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They tell you not to overbuy for the baby – and they’re right...for the most part. But when you’re running on fumes, second-guessing every choice, and desperate for anything that promises to make life a little easier, restraint goes out the window fast. After nearly a year of trial, error, and way too many middle-of-the-night Amazon orders, I’ve learned which splurges actually deliver – and which ones just look good on Instagram.
From innovative sleep gear to underrated, often-overlooked basics, here’s what’s genuinely worth it (and what’s not), according to a mom of one-year-old twins who has truly tested it all.
Worth the Splurge
These are the buys that made life genuinely easier – not just prettier on a registry.
A Smart Bassinet
Sure, it has a hefty price tag, but if you can swing it, the Editor-loved Snoo Smart Sleeper bassinet is as close to a miracle worker as baby gear gets. It automatically rocks and soothes when your baby stirs, often buying you a precious extra hour or two of sleep in those early, bleary-eyed months. As a sleep-deprived mom of twins, the peace of mind alone – knowing your baby is safely swaddled on their back – was worth it, as was that elusive stretch of uninterrupted rest you start to think no longer exists. If the cost gives you pause, keep in mind that Happiest Baby offers both a monthly rental program and pre-certified refurbished versions at a fraction of the retail price.
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A Functional Diaper Bag
Before finding the one, I went through a graveyard of diaper bags – mostly affordable Amazon finds that looked cute online but turned out flimsy or impossible to organize. After spending well over $1,000 trying to get it right, I finally landed on the Caraa Baby Bag in size large. It’s the only one that can hold everything for both babies without feeling like I’m hauling around a duffel.
I could write an essay about how much I love this bag, but I’ll spare you – it’s that good. Made from water-repellent, 100% recycled nylon, it’s packed with genuinely useful details: insulated bottle pockets, magnetic exterior pouches, and mesh vents to keep things dry and breathable. It converts from crossbody to backpack in seconds, includes built-in stroller hooks and a luggage sleeve for travel, and even has a padded tech compartment – because moms deserve organization, too.
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A Durable Stroller
I love my Silver Cross Jet Double Stroller for several reasons, but mainly because it actually fits through the doors of my apartment building – and it’s lightweight enough for me to fold and lift (sometimes even with one hand). The slim frame makes navigating narrow hallways, elevators, and sidewalks so much easier, without sacrificing sturdiness or storage space. And while it’s technically marketed as a travel stroller, I use mine every single day.
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Rotating Car Seats
Car seat acrobatics are a rite of parenthood I’m happy to skip. The Nuna REVV Rotating Convertible Car Seat spins a full 360°, so I don’t have to twist, duck, or wreck my back every time I buckle the girls in. It’s compact, beautifully made, and can be installed once for both rear- and forward-facing positions. The harness adjusts easily with one hand, the ventilation panels prevent overheating, and the removable cupholders (one on each side) are a small but brilliant touch. It’s also aircraft-certified and free of flame-retardant chemicals – thoughtful details that make a difference when you’re using it daily.
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A Quality Play Mat
It might not seem like a big deal at first, but the right play mat makes a massive difference once tummy time turns into an all-day event. I love the Lovevery Play Gym, which actually grows with your baby. The different "stations" or "zones" keep them engaged and entertained for hours. Plus, the dotted tent attachment was the only thing that kept my girls quiet and entertained for their first few months of life. Not only is it machine washable for easy cleaning, but it also comes with five detachable activity cards and three sets of cards.
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A Sturdy High Chair
I started with the trendy minimalist chair every influencer seems to own and quickly learned the truth: it’s impossible to clean and ergonomically questionable. The Peg Perego Siesta High Chair, on the other hand, is a total workhorse. While bulkier than its sleek, Instagram-worthy counterparts, it makes up for it in every way – reclining for bottle feeds, rolling smoothly from room to room, and wiping clean with one swipe. The double-tray setup means I can pop off the top one for a quick wash without interrupting mealtime. Additionally, it comes in a variety of colors and patterns, ranging from basic black to floral prints and bright orange, to suit any aesthetic.
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I didn't think I needed a bottle washer or sterilizer...until I was left hand-scrubbing pump parts and bottles three times a day and nearly losing my mind. The Baby Brezza Bottle Washer Pro is a true game-changer. This nifty device washes, sterilizes, and dries everything in one cycle, and it's incredibly easy to use (and that's coming from someone who's not tech-savvy). Load it up, press a button, and walk away. It saves hours every week and delivers spotless, dry bottles every time.
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Formula Dispensers
If you’re formula-feeding, take it from me: The Baby Brezza Formula Pro Advanced will change your life. It mixes, warms, and dispenses a perfect bottle at the push of a button, even at 3 a.m., when you’re half-asleep and fumbling with scoops feels like an Olympic event. We started calling ours “The Baby Keurig,” and honestly, it lives up to the name. The latest version even connects to the Baby Brezza app, so you can prep a bottle straight from your phone (because yes, you’ll absolutely be doing that from bed). Bonus: it doesn’t take up too much counter space, leaving plenty of room for the aforementioned bottle washer, my beloved double-barrel air fryer, and Nespresso machine.
If you don’t want to spend a ton (or don’t have the counter space), the Momcozy Formula Dispenser Instant Milk Modulator is an excellent alternative for anyone seeking convenience without a splurge-level price tag.
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A well-stocked diaper caddy means you’re not constantly running to the nursery for wipes, creams, or a clean onesie every time there’s a diaper blowout. It’s one of those simple things you don’t think you need until you have it – and then you can’t live without it. I keep mine on the couch in the living room, and it easily saves me a dozen trips a day. If you’ve got multiple floors or a big space, it’s even more of a game-changer.
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A High-Tech Baby Monitor
There are plenty of baby monitors that do the basics, but the Nanit Pro is in a league of its own, and definitely lives up to the hype. It’s the only one I’ve tried that delivers truly crystal-clear, non-blurry video quality, even in low light. You can choose between two setup styles: the Floor Stand, which is freestanding, adjustable, and easy to move from room to room, or the Wall Mount, a more permanent, space-saving option that requires a little drilling.
Additionally, the Nanit Insights feature tracks sleep patterns, breathing motion, and room conditions, and even offers personalized tips based on your baby’s actual data. A word of advice: turn off the constant notifications. The app literally tracks every wiggle, stretch, and sigh — and it can drive you a little crazy, which is why I recommend turning your notifications off. However, once you settle into a rhythm, it’s incredibly helpful for spotting patterns and building a schedule that actually works.
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What to Skip
The Minimalist High Chair
You’ve probably seen it on Instagram or TikTok: the minimalist, light-wood high chair with clean Scandi lines that looks great in photos. It’s nice to look at, but I learned fast that style doesn’t count for much when it’s a pain to use. The straps are awkward, the seat is legitimately rock hard (read: no cushioning), and food somehow manages to get stuck in every nook and cranny. Cleaning it after every meal feels like a part-time job. I gave up on the aesthetics pretty fast and replaced mine within a month with something that actually worked (and wiped clean in under 30 seconds).
A Pricey Baby Carrier
Those $300 “luxury” baby carriers look great in photos with their chic patterns, sleek buckles, and promises of perfect ergonomics – but in real life, they’re a hassle. Mine was bulky, overheated, and such a pain to adjust that I stopped reaching for it altogether. A simple, well-made carrier does the job just as well, no designer price tag required.
An Expensive Changing Pad
I have one that costs $150, and another that costs just over $50. Both do the job just as well. The pricey version might have sleeker edges and pretty colors, but at the end of the day, you’re still just changing diapers on it – and cleaning the same messes off both. Save your money for extra wipes or a waterproof cover you can actually throw in the wash.
Wipe Warmers
A wipe warmer sounds like a good idea until you realize it dries out your wipes and takes up valuable counter space. You’ll plug it in, use it twice, and then remember your baby doesn’t care if their wipes are room temperature. Save the outlet for something useful.
Designer Newborn Outfits
Yes, those tiny jeans and cable-knit sweaters are adorable. No, they’re not practical. They’re stiff, impossible to put on, and last about two wears before your baby outgrows them. Zip-up footies are the true luxury – bonus points if they’re double-zippered, so you can handle diaper changes even when half-asleep.
A High-Tech Baby Swing
We tried one of the sleek, high-tech swings that promise to mimic your arms and instantly soothe fussiness, and it ended up doing…the exact opposite. Some babies love them, sure – mine screamed the second I strapped them in. It takes up half your living room, costs a small fortune, and is used for maybe three months. We ended up nabbing one on Amazon that cost half the price – and it even folded up so we could keep it out of sight when not in use.
A Fancy Bouncer
I actually have one – and I love it. There’s nothing wrong with the designer bouncers, which feature minimalist frames and premium fabrics; they look beautiful and work perfectly fine. The problem is that babies outgrow them so quickly. For something used only a few short months, it’s hard to justify the price tag. A simple, affordable bouncer that moves easily with a nudge (and wipes clean) will serve you just as well – and you’ll feel a lot better when it’s time to store it away by month six.
Diaper Cream Spatulas
In theory, a diaper cream spatula sounds genius – before I had kids, I even stocked up on a few. I quickly learned, though, that it’s one of those baby gadgets that seems helpful until you actually use it. In practice, it’s just another thing to wash and eventually lose. When you’re mid–diaper change, trying to wrangle a squirmy baby, you’ll end up using your finger anyway – because nothing spreads faster when your baby’s wiggling mid-change.
Bougie Sleep Sacks
There’s no need to drop $50-plus on a “luxury” sleep sack made from rare bamboo or organic unicorn threads – your baby won’t know the difference. I’ve tried the pricey ones, and here’s the truth: they all end up covered in spit-up and washed on repeat until they look the same. A basic zip-up works just as well, costs a fraction of the price, and you can actually buy multiples (because you will need backups at 2 a.m.). No sleep sack, no matter how premium, is going to make your baby sleep through the night – I promise. My advice? Save the splurge for something that helps you rest instead.
