Essentials for Babies (6-12 months)

Selecting products for your baby can be overwhelming, especially with all of the new gadgets on the market. You want to ensure your child’s safety, but some products are just down right expensive. Below is the ultimate list of safe and budget conscious essentials for babies 6-12 months.

FEED | Best Products for Feeding Baby

Baby Bottle – Playtex VentAire

Playtex Ventaire 3 Piece Set

This bottle is perfect for babies switching from breast to bottle feeding. The angled design promotes semi-upright feeding, which helps to prevent ear infections, and the bottom vent helps to keep air at the back of the bottle, resulting in less colic and a happier baby. This bottle is BPA-free so it is dishwasher safe and easy to clean. For an MSRP of $14.49, you can get a 3 pack of 6 oz. bottles. But check the current Playtex Ventaire – Amazon price here.

While this is our best overall pick, please click here to see all our Top 5 picks in this category.

Baby Formula – Similac Pro-Advance

Similac Pro-Advance Baby Formula

This formula is the highest rated baby formula across the US and most of North America. And for good reason. It’s the closest synthetic milk substitute to real human breast milk. The use and focus of whey protein instead of casein help baby digest the formula easier, faster, and with less upset tummies. Easy to mix and stores for up to 24 hours in the fridge. And with an MSRP of $29.99 for the big tub, your money will go a long way. But definitely check the current Similac Pro-Advance – Amazon price first.

While this is our best overall pick, please click here to see all our Top 5 picks in this category.

Electric Breast Pump – Spectra S1

Spectra S1 Breast Pump

Described as the “most advanced hospital grade pump available”, this electric breast pump comes equipped with so many great features, including a built-in rechargeable battery. This pump can be used as a single or double pump and has controls that allow you to set the pumping program to the speed and rhythm most effective for your body. The Spectra S1 features a night light, a timer, and is very quiet. All of these features and more for an MSRP of $254.00. But check the current Spectra S1 Breast Pump – Amazon price here.

While this is our best overall pick, please click here to see all our Top 5 picks in this category.

SLEEP| All You Need for a Good Night’s Sleep

Bassinet – Arms Reach Clear-Vue

Arm’s Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper

This bassinet was conceived to allow a 360-degree view, so you can see your baby from anywhere in the room. With built in leg extensions and wheels, you and your baby can sleep comfortably at the same height. The Clear Vue bassinet is the ideal sleep solution for infants and small babies. With an MSRP of $150.00, the Arms Reach Clear-Vue makes for a great purchase! But check the current Arm’s Reach Clear-Vue – Amazon price here.

While this is our best overall pick, please click here to see all our Top 5 picks in this category.

Baby Monitor – Summer Infant

Summer Infant Panorama Monitor

The Summer Infant baby monitor has a wide view lens that allows you to see up to 4X more of your baby’s room, so you’ll always know what’s going on. This monitor uses 100% digital technology, which offers a secure connection, providing peace of mind all the time. The Summer Infant even allows you to talk back to your baby! It’s equipped with digital zoom, a soft-glow nursery nightlight, black and white night vision, and can sit table top with a kickstand or can be mounted to the wall. The MSRP for this baby monitor is $179.99. But check the current Summer Infant Panorama – Amazon price here.

While this is our best overall pick, please click here to see all our Top 5 picks in this category.

PLAY | Keep Baby Entertained While Safely Contained

Baby Bouncer – Stokke Steps

Stokke Steps Bouncer

You are going to be very glad you purchased the Stokke! The light bouncing motion promotes strength and development of core body movements. There is also a detachable toy hanger to keep your baby’s favorite toy close by. The Stokke bouncer’s comfortable and life-like design gives your infant the feeling of never leaving your arms while giving you some much needed time to put the baby down. With an MSRP of $199.00, it seems pricey but more than pays for itself. Check the current Stokke Steps Bouncer – Amazon price here.

While this is our best overall pick, please click here to see all our Top 5 picks in this category.

Baby Pack and Play – 4moms Breeze Playard

4moms Breeze Playard

It’s called the Breeze for a reason and requires only one push to open or close the entire playard. This product features a removable bassinet, a large play area, a sturdy and durable frame, and a travel bag. The price may seem steep at an MSRP of $300.00, but this pack and play by 4moms is definitely worth the investment. But check the current 4moms Breeze Playard – Amazon price here.

While this is our best overall pick, please click here to see all our Top 5 picks in this category.

MOVE | Travel in Comfort and Safety

Baby Car Seat – Britax Boulevard Clicktight

Britax Boulevard ClickTight Full View

Relieve anxiety and know that your baby is secure with the Britax Boulevard Clicktight car seat – ranked the #1 brand in safety technology. This car seat can be used as both rear-facing (for children 5-40 lbs) and as forward-facing (for kids 20-65 lbs). Installation is simple; just open the front of the car seat, buckle the seat belt across, and click the seat shut. The Clicktight is made of a steel frame, an energy-absorbing base, and an impact absorbing tether. MSRP is $379.99. But check the current Britax Boulevard Clicktight – Amazon price here.

While this is our best overall pick, please click here to see all our Top 5 picks in this category.

Umbrella Stroller – Maclaren Triumph

The Maclaren Triumph Baby Stroller in Black Shown with Canopy Extended

This lightweight sporty and stylish buggy is perfect for quick errands or long-distance trips. The Triumph features a fully padded seat with built-in leg support cushion and multi[position recline. Suitable for children 6 months and up to 55 lbs. This stroller also features an extendable waterproof UPF 50+ sun canopy and built-in sun visor. The seat is removable and machine washable, and the stroller ships fully assembled! The MSRP for this stroller is $225.00. But check the current Maclaren Triumph – Amazon price here.

While this is our best overall pick, please click here to see all our Top 5 picks in this category.

Baby Travel System – Graco Fast Action

Graco FastAction Travel System in Finley Color

You get a lot of bang for your buck with the Graco Fast Action Travel System. The stroller is lightweight, portable, comfortable, and extremely easy to fold. The stroller holds a child up to 50 lbs and the car seat can protect babies from 4-30 lbs. The maneuverability and ease of use are what makes the Graco Fast Action so popular. With an MSRP of just $219.99, you can transition your baby from car to stroller in just a few seconds. But check the current Graco Fast Action – Amazon price here.

While this is our best overall pick, please click here to see all our Top 5 picks in this category.

WASH | Make Sure Bath Time is Fun and Safe

Baby Bath Tub – Angelcare Bath Support

Angelcare Bath Support full view

This product is made with soft touch material that is easy-to-clean and mildew resistant. With no assembly required, this device is easy to carry from one bathroom to another. The Anglecare Bath Support can be placed directly into your bath tub and dries quickly after use. Take the worry out of bath time with this MSRP $29.99 bath support. But check the current Angelcare Bath Support – Amazon price here.

While this is our best overall pick, please click here to see all our Top 5 picks in this category.

Baby Wipes – Huggies Natural Care

Huggies Natural Care Wipes review Box

Huggies Nature Care wipes are fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and free of parabens. Infused with aloe and vitamin E, the silky softness is perfect for newborns and infants with sensitive skin. It’s no wonder this wipe is ranked #1 in branded wipes in North America! This refill pack comes with 648 sheets for an MSRP of $17.99. But check the current Huggies Natural Care Wipes – Amazon price here.

While this is our best overall pick, please click here to see all our Top 5 picks in this category.

Diaper Rash Cream – Aquaphor

Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment jar with labels

Aquaphor is the king of diaper rash creams, just ask your pediatrician. Aquaphor is clinically proven to restore smooth, healthy skin, and speed up the healing process. This cream works great on diaper rash, but can also be used to sooth drool rash, dry hands and cuticles, and minor cuts and scrapes. A standard tub has an MSRP of $14.29. But check the current Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment – Amazon price here.

While this is our best overall pick, please click here to see all our Top 5 picks in this category.

DRESS | Everything You Need to Dress Baby

Diaper Bag – Skip Hop Forma Backpack

Skip Hop Forma Inside

The Skip Hop Forma Pack is both functional and stylish; offering the convenience of hands-free parenting on the go. This diaper bag has 11 pockets, two insulated packing cubes (perfect for bottles), hangs neatly on a stroller, is lightweight and water resistant. It also comes equipped with a changing pad pocket that can hold tablets and laptops up to 15”, as well as comfy shoulder straps for all day wear. MSRP of $70.00. But check the current Skip Hop Forma Backpack – Amazon price here.

While this is our best overall pick, please click here to see all our Top 5 picks in this category.

Baby Diapers – Huggies Little Snugglers

Huggies Little Snugglers Wetness indicator

Huggies makes the list again with their Snugglers diapers. Designed to help keep baby’s skin clean and healthy, these diapers clearly outperform the rest. They have a gentle absorb protective liner, a secure and flexible waistband, and are hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. This diaper also includes a wetness indicator. When the yellow stripe on the outside of the diaper changes to blue, it’s time for your baby to be changed. How great is that! An 80 count of Huggies Little Snugglers retails for an MSRP of $25.89. But check the current Huggies Little Snugglers – Amazon price here.

While this is our best overall pick, please click here to see all our Top 5 picks in this category.

BOTTOM LINE

Caring for a baby sure isn’t easy, but in today’s world it really can be simplified if you have the right products. This guide encompasses everything from feeding to traveling, to ensuring the safety of your baby each and every day. We hope you use this guide as a starting point to choosing products that work and are safe for your child. But while just buying the essentials on this list will work for most parents, we still encourage you to check out our Best Of articles for each of these categories because you may find that while these products will work for anyone, there might be a few other variations that are slightly better for your specific preferences.