2010 American Baby Bests: 20 New-Mom Must-Haves

BEST BOTTLE: Dr. Brown's

"It reduces gas," says Kathryn Dimovski of Iselin, New Jersey, echoing fans of the double-chamber sipper that fights colic. "I can tell it works differently because my baby doesn't collapse the nipple while drinking." ($6/bottle; Babies "R" Us)

What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!

BEST HIGH CHAIR: Fisher-Price Space Saver

It looks like a booster seat, but parents say this works well with babies just starting solids. "It straps to any chair, reclines, and is super- comfy," says Kindra Crandell of Yucaipa, California. "I love that my kids can sit close to the table with me, and it doesn't take up extra room." ($55; fisher-price.com)

What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!

BEST BREAST PUMP: Medela

All the Medela pumps won votes, but the extra-efficient Pump in Style reigns supreme. "This is by far the best investment you can make as a nursing mom," says Luminita Clark, of Raleigh, North Carolina. ($280-$330; Babies "R" Us)

What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!

BEST NIPPLE CREAM: Lansinoh

Nursing leaves many first-timers sore, but readers say Lansinoh's cream dabbed on after feedings helps. "I swear by it," says Emilie Miller, of Delmar, New York. "It healed battle wounds from the early weeks of breastfeeding. It's also good to use before a shower to keep soap off of sensitive nipples." ($10; Target)

What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!

BEST GAS REMEDY: Mylicon

Parents use these drops along with exercises, such as bicycling baby's legs. "When you call the doctor and say, 'My daughter is crying, and her tummy is hard,' he says, 'Give her Mylicon' and it does the trick," says Jessica Kirkham, of Frisco, Texas. (about $13; drugstores)

What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!

BEST PACIFIER: MAM

Pacifiers aren't just for, well, pacifying; studies show that babies who use one in the crib have a reduced risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). "MAMs are smaller than other brands," says Candice Rich, of Cincinnati, Ohio. Perfect for infants! ($6/two; drugstores)

What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!

BEST CAR SEAT: Graco SnugRide

The new SnugRide 35 holds a baby up to 35 pounds and 32 inches tall, so parents can use it rear-facing well past the first birthday. "It's easy to take in and out of the car and it's lightweight," says Rachael Clayton, of Moscow, Idaho. ($150; Babies "R" Us)

What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!

BEST HUMIDIFIER: Vicks

The American Academy of Pediatrics prescribes a cool-mist humidifier to relieve congestion in babies too young for cough medicine. "We run the Vicks so our kids can rest and get healthy," says Bridget Pelosi of Chatham, New Jersey. This new Starry Night version makes the nursery ceiling twinkle, too. ($55; Kmart)

What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!

BEST TEETHING REMEDY: Hyland's Teething Tablets

Many moms try several solutions before hitting on these tiny, all-natural tablets. "They dissolve under my baby's tongue and immediately relieve pain," says Nicole Rohlfing of Pottstown, Pennsylvania. (about $7; drugstores)

What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!

BEST DIAPER PAIL: Playtex Diaper Genie II

Some parents initially raise their eyebrows at spending money on something that essentially stores poop, but the Genie proves its usefulness as the diapers get more...serious. "I've never been more thankful for it than I am now that my baby has started solids," says Megan Puente of Lubbock, Texas. ($25; Wal-Mart)

What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!

BEST BATH PRODUCTS: Johnson's

Votes came in for many Johnson's products. But the favorites? Head to Toe Baby Wash (a soap and shampoo in one) and Bedtime Bath, which parents say puts babies in the mood for sleep. "Using the lavender-scented Bedtime line relaxes my son and helps him wind down," says Maribel Reyes, of Chula Vista, California. ($4-$8; johnsonsbaby.com)

What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!

BEST DIAPER-RASH CREAM: Desitin

Whether it's the creamy variety (main ingredient: zinc oxide) or the clear variety (main ingredient: white petrolatum), parents spread this on baby's bottom to act as a barrier between his skin and the diaper, preventing rashes. "It goes on easy and doesn't rub off," says Amy Hendricks, of Kalamazoo, Michigan. "We don't leave home without it." ($4-$8; diapers.com)

What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!

BEST LAUNDRY DETERGENT: Dreft

This tried-and-true detergent gives infant clothes the signature baby smell that makes new parents giddy. Jamie Godeaux of Benton, Arkansas, says, "It's a wonderful baby-powder fragrance! And it's so gentle." (about $10; dreft.com)

What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!

BEST DVDS: Baby Einstein

Moms pop in these DVDs when it's time to cook or do wash. "Maddie cracks up at Neighborhood Animals," says Ashley Herrmann of Glen Gardner, New Jersey. "Apparently, flying ducks are hilarious." ($16 each; babyeinstein.com)

What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!

BEST STROLLER: Graco

The Alano Flip It, like other Graco strollers, is sold with a car seat as part of a travel system (savings!). "It's light yet makes sharp turns," says Nancy Cavanaugh, of Oviedo, Florida. ($200; gracobaby.com)

What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!

BEST SEAT: Bumbo

This perch lets infants as young as 4 months sit without toppling. "We take it everywhere!" says Tiffany Dawn Newton of Huntsville, Alabama. ($43; Babies "R" Us)

What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!

BEST BABY CARRIER: Moby Wrap

This lets you wear your baby in many different ways. "It keeps my son so close that I can feel him breathing," says Connie Barrion of Seattle, Washington. "He calms right down." ($40; mobywrap.com)

What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!

BEST ACTIVITY CENTER: Baby Einstein Around the World Discovery Center

The toys on this seat keep baby busy. "Our daughter loves it more than anything else," says Courtney Peppers of Alpharetta, Georgia. ($80; babyeinstein.com)

What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!

BEST SWING: Fisher-Price Cradle Swing

For a case of the crankies, nothing beats it. "I don't want to spend a day without this swing," says Dilshad Samnani, of Dublin, Ohio. "And it can run on an adaptor -- no need for batteries!" ($120-$160; fisher-price.com)

Copyright ? 2010 Meredith Corporation.

What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!