While we may all have different philosophies on things like sleep training, discipline and what constitutes too much screen time, it’s safe to say all moms can agree on one thing: this parenting game is HARD.

Indeed, being completely responsible for the physical, mental and emotional health and safety of a precious, tiny person is one of the greatest challenges most of us will face. Luckily, there are a few products out there – many devised by desperate parents – that can make life with your littles much easier. Check out our favorite gear below, and consider adding it to your parenting toolbox today. 

No-Spill Sippy Cup

If you’ve ever spent a day picking up the dreaded “drippy sippy” one thousand and seventeen times, you know just how much of a mess-saver a no-spill sippy cup can be. This Lollacup,  invented by a mom who just couldn’t deal anymore, might be your answer.

Ergonomic Baby Carrier Handle

Baby carriers are designed to protect your little one in the event of a car accident, so their bulk is necessary. However, this makes them both heavy and awkward to carry, and they can actually end up causing back pain and other issues for parents. Why not add an ergonomic handle to your baby’s ride? The LugBug handle rotates 360 degrees, allowing for a more comfortable carrying position.

Multipurpose Nursing Cover

For breastfeeding moms, one of the true challenges of taking baby out and about is the need to nurse at any given time. After all, your hungry baby doesn’t care that you’re in the middle of the crowded farmer’s market! Investing in an easy-to-use nursing cover, like our stylish Ike & Leo Multipurpose Car Seat/Nursing Cover, which comes in three adorable patterns, means you’re always covered – literally. Bonus? When you aren’t nursing, the breathable fabric makes for a perfect car seat cover for baby.

On-the-Go Breastmilk Cooler

Another must-have for nursing moms is a reliable breastmilk cooler to keep the liquid gold perfectly chilled after pumping at work or any other location outside your home. This Medela set features a contoured ice pack for optimal cooling and comes with pumping bottles, too.

Portable High Chair

Terrified by germ-laden high chairs at restaurants? Need a reliable way to feed your little one when traveling? No room in your home for a big, bulky high chair? A portable feeding system may be right up your alley. This Mountain Buggy Clip-On High Chair offers an easy fix.

Car Seat Protectors

For such small human, babies and toddlers sure can make a big mess! Take steps to protect your car by adding seat protectors under your kiddos’ car seats. Most are waterproof for easy cleaning and many, like these Ohuhu Seat Protectors, come with pockets to organize toys and snacks, too.

Sound Machine

If you’ve never struggled to get your baby to sleep – congrats, you’re living a parenting dream! Studies show that sleep issues are one of the biggest concerns parents report to pediatricians. Since babies are used to a constant hum of sounds in the womb, it stands to reason that a good sound machine can help them nod off to dreamland on the outside, too. The PICTEK Sound Machine offers 24 separate sounds, a timer and can be battery-powered for ease of use anywhere you need it.

Weighted Sleepsuit

Speaking of sleep, did your baby sleep wonderfully… until he became too old to be swaddled? Babies love the feeling of safety they get from being bundled tightly – plus it helps calm their startle reflex – but swaddling simply isn’t safe for older babies. What’s an exhausted mom to do? The Baby Merlin Magic Sleepsuit promises to keep your baby sleeping longer with gentle weight in the arms and legs to ensure they feel secure.

Nasal Aspirator

If you’ve tried the run-of-the-mill bulb nasal aspirators most hospitals send home with new parents, you’ve probably been disappointed. They often seem too large for a tiny baby’s nose, your little one likely won’t lay still for it, and they simply aren’t all that effective. Instead, opt for a fancier model like the NoseFrida, which gives parents more suction control and is meant to be more comfortable for tiny nostrils.

Diaper Cream Brush

This handy product is the brainchild of a resourceful mom who was tired of relentlessly scrubbing her hands after diaper changes, only to realize she still had diaper cream residue on her skin. The BabyBum Diaper Cream Brush is made of easy-to-clean silicone and can be used as a spatula to gently apply cream to your little one’s behind.

Portable Bassinet

It’s hard not to be smitten with the big, sturdy bassinets featuring tons of storage pockets and attachments for sound machines, mobiles and more. But, have you ever tried to load one into the family ride for an overnight trip? Not so easy! Save your sanity by investing in a portable bassinet that baby can sleep in at home and anywhere else you’ll be spending the night. They’re compact, easy to clean and a safe option for your little bundle of joy. The popular Fisher Price Stow ‘n Go model is lightweight, has removable legs and is designed to be easy to assemble and disassemble.

Wiggle-Free Diaper Changing Pillow

It’s so fun to watch your baby begin to roll over and become mobile, isn’t it? That is, until you realize it’s nearly impossible to keep her still for a diaper change! This is why a diaper changing pillow can change your life. Try one like the Snuggwug Pillow, which keeps your little one from rolling away, while also keeping her attention with interactive toy attachments. Even better, it’s designed to double as the perfect pillow for tummy time, too.

With so much baby gear on the market, it can be hard to decipher what you’ll really need from what will end up forever unused in your basement. Take it from us – investing in products like the ones above will up your mom game and remove many common parenting pain points.