All the Baby Necessities This Editor Can't Live Without

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Most baby gear is an eyesore. It's covered in garish prints and cartoonish graphics that only a five-year-old could love. Think primary-colored anime creatures dancing across a bouncer, or clunky UFO-shaped baby rockers bedecked in cheap, plastic characters. On the flip side, the internet's obsession with the so-called 'sad beige nursery'—a sea of eggshells, oat milks, and taupes—feels underwhelmingly drab and has sparked fears we're raising kids who won't know red from green. It's 2025. We can do better than frog-themed diaper bags.
But here's the good news for design-conscious parents-to-be: A wave of brands is bringing thoughtful aesthetics to baby gear. Take the Nuna Mixx BMW stroller, a sleek ride that puts some sports cars to shame. Or Dagne Dover's neoprene diaper bag in a sophisticated dusty mauve—it looks just as good slung over your shoulder at brunch. And then there's Design Dua's bassinet, a gorgeous baby receptacle that belongs in a design magazine, not just the nursery. These pieces are beautifully made, practical, and actually complement my home.
After five years of parenting, I've road-tested more baby products than a mom influencer, through middle-of-the-night blowouts, road trips, and everything in between. Now, with baby number two on the way, I'm diving back in and discovering even more gems. No matter your taste, these elevated essentials prove that great design and real-life parenting can absolutely go hand in hand. Here are the stylish, functional baby items I swear by.Shopping for a stroller can feel almost as momentous as buying a car. With top models approaching the $1,000 mark, it's a serious investment—not just financially, but emotionally, too. You'll log serious miles with this thing, and take it everywhere, so trust me: quality matters.
As a New Yorker who lives life on the go (read: on foot, with coffee in hand), I get a little sentimental when I talk about my Nuna Mixx. It's been my ride-or-die through the chaos—near-missed doctor's appointments, marathon grocery runs, even an international trip to Brazil. It's sleek, sturdy, and has never let me down.
From the generous underseat storage to the ultra-comfy, ergonomic seat and the UPF 50+ water-repellent canopy (a lifesaver in all kinds of weather), it nails both form and function. And, let's be honest—it looks good doing it. Which as why as I prep for baby number two, Nuna's new collaboration with BMW feels like the ultimate push present: a perfect fusion of style, performance, and luxury. Because if I'm going to be pushing a stroller for the next few years, I might as well be doing it in something that turns heads.
$1000.00 at nunababyWelcoming a tiny human into your life often comes with a full-blown identity shift. Between sleepless nights and jam-packed weekends, it's easy to lose sight of the polished, career-driven woman who once had an hour to get ready and actually wore heels to events. For me, holding onto a sense of style—however small—became essential. And sometimes, that started with the right bag. Enter: Dagne Dover's Indi Neoprene Diaper Backpack.
It checks every box a diaper bag should—lightweight, water-resistant, packed with pockets, and undeniably stylish. Inside, there's an air mesh pouch, a bottle holder, and a stretchy key leash—perfect for keeping essentials like diapers, wipes, and binkies exactly where you need them, especially in those chaotic, grab-and-go moments.
One of its most thoughtful design elements? The expandable sides. A quick unsnap adds extra space without sacrificing the bag's sleek silhouette. And when it comes to cleaning, it couldn't be easier. A quick wipe keeps it tidy day-to-day, and for bigger messes, it's machine washable—an absolute must for any parent. And for those still gearing up for birth, the Landon Neoprene Carryall Bag makes for the perfect hospital bag.
$175.00 at dagnedover.comI'm all in on Mushie's Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic—minimalist design meets soft, muted tones—and their Silicone Pacifier Holder Case is a perfect reflection of that look. I chose it in mauve, and when clipped to my dusty rose Dagne Dover bag, it gives my diaper setup a chic, coordinated look. The case fits up to three small pacifiers, which makes it easy to keep extras ready to go. While a few reviews mention that the silicone picks up lint or pet hair, I've had no trouble wiping it clean in a pinch. Stylish and practical? I'll take it.
$13.99 at amazon.comThere are some baby items you splurge on simply because they spark joy—and for me, that was this bassinet. I already had a bedside option, but I couldn't resist this handwoven elephant-grass Moses basket. I pictured carrying my child from room to room during nap time, and honestly, that vision delivered. Or you can pair it with the rocking stand for bedside use.
It's both lightweight and sturdy, with rich leather handles and beautiful craftsmanship. The SnuggleMe lounger fits perfectly inside. And when we're done using it for sleep, I'll repurpose it for toy or blanket storage. Timeless.
$2025.00 at designdua.comI was on the hunt for something chic yet practical to line my changing table basket—and this cream-colored vegan leather changing pad checked every box. The soft, padded design looks luxe and minimalist, but it's the functionality that won me over. The waterproof surface wipes clean in seconds (a true blessing during messy diaper changes), and while it's compact enough to toss in a diaper bag, it still feels sturdy and well-made. It's held up beautifully through daily use, and I love how it elevates the whole changing station. It's everything I knew I needed.
$52.00 at uniklook.comVisiting the Moonkie site is dangerous for my wallet. It's a wonderland of beautiful, desaturated baby items that will make you rethink everything you own. My latest obsession? The Moonkie beach toy set, which arrived beautifully packaged in a gorgeous kid-sized cardboard trunk that feels like its own product. Inside, there's a display of muted-hued beach toys that offer a chic alternative to typical bright beach toys. I love that you can personalize the bucket as playground politics can get rough among toddlers (I've lost so many toys in public spaces). Easy to handle for little hands, this set promises hours of fun at the beach or sandbox—and I'm constantly getting the "Where did you get that?" question from fellow moms.
$64.99 at moonkieshop.comI've bought a handful of photo books over the years, but the Artifact Uprising Smoke Gold Baby Book stands out as my absolute favorite. The binder-style cover is wrapped in textured fabric with elegant gold foil detailing—it feels like something meant to last.
Inside, the guided prompts are deeply sentimental without being cheesy, while the minimalist photo layouts practically beg to be filled with Polaroids and first-day scribbles. There's even space for personal notes, letters to your child, and milestone reflections that feel cinematic in retrospect. I imagine my daughter, years from now, sitting cross-legged with this book in her lap, discovering who she was and how fiercely she was loved from the very beginning. It's that kind of gift—the kind that becomes part of the story.
$67.15 at artifactuprising.comWhen I had my first baby, my one regret was never investing in a bouncer—those precious, undisturbed showers were few and far between. So with my second, I didn't hesitate. The BabyBjörn Bouncer Bliss went straight into my cart. I chose the sand gray version in the woven petal quilt fabric (a bit different than the one here, though they're all there at this link), and it's just as beautiful as it is functional.
The soft, neutral tone fits seamlessly into our home, and I love how it gently bounces with my baby's own movements—no batteries, no noise, no overstimulation. It folds completely flat, which means it tucks neatly under the couch when not in use, and the washable cover is a total lifesaver. It's sleek, simple, and makes my life easier.
$259.99 at babybjorn.comAs a New Yorker, investing in an item that doesn't fold, collapse, or blow up means it has to be worth the space it takes up. But I simply couldn't help myself with the Lalo Bath Tub. It's sleek, modern, and comes with an infant insert and contoured foam back that cradles baby's head and body. People online are saying they use it as a sensory bin once the baby outgrows it. I'm obsessed.
$59.99 at meetlalo.comThere's no shortage of tiny baby towels online, but I like to think long-term—so I went with Crate & Barrel's toddler-size hooded towel instead. My two non-negotiables were softness and durability, and this one delivers on both. The organic cotton feels gentle on my kids' skin, and the reinforced edges give me confidence they'll hold up through countless washes (and only get softer with time). I ordered one for my son and one for my daughter, and they look absolutely adorable together, each with a tassel hood in their own signature color.
$30.80 at crateandbarrel.comIf I could take just one thing to a remote island during postpartum, it would be the Snuggle Me Organic Infant Lounger. In those early weeks, it sat snugly atop our bed or in the bassinet, giving me peace of mind that baby won't roll over when I look away. It was the very first thing I bought when I found out I was pregnant with our second.
During the day, I'd move it into the bassinet, where baby would nestle right into its cozy, hugging design. I've used it for tummy time, supervised naps, and as a safe spot while I get ready in the morning. That said, it's not meant for unsupervised sleep, so I always make sure I'm nearby whenever baby's in it.
This go-around, I also opted to get the brand's gorgeous crescent-shaped breastfeeding pillow.
$129.99 at snugglemeorganic.comI've been a subscriber to the Lovevery Play Kits since my little one was an infant—all the way through age five. Each box arrives every few months with 5–7 thoughtfully designed toys, a book, and a parent play guide—all tailored to your child's developmental stage. Inspired by Montessori principles, the toys are built to nurture real-life skills like shoe tying, stacking, and early literacy.
What I appreciate most is what they don't include: no flashing lights, no noise, no overstimulation. Instead, they're made from quality materials like wood and organic cotton, and designed to be open-ended, durable, and genuinely engaging. Many of ours have survived enthusiastic toddler testing—including impromptu bathtub dunkings.
Yes, the kits are an investment ($80–$120 each), but in my experience, they've been worth every penny.
$2025.00 at lovevery.comAs a boy mom for five years, finding out I was having a girl felt like permission to fully embrace the feminine. I went all in on ruffles, bows, and soft hues—so when I spotted this pink matte vegan leather changing mat with delicate scalloped edges, I knew it was the perfect finishing touch for our nursery.
The size is just right: roomy enough at 16 x 30 inches for comfortable diaper changes, yet slim and foldable for tossing into a diaper bag. I loved it so much, I bought multiples—one for home, one for the car, and one for travel.
$26.00 at shopavaoliver.comI'm already a fan of Hatch products, but the Rest 2nd Gen has been especially essential for sleep when baby comes. It's a customizable nightlight, white-noise machine, and slow-to-wake clock all in one—no more stumbling into furniture in a pitch-dark nursery. Best of all, I can control everything from the app, which makes middle-of-the-night tweaks effortless. Note: some of the more advanced features do require a subscription.
$59.99 at hatch.coI'll admit it—I was initially drawn to this gorgeous little sound machine (yes, another Hatch) after seeing it clipped to baby carriers and diaper bags all over Instagram. But it turns out it's not just for show. The Rest Go is compact, rechargeable, and incredibly easy to use, with ten soothing sounds and zero fuss. It's quickly become my go-to for naps on the move and bedtime while traveling.
$39.99 at potterybarnkids.comEveryone seems to rave about the Snoo—a smart bassinet that rocks your baby to sleep with motion and white noise. But I preferred a more analog approach, especially after hearing from other moms that their babies became dependent on the default rocking.
I leaned fully into aesthetics and chose the Babyletto x Gathre Capsule Bassinet instead. At $400, it felt like a great value. The vegan leather is easy to wipe clean, and the rounded wood legs add a modern, sculptural touch. While it's heavier than most bassinets, I don't plan to move it around—and I actually appreciate how solid it feels. Bonus: once baby outgrows it, it transforms into a chic floor toy bin.
$399.00 at westelm.comAnother Mushie favorite we can't keep quiet about—their minimalist stacking cups come in the brand's signature muted tones. Featuring playful shaped cutouts on top of each cup, these BPA-free toys combine style and function, making them a must-have for any toddler's toy collection.
$12.99 at mushie.comI didn't think I could have strong feelings about a baby rocker—until the Charlie Crane LEVO came into my life. It's one of those rare baby items that manages to be both incredibly functional and genuinely beautiful. The natural wood frame and minimalist design fit seamlessly into my transitional-style living room (no plastic eyesore here), and my baby will love the gentle, automatic bounce that responds to her movements. The seat is soft, supportive, and easy to clean. It's definitely on the pricier side, but for something I use daily and don't feel the need to hide when guests come over, it's worth every penny.
$299.00 at modernnursery.com
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