15 Fun and Functional Gifts for Babies That Will Last

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Love Every

There are play mats and then there is the Lovevery Play Gym. This aesthetically pleasing mat is perfect from the newborn stage (hello, tummy time!) and beyond thanks to all of the accessories it comes with. There are high-contrast cards for the tiniest babies and sensory pieces (like crinkle material and Sound Squares) on each corner for enrichment as children grow and begin exploring colors and textures. Later, the play mat can be turned into a tent that’s perfect for playtime as your little one enjoys looking at books and sitting independently.

Kyte Baby

Sleep sacks have to be up there with the best baby inventions in recent history. They safely help regulate your little one’s temperature for sleep, provide comfort, are easy to use and can become an integral part of your baby’s sleep routine. I’ve tried many, many brands and the Kyte Baby sleep bags are hands-down the best. They’re super soft (rayon made from bamboo), have two-way zippers to make diaper changes quick and, most importantly, they last forever. I used the same sleep bags for two children and they held up very well through countless blowouts and laundry cycles.

Sophie la Girafe

If you’ve never heard of Sophie la Girafe, let me introduce you to this adorable and very essential baby teether. It’s been around for over 60 years for good reason — it’s amazing for soothing baby’s sore gums and can keep your little one entertained even when they’re not teething thanks to its soft material and easy-to-grip legs and neck. I couldn’t leave home without our Sophie when the kids were babies! This toy was so popular with my mom friends too that I was given three of them at my baby shower.

Little Sleepies

Here’s something they don’t tell you in the parenting books: Jammies with zippers are a must. Who wants to deal with snaps and buttons, especially in the middle of the night during the newborn phase? One of the awesome things about Little Sleepies pajamas is they have double zippers, meaning they can zip from the top and the bottom. This makes diaper changes a breeze because you don’t have to fully undress your baby.

Another perk? Little Sleepies are made out of the softest, stretchiest Lunaluxe viscose from bamboo so they will fit your child for quite a long time compared to other brands. My daughter fit in her 0 – 3 size for over 6 months, which is quite a feat when it comes to baby clothes.

Melissa & Doug

When it comes to baby toys, this bright Melissa & Doug fish is the gold standard. It’s big enough that it won’t get shoved in a bin and forgotten about, but not so big that you can’t throw it in your diaper bag for outings. And it makes some crinkling and squeaking noises, but it doesn’t light up or require batteries. Plus, it’s a great toy for tummy time and will help your baby practice their fine motor skills as they grow older and can press the squeaker tail and manipulate the fish’s colorful “scales.” My children loved this toy from infancy into toddlerhood, which is really saying something.

Lalabu

Baby cuddles are the best and they’re even better when you can soak up the snuggles and have your hands free. That’s where this Lalabu Simple Wrap comes in (for babies over 3 months). It’s amazing for wearing around the house when you want to carry your baby and also get something else done. Plus, it’s light and compact enough to throw in your diaper bag for outings, which is key if you don’t want to lug around a big stroller. I’ve tried most every style of wrap out there and the Lalabu has the best combination of being soft and cozy while also offering structured support.