In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
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Bring a state of baby zen with our list of favorite soothing gear for little ones
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By Molly Bradac and BabyGearLab Review Team ⋅ Sep 27, 2024
Is your baby feeling fussy? We've got you covered. All babies will experience periods of fussiness and crying, which is how babies communicate their discomfort and needs. When the typical clean diaper and full belly fail to soothe your baby's grumpy mood, it might be time to call in some helpful gear.
That's where our expertise comes in.
Our experts have created a list of favorite soothing gear for little ones, featuring only the best products that came out on top of our extensive testing. It's safe to say that no one tests baby products as comprehensively as we do here at BabyGearLab. We will update this list if a new, compelling product becomes available and surpasses a top contender in our hands-on testing.
Since all babies are different, and what works for one may not work for another, our list covers a variety of gear, including some budget-friendly options.
Editor's Note: We updated this article on September 27, 2024, to incorporate our latest picks for Baby Oils.
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Soothing Gear
All babies will become fussy at some point for all sorts of reasons. With some useful soothing products (and patience!), you will quickly become skilled at comforting and settling your baby.
Baby Carrier
We could talk all day about the benefits and convenience of wearing your baby. It's extremely valuable when your sweet baby feels clingy, tired, or fussy. Here are our favorite baby carriers to keep your little one close for virtually hands-free snuggles and cuddles.
A pacifier can satisfy a baby's innate sucking reflex and provide comfort and the opportunity to self-soothe with a bit of help. It can even help some babies fall asleep and stay asleep longer. If you decide to offer your baby the best pacifier, we suggest trying a few to see which one your baby prefers.
After being cocooned inside the womb, many babies enjoy a similar feeling in the outside world, especially when the startle reflex is still happening. Here are some of the top-ranked baby swaddles and sleep sack options to comfort your little one.
Teething can make your sweet baby cranky, but a teething toy can bring some comfort. Our favorite baby teether toys are easy-to-hold for little hands with accessible bite points to reach sore gums.
Younger infants enjoyed the lower stimulation and gentle movement of the BabyBjorn.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Rock and Sway
Parents instinctively rock and sway their babies to help calm them, and sometimes the movement of strolling outdoors does the trick. But, when you're at home, take advantage of some gear that can produce a constant calming, hypnotic effect for babies.
Baby Swing and Bouncer
The best baby swing or the best baby bouncer offers a rhythmic back-and-forth motion that's calming and provides the movement babies crave. Plus, it's a baby-friendly place for your awake baby when you need a brief break.
Sometimes baby fussiness means boredom has hit, and they need a change of pace, a dose of entertainment, or a distraction. Regardless of the situation, we've tested various gear for entertainment that can bring a smile to grumpy faces.
Baby Gym
A top-ranked baby gym can be full of entertainment, blending multiple interactive features for curious babies to explore, like colors, textures, mirrors, and more.
The joy of jumping can make your little one smile and giggle, especially with you cheering them on. Check out the competition and our favorite picks in baby jumper review.
The benefits of touch are widely known, and adding infant massage to your child's routine, such as after bath time, can have a soothing effect on your little one. Create a relaxing ambiance with these essentials.
Baby Oil
Many parents prefer baby oil when massaging to achieve gentle strokes. We prefer baby-friendly products with little to no fragrance and simple ingredient lists.
We've got you covered if you prefer to use a hydrating and fast-absorbing lotion over baby oil. Our top pick for baby lotion leaves babies' skin feeling soft and hydrated.
Creating a less stimulating or sleep-inducing environment can help calm your baby and lull them off to sleep. Here are some products to add to your baby's nursery.
Sound Machine
Shushing can be soothing for little ones, but keeping that up is exhausting. A sound machine is the perfect solution that provides a continuous light humming noise that many babies find calming and sleep-inducing. Plus, it can block out louder noises coming from other parts of the house.
Keeping your baby's sleeping space dark can improve their sleep. However, middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes in the dark can be tricky, and overhead lights can be too bright. The best night light can illuminate the darkness yet still keep the sleeping environment calm.
A top-ranked bassinet provides a flat sleeping space for a newborn, and keeping them within arm's reach can be helpful if they start to fuss. Some bassinets offer features like gentle motion and sounds, which your baby may find relaxing.
Our list of tried-and-true baby soothing gear works for many babies, most of the time. We suggest trying different gear on this list to see what works best for your baby. Check out our other reviews if you don't see what you seek. We've tested various diapering essentials, car seats for safe travel, along with nursing and feeding items, so you're well equipped for mealtime.
