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As a new parent, you probably don’t have time (or energy) to research thousands of baby things to figure out what works best for you and your baby. Want the real hot takes? One of your best resources as a new parent is other parents who are just one or two steps ahead of you in the baby stage, and who have already tested all the baby stuff out there so you don’t have to.
That’s why we created Babylist’s annual Best Baby Products survey. It’s our chance to dive in deep with parents and get their opinions on which baby gear is worth it—and what isn’t. This year’s survey just wrapped up in August, and the results are in: after over 2,000 responses, we’ve tallied up the best baby products under $50 according to the real experts: Babylist parents.
Why the best products under $50? First, it’s a great price point for your friends and family who want to get you something from your registry but who also want to stay within a budget. And second, even though there are some pretty expensive baby things (like carriers, play gyms and sound machines), you can still get really good quality versions for just $50.
Here are the under-$50 baby products that real parents said were their favorites:
Diapering & Toiletries
Babylist
One survey respondent said “All I hear from new parents is how they bought a whole set of something and it didn’t work for their child.” So instead of committing to jumbo diaper boxes, parents love the chance to sample different diaper brands first.
Tubby Todd
All Over Ointment
Whether your baby has eczema or just needs a little extra moisture during the winter months, parents love Tubby Todd’s All Over Ointment for its scent-free, ultra-soothing formula that rubs in easily and doesn’t feel greasy.
FridaBaby
NoseFrida SnotSucker Saline Kit
“The Frida Baby Snot Sucker is both disgusting and the best invention ever”—yes, one parent actually said that in our survey. Possibly the most infamous baby product of all time, this thing really will clear out your baby’s nose (despite the ick factor).
Aquaphor
Baby Diaper Rash Paste
Diaper rash is extremely common in babies, and out of all the rash creams out there, Aquaphor is the brand Babylist parents recommend the most. It’s thick, creamy, non-greasy and, most importantly, kicks diaper rash’s butt fast.
Baby Bum Brush
Bumco + Mini Diaper Cream Spatula with Case
Speaking of diaper cream, you can apply it with your fingers, a Q-tip, a wet wipe—or one of these handy, easy-to-clean spatulas! Parents love that they apply diaper cream evenly, and the suction cup bottom means they stay in place when you’re done.
Pampers
Pampers Swaddlers Size 1
Pampers is the most recommended diaper brand by Babylist parents, with several of our survey write-in comments saying these diapers don’t leak, sag or create diaper rash as much as other similarly-priced brands.
Munchkin
Touch Free Baby Wipe Warmer with Nightlight
This might be the most controversial product on this list (with some parents saying they didn’t see a use for it), but more parents recommended this wipe warmer than didn’t.
FridaBaby
Electric Nail Buffer
Clipping your baby’s tiny, sharp nails can be nerve-wracking, but survey responses said this electric trimmer is easy to use and doesn’t risk cutting your baby’s skin, taking (most of) the anxiety out of the process.
Oogiebear
Baby Booger Picker - Single
It’s interesting (and maybe a little weird) how excited parents got about this booger picker in our survey responses, describing it as “easy,” “efficient” and “a game changer”—who knew picking your baby’s nose would be so satisfying?
Feeding
Boppy
Boppy x Babylist Nursing Pillow Original Support
As one Babylist parent said: “I don’t know how moms breastfeed without one!” But whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle feeding, the Boppy is an all-time favorite for keeping your baby (and your arms) supported, especially during those early months.
My Brest Friend
Deluxe Nursing Pillow
Similar to the Boppy, parents love My Brest Friend for its supportive structure. Some parents said they prefer it over the Boppy because it includes a handy storage pouch and has a firmer cushion.
Haakaa
In survey responses, a lot of breastfeeding parents said they swear by both the Haakaa pump and the milk collector to save every ounce of breast milk possible and build up their milk stash.
Babylist
Bottle Box (5 Bottles)
Instead of buying just one or two bottle brands in bulk, lots of parents raved about the convenience of the Bottle Box sample kit. This way, your baby can test out five different bottles before committing to a full set of just one brand.
Babynetic
Blueberry Burst Silicone Bib
New to the feeding scene, Babynetic bibs made a BIG impact on Babylist parents this year thanks to their innovative magnetic closure, convenient catch-all shape and high-quality material.
Boon
TROVE Silicone Breast Milk Collector
Just like the Haakaa milk collector, parents love the Boon Trove for catching let down while nursing on the opposite side so they can build up their supply of breast milk in the freezer. Not a drop wasted!
Philips Avent
Fast Baby Bottle Warmer
Another controversial product (that some parents in our survey said they bought and never used), but plenty of Babylist parents said they did NOT regret registering for a bottle warmer, and overwhelmingly recommended this one by Philips Avent.
Playtime
Fisher-Price Baby
Playmat Glow and Grow Kick & Play Piano Gym
Play gyms usually cost closer to $75–100 or more, so to see one under $50 be recommended so enthusiastically by so many parents is great news for those on a budget. Parents love the catchy (not annoying) songs, and babies love, well, everything about it!
Baby Einstein
Music and Language Play Gym and Piano Tummy Time Activity...
A similar favorite among Babylist parents, the Baby Einstein Kickin Tunes play gym grows with your little one all the way through preschool! Parents love that feature, and that there are “so many ways to play with all of the pieces.”
Sassy
Baby's Best Toys Gift Set
Survey responses called out several of the toys in this gift set for their developmental support and ability to keep babies engaged. Particular favorites among parents (and babies) are the Sensory Activity Panels and Developmental Bumpy Ball.
Sleep
Hatch
Rest Go
The Hatch Rest sound machine ($60+) is a consistent favorite for Babylist parents, and this portable version is also loved as a budget- and travel-friendly option. One parent said it’s “awesome for travel and car rides, or contact naps while babywearing.”
Yogasleep
Hushh 2 Travel Sound Machine and Night Light
Another wildly popular portable sound machine is the Yogasleep Hushh—it even clips right to your stroller to keep baby calm during walks.
Halo
SleepSack Swaddle Cotton
Babies love a secure swaddle, and parents love the Halo SleepSack especially for its convenient zipper and Velcro closures—way easier than a traditional swaddle!
Kyte Baby
Printed 1.0 TOG Sleep Bag
Parents also raved about the infant sleep bags from Kyte, with some parents saying “it was the only swaddle [baby] didn’t escape from,” and they loved the soft, temperature-regulating fabric.
Love to Dream
Swaddle Up Original 1.0 TOG
If your baby keeps breaking free from their swaddle or prefers to sleep with their arms up, then Babylist parents recommend this specially designed swaddle that keeps baby’s arms up and features a double zipper (convenient for late-night diaper changes).
Aden + Anais
Essentials Cotton Muslin Swaddles (4 Pack)
Parents love these swaddles for much more than just swaddling—in fact, most survey responses recommended these as burp cloths, sun shades and nursing covers, too! Their soft, breathable fabric makes them great for just about anything.
Clothes
Posh Peanut
Convertible One Piece
Babylist parents called out only a few specific brands as their favorites, including Posh Peanut. Parents say they love Posh Peanut for its buttery soft material and adorable designs.
Little Sleepies
Woodland Friends Zippy
Another favorite clothing brand among Babylist parents is Little Sleepies, thanks to its soft material that lasts through multiple sizes and stages and stays comfortable in every season.
Magnetic Me
Modal Magnetic Footie
Snaps? Buttons? Not here! Parents love these magnetic-closure baby clothes for their simplicity and convenience—changing even the wiggliest baby is super quick and easy. One Babylist parent said “They’re so well made and convenient and pretty.”
Baby Carriers
Infantino
Flip 4-In-1 Convertible Carrier
There aren’t many high-quality baby carriers in the under-$50 price range, but this one ticks nearly every box. With four ways to carry and lasting from the newborn days up to 32 pounds, Babylist parents love that it’s comfortable and easy to adjust.
Amylia Ryan
Associate Editor
Amylia Ryan is the Associate Editor at Babylist, specializing in the topics of health, wellness and lifestyle products. Combining a decade of experience in writing and editing with a deep passion for helping people, her number one goal in her work is to ensure new parents feel supported and understood. She herself is a parent to two young children, who are more than willing to help product test endless toys, books, clothes, toiletries and more.
This information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. We do not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. Babylist may earn compensation from affiliate links in this content. Learn more about how we write Babylist content and review products, as well as the Babylist Health Advisory Board.
