With so many top-notch products out there, it can be tough to know what to spend your hard-earned money on. Rather than having parents to do the research on their own, we've scoured the internet's best shopping aisles to find new goodies to help families get through the long days. Hey, sometimes you can't go wrong with a little retail therapy! From memory-making photo books and recyclable jackets to wean-ready pacifiers (what better time to break a habit than when there's nothing better to do?!), these just-released products get our seal of approval.
Scroll through to get a look at some of our must-have purchases for kids, babies, and parents that have hit the market in 2020.
"Keep mess at bay for good thanks to a KidKraft Ultimate Creation Station For Arts & Crafts, Slime and DIY Projects ($100, originally $130) that acts as a catch-all for any creative undertaking your little ones' hearts desire." — Murphy Moroney, staff writer, Family
"SuperSmalls has become a fun place for sparkle-loving kids to shop, and the Happy Hour Bracelet Set ($29) is an eye-catching entrance into chunky jewelry. It comes with three fun elastic bracelets for kids to wear. Keep in mind, though, these aren't for the littles, so make sure they are handled with care." — Kate Schweitzer, senior editor, Family
"The handy Carseat CoPilot Automatic Alert System ($40, originally $50) alerts parents that they left their child in the car thanks to a key fob and a sensor on the child's car seat. Although some people might think, 'This could never happen to me!' it never hurts to be extra careful." — MM
"Want a sweet addition to a nursery or play room that pays homage to the perhaps underappreciated fur baby of your growing family? This Flower Crown Custom Pet Portrait ($149 - $200) of Mom's Best Friend is the perfect way to add joy – and a flower crown, of course – to any wall in your home." — KS
"Chatbooks, the photo book company that wants to make saving your memories as easy as possible, just launched an even more convenient way to get your photos from digital to physical formats. With its new subscription, Monthly Minis ($5 per month), users can get photos from their phone's camera roll into five-by-five inch mini books. If you're worried about keeping up with it each month, never fear: the process of creating your 30-page monthly book takes just minutes!" — Alessia Santoro, editor, Family
"Boo boos just got a little less scary thanks to this Ten Little x Welly Monster Bravery Bandage Set ($11) that features 48 fabric bandages in two kid-friendly sizes in a colorful reusable and recyclable container, and matching weather-proof stickers that your kids can use to decorate their shoes, helmets, water bottles, and more!" — AS
"Cubcoats, the brand that creates sweatshirts that fold up into stuffed animals, now has full outfits! From pullovers and joggers to socks and face masks, your kids can create mix and match outfits out of all of these darling pieces." — AS
"Gone are the days of cutting rubber pacifier nipples to attempt to wean your baby off their beloved binkie. Although FridaBaby's Paci Weaning System ($20) may seem like an *extra* purchase for your little one, it's worth it for its five orthodontic-shaped dentist-designed pacifiers that were invented by pediatric dentists to ensure that your baby kicks their paci habit safely. Plus, it makes for a great baby shower gift!" — AS
"If you're looking for a comfortable and versatile carrier that can grow with your baby, I highly recommend BABYBJÖRN's new Carrier Free ($160) option. I love that it supports my back and gives me the option of facing my son in or out, but my favorite feature? The fact that I can easily and quietly put it on and take it off myself. Unlike another popular baby carrier I own, I can secure and adjust this one from the front instead of the back, and it doesn't have a loud Velcro strap to startle him if I want to take it off while he's sleeping." — Angela Elias, director, Family
"Skip Hop's brand-new Go Envi Eco-Friendly Diaper Backpack ($60, Originally $80) is not only sleek, it's also made from recycled plastic bottles. Durable with a handy front pocket, this bag can hold a ton of weight. Good riddance, flimsy bags!" — MM
"Silicone bibs with catch-all pouches are completely the way forward — they're easy to clean and mean less food on the floor (OK, like, a little bit less). The Loulou Lollipop Silicone Bibs ($12 - $14) are all that and more, as the brand's array of color options are too sweet not to pounce on. From pastels to muted neutrals and bright colors like burnt orange — plus there's a marble pattern! — these are cute enough to influence you to buy one to match each of your baby's outfits." — AS
"New to the market, the Baby Dream Machine ($99) is about to be a tired parent's BFF. A five-in-one device, the Baby Dream Machine acts as a night light, cool-mist humidifier, pink noise sound machine (a mix of high and low frequencies), and can even dispense essential oils to kids who are old enough!" — MM
"Designed just for expectant and new mamas, the Storq Anytime Overalls ($105) are made from super soft cotton and Spandex jersey, making breastfeeding a breeze." — MM
"Hatch's The Compression Sock Bundle ($44) comes with two pairs of trendy socks that soothe swelling so you can stay on your feet longer. Compression socks aren't new on the scene, but have you ever seen pairs as cute as these?!" — AS
"I always feel like reorganizing and nesting when I'm stuck inside during the cold months, and this year, I'm actually getting to the 'create gallery wall' item on my apartment move-in to-do list (for the record, I moved nearly three years ago). With the Chatbooks Gallery Wall Tiles ($15 per tile) — 10x10 photo tiles with peel-and-stick backs that won't ruin your walls — making a gallery wall just got so easy, it's criminal. Just download the app on your Apple or Android phone, select the photos you want to make in tile form, and once they arrive, arrange them easily without having to nail or screw anything into your walls. It's a great solution for everyone, but especially renters! " — AS
"I'm loving the adorable horn on these Stride Rite Maggie Light-Up Metallic Narwal Slippers ($15, originally $28). Perfect for padding around the house, a portion of the proceeds from each sale is being donated to Alex's Lemonade Stand." — MM
"Soon-to-be Disney fans will love splishing and splashing around in this Delta Children Minnie Mouse Baby Bather ($20) that's just as cute as it is affordable. Complete with a pink bow, this bather's soft mesh is perfect for your little one's delicate skin!" — MM
"How sweet is Copper Pearl's brand-new line of Knit Headband Bows ($12 each)? Available in dozens of colors and patterns, these little accessories are made from ultrasoft, breathable fabric." — MM
"Perfect for summer, the Hanna Andersson Shortie Sleeper in Organic Cotton ($10 - $30, originally $40) will make your little one's dreams particularly sweet!" — MM
"Featuring a hand-drawn design by Sarah of Chalkfulloflove, the Rainbow Mug ($22, available for preorder) was created to help keep this small business afloat amid the coronavirus pandemic. Sarah said of the design inspiration: 'Something that has been reassuring to me is the quote "after every storm comes a rainbow." Cue the Rainbow Mug.' Also available in this sweet design is a digital download, which I've been using as a calming computer background!" — AS
"We the People: The United States Constitution Explored and Explained by Evan Sargent and Aura Lewis ($23, originally $25) is an illustrated guide to the constitution that aims at making the "document that helped define democracy" more accessible and digestible for kids. With it being an election year, there's no better time to help break it down for future voters!" — AS
"The newest addition to Cricut's line of cutting machines, the Cricut Joy ($178), is also the smallest and lightest. This portable little machine means being able to cut and craft wherever you go, which makes it fun for older kids, but for parents, it's the perfect tool for making everything from lunchbox name labels to bedroom wall decals. Watch this cute little Cricut Joy demo video to get inspired!" — AS
"During this time when everyone is staying at home and doing their best to stay healthy and get through this period, knowing that your friends and family are thinking about you (and vice versa) is more important than ever. Thanks to Brightbox's adorable Curated Gift Boxes ($15 - $29), you can send a box of goodies to someone who may need a pamper sesh, a candy lover, or even a nurse who's working hard to keep the rest of us safe and healthy. Such a sweet idea! (The Mom Survival Box ($15) is pictured above.)" — AS
"Available in sizes 4T to 12Y, the Reima Kids' Mid-Season Mono-Material Recyclable Jacket ($120, originally $150) is lightweight, waterproof, and breathable. One-hundred percent recyclable, it comes in both navy and pink. Parents from the US should note the jacket runs a little big, so double-check the sizes before getting your kiddo one!" — MM
"Perfect for baristas-in-training, the Skip Hop Zoo Bark-Ista Set ($40) is geared toward kids 3 and up. With 20 pieces that let little ones get creative — including mini drink pods, doughnuts, and whipped toppings — there's no shortage of fun to be had!" — MM
"Available for digital download, Nintendo's new game for the Switch, Animal Crossing: New Horizons ($60), is one the whole family can enjoy. Up to four family members can help build a community from scratch on a deserted island through fishing, foraging, and exploring." — AS
"Give your kids' playroom an adorable and modern upgrade with Lalo's The Play Kit ($250, originally $300, ships Aug. 10), which includes a play table, as well as two kid-size chairs in four available colors: coconut, blueberry, licorice, and grapefruit. You can choose two chairs of the same color to go with the coconut-colored table, or mix and match them to fit your decor or cater to your kids' favorite colors. So cute!" — AS
"Tommee Tippee's new Closer to Nature 3-in-1 Convertible Glass Baby Bottles ($30 for a pack of three) feature medical-grade shatterproof glass, and they are free of BPA, BPS, phthalates, and toxins. They grow with baby from a bottle to a food container or a cup!" — AS
"From the makers of the popular breast pump, the Elvie Catch ($35) includes two easy-to-clean silicone breast milk collection cups designed with comfort in mind for those who experience heavy leakage. They can be worn for up to three hours and will ensure that your precious milk isn't lost to a breast pad!" — AS
"There's something that's so effortlessly chic about this Boden Elgin Borg Jacket ($180). Available in three colors, the fleece will keep you warm on even the chilliest days." — MM
"Any parent with a passion for music will get a serious kick out of the Gund Baby My First Soft Guitar Lights and Sounds Musical Stuffed Plush ($30), which comes complete with LED lights." — MM
"Created for those who need some serious me time, this ultrasoft Comma Home Faux-Fur Weighted Blanket ($169) is definitely worth the splurge." — MM
"The Elvie Curve ($50) is a wearable silicone breast pump that makes hands-free expression uncomplicated and easy. Simply place it in your bra and push the silicone pouch to create suction for when you let-down while you're feeding or pumping on your other breast, or whenever your breasts are feeling full in between feeding times. The best part? It's dishwasher safe!" — AS
"PAIR's new Marvel collection includes glasses toppers featuring some of your kids' favorite MCU superheroes, such as Spider-Man, The Hulk, and Captain America. These The T'Challa Tops ($30) are part of the Black Panther subcollection and are compatible with five of PAIR's kids' frames." — AS
"Each jar of The Dough Project's dough ($25 for three jars) is handmade in New York City with five all-natural ingredients. They're available in packs of three, six, and nine, and come in all the colors of the rainbow, including black and an off-white color." — AS
"From vehicles to play food and a sweet camera ($30, pictured above), all of Kiko & GG's wooden toys are so sweet and would look adorable in any playroom." — AS
"Whether your kid wears prescription glasses, needs a new pair of sunnies, or is considering blue-light glasses to help protect their eyes in this era of screen-time overload, Pair Eyewear has you covered. Each pair of its kids' glasses (for kids ages 5 and up) comes in a base frame color and is customizable thanks to interchangeable "tops" that cover the front of the original frames. The brand's newest collections of tops include designs inspired by NBA teams ($30-$55), sea-related designs ($25-$45), and a few other limited-edition varieties to ensure your child's look is always fresh. So fun!" — AS
"With the VAVA Smart Baby Thermometer ($80), you can keep track of your baby's temperature in real-time with its 24-hour wireless fever detection system. Simply attach the FDA-approved patch under your baby's armpit and get 'round the clock readings remotely." — AS
"Since launching its brand-new baby line in July, Allswell has been serving up cozy products for your little ones. Our favorite piece from the collection? This Allswell Organic Cotton Oversized Baby Blanket ($32) that's perfect for snuggle time." — MM
"No one said all parts of motherhood are glamorous, and Fridababy is here to help! Its brand-new 3-in-1 Nose, Nail + Ear Picker ($10) is 'the essential booger picking tool,' perfect for cleaning all manners of gunk. Rest assured, you'll find yourself reaching for it often!" — MM
"Meant to promote the entire family's interest in STEM, the iRobot Root rt0 ($130) has three learning levels and more than 20 reactive sensors and features, which makes it perfect for beginners and more advanced kiddos alike!" — MM
"I say it every time there's a new model, but can the Baby Brezza formula dispenser get any better?! The newest iteration of the time- and sanity-saving piece of baby gear, the Formula Pro Advanced WiFi Baby Formula Dispenser ($280), is WiFi-enabled so that you can make a warm formula bottle from. your. dang. phone! Perfect for middle-of-the-night feedings especially, this device will also communicate with your phone when water or formula is low so that you don't have to find out the hard way while a hungry baby screams at you." — AS
"Now more than ever we're all finding ourselves sanitizing and sterilizing our belongings constantly. Munchkin wants to help make killing germs, bacteria, and viruses in your child's room with its Munchkin 59S Nursery UV Sterilizer Bag ($130), which sanitizes everything from toys to stuffed animals using UV lights in five minutes. Additionally, there's a portable version that sells for just $20 and is the perfect size to take on the go to sanitize dropped pacifiers — in just 59 seconds! — while you're out." — AS