game changers will come in handy for new moms, as well as those that (like me) think they already have everything they need. Because when something makes your life easier as a mom, it doesn’t matter if you’re a veteran momma or a first timer. From something as simple as a $15 gas reliever to a jogging stroller that is the first of it’s kind, here are the baby gear game changers that every parent needs to know about.
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baby gear game changers
Binxy Baby Shopping Cart Hammock
Shopping with baby just became that much easier thanks to this cool product . Solved is the "my infant carrier takes up the whole shopping cart" problem -- Binxy Baby lets you put baby directly into the hammock or secure your infant seat safely into it, leaving the cart beneath baby free to fill with groceries or all that stuff at Target you don't need. Price: $49.95. Photo: Binxy Baby
The DockATot
Designed to offer a safe, snug, and soothing environment for baby to sleep in and totally breathable -- this product is a great option to put inside baby's crib or to use if you co-sleep. And it helps baby transition to new sleeping environments, like co-sleeping to crib or crib to bed and works as a travel bed, too. Price: $165 (basic white); $185 (patterns) Photo: DockATot
Hatch Baby Smart Changing Pad
This changing pad is probably my favorite new thing in baby gear. It is a changing pad and a scale in one, helping you keep track of baby's weight, feedings, sleep, and more. It syncs to an app on your phone so you can have access to the info anytime and anywhere. It's especially helpful if you're a breastfeeding mom and need to check your baby's weight between doctor's visits. I have one and I love it! Price: $249 Photo: Chandra Fredrick
Little Lotus Swaddle
This swaddler incorporates NASA-inspired temperature control fabric, which helps regulate baby's temperature. This is key for both good sleep and to help prevent SIDS. And the company also donates a product to a baby in a developing country for every product sold, so you can help another baby while helping your own. Price: $78Photo: Little Lotus
NuRoo Pocket Shirt
Think of this as a babywearing shirt . It offers full coverage for moms practicing skin-to-skin contact with their baby. It also doubles as a hands-free carrier! Since skin-to-skin and baby wearing both have huge benefits for both mom and baby, this shirt is a must-have for that fourth trimester phase. Price: $59.99 Photo: NuRoo
Orbit Baby O2 Jogging Stroller
Love to jog? This stroller is for you. It works with baby in either the parent- or forward-facing directions and with either the infant seat or toddler seat attached; it's the first jogging stroller of its kind to do so. It also makes for a great urban stroller when you aren't exercising. Price: $620 (base; infant or toddler seat sold separately) Photo: Orbit Baby
Owlet Baby Heart Rate and Oxygen Monitor
This smart sock is designed to alert you if your baby stops breathing. Using pulse oximetry, the same technology that hospitals use, the smart sock monitors baby's breathing and oxygen levels while they sleep, so you can rest worry-free. I think nervous first-time parents will especially love this! Price: $249.99 Photo: Owlet Baby Monitor
Frida Baby Windi
So simple, so brilliant! All infants suffer from gas from time to time, and if you have a baby with colic (like I do) the suffering is much more frequent. This little tool helps relieve baby's discomfort quickly and easily. Price: $15.45Photo: Amazon