Must-Haves for Your Sanity (and Sleep)
These clever buys do the heavy lifting so you don’t have to.
Let’s be real: parenthood is a beautiful, magical, mind-blowing experience… that will also turn your brain into mashed banana and your house into a laundry-themed escape room. But fear not, weary warrior of the night feeds! We’ve rounded up the best baby gear that actually helps. Think of this as your holy grail shopping list – approved by mums who’ve lived to tell the tale (and even laughed about it).
The Soft Sling That Turns You Into a Superhuman Octopus
This wrap is basically a hug you can wear. It holds your baby close while giving you both hands back to do glorious things like drink tea, scroll Instagram, or finally pee alone. It’s soft, snug, and weirdly empowering.
"I wore this wrap for six hours straight one day. My baby thought I was a walking cuddle machine. I even folded laundry while she napped on me. I felt like Beyonce"
Claire, 32, new mum to Sienna
Ewan the Sheep: The White Noise Wizard
Ewan looks like an innocent, sleepy sheep. But do not be fooled. He is a nighttime ninja, armed with pink noise, a glowing belly, and an uncanny ability to hypnotise babies into slumber.
“I don’t know what witchcraft is inside that sheep, but it works. I press his little leg and my son immediately goes into a trance. Sometimes I fall asleep too.”
Natalie, 29, first-time mum and certified Ewan disciple
A Baby Monitor That’s Basically MI5
Want to zoom in on your baby’s nostrils while whispering “Are you breathing?” at 2 a.m.? This one’s for you. Crisp HD video, remote pan and tilt, and audio so clear you’ll hear your child plotting their next blowout.
“This monitor lets me spy on my daughter like a stealthy hawk. It’s like reality TV, but the star is a grunting baby in a sleep sack.”
Lola, 35, baby monitor binge-watcher
Muslin Cloths: The Swiss Army Knife of Parenthood
They mop up sick. They block the sun. They double as emergency bibs, superhero capes, and tissues for parents crying over Pixar movies. You’ll need at least 27 of these.
“I’ve used muslins for everything. Nose wipes, boob shields, peekaboo games, and once as a headscarf because I hadn’t showered in four days. Fashion meets function, babe.”
Emma, 30, muslin evangelist
Parenthood is hard. These gadgets? They make it easier.
Sure, no product can replace sleep, sanity, or a solid support system — but they can absolutely help you fake it ‘til naptime. Whether it’s a wrap that gives you your arms back or a sheep that makes your baby sleep like they’ve signed a peace treaty with bedtime, these little lifesavers are worth every penny (and every 3 a.m. impulse buy).
Now, go forth, tired parent. And may your coffee be strong, your muslins clean, and your baby monitor signal just strong enough not to pick up the neighbour’s karaoke.