gh parenting awards
Mike Garten

Parenting can be overwhelming enough, but throw in all of the products you're told you need to buy and you may find yourself going down the rabbit hole. Fortunately, the experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute are here to evaluate the top parenting items on the market to find the ones that actually work and are worth buying.

gh parenting awards
birnur aral, phd
Birnur Aral, PH.D.

Health, Beauty & Environmental Sciences Director, GH Institute

Mike Garten
gh parenting awards
Lori Bergamotto

Style Director, Good Housekeeping

Mike Garten
carolyn forté
Carolyn Forté

Cleaning & Home Care Director, GH Institute

Mike Garten
marisa lascala
Marisa LaScala

Parenting Editor, Good Housekeeping

Mike Garten
nicole papantoniou
Nicole Papantoniou

Kitchen Appliances Senior Testing Editor, GH Institute

Mike Garten
rachel rothman
Rachel Rothman

Chief Technologist, GH Institute

Mike Garten
lexie sachs
Lexie Sachs

Textiles, Paper & Plastics Director, GH Institute

Mike Garten
stefani sassos, ms, rdn, cso, cdn
Stefani Sassos, MS, RDN, CSO, CDN

Registered Dietitian, GH Institute


How We Tested

We received over 450 applications across all product categories designed for babies, toddlers, kids of all ages, and their caregivers. Our team of experts — i.e. scientists, engineers, editors and more — vetted each application on criteria around innovation, problem-solving capabilities and value, then evaluated the top contenders in person. These winners include hot new innovations that have just hit the market, plus tried and true products that have stood the test of time.


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Breakthrough Soother
SNOO Smart Sleeper Bassinet
Happiest Baby SNOO Smart Sleeper Bassinet
$1,395 at Pottery Barn Kids
Credit: Happiest Baby

Like an extra set of hands for your newborn, this ingenious bassinet responds to your baby’s cries with white noise and a rocking motion to help overtired parents get some rest. It comes with a swaddle that attaches to clips to keep babies safely on their back, and it’s connected to an app so you can monitor sleep activity and adjust any settings. When it’s time to transition to the crib, the weaning feature makes it a breeze.
WHY IT WON: Both product experts and consumer testers noticed a significant increase in overnight sleep while using the SNOO, which translated into better overall health for many. And though it’s pricey, there’s a rental model that costs less than five dollars per day.

Handy Bedside Sleeper
BassiNest Swivel Sleeper Luxe Series
HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper Luxe Series
Credit: Halo

For those ultra-tiring nights as a new parent, the convenient BassiNest allows your baby to be super close, yet still in a separate sleep space as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It easily rotates so you can get out of bed, and this newest version also detaches from the base so you can bring it with you throughout your home during daytime naps.
WHY IT WON: We’ve been fans of the Halo bassinets for years, and this latest iteration ups the ante with clever upgrades like complete rotation, storage pockets, a nightlight, soothing sounds and vibrations and a detachable bed for mobility.

Sustainable Kids Mattress
Kiwi Mattress
My Green Mattress Kiwi Mattress
Credit: My Green Mattress

Many mattresses on the market are made using petroleum-based foam, but this brand offers an organic option for parents who prefer to buy natural materials for their kids. It uses GOTS-certified organic cotton and wool, GOLS-certified organic latex and a pocketed coil innerspring. The height is a kid-friendly 9.5 inches, but also comes in an 8-inch version specifically for bunk beds.
WHY IT WON:
Its comfort, support and sustainability features make it a perfect choice for kids – whether it’s their first real bed or just time for an update. On top of that, the price is lower than other organic mattresses, which are typically marketed towards adults.


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Nap-Saving Window Covers
ergoPouch Window Blockout Blinds - White
ergoPouch ergoPouch Window Blockout Blinds - White
Credit: ergoPouch

Too much sunlight makes daytime naps or early bedtimes seemingly impossible, but this handy window cling is the perfect solution for total darkness any time of day. It comes in a roll that you can cut to size, is removable without leaving behind residue and can be used over and over. Ideal for any age, the cover is useful for both travel and at home where regular blinds and shades let in light.
WHY IT WON: Our experts were impressed that it blocked out light better than a blackout shade, making it easier to fall asleep. It was also a breeze to customize the size, apply to a window and remove several days later.

Creative Sleepwear
DIY Long John Pajamas
Hanna Andersson DIY Long John Pajamas
Credit: DIY

Hanna Andersson is known for its iconic pajamas that come in lots of fun prints, but now you get to create the design yourself. They’re available in long-sleeve and short-sleeve sets with sizes for the entire family (from babies to adults) so you get a fun project and matching family PJs at the end. You can tie dye, paint, embroider or more – the options are endless.
WHY IT WON:
The brand uses high quality organic cotton in these incredibly soft and comfortable pajamas that are built to last. You get a blank canvas that’s fun to decorate and they’re priced significantly lower than the already printed sets.

High-Tech Tracker
Smart Baby Monitor
Miku Smart Baby Monitor
Credit: Miku

This WiFi monitor uses a combination of sensors and artificial intelligence to provide metrics on sleep, movement, room temperature, breathing patterns and more. It's even able to detect movement in a super dark room. The system is HSA/FSA eligible, so your costs may be covered by these, and there are no added subscription fees for specific features. 
WHY IT WON: Our product experts like that the monitor doesn’t require any direct contact with the child to obtain data, and that it's able to deliver alerts even without Internet connection. The packaging also includes the tools you need to install.



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Hybrid Ride
Infant Car Seat & Stroller - Midnight
Doona Infant Car Seat & Stroller - Midnight
Credit: Doona

This incredibly unique system saves you time and space by combining a car seat and stroller into a single design. It’s groundbreaking for travel and city life, making hopping in and out of cars or flying on planes a breeze. Designed specifically for infants, it’s easy to use and is particularly useful for those first few months of life when your hands are seemingly always full.
WHY IT WON: It converts from a car seat to a stroller and back again in literal seconds. Our experts love that it doesn’t require additional adapters and that it maneuvers easily with one hand.

Smart Stroller
e-Priam Electronic Stroller
CYBEX e-Priam Electronic Stroller
Credit: Cybex

You'll feel relieved on steep hills and bumpy roads with this splurge-worthy stroller: The built-in electric motor can power you through the roughest of terrains. It's powered by a rechargeable battery and even has sensors in the handlebars to help with downhill descents. Both caregivers and little ones will rejoice at how smooth the ride feels.
WHY IT WON: We were particularly impressed by how the stroller was able to intelligently adapt on surfaces ranging from sand to cobblestone in our tests. On top of that, we were able to get nearly four miles of electric assist usage before needing to re-charge. 

Rugged Adventure Wagon
All-Terrain Cruiser Wagon
VEER All-Terrain Cruiser Wagon
Credit: Veer

Whether walking on the beach or through a snowy trek, the versatile Veer can handle whatever adventure you through its way. It has harnesses to keep kids safely in place and can hold infant car seats using adapters, making it ideal to fit two children from birth through about five years old. As a bonus, there are snack trays and interior storage to bring along whatever you need.
WHY IT WON:
It's a trendsetter in the industry and our lab pros were impressed by the strong frame. Testers ranging from 5- to 6-feet tall said it was comfortable to push and pull. Not to mention, kid testers said it was super fun, too!


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Stay-Fresh Baby Tub
Cleanwater Tub
4moms Cleanwater Tub
Credit: 4Moms

With its unique design, this tub has clean water continuously flow in and sends dirty suds out. Water from the faucet first passes through a thermometer to make sure it's at the right temperature, then into the reservoir where you rinse your child, and finally out through a drain on the opposite side. If the thermometer shows the temperature is too hot or cold, there's a plug to release before it reaches your child.
WHY IT WON:
 Bathing a baby is tricky enough, so the last thing you should worry about is keeping the tub water clean. Its smart features make it stand out from other baths on the market, and it's versatile enough to use from the newborn days till after baby can sit up.

Parent-Approved Accessories
Moby Bath Essentials Kit
Skip Hop Moby Bath Essentials Kit
Credit: Skip Hop

This four-piece set makes bath time easier and more comfortable for parents with its floor pad for knees, elbow rest for leaning over the tub, spout cover to protect from bumps, and bath rinser to wash away soap. Each piece in the collection has convenient features, like storage pockets in the elbow rest and curved lip on the rinser to to prevent water from getting in eyes.
WHY IT WON:
Most products are focused on making babies and kids happy and safe in the tub. We love that this set also focuses on making the parent comfy. Plus, the coordinated gray pieces will match just about any bathroom decor.

Easy Cleaner
Nose to Toes XL Bathing Wipes
WaterWipes Nose to Toes XL Bathing Wipes
Credit: WaterWipes

The Original WaterWipes are fan-favorites thanks to their simple ingredients (99.9% water with a drop of fruit extract) that are effective yet safe for sensitive skin. This new upgrade is a larger-sized version and can be used all over the body. Plus, they’re textured to help clean, whether it’s in between baths, after playtime, or during meals.
WHY IT WON: One XL Wipe effectively cleaned up messes that would normally require several smaller wipes in our review. We also love that they’re fragrance-free and have convenient packaging that makes them easy to tote on the go.


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Stuffy Nose Solution
NoseFrida the Snotsucker
FridaBaby NoseFrida the Snotsucker
Credit: Fridababy

Babies and young kids can’t blow their own noses, so it’s up to the caregivers to clear out the mucus whenever they’re stuffed up or drippy. Simply attach the tube to the child’s nostril, then suck out the snot through the mouthpiece on the other end. It’s non-invasive and uses a replaceable filter inside to make sure no germs are transferred.
WHY IT WON: This gadget has been a fan favorite over the years for coming to the rescue during colds. It’s quick, easy, and actually works to clear up clogged noses. The inside filter keeps you protected, and it’s entirely dishwasher safe so you can keep reusing it.

Tot-Size Toothbrush
Double-Sided Toothbrush
Grabease Double-Sided Toothbrush
Credit: Grabease

This clever tool promotes independent brushing for babies and toddlers thanks to its short handle that’s easy to grip, tapered head that lets them reach teeth in back, and double-sided design to clean the top and bottom together. The bristles are soft and gentle, plus there’s a safety barrier so kids can’t stick the toothbrush too far back.
WHY IT WON:
Its well-thought-out features make it easier for little ones to learn to brush their teeth on their own — not to mention easier for parents who dread the toothbrush power struggle each day. It’s safe, effective at cleaning and comfortable to use.

Teething-Friendly Bib
Muslin Stay-Dry Teether Bibs
green sprouts Muslin Stay-Dry Teether Bibs
Credit: Green Sprouts

These bandana-style bibs are built with several layers of fabric: breathable muslin on the outside, an absorbent terry inside and a waterproof lining to stop drool or milk from leaking through. There’s also a clasp at the bottom of each one, which can hold the silicone teether included in the set or can be used as a pacifier clip.
WHY IT WON:
It’s soft and absorbent, yet you don’t have to worry about drool seeping through to the other side and getting baby’s clothes wet. We love that the clasp makes carrying a teether convenient, but is discreetly hidden underneath so there are no straps hanging down.


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Instant Baby Food
Sweet Potato Raspberry
Amara Baby Food Sweet Potato Raspberry
Credit: Amara

Amara has a special dehydrating technique to help lock in the taste, texture and nutrients that you normally get in homemade baby food. Just mix in water or breastmilk when it's time to serve and your baby gets an organic, simple-ingredient feeding without all the prep work.
WHY IT WON: Good Housekeeping's Registered Dietitian loves that it's organic, plant-based and shelf-stable without being overly processed. It's available in a handful of options with various fruits, vegetables and grains.

Age-Appropriate Nuts
Nutty Blends
Happy Family Nutty Blends
Credit: Happy Baby Organics

Babies as young as six months can now start tasting nuts with these new purees that are made for early eaters to easily swallow. Choose from pears with cashew butter, apples with walnut butter or bananas with peanut butter, all of which are organic, nutritious and properly portioned. 
WHY IT WON:
 Early introduction can help prevent peanut and tree nut allergies, but up until now, they haven't been widely available in baby-friendly textures. We also love that they were developed with pediatric allergists.

Nutrient-Packed Snack
ProBug 4-Pack
LifeWay ProBug 4-Pack

This kefir pouch gives kids a convenient, healthy and delicious snack. It has a similar texture and taste to a yogurt drink, but it's 99% lactose-free and packed with probiotics. There are four different flavors to choose from in colorful and fun packaging, and you can find them at most grocery stores.

WHY IT WON: It gives kids probiotics in real food form, is full of other vitamins and minerals and is USDA-certified organic. Our Registered Dietitian also loves that they aren't too high in sugar.


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Clever Cup
Mini Cup
ezpz Mini Cup
Credit: ezpz

Learning how to drink from an open cup is an important milestone for toddlers because it helps promote speech, oral development and swallowing. This perfectly-sized version has smart design features that help them master the skill. For even smaller babies, the brand also has a Tiny Cup variation.
WHY IT WON:
 It might look like just a cup, but it has handy features like a small size that's easy to grip, silicone material that's comfortable in mouths, a weighted base to prevent tipping and an angled interior to avoid choking.

On-The-Go Necessities
3-Piece Disposable Feeding Kit
LinnieLou 3-Piece Disposable Feeding Kit
Credit: LinnieLou

Eating away from home with a baby can be a hassle, but this convenient set makes it easier to prepare. It comes with a disposable bib, placemat and pack of wipes to help you out in messy situations. Plus, it's compact enough to keep in your diaper bag so you never have to remember to pack it.
WHY IT WON: It's practical despite being inexpensive: The bib has a crumb pocket to catch fallen food, the placemat has adhesive strips to stick on the table, and the wipes pack is resealable. We also love its neutral design.

Secure Food Separator
Plate Divider 2-Pack
Food Cubby Plate Divider 2-Pack
Credit: Food Cubby

The Food Cubby's semi-circle dividers let you transform any plate into one with sections to separate runny food. The suctioned bottoms work with any plates you already have at home, and the small size makes them easy to store or bring with you on-the-go. The silicone is durable and dishwasher safe so you can reuse them.
WHY IT WON: They're perfect for picky eaters of all ages who don't like foods to mix, plus they provide a sturdy surface for kids to scoop their food against while they're mastering utensil use.


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Personalized Learning Tool
ABC Board Book
Pinhole Press ABC Board Book
Credit: Pinhole Press

The only thing better than an ABC board book for little ones is a book that features their favorite people and objects as the stars. This customizable project lets you choose which photo to place on each page with a corresponding letter of the alphabet. The pages are thick and durable for tiny hands and spiral bound so they’re easy to flip through.
WHY IT WON: The website is easy to use, making personalized photo gifts like this a no-brainer. Toddlers and kids love board books and spend hours flipping through them as entertainment. This version in particular makes learning the alphabet a memorable experience.

Washable Play Mat
Path of Nature Play Rug
Lorena Canals Path of Nature Play Rug
Credit: Lorena Canals

A cross between a play mat and an area rug, this cotton floor covering is machine washable for easy care and neutral to match any room’s decor. The textured surface offers both a unique sensory experience as well as a forest backdrop for imaginative play. It’s handmade by artisans and the result is an intricate design that babies, kids and parents will all love.
WHY IT WON: This brand is best known for its washable cotton play rugs, and its new design took it one step further with the 3D components. It’s versatile for babies to have a soft surface to lie on, for toddlers to explore different textures and for kids who want to create scenes with their toys. 

Stable Kitchen Helper
The Orignal Learning Tower
Little Partners The Orignal Learning Tower
Now 25% Off
Credit: Little Partners

Lots of little kids love to “help” in the kitchen, but it’s not easy to find a secure space to keep them safe. Unlike a step stool, the Learning Tower has four sides so parents can be hands-free alongside their children. With four adjustable heights, it raises children up to the counter so they can help bake, prep food or just hang with their family.
WHY IT WON: It has stood the test of time and still continues to be a favorite for having children reach higher surfaces. Our engineers found it easy to assemble, and the construction to be solid and stable. It also grows with your kid from toddler years through childhood.


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Versatile Carryall
Jeremiah Brent Convertible Diaper Bag
Pottery Barn Kids Jeremiah Brent Convertible Diaper Bag
Credit: pottery barn kids

This modern, gender-neutral diaper bag is just as functional as it is stylish. Perfect for all caregivers, it can be carried as a tote, backpack or hooked onto a stroller. It’s also made with top quality materials like cotton canvas and leather accents, and there’s a zipper closure to keep everything safely inside.
WHY IT WON: We love how spacious it is with several organizing compartments, yet it still doesn’t scream “baby bag” from the outside. And while most diaper bags on the market are geared towards moms or dads, this one can be used by either or both without sacrificing style.

All-in-One Tracker
Lumi by Pampers
Pampers Lumi by Pampers
Credit: Lumi by Pampers

Parents of newborns tediously track everything from diaper changes to feedings to sleep, but this system does it all for you. On top of that, the smart camera tells you the room settings, the innovative diapers have a sensor that knows when they're wet and the app combines everything into one place. 
WHY IT WON: There are many baby monitors out there, but nothing like this system. The camera quality alone is top notch, not to mention all of its added features. We also love that the diaper construction is the same as Pampers Swaddlers, which are top performers in our diaper test.

Leak Defender
Booster Pads
Sposie Booster Pads
Credit: Sposie

This absorbent diaper pad adds an extra layer of protection to help stop overnight diaper leaks. It can go inside virtually any diaper (though we recommend sizing up to make room), then it catches extra fluid just like the diaper’s core. There are three different sizes to fit newborn diapers through training pant sizes.
WHY IT WON: It’s easy to use and actually works. It feels just like a regular diaper so babies aren’t bothered by the extra layer, and parents swear it's the perfect solution to stop dreaded diaper leaks in the crib.


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Double Duty Nursing Bra
Sublime Hands Free Pumping Bra
Kindred Bravely Sublime Hands Free Pumping Bra
Now 17% Off
Credit: Kindred Bravely

Nursing and pumping bras are both must-haves, but they typically look and function differently. This innovative style combines both bras into one so you don’t need to change throughout the day. Simply clip one layer down to pump, or both layers down to breastfeed. The wire-free bra comes in sizes XS-XXL for cups B to I.
WHY IT WON:
It’s incredibly comfortable and convenient, plus it's secure when holding the pump flanges. One postpartum tester especially loved that it had great coverage (even in the back) and that it was supportive for large busts.

Portable Pump
Elvie Pump
Elvie Elvie Pump
Now 28% Off
Credit: Elvie

Pumping breastmilk can be stressful and limiting when you're forced to stay near an outlet. Elvie changes that thanks to its wireless and tube-free design that sits inside your bra, allowing mothers to pump with more flexibility. The biggest draw is that it gives moms the freedom to walk around and not be tethered to machines.
WHY IT WON:
In our road tests, we found it to be quiet during use so that others in the same room couldn’t hear, plus it was effective at getting out milk. While it takes a bit of a learning curve to optimize, the ability to be on-the-go while pumping is a huge breakthrough.

Stay-Put Pregnancy Pants
Everyday Maternity Belly Support Leggings
BLANQI Everyday Maternity Belly Support Leggings
Credit: Blanqi

These popular leggings have a built-in support band to ease lower back pain, especially in the second and third trimesters. The fabric is fully opaque (i.e. not see-through!) and the over-the-bump fit helps them stay in place without feeling constricting. Even better: the fabric is thick enough to them as pants.
WHY IT WON:
Most maternity leggings either slide down or feel too tight, but these have stay-in-place powers while still feeling comfortable. A tester raved that after trying these on, they’re all she wants to wear. 

Headshot of Lexie Sachs
Lexie Sachs
Executive Director, Strategy & Operations

Lexie Sachs (she/her) is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute and a lead reviewer of products in the bedding, travel, lifestyle, home furnishings and apparel spaces. She has over 15 years of experience in the consumer products industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University. Lexie serves as an expert source both within Good Housekeeping and other media outlets, regularly appearing on national broadcast TV segments. Prior to joining GH in 2013, Lexie worked in merchandising and product development in the fashion and home industries.

Headshot of Rachel Rothman

Rachel Rothman was the chief technologist and executive technical director of the Good Housekeeping Institute for over 15 years, overseeing testing methodology, implementation and reporting for all GH Labs. She also managed GH's research division and the analysis of applicants for the GH Seal and all other testing emblems.