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Adorable! Baby's very first tech companion!
Mui V. Chao/Getty ImagesThe right tech tools can simplify anyone's life, and even if you're still learning to sit up, there's bound to be a gadget or device that captures your interest (or cleans up after you).
While scientists haven't yet created a smartphone that babies crave beyond teething or an e-reader that transforms into a diaper station, numerous innovative gadgets cater to both parents and their little ones.
Check out our top picks, featuring a portable bottle warmer and a cuddly toy that ensures your baby sleeps soundly.
10: Mini Washing Machine
Even the most dedicated eco-warrior might opt for disposable diapers when faced with the idea of washing soiled ones. While most washing machines can handle baby waste (after a quick rinse), many parents prefer not to mix their laundry with their baby's dirty diapers.
Think small! Compact washing machines are available and ideal for small loads of diapers. Though not specifically designed for cloth diapers, these mini machines provide an eco-conscious option for hygiene-conscious parents. They’re portable, countertop-friendly, and perfect for travel, sparing you the awkwardness of washing baby’s dirty clothes at a public Laundromat.
Choosing cloth diapers can save you hundreds of dollars over a few years, but they require more time and effort. While they’ve become more convenient, they still can’t match the simplicity of disposable diapers.
9: Wipes Warmer
Cold wipes? Not for my little one!
William McKellar/Getty ImagesBabies cry during diaper changes for good reason. Aside from the discomfort of a soiled diaper, most wipes are cold. While chilly wipes aren’t harmful, they’re certainly uncomfortable, and the sudden sensation can jolt a sleepy baby wide awake.
Fortunately, wipes warmers let you clean your baby’s bottom with anti-microbial wipes that are gently warmed for comfort. Affordable and practical, these devices might seem like a luxury to some, but they’re a lifesaver during late-night diaper changes.
8: Movement Sensor
This gadget might not be adorable or entertaining, but it’s crucial. Movement sensors placed under the mattress detect even the slightest movements, including breathing, and will notify you if your baby stops moving entirely.
SIDS is a frightening condition, and a movement sensor can alert you instantly if something goes wrong, often long before you’d notice otherwise.
At the very least, this device will give you peace of mind and help you sleep better while your newborn is asleep.
SIDS is a devastating syndrome where infants aged one to 12 months pass away unexpectedly during sleep. To lower the risk, ensure your baby sleeps on their back, avoid overly soft bedding and pillows in the crib, and consider using a pacifier during sleep.
7: Collapsible Baby Bathtubs
Though tiny, babies come with a lot of gear. Once your little one arrives, spaces that were once yours are quickly filled with toys, playpens, and gadgets. Among the bulkiest items is the baby bathtub, an essential but space-hogging tool. For parents without multi-story homes, collapsible baby bathtubs are a game-changer.
Collapsible baby bathtubs are exactly as their name suggests: portable tubs that fold down for easy storage under the bed. Some models feature fold-out chairs that fit into sinks, while others are compact plastic or inflatable basins. All are crafted to ensure your baby’s comfort while maximizing space—something every parent needs more of.
Bathing a newborn can be daunting (and your baby might not enjoy it either). Fortunately, frequent baths aren’t necessary—three to four times a week is sufficient. Warm sponge baths are ideal while the umbilical cord stump is still attached. Skip the soap; newborns don’t get dirty enough to need it yet.
6: Car-ready Bottle and Baby Food Warmer
Taking a bottle on the go is no longer the hassle it once was.
Gary Houlder/Getty ImagesThis is a common issue for parents. You’re out with your baby, and when it’s feeding time, there’s no way to warm their food. Using a convenience store microwave for breast milk can feel awkward, making it tough to feed a temperature-sensitive baby away from home. A car-ready bottle and baby food warmer solves this problem effortlessly.
Car-ready bottle and baby food warmers are simple to operate—just plug them into the car’s auxiliary port, and you’re set. Most designs fit snugly into standard cup holders and can heat bottles and jars of various sizes efficiently. A built-in safety switch prevents overheating, so as long as you remember to bring the baby’s bottle, you’re all set.
5: Portable Video Monitors
For parents who want to keep a close watch on their sleeping baby, a portable video monitor is a must-have.
Unlike standard baby monitors, which usually rely on basic one-way audio to alert you when your baby cries, portable video monitors allow you to visually check on your little one from anywhere in the house. Many models feature screens with built-in speakers, ensuring you’ll know the moment your baby needs attention, even if you’re not looking directly at the screen. Some units even include dual cameras, perfect for monitoring multiples or getting an extra angle on your single bundle of joy.
Yes, you can now use military-grade technology to watch your baby sleep. While it might seem over the top or slightly odd, it’s incredibly useful for nighttime check-ins. Some cameras even come with infrared vision, though that might be taking things a step too far, in our opinion.
4: Baby Crying Analyzer
Why is she crying...again?
David Roth/Getty ImagesWhile a video monitor lets you see and hear your baby at all times, it won’t explain why they’re crying. That’s where a baby crying analyzer comes in. It might sound like a gadget for overly indulgent parents, but it’s surprisingly practical. After all, unless it’s a dirty diaper, the reason for their fussiness isn’t always obvious.
This device analyzes the pitch of your baby’s cries to identify whether they’re hungry, bored, stressed, tired, or irritated.
While most issues can be resolved with a bottle, a diaper change, or some cuddles, it’s still helpful to know exactly why your baby is upset.
3: Audio Pacifier
Did you know a stuffed animal could improve your baby’s sleep? We’re not talking about an ordinary plush toy. Audio pacifiers are the sound-based equivalent of the rubber nipples babies adore. These cuddly companions soothe your little one with womb-like sounds, offering newborns a sense of comfort and security. Many babies enjoy longer, more peaceful sleep with an audio pacifier, which is a win for parents too.
Babies start hearing in the womb around six months. By birth, most recognize their mother’s voice, and classical music, particularly Mozart, may aid in stimulating their developing brains.
2: Transforming Baby Strollers
As a stylish mom, you won’t let a bulky stroller hold you back.
Noel Hendrickson/Getty ImagesRunning errands with a baby can feel like a monumental task. Between strollers, car seats, bottle warmers, and everything else you need to fit into your car, even a quick trip to the mall can feel like preparing for a cross-country vacation. Thankfully, transforming strollers eliminate the need for excessive packing. These aren’t robots masquerading as baby gear—they’re strollers that convert into car seats, offering both space-saving convenience and practicality.
Options range from classic four-wheeled strollers to rugged, off-road trikes. Many transforming models include an extra seat for when your baby grows into a toddler, saving you hundreds of dollars in the long run.
1: Roller Buggy
If the idea of pushing a stroller for years fills you with dread, the Roller Buggy might be your solution. This innovative gadget combines a baby stroller with a scooter—yes, a scooter!—and resembles a skateboard with a handle.
The Roller Buggy lets urban parents who prefer rolling over walking zip past traditional stroller-pushing moms and dads. However, it’s not without controversy. Despite featuring brakes and a seatbelt, safety experts have raised concerns about the product. Many worry that speeding parents and babies could easily collide with pedestrians or, worse, vehicles. Still in the concept phase, the Roller Buggy hasn’t been approved for mass production. But if additional safety features are added, city sidewalks could soon be filled with speedy strollers before your baby learns to walk.
