We Tested Over 200 Baby Products. These Are The Under-$75 Essentials Your New Mom Friend Needs.

Finding the right baby bottle for your little one is subjective since every baby has different preferences, but this bottle from Philips is a great place to start. It's one of the few bottles my bottle-refusing daughter actually learned to like. I love that it's available in 4-ounce and 8-ounce sizes so you can increase the bottle size as they consume more milk.

What I like even more is that these are made from a durable glass that, according to the brand, is heat and thermal-shock-resistant. I found the Philips bottles easy enough to clean, thanks to their wide opening, and they're still in great condition even after months of use.

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Rated 0+ months, this was one of the first toys I ever introduced to my newborn, and we still use it. Part activity gym, part piano, little ones will have a blast kicking at the five light-up keys and getting their legs moving to the beat of catchy songs and sounds. As they get older, they can practice tummy time and play with 10 linkable toys, including a mirror, teether, crinkle toy, and more. Eventually, they can use the portable piano on its own to play music. (Warning: The songs will get stuck in your head!).

On top of being reasonably priced, I really appreciate that this playmat is machine-washable so you can easily clean up any messes.

You don't need a Snoo smart bassinet to use these swaddles from Happiest Baby, i.e., the company that created the Snoo. Compatible with any bassinet, this cute swaddle makes it as easy as possible for parents to tuck their newborns' arms in, thanks to Velcro inner flaps. Plus, it's available in a variety of cute patterns and prints.

Having used this swaddle myself, I can confirm that it makes middle-of-the-night diaper changes just a little bit less painful. I love that it's made from 100% organic cotton that feels super soft against delicate newborn skin, and that there's an arms-out option for when your little one is ready to transition out of the swaddle. I can also recommend the warmer 2.0 TOG Comforter swaddle, which I used during colder winter months.

Just note that while it's machine washable, it's best to air dry, so I'd recommend purchasing a few in case of accidents.

This is one of the first items we bought before my daughter was born, and it's been a lifesaver. While the Diaper Genie does a great job at containing the odor of smelly diapers, what I love most about it is how easy it is to use. To open up the lid, you just use the foot pedal and toss the diaper inside. This makes life so much easier when your hands are full with a wriggling infant.

I also like that the Diaper Genie, especially the Platinum Pail model that's made of stainless steel, has a sleek design that blends in nicely into my daughter's nursery. (You can choose from four soft shades.) It operates quietly, and changing the bags inside is quick and easy due to the tear-off system. Just note that the price of the refills can add up slowly over time, though each bag does contain a sizable amount of diapers.

I love a baby product that I don't need to get rid of after six months, and this four-in-one bathtub is one of them. I've been able to use it since my daughter was born up until today, thanks to the adjustable recline position that you can change as your baby grows. While the recline can be a bit flimsy if not secured properly, I do like that it's extremely easy to adjust. I also found draining the tub seamless, as well as convenient to wipe clean and store when not in use.

Available in six animal styles, from the most adorable flamingo to the cheekiest gator, this PB towel is worth every penny. It's more expensive than other towels I own, but the quality is incomparable. The towel is extremely soft and the thicker material feels like it will last well into toddlerhood. It also keeps my daughter warmer and more comfortable than a flimsy, thin towel would.

The towel is on the larger size so your newborn may initially be swimming in it, but I like that the extra material gives room to grow. Also, it comes with a matching washcloth. If you plan on gifting it, you can even personalize it with a name or initials.

If there's anything that I've learned since becoming a mom, it's that having a kid is messy. Whether your little one is starting solids or having regular blowouts, clothing will inevitably get dirty. To help salvage some of my favorite outfits, I've been using this spray for the past year. It's helped me remove everything from red strawberry stains on white T-shirts to poop, although it's less effective with certain kid-stains, like grease or blood. I love that it comes in a little spray bottle that's easy to use, and that the scent isn't overpowering. Plus, it works quickly, which is always a bonus as a busy mom.

I just love that this digital thermometer can be used by the whole family, including everyone from a newborn to an adult. It comes with several probe covers that you can quickly replace each time you need to check for a fever. (Additional probe covers sold separately.)

In my experience using it, I found it super simple to use the age smart button to identify the desired age range (0 to 3 months, 3 to 36 or 36+). The temperature showed up within seconds, and the light indicator immediately helped me understand whether the temperature was within a normal range. It even connects to the Braun Family Care App on your phone should you want to track temperatures over time or check out available resources within the app.

To help my daughter fall asleep, I use the super cute SNOObie sound machine every evening as part of her bedtime routine. Not only do I love its nursery-friendly design, but I also appreciate that it's portable and doesn't have to be plugged into an outlet to work (you do, however, have to occasionally charge it on the included stand).

The SNOObie features eight shades you can adjust with the slider as well as various brightness levels. It offers 14 different lullabies, sounds, and white noise options. I wish it came with my favorite Dohm white noise sound, but I have another white noise machine for that. What I love most about it is its intuitive design, which includes a tap-light button for middle-of-the-night diaper changes and two cute knobs for adjusting volume and changing tracks.

Whether you need a comfortable bra during pregnancy or one that you can use for nursing (or both!), this one from Momcozy is my favorite. I wore it religiously toward the end of my pregnancy and continue to use it regularly.

When nursing, I found the straps extremely easy to unhook so you can quickly feed your baby. I also like how it's supportive without feeling restrictive (there are no wires!), and the material is super soft against my skin, as well as my daughter's. Just note that the material is not the most breathable, especially in warmer months.

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I tried all types of diapers when my daughter was born, but the ones I keep coming back to and continue to use are these Pampers. I like how soft they feel as well as how much protection they offer; they're not too thick, not too thin. According to GH Textiles Lab experts, they're our best pick for sensitive skin since they feature a liner enriched with shea butter, although they received average scores in blind softness comparison test. They also aced absorbency tests in the Lab, soaking up liquid effectively. Plus, I like that there's no added fragrance.

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