Entertainment
23 Genius Baby & Toddler Products For Parents Who Are Terrified AF
You could be the most laid back person on the planet, but becoming a parent acquaints you with adrenaline spikes you never dreamed possible. Investing in a few good genius baby and toddler products for parents who are terrified AF is nothing to be ashamed of — and these items are bound to become an important part of your parenting survival kit.
Having a newborn, infant, or toddler around can be downright frightening sometimes. Babies get sick, usually in the middle of the night, and they sometimes cry without warning and continue to cry. Meanwhile, you don't if your baby is trying to tell you they have colic or just run-of-the-mill gas. It can sometimes feel like there's so much to worry about — from outlets to bath water to lumpy formula — and it's overwhelming.
But here's the thing: a gazillion parents are just as terrified and found real ways to survive (and thrive). They are learning that, most of the time, a fever is just a fever and a few well-placed furniture corner protectors and oven knob covers are all you need to achieve serious peace of mind.
Worrying is a natural state of being when you're a parent, but it doesn't have to take over your life. These products that keep babies and toddlers safe will help ease your mind.
1. A Video Baby Monitor With Temperature Monitoring
HappyHapi Video Baby Monitor, $60, Amazon
This baby video monitor will put your mind at ease because it helps keep you completely aware of what's happening in the nursery. The LCD screen and infrared night vision provide clear images of your baby in the dark, a two-way talk back function allows you to soothe your crying baby without picking them up, and there's even a temperature gauge that tells you how hot or cold the room gets so that you can make adjustments when necessary.
One parent reviewer who calls this monitor a "lifesaver" says: "Once we got the product, we installed at our baby's house and it worked out perfectly. we have been using it for one week now and I am glad we purchased this unit. I don't need to go back and forth to check my baby's status, we feel so much more relaxed. Highly recommended."
2. A Pacifier Thermometer That Takes Some Stress Out Of Sick Days
Summer Infant Pacifier Thermometer, $8, Amazon
The first time your baby comes down with a fever you might find yourself feeling overwhelmingly worried, and one of the first hurdles you'll overcome is actually a lifesaver, taking your infant's temperature since young babies can't easily hold a thermometer in their mouths. This pacifier thermometer is a genius solution, especially if you feel too nervous to use a rectal thermometer and don't own a forehead model. As your baby engages with the pacifier and self-soothes, a fever alert glow pops up in just seconds to give you a temperature reading. It can also recall your baby's last reading so that you can better monitor their progress.
3. A 17-Piece First Aid And Grooming Kit That Has All The Essentials You Need
The First Years American Red Cross Baby Healthcare And Grooming Set, $20, Amazon
Keep all of the first aid and grooming essentials you need for your baby in one convenient kit so that you never have to root around for a thermometer or aspirator when you need one. This 17-piece first aid kit comes with a medicine dispenser; a digital thermometer that is suitable for rectal, underarm, or oral use, as well as hair, nail, and oral care tools, and even a baby rattle to keep your infant distracted.
One parent explains why this kit is so great: "We originally planned to buy these items separately until we came across the American Red Cross Grooming kit, which offers all the necessities at an attractive price point. Since bringing home our newborn it's already helped us out tremendously - from using thermometer to check his temperature, shortening our son's sharp nails with the file boards, to combing his full head of hair (!), and the bulb syringe aspirator to clear his nose."
4. A Back Seat Mirror To Check On Infants In Rear-Facing Car Seats
Baby & Mom Backseat Mirror, $17, Amazon
This backseat mirror lets you keep your baby in full view if they're in a rear-facing car seat. It's made from wide convex shatterproof glass, so no worries about breaking it, and has 360-degree adjustability. Parents say it's simple to install (just secure the two straps in place) and that the mirror is wide enough to give a complete view of your baby — or even two babies, if you happen to have twins.
5. A Rainbow-Colored Play Yard That Keeps Babies Safe During Independent Play
NorthStates Super Yard Colorplay 8 Panel Playard, $115, Amazon
This spacious eight-panel free-standing play yard, which encloses up to 34.45 square feet and is 26 inches high — perfect for keeping an eye on your toddler before they start playing with things they shouldn't. The non-slip pads work on surfaces like hardwood floors without scratching them and because it's a weather-resistant item, you can easily construct this play yard inside or outside.
One parent who rated this play yard highly also reminds us that parental supervision is still necessary: "Let's be clear ... this is not a play pen to leave baby unattended extended periods of time. It does move if the child leans or pushes on it but it holds up well and won't collapse ... It's a great solution if you need to get things done without having to worry about the baby getting into anything."
6. A Non-Toxic Weekly Lice Treatment That Prevents Lice
Lice Clinics of America Lice Preventer Kit, $15, Amazon
The best way to avoid getting lice when your toddler enters daycare or school is to take measures to prevent it. While you teach them never to share hats or hairbands and braid long hair (and even spritz stray hairs with a bit of hairspray), another action you can take to feel more in control of the situation is to use this weekly lice treatment, which has been endorsed by medical professionals. This non-toxic gel comes in a dispenser attached to a comb and you simply run the comb through your child's hair each week, let it sit for 10 minutes then simply rinse out with your regular shampoo to prevent any lice infestation. Note: this isn't a product you use if your child has an active lice infestation — it's meant to prevent an infestation.
One parent writes: "So easy to use, once a week for a few minutes before shower time for my girls. Lice is in our school but it never got us! Piece of mind in a box. Even smells good."
7. These Furniture Tethers That Keep Dressers And Bookcases From Tipping Over
Safety 1st Furniture Wall Straps (6 Pack), $16, Amazon
The moment your baby starts crawling around the house, you can do one easy thing that will make you rest so much easier: attach these wall straps to large and heavy furniture so that they can't tip over. They work especially well with things like bookshelves, armoires, and bureaus, and the sturdy canvas straps are easy to install.
One mom writes: "This set came with enough straps to securely attach two dressers to the wall. My husband installed them quickly and we have been using them for several weeks now. The dresser seems very sturdily attached to the wall and we have not had any more tipping issues."
8. An Outlet Cover That Automatically Shuts When A Power Cord Is Removed
Safety Baby Self-Closing Outlet Covers (3 Pack), $12, Amazon
Standard outlet covers that are plugged into active outlets are typically what parents use when they have crawling infants and running toddlers who are eager to explore every inch of the house. But savvy little ones may figure out how to pick these covers off — and that's why these self-closing outlet covers are becoming such a popular alternative. The second you unplug a power source, the outlet automatically shuts to prevent babies from putting their fingers in them. You can install them in seconds with a screwdriver, and they blend right in with the other outlets in your home.
9. These Clear Stove And Oven Knob Covers That Won't Interfere With Cooking
Safety 1st Clear View Stove Knob Covers (5 Count), $8, Amazon
When idle hands reach up to twist and turn the knobs on your stove and oven, you can protect your little explorer by securing these clear stove and knob covers that prevent them from turning on the heat. These covers come in a universal size that fits all knobs and their transparency and the hinged lid allow you to easily access your stove and oven and cook without hassle.
One mom said these covers offer a simple, effective precaution: "My husband found these to be easy to install (yes, you do have to pull the knob off to do it, but he did it in about 5 seconds... To date these are keeping my almost 2yr old out from the knobs."
10. A Device That Keeps Doors Locked And Prevents Children From Getting Their Fingers Pinched
Door Monkey Door Lock And Pinch Guard, $13, Amazon
Keep your baby or young child from accidentally closing a door on their fingers by installing this door lock and pinch guard, which can be mounted to most doors at any height in just seconds — without tools or hardware. These guards work with most door knob and lever handles and are easy to remove and are portable, which is great for visits with friends and family. Some parents also use this device to restrict their children from entering certain rooms that can pose a danger to them.
11. A Floating Fish Bath Temperature Monitor And Toy
MotherMed Baby Bath Thermometer And Floating Bath Toy, $14, Amazon
Never worry again about baby's bath temperature registering as too hot (and not finding out about it until your child lets you know, loudly). This baby bath temperature and floating bath toy is shaped like a green fish, measures water temperature every few seconds, and delivers the result on an LCD screen. If the little dot on top turns red, the water is too hot (blue means it's too cold and neutral means it's just right). You can make adjustments to the bath water when needed and the sweet toy will distract babies while you're trying to wash them.
12. A No-Touch Baby Breathing And Video Monitor That Has Been Tested In Hospitals
Cocoon Cam Baby Breathing Monitor With HD Video, $150, Amazon
One of the most common confessions among new parents is that they checked in on their newborns at least 30 times each night just to make sure they were still breathing. But as anyone who has ever put a baby down to sleep can tell you, taking a chance on waking them up is a risk usually not worth taking. If it will help you sleep better at night, this baby breathing monitor and video monitor is worth every penny.
This device has actually been tested in NICU's and connects to your smartphone or tablet to deliver hospital-level breathing monitoring and HD video quality picture and audio. It's one of the most advanced monitors you'll find and stands apart from other breathing monitors in that there's no wearable device that has to be attached to your baby.
13. A Mixing Pitcher That Yields Lump-Free Formula
Dr. Brown's Formula Mixing Pitcher, $15, Amazon
When my children were infants I remember staring in disbelief at bottles filled with clumps of formula after carefully following those preparation instructions down to a T. Where had I gone wrong? I'll never know because I simply bought this mixing pitcher and every single bottle prepared there after was the perfect blend of formula and water. This BPA-free mixer makes up to four bottles of formula at a time and is designed with a soft blade that magically cuts through powder formula perfectly. The best part for busy parents: pop it into the dishwasher when it needs to be cleaned and start over the next morning.
14. An Accurate Home Scale That Helps Track Your Babies Growth
Health o Meter Grow With Me 2-In-1 Baby To Toddler Scale, $39, Amazon
Waiting between pediatrician appointments to have your baby weighed can seem like a lifetime, especially if you are nursing and fear your little one isn't eating enough. This two-in-one baby and toddler scale lets you take more control of the situation by measuring the weight of your baby within 0.5 ounces on a tray that resembles the one at your doctor's office. It has a large LCD screen for easy readings and once baby outgrows the tray it converts to a toddler scale that can be used up to 60 pounds.
One mom says this scale is "perfect for a worried mom" and that she opted to use this when her baby wasn't growing enough. "The scale is super easy to use and super easy to clean," she writes. "You just wait for the zeroes, lay the child on the little top part and wait a few seconds. Of course, watch your baby at all times, in case she or he tries to roll or wiggle out."
15. A Non-Contact Forehead Thermometer That Won't Wake A Sleeping Baby
Preve Non Contact Infrared Medical Clinical Forehead Thermometer, $30, Amazon
Take your baby's temperature in seconds without even touching their skin with this three-in-one infrared forehead thermometer, which can be held close to your baby's forehead and delivers an accurate result in one second. A fever alarm will alert you if their temperature registers too high and color-coded screens make it easy to see their fever status (no fever, low-grade fever, or fever) even in the dark. This multitasking thermometer can even be used to measure the temperature of your baby's bottle or bath.
16. A Steam Sterilizer For Bottles That Works In Your Microwave
Philips Avent Microwave Steam Sterilizer, $18, Amazon
When only the cleanest baby bottles will do, go beyond soap and water and eliminate 99.9 percent of bacteria in two minutes using this microwave steam sterilizer. The concept couldn't be more simple: place your bottles and breast pump parts into the BPA-free plastic container. Using your microwave, heat up the container and, voila, squeaky clean bottles that stay sterile for up to 24 hours (with the lid closed) are yours. This device is compatible with all Avent bottles, but reviewers say it also accommodates Medela bottles.
One parent reports: "Excellent device, if you have a microwave this is what you need to sterilize your bottles... Easy to clean, and it does sterilizing task in just 4 minutes... I got an electric sterilizer too, and I really prefer the microwave one over the electric one..."
17. A Battery-Powered Baby Nail File So Quiet You Can Groom Nails While They Sleep
Little Martin's Drawer Baby Nail File, $30, Amazon
The stress of trimming nails can be eliminated by using this battery-powered baby nail file instead, which is so quiet you can use it while your baby sleeps. An LED front light lets you see what you're doing, no matter how dark the room, and the clippers come with three cushioned sandpapers for babies and children and three attachments for adults.
18. A Diaper Changing Pad That Offers Major Distractions To Keep Babies Safe
SnoofyBee Portable Clean Hands Changing Pad, $30, Amazon
If you don't have enough arms to diaper your baby, distract them, and keep them on top of a slippery changing pad, let this portable changing pad do some of the hard work for you. It's water-resistant with a 1/4-inch thick pad pillow and sides that fold up and loop to let you attach toys to them that will distract and entertain your baby. When you're finished using it as a changing pad, fold it up and it actually holds your diapers, wipes, and creams.
19. Noise Cancellation Ear Muffs That Work During Concerts & Firework Displays
Baby Bear Ear Muffs Noise Protection, $20, Amazon
Maybe you're considering going to a concert or on an airplane with your toddler — but any too-loud scenario is a good reason to rely on these noise cancellation earmuffs for babies and toddlers, which protect against hearing loss. These earmuffs have been proven to reduce noise exposure, making the environment up to six times quieter.
One parent tested these out in some super loud places and said: "I tested them in a drum concert and they worked great and my 6 month old, I guess they where comfortable because my 6 month old didn't even try to take them off. The main purpose of this item was to use them in the new years celebration and it worked great, my baby slept through the night and didn't even notice the fireworks and all the noise."
20. Bumper Guards For Sharp Furniture Edges
Edge And Corner Guard Set (8 Count), $19, Amazon
It's way too easy for babies and toddlers to hit their heads on furniture corners, but it can also be avoided by simply installing these extra-long high-density cushion covers. These BPA- and toxin-free edge and corner guards slide along glass tables, wall edges, bookcases, brick fireplaces, and other items with sharp corners. The brown color even fits right in with wood furniture.
One parent reviewer raved about these and said, "Our little one is about to start crawling so I wanted to be prepared. We lined all of the things he would be near and the foam is SUPER soft. I like to test stuff before our little dude gets ahold of it because I'm paranoid so I laid on the ground and dropped my head on the bottom of our bookshelf where I put these liners and it was surprisingly like falling on a really stiff pillow."
21. An Adjustable Cap That Prevents Shampoo From Getting Into Your Baby's Eyes
Susen Safe Shampoo Shower Bathing Cap, $2, Amazon
This baby shower bathing cap's design is so simple it's almost silly — but if the goal is to prevent water and shampoo from getting into your baby's eyes and mouth, this gets the job done. The cap can be adjusted to fit a baby or toddler's head and it comes in colors like blue, yellow, pink, and purple.
One reviewer says she loves this cap for the babies and toddlers in her family: "It is of a corrugated structure so the water runs right off. It has four adjustable snaps which makes fitting easy. Yes, it is made of a soft foam type material and I would treat the snapping and unsnapping with care, but I would not want a harder material on little heads. I love it and will be ordering to keep on hand for Baby gifts."
22. A Natural Cleaner To Disinfect Baby Toys And Pacifiers
There's no reason to fear chemicals and toxins found in so many cleaners when you use this all-purpose natural cleansing spray to disinfect everything from baby toys and pacifiers to cloth diapers. Using anion water and minerals, this spray has been proven to kill e.coli, salmonella, and vibrio and is so safe it can be placed in your mouth with no repercussions. Reviewers say they even use this cleanser to spray vegetables and fruits and that it contains no smell or residue.
23. An Infant Toothbrush With A Protective Guard To Prevent Choking
Green Sprouts Silicone Baby Toothbrush (2 Pack), $24, Amazon
You want to instill healthy dental hygiene habits in your infant and toddler, but you also want to be careful not to provide a toothbrush that can pose a choking hazard. This silicone coated baby toothbrush features a protective guard that prevents babies from inserting it too far into their mouths. It's free of nitrosamine, and one reviewer says it's perfect for her 6-month-old: "Given how interested he is and the emergence of his first tooth, we bought this brush and one other style of first toothbrush. This one wins. The pacifier style guard (so that baby doesn't choke) is perfect."
Romper may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from Romper's editorial and sales departments.
