These are the life-saving items that real moms and dads are actually using and loving, and they won’t cost parents an arm, a leg, and most of a baby’s college fund to buy. From useful mealtime gadgets to the finds that make bedtime and bath time a cinch, here are the super affordable baby products that change the parenting game for the better.
Banana Training Toothbrush
Amazon
This banana training toothbrush ($8) is perfect for introducing babies to the concept of brushing while also soothing sore gums during teething. Toss it in the freezer for extra comfort, and when it’s time for cleaning, run it through the dishwasher.
Suction Bowls
Amazon
With the help of these suction bottom bowls  ($8), that pureed sweet potato will finally stay off the floor and go in baby’s mouth where it belongs (hopefully).
Cradle Cap Comb
Amazon
Cradle cap isn’t at all dangerous for a baby’s scalp, but it can put a damper on those plans for an adorable newborn photo shoot. Soothe it away with this highly rated, affordable, and specially designed comb  ($5).
Diaper Cream Brush
Amazon
Sometimes it’s the smallest things that can solve the biggest parenting struggles. This diaper cream brush ($7) means no touching baby’s bottom and it saves hours of scrubbing that yucky cream off in front of the sink.
Safety Bracelet Wrist Links
Amazon
The perfect solution for a stroller-resistant toddler walking in a big crowd. Parents love the security they get from this affordable wrist strap ($10).
Tub Rinser
Amazon
What babies like water in their eyes? Spoiler alert: None of them do. With a soft lip that won’t bash baby’s head and an upright design for easy drying, this rinsing whale  ($8) makes tub time much simpler (and cuter).
Breast Pump Wipes
Amazon
Every minute counts when pumping at work or on the go. Which is why these breast pump wipes ($7) are so amazing. They make cleanup so much faster and easier — no water or soap required.
Lots of Links
Amazon
Great for making a colorful chain on the stroller or tossing in a purse as a restaurant distraction, these links ($5) serve dual purpose as toy and teether. They’re easy to disinfect, and with this many in a pack, who cares if a couple end up under the couch?
Motion Sensor Lights
Amazon
Few things will bruise shins more than stumbling through the dark trying to get to a crying baby. These motion sensor lights ($12 for 3) are a cheap and life-changing solution to a nightly (or sometimes several times a night) problem.
NoseFrida Nasal Aspirator
Amazon
With over 8,600 reviews and a 4.5 star rating, the parents have spoken. Sucking boogers out of a baby’s nose with this contraption ($19) is undeniably gross, but if that’s what it takes to help a sick baby sleep, pass that straw over here, we’re in.
Pacifier Binkie
Amazon
A crying, sick baby waits for no thermometer. And with this super helpful thermometer-pacifier combo  ($12), he won’t have to. It glows to indicate a fever and can recall the last temperature it took, so there’s zero guesswork involved.
Single Stream Breast Milk Bags
Amazon
Parents are all about making things easier. Which is why these Twist breast milk bags ($21 for 40) have over 2,000 reviews and a 4.4 star rating. Pump directly into them, then use the matching nipple system to turn the bag into a bottle. Genius!
Stroller Cover
Amazon
No one wants to risk waking a sleeping baby by slathering her with sunscreen. And adding a heavy blanket over a stroller on a hot day might make a baby way too hot. That’s why parents love this simple and affordable stroller cover ($8). Now baby can stay cool while enjoying the fresh air.
Mesh Feeders
Amazon
For moms who are down with self-led weaning but also terrified of having to perform the Heimlich maneuver on a baby, these mesh feeders  ($7 for 2) are the perfect solution.
Car Seat Protector
Amazon
Anyone with a child who’s old enough to eat Goldfish crackers that doesn’t have one of these car seat protectors ($11) under the car seat is weeping right now for what could have been. For just a few bucks the upholstery can be spared from taking on a permanent, slightly orange tint.
Shopping cart cover
Amazon
This inexpensive shopping cart cover  ($20) keeps baby’s mouth off the handle bar (ew!) and comes with loops to attach his favorite toys.
Grass drying mat
Amazon
No more playing drying rack Jenga. This grass drying mat ($14) easily holds all the bottle and pump odds and ends. Plus, it looks so stylish.
