Parents' Best Baby Gear 2018

A vent down the middle of each Dr. Brown’s Options bottle helps prevent your baby from swallowing air. That means less burping, spit-up, and gas. Parents give it a thumbs-up for quelling postfeeding fuss. 

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Using a Boppy as support helps many moms reach their #breastfeedinggoals. This is the original nursing pillow, helping you cradle your baby close so that a good latch doesn’t require awkward lifting. It’s also a back saver if you lay your baby on it for bottle feeding. Later, it’s a cute support for a newly sitting kid.

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Set up the Table2Table 7-in-1 Convertible High Chair this traditional way, or take off the legs and secure the seat to a kitchen chair, saving space. Down the road, it’s a big-kid perch that you pull up to the table—five heights help you adjust it just right. 

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Each Medela double-electric model has a reliably strong motor for efficient pumping. This Sonata Smart Breast Pump has the additional benefit of connecting to the MyMedela app, where you can track pumping sessions, log your baby’s growth, look up FAQs, and more.

Bonus feature: The quiet, powerful motor is key!

This popular brand’s diaper backpacks are all the rage because they’re thoughtfully designed for baby care and they keep your hands free. The lightweight Suite comes with an insulated container perfect for bottles and a mesh container that can keep all your diapering supplies together.

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We tabulated these categories separately, but Graco won both. Conveniently, they’re sold together! A Modes Travel System combines a sturdy stroller with the popular SnugRide SnugLock 35. The stroller works parent- or forward-facing, and the car seat attaches to it for smooth transitions from the car.

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Voters say they use Graco’s 4Ever All-in-1 Convertible Car Seat as their “one and only” or graduate their baby to it once he outgrows an easy-to-carry infant seat. It works all the way from 4 to 120 pounds, facing forward or rear, so you’re set until your baby is a big kid.

RELATED: Parents' Best Baby Carriers 2018

Wearing your baby is the easy way to keep her close. Ergobaby Omni 360 works on your front, hip, or back up to 45 pounds. A supportive belt and thick shoulder straps protect your spine. It’s also got a little sun shield for your kiddo and a detachable storage pouch. 

Bonus feature: Holds a newborn as small as 7 pounds.

The heritage brand reformulated its entire line this year to use fewer ingredients, no dyes, and no sulfates. Johnson’s Baby Shampoo was already our readers’ favorite; now it’s even gentler, and we’re happy to report that it retains its nostalgic signature scent!

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Hush, little baby! Parents like the six-speed Sweet Snugapuppy Dreams Cradle ’n Swing because it can rock front to back or side to side to lull their fussy infant. The swaying combines with optional songs and nature sounds for real baby bliss.

Bonus feature: Rest your baby on a plush seat pad to gaze up at a mirror and toys.

Bundling your infant shouldn’t be an origami project. A SwaddleMe Original Swaddle has a pocket for your baby’s legs and self-stick tabs to secure the wrap around her torso, so you can swaddle even in the dark.

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This medical-grade silicone pacifier is handed out in many hospitals. Babies also come to love the Soothie when it’s sold attached to a WubbaNub stuffed animal.

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A Jumperoo is pretty much a playground. The seat spins and also moves up and down as your baby bounces, so it’s not just an entertaining toyland but also an infant gym. You won’t be able to resist taking a picture of your baby having a blast in one!

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Keeping your infant safely at your bedside has huge appeal; feedings are easier, so more sleep is possible. It’s easy to swivel the Bassinest Premiere toward you, let down the side wall, and lift your baby out without having to leave bed yourself. (Key if you’ve had a C-section.) It’s approved for babies up to 20 pounds.

Bonus feature: Sits high, keeping your baby at your level

The Diaper Genie Complete opens with a foot pedal; an “odor lock” prevents smells from escaping even when the lid is up. A carbon filter keeps things fresh, and seven-layer bags wrap those scary diapers so you won’t even know they’re there.

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Our respondents favor the Auto Rock ’n Play Sleeper for sitting your baby safely in sight so you can do chores like cook, clean, and answer email. The reclined seat keeps an infant comfy (and, incidentally, helps some babies with reflux), and it’s light enough to move from room to room.

Bonus feature: Crazy, but the whole thing folds flat for storage!