We’ve partnered with Munchkin to help you discover the must-have items you actually need for every stage to make your transition into new parenthood a bit smoother.
Picking out everything you need for your baby registry can be totally overwhelming. From nursery furniture to baby clothes to feeding supplies, it's a lot to think about — especially for first-time parents.
It's not just about what you need to bring baby home from the hospital, either — you've got to think long-term about what you'll need for sleep training, teething, toddlerhood, and beyond. That's where advice from parents who've already been there and done that comes in. When you don't know where to begin, a cult-favorite product with hundreds of five-star reviews is always a good place to start. Ahead, we've rounded up the word-of-mouth baby products we've heard about through the parenting grapevine, for everything from diapering to sleep training to day care.
Munchkin Step™ Diaper Pail
A diaper pail ($65) with a top-notch odor control system is a must for every nursery. The self-sealing mechanism and lavender-scented baking soda puck inside this Munchkin pail locks in smells immediately, so you can get back to diapering.
The Coterie Diapers
Of course, you're going to go through a lot of diapers, too. Coterie's hypoallergenic diapers ($17) have become a favorite among new parents because of their superhigh absorbency (up to 25 times their weight!) and sustainable sourcing.
Munchkin 59S Pacifier Sterilizer
Though experts often recommend waiting as long as possible to introduce your little one to a pacifier, that's easier said than done. Once they start, you're going to be picking it up off the floor and cleaning it constantly, so Munchkin's portable sterilizer ($20) is a godsend.
The Ollie Swaddle
Yes, you can use any lightweight blanket to swaddle your baby, but the cult-favorite Ollie Swaddle ($59) makes it so much easier. The moisture-wicking fabric is the ideal weight for sleeping, while the opening at the bottom of the swaddle makes overnight diaper changes fuss-free.
Happiest Baby Snoo Smart Sleeper Bassinet
Known for getting even the fussiest babies to sleep through the night, the Snoo Smart Sleeper Bassinet ($1,295) is a sleep-deprived parent's dream. It's not cheap, but parents say the extra hours of sleep they get is well worth the high price tag.
Munchkin Lunch™ Bento Box
Keeping grapes separate from carrots is a cinch in this brightly colored bento box ($20) that's ideal for day care, preschool, and even family road trips.
Little Sleepies Zippy
Versatility is the name of the game for baby gear: getting more than one use out of an item saves much-needed space in the nursery. These zip-up pajamas ($30) not only work as both rompers and footie pajamas, but also come extralong so your little one can grow into them.
Munchkin 59S Nursery Sterilizer
Your little one's favorite stuffed animal or train set will get grimy quick, so you're going to want a lightweight toy sterilizing bag ($130) to quickly and easily eliminate germs and bacteria. Bonus: the hospital-grade LED lights will also sanitize just about anything around the house, including your phone.
Lovevery The Play Gym
The Lovevery Play Gym ($140) is the king of all play mats, with removable toys, accessories, and cards you can swap in and out as your little one grows. It's just as much fun for tummy time as it is for practicing their first words.
Munchkin Personalized Miracle® Stainless-Steel 360° Cup
Toddlers can sip out of any point on this sippy cup ($25) and the lid automatically seals as soon as they stop drinking. Plus, the personalization stops it from going missing at day care.
H&M Eight-Piece Cotton Set
Parenting means always keeping a change of clothes in the diaper bag or at day care in case of messes — of which there will be many. Opt for a color-coordinated playset ($60) that can be mixed and matched without clashing, so your little one looks put-together even if they're on the third outfit of the day.
Munchkin Color Buddies™ Bath Toy
Bathtime turns into playtime when you have these brightly colored bath bombs ($10) at home. It's an ideal way to get toddlers excited about scrubbing up!
