The Life-Saving Items That Will Get You Through the First Year With Your New Baby

There is parenting advice I've been following from the very beginning, and it's "just add water." When your newborn is fussy, or your infant is overtired, or your baby is upset, adding water can make almost any situation better. There is just something about a soothing bath that helps calm even the tensest moments. The brand 4moms is known for its parent-friendly technology and products that make those early newborn days easier for everyone, but the 4Moms Cleanwater Tub ($60) can actually transition throughout the first year of your newborns life, making it even more convenient.

Ask any new parent and they'll tell you, routines are key. They can make or break sleep habits, feedings, and even diaper changes. And the secret to developing healthy routines from those first few weeks up to those first few years is products you can depend upon. My son is 2 years old, and I can honestly say that Pampers Swaddlers ($9) and the Pampers Sensitive Wipes ($2) are the products we have used consistently these first two years. They're easy to use with a wetness indicator that lets you know exactly when your baby needs a change, and they're gentle on your baby's skin, hypoallergenic, and free of parabens and latex*. Plus, they absorb wetness and lock it away from baby's skin so you can rest easy knowing your baby is comfy-cozy in their diaper.

*Natural rubber

It's hard to grasp exactly what stage your newborn is in developmentally when you're running on fumes, but the Lovevery Play Gym ($140) makes it so easy to provide distraction and entertainment, while meeting your child where they're at throughout the entire first year of life. The gym was curated by child development specialists with five zones that reveal or conceal to prevent overstimulation and promote learning. It's a great place to lay your newborn down for some tummy time and an even better place to let your 10-month-old explore and play!

Laundry doesn't seem very glamorous, but it's a reality of becoming a new parent. Dreft Stage 1 Laundry Detergent ($10) is specifically formulated for your newborn in mind, meant to wash new and soiled clothes in a hypoallergenic and dye-free formula. Once your baby starts crawling and eating solid foods, you can move to Dreft Stage 2 ($16) to remove tougher baby food stains and dirt.

The Tripp Trapp by Stokke High Chair ($269) was first designed in 1972 by Scandinavian designer Peter Opsvik as a way to make it easy to include your baby in the heart of the family. The adjustable ergonomic seat grows with your child and provides a comfortable space for them at your table from the time they're a newborn until they are 3 years old.

Are you ready for baby giggles? That's what the Skip Hop 3-Stage Activity Center ($130) will provide your baby from 4 months old to toddler! With customizable toys that can be positioned anywhere for baby, it features a 360-degree rotating seat that turns and stretches for bouncing, and as your baby grows, it converts into a sturdy table for coloring, playing, and more.