15 Fun and Functional Gifts for Babies That Will Last

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

These super cute and fun Lucy Darling pennants are perfect if you're planning to take monthly milestone photos of your little one. They're simple and sweet without being too obnoxious. Just imagine a whole year of these sweet photos printed out in a photo book to commemorate your baby's first year. The only tricky part is finding the time (and remembering!) to take the pictures each month. 

It can be tricky to figure out where to set your baby down when you're at home during those first few months. That's where the SnuggleMe Organic Lounger comes in handy. You can bring it with you from room to room -- just make sure your baby isn't laying on it when you move it -- and it will keep your little one nice and cozy. 

Note that baby loungers are not recommended for sleep. They're instead meant to be used during bonding and awake times. Always keep your baby in view when you use the SnuggleMe lounger and make sure it's on a firm, flat surface to keep your little one safe. 

There are SO many activity centers out there and my daughters both loved this SkipHop version thanks to its fun toys, swivel seat and the fact that it turned into a table when they got older. Extending the shelf life of bigger ticket items like this is key! My kids colored and played at this table nearly every day after they outgrew the baby components. 

Chances are your phone will be filled with downright adorable photos of your baby wrapped up in a towel. And just when you thought it was impossible, this Pottery Barn Kids hippo hooded towel will exponentially increase that cuteness whether it's after the bath, pool or beach. While the $45 price tag for a towel is a bit steep, it's not your average towel. Aside from the photo factor, it's made from thick cotton velour and terry for softness and absorption. It'll become your favorite towel for a variety of reasons. 

For some reason, kids love to sit in their own chairs. They're obsessed! These Pottery Barn Kids Anywhere chairs are fan favorites and this smallest version is great for little ones, even if you just use it for photos while they grow into being able to get in and out of it on their own. We also love that you can personalize the slipcover with a name or monogram (for an extra $15 charge). Plus, the slipcover is washable, which is very important when it comes to kid furniture. 

This wooden wonder from Manhattan Toys features three levels of space-themed play. Older babies will work on fine and gross motor skills as they explore wire bead runs, spinners, wood clacking doors, a spring-y moon and much more. It's a pricey toy, but this activity center is a beautiful nursery staple. Bonus: There's plenty of room for cooperative play. 

The whole family will love this sleep machine -- it soothes babies with the touch of a button, and in turn, parents will get much-needed rest. Turn on white noise, ocean, rain or heartbeat sounds (among other options) and watch the magic happen. The Hatch Rest Second Gen also works as a gentle nightlight, dimmable clock and more. And it's Wi-Fi enabled so you can control the volume remotely through the Hatch Sleep App.

This fuzzy otter's "breathing" motion soothes babies at bedtime or anytime. It also features music, sounds (including white noise, womb, snoring or heartbeat sounds), glowing lights and other sensory discoveries. The volume can be adjusted; your otter experience is customized to your baby. Bonus: The fabric is machine washable; just remove the electronic component.

A foldable mat is a great piece of gear to have for a baby, especially if you have hard floors. This mat is 71x59 inches, nontoxic and water-resistant. It folds out anywhere you need a clean, cushioned play area, and works in indoor and outdoor settings. Bonus: It's double-sided and comes in nine different variations.

Upgrade your inbox

Get cnet insider

From talking fridges to iPhones, our experts are here to help make the world a little less complicated.