7 Stylish & Safe Baby Products That Are Popular For A Reason

When I was building my baby registry before my daughter was born, I felt a little guilty for wanting things that I found beautiful and useful. (Where that preemptive mom guilt came from, I’m not sure.) Now that my daughter is nearly two, I’m so glad I followed my instinct — and the recommendations of friends with awesome motherhood style — and chose items that combine style and function. After all, most of these products are ones that I’m using every day, so it helps that I discovered brands that have spent years perfecting the art of crafting well-designed baby essentials.

Now that I’ve been through the whole registering-for-products-I’ve-never-used-before thing, my top advice to my newly pregnant friends is to first find the safest option available, then opt for your favorite color, pattern, or design. Yes, it’s that easy, and to help point you in the direction of a few of the picks I recommend over and over again, keep scrolling for a bunch of products that blend function, form, and safety.

This ergonomic, four-way carrier has always been the gold standard for safety, but the fun leopard print takes this classic to the next level. You can use this carrier from the newborn stage to three years old, and it’s made with soft and washable Oeko-Tex certified cotton fabric. Plus, as they get heavier, you’ll be thankful for the padded shoulder straps and sturdy waist belt that keep you and your baby comfortable.

When your baby isn’t snuggled up next to you, it’s nice (and very necessary) to find products that give you peace of mind. This high-tech monitor offers a state-of-the-art video that’s accessible from your phone, and a Smart Sock that measures heart rate, oxygen levels, and sleep trends.

If you’re looking for a carrier with a smaller footprint, this one might be your perfect match. It’s easy to use and comfortable for both you and baby, and you can use this leopard-print beauty until your little one’s first birthday to soak up all the closeness and cuddles that you crave.

A choice of three soft fabrics provide gentle support that’s customizable as your baby grows. Machine-washable material is soft against skin, and of course — safe for little mouths to explore.

This minimalist, easy-to-store design kept me from crying the first time I gave my baby a bath. It fits into most sinks and is made of a cushy foam (free of BPA and PVC!), plus it offers a collapsable design for space-saving storage, and the mold and mildew resistant material can simply be hung to dry when you’re done.

There was no question that this marble-patterned ‘docking station for babies’ would fit my home’s modern aesthetic, but I was equally thrilled to discover that the product is rigorously tested for everything from harmful substances to toxins in packaging to flammability safety, so I could breathe easier knowing it wouldn’t put my baby at risk. It’s made for playing, cuddling, diaper changes, and tummy time, making it the perfect solution for so many different situations throughout that first year.

This bouncer is one of those products that came up over and over again when I was looking to other moms for recommendations. I fell in love with the sleek design, the way it bounces with the baby’s own power (rather than with a plug or batteries), and the fact that it grows with her. Though I love my black version deeply, I would be tempted to get both leopard print styles — one for upstairs and one for downstairs — if they were available back when I was shopping for babies.

This play gym is a big win when it comes to safety: The cotton and silicone are organic, the wood is sustainable, and everything is baby-safe and non-toxic, which is key since literally every part of it has been in my daughter’s mouth at some point or another. This mat is full of developmentally appropriate activities, and it fits perfectly in every room of my house.