9 of the Most Underrated Baby Products, According to Babylist Parents
Quietly underrated, endlessly useful—these baby products are a lifesaver, according to the parents who use them.
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When you’re building your registry, the big-ticket registry mainstays like an infant car seat or stroller usually steal the spotlight. But there are a ton of unassuming, underrated baby products that’ll quietly save the day when you’re navigating the early newborn days and beyond. As a mom of two and a commerce editor with years of experience researching baby products, I can attest that some of the most useful items that I use regularly are not the things everyone tells you to buy first, but the under-the-radar helpers that truly earn MVP status in my home.
In this year's Most Loved Baby Products annual survey, Babylist parents raved about their favorite baby items, particularly the products they described specifically as being "underrated." Here are those products, and why they ended up being surprisingly useful during the first year of parenthood—in their own words.
A Stroller That Makes Life Smoother
Nuna is a beloved brand with a loyal following among Babylist parents, and in this year’s survey, one Babylist parent called out the Nuna TRIV stroller as a “very underrated product” in particular. They love that it’s “super compact, lightweight, and breaks down so easily.” Plus, the “stylish with premium materials” like the leatherette accents and magnetic clasps are an added bonus. The all-wheel suspension, larger back wheels and one-touch brake make for a smoother ride and easy maneuverability.
An Easy to Use Car Seat Adapter
You already know what a travel system is, but did you know that even if your infant car seat and stroller are from different brands, they can still connect in the same way? That’s where the car seat adapter comes in. The metal frame attaches to the stroller and allows you to click on your car seat—a “very underrated” piece of baby gear, according to a Babylist parent in our survey. They’re typically inexpensive and can give you the option to create a travel system that you really love since you can choose the car seat and stroller independently (vs. a packaged travel system). One thing to keep in mind—make sure you read the adapter description to make sure it’s compatible with your stroller and car seat.
A Portable Cooler for Breast Milk
When we surveyed Babylist parents, the Ceres Chill Breastmilk Chiller product came up dozens of times as a must-have for parents who go into the office or pump. It preserves your milk for up to 20 hours, keeping it at the right temperature until you can get to a fridge or freezer. One parent who was returning to work post-baby said it’s “totally underrated” and they “used it to store letdown collected overnight without having to go downstairs to the kitchen [and] used it to bring milk along for a bottle while driving long distances.” The Ceres is also compatible with most pump flanges, allowing you to pump directly into the double-walled, stainless steel container, so you don’t have to worry about accidental spills.
A Stylish, Yet Functional High Chair
The Mockingbird High Chair is “hands down the best chair and so underrated,” according to one Babylist parent. “It is compact, looks beautiful, yet functions so well. It is so easy to clean and grows with baby” they added. Babylist parents love this high chair because of its effortless functionality, and the fact that it’s pretty enough to leave out as a piece of furniture (versus baby gear at your dining room table). Another parent we surveyed said, “The footprint isn't as large as some others, but it's still sturdy. The straps are easy to get on and off, and there's a built-in catch on the back if you want them out of the way. I could go on! It checks all the boxes and more, and imo there's not another high chair that comes close.”
And a High Chair That Folds Flat
Maxi-Cosi Minla 6-in-1 Adjustable High Chair - Classic Oat
From $109.99Another high chair that landed on the “underrated” radar is the Maxi Cosi Minla. A parent in our survey said, “The Maxi Cosi Minla 6-in-1 high chair is seriously underrated. We're on baby #2 and still using it.” They called out that it's “slim when you fold it up, it's fairly easy to wipe clean, it has three different heights, and is just easy to use,” which is important when you’re navigating mealtime through baby and toddlerhood. And when things get messy, you can remove the fabric cover and toss it in the wash for even quicker cleanup.
An Instant Bottle Maker
Baby Brezza Formula Pro Advanced WiFi Baby Formula Dispenser - Black
From $315.00Whether you’re using formula to feed your baby or to supplement between nursing, the Baby Brezza Formula Pro is “an underrated product.” Highlighted by dozens of Babylist parents in our annual survey, one parent said “This is like a Nespresso machine for formula. So good and a lifesaver, especially in those situations where baby is screaming and wants to eat.” To make a bottle, fill up the tank with water, add in your preferred formula, and that’s it—you’ve got a warm bottle ready to use.
A Travel-Friendly Sound Machine
Babies love the soothing swooshing sounds of white noise because it reminds them of being cuddled up in the womb. A Babylist parent said she “wouldn't have another baby without a noise machine,” calling it “super underrated.” The Sprucely sound machine has 21 different sounds to choose from, you can change the volume levels and it’ll automatically shut off by the time your baby is lulled to sleep. The battery-operated machine is portable and can last for up to 16 hours (which translates to multiple days of use before needing to charge it).
A Warm Wipe Dispenser
Being able to pull a warm wipe out to clean your baby during a diaper change is a game-changer. “People underrated it, [but] we love it,” one Babylist parent said. This wipe warmer by hiccapop heats the wipes from the top, and the built-in nightlight comes in handy when you’re changing diapers in the dark. The automatic shut-off feature will give you peace of mind and the silicone seal keeps air from sneaking in and drying out the wipes. One Babylist parent described it as “reliable, safe, keeps wipes moist and perfect temp, makes cleaning a newborn and nighttime changes less painful.”
A Pack of Disposable Diaper Changing Pads
From babyhood to the last day of wearing a diaper, you’ll find yourself changing your child’s diaper just about everywhere, and puppy pads can give you a clean spot to do it. “These things have saved me from getting my changing pad dirty. You can take them to a restaurant or on airplanes and just dispose of them.” Typically cheaper than disposable changing pad liners, these super absorbent pads can be used just about anywhere and then tossed when you’re done.
