The first colors your newborn sees are red, black and white. Newborns can see from birth, just not as clearly as an older child or adult. Until your child is about six months of age, he will respond best to bold, contrasting colors and graphics. That’s why it’s important, in the beginning, to provide your baby with toys that feature the visual extremes of black, white and red. These high-contract colors will captivate and hold baby’s attention, encouraging visual development as well as physical activity, like wiggling, kicking and arm waving. As your baby grows, other contrasting colors will fascinate your baby as well.

Genius Baby Reversible Infant Stim-Crib Bumper Panel & Book in One

 
Available at Amazon.com

 I love this versatile toy because it can be used for both newborns and babies 3 to 6 months old. One side is for babies’ birth to 3 months, with high-contrast black, white and red illustrations for early visual stimulation. The other side for babies 3 to 6 months with brightly colored more complex raised 3-D figures and activities, to entice tummy-time play. This toy is recommended for ages newborn to 6 months.

Tiny Love Double Sided First Book

 
Available at Amazon.com

This soft yet sturdy double-sided book is perfect for your baby’s first developmental stages. This book is designed to encourage visual stimulation, tummy time play and head lifting. One side is for birth to three months. It features high contrast black, white and red illustrations for early visual stimulation. The other side, designed for three to six months.  features brightly colored, more complex raised 3-D figures and activities. Features crisp and clear shapes and colors, a variety of textures, baby safe mirror and a peek-a-boo activity. Easily folds and can be taken anywhere with baby. This toy is recommended for ages newborn to 6 months.

Genius Babies Piper the Panda – Black, White & Red, Baby Travel Toy

Available at Amazon.com

Stay at home rattle or on the go toy, Piper the Panda comes complete with multiple textures and sounds to keep baby entertained. He crinkles, jingles and squeaks and includes a baby safe teether for baby to chew on. The panda toy comes complete with a link, making it easy to take along with you anywhere you go. This toy is recommended for ages newborn and up.

Cloud B Sleep Sheep by Cloud B

Available at Amazon.com

This loveable little sleep sheep calms fussy babies and lulls them to sleep with 4 natural, soothing sounds including mothers heartbeat, ocean waves, spring showers and whale songs.  Winner of several industry awards, including the National Parenting Council’s Seal of Approval and the iParenting Media Award, the Sleep Sheep is plush and very cuddly, so it immediately gives a restless baby something pleasing and calming to hold on to. The Sleep Sheep has pushbutton sound selection with volume control and 2 sleep timer options. Velcro strap allows for fast and simple attachment to a crib, car seat or stroller. This toy is recommended for ages newborn and up.

Tiny Love Sweet Island Dreams Mobile

Available at Amazon.com

Tranquil music and magical movement provide a calming, soothing effect for your baby. The Sweet Island Dreams Mobile features multidimensional movement, 2 classical tunes and two special nature tunes that will play for 20 minutes of continuous music and a calming night light. Your baby will marvel at the choreography of the three adorable characters moving independently to the sound of soothing and engaging music. The marionette-like movement of each character attracts baby’s attention. As each one passes over baby it appears as if they are actually leaning towards your baby. This toy is recommended for ages newborn to 6 months.

Tiny Love Classic Mobile

 
Available at Amazon.com

The Tiny Love Classic Mobile will enrich baby’s cognitive and emotional development. Your baby will follow the intricate movements of sweet characters while listening to classical music. The Classic Mobile’s swivel arm can be moved from side to side and the detachable push button music box is great for take-along tunes. This toy is recommended for ages newborn to 5 months.

Fisher Price Precious Planets 2-in-1 Projection Mobile

Available at Amazon.com

Precious Planets Two-in-One Projection Mobile is unique among mobiles, because it combines music, plush animal figurines, and movement with a soft projection light show that dances up above. The Projection Mobile features four plush animal toys with spinning antics to delight and calm your baby. A teal whale, white polar bear, green alligator, and yellow lion keep your baby interested with their detailed design and friendly faces. As your baby watches the animal antics, you can choose up to 20 minutes of music including classical lullabies from Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart. There are also nature and ocean sounds, or heartbeat and white noise womb sounds for baby to hear. When your baby grows you can remove the mobile and project the show directly on the ceiling, with music or sounds playing along to add to the fun. Remote control allows you to control mobile without disturbing your baby. This toy is recommended for ages newborn to 5 months.

Fisher Price Ocean Wonders Deep Blue Sea Mobile

Available at Amazon.com

Friends from the deep blue sea join soft starfish floating overhead. Your baby can relax to the music of Bach and Mozart, as well as peaceful ocean sounds. As your baby grows, it’s easy to remove the mobile portion, keeping the soothing music box and night light attached to the crib. This toy is recommended for ages newborn to 6 months. 

Tiny Love Kick & Discover Gemini

 
Available at Amazon.com

The Gemini Music Kick & Discover play mat pumps up the music and kicks up the fun. The feature rich environment encourages baby to discover new experiences. It has 21 developmental activities, tummy time pillow promotes head lifting and strengthens the neck and shoulders, other activities stimulate gross motor development. It also contains a multi-use kick pad with lights and music as well as animal sounds and 4 adorable characters that baby can play with. This toy is recommended for ages newborn to 1 year.

Tiny Love Lights & Music Gymini Super Deluxe Gym
 

Available at Amazon.com

The award-winning Gymini Super Deluxe Lights & Music is a classic sure to provide hours of amusement for your baby.  This play mat offers a truly multi-sensory play experience.  It stimulates sight with flashing lights and colorful images. Touch is stimulated by the different fabrics, textures and shapes. Baby’s hearing is stimulated by four music selections. The hanging toys invite baby to reach out and strike or grasp, first by chance and later quite intentionally as control over his arm and hands improve. Many babies don’t particularly enjoy their necessary daily tummy time, but the Gemini encourages baby to lift and turn his head to see the mirror and find the flashing lights. The mat and arches fold up flat, and the entire gym snaps together for easy travel. This toy is recommended for ages 3 months to 1 year.

Fisher Price Rain Forest Waterfall Peek-a-Boo Soother

Available at Amazon.com

Calm even the crankiest baby at bedtime with the Rain Forest Waterfall Peek-a-Boo Soother. The Soother features a glowing blue waterfall with a mesmerizing motion to lull baby to sleep. This waterfall cascades gently into a pool where a playful, bobbing fish and plenty of bubbles charm your baby into quiet enjoyment. Colorful lights slowly turn on and off while two rainforest friends, a swinging monkey and a frog playing peek-a-boo, move about in the leaves. Moms can choose 18 minutes of either classical music, lullabies or rainforest sounds for her baby, and choose between 3 modes of activation. Both mom and baby are able to activate the soother by pressing the cute toucan button on the front of the unit. Volume is adjustable between high, medium and low. This toy is recommended for ages newborn and up.

Baby Einstein Baby Neptune Soother

Available at amazon.com

Bring soothing sights and sounds to your baby. The Baby Einstein Sea Dreams Lullaby Soother features a scrolling, illuminated ocean scene with fun-loving fish, colorful characters and 25 minutes of continuous playing melodies from Bach, Mozart and Beethoven or beautiful nature sounds. Features include 4 play modes: Melodies and lights, melodies only, nature sounds and lights and lights and nature sounds only. Lights and melodies gradually soften to help your baby gently fall asleep. Neptune Soother comes with a remote control so mom can activate the soother. This toy is recommended for ages newborn and up.

Fisher Price Precious Planet Melodies & Motion Soother

Available at Amazon.com

Adorable animals from around the world join together to wish baby sweet dreams, with the help of peaceful music, soothing light effects and gentle motion. Polar bears play hide and seek, a lion pops up to take a peek, and the dolphin and fish ride the waves. Set it to play for up to 18 minutes of classical music, lullabies and nature sounds, or let baby activate the soothing. This toy is recommended for ages newborns on up.

Lamaze My First Mirror – By Lamaze

 
Available at Amazon.com

Babies love to look at themselves in the mirror. The First Mirror features brightly colored-fabric and a high-quality unbreakable, baby-safe mirror. It’s portable, light weight, and easy to clean. This is a two-in-one mirror. It can attach to the crib or you can keep it fastened to the wedge. The soft wedge supports baby during tummy time. Flexible adapter straps attach to a crib or stroller. This toy is recommended for ages newborn and up.

Sassy Crib and Floor Mirror

 
Available at Amazon.com

Mirrors are an important part of baby’s self-recognition. The Sassy Crib and Floor Mirror inspires baby’s vision, touch, exploration and communication and manipulation skills with high contrast colors, characters faces and simple patterns and realistic forms. Mirror includes a high contrast tracker ball for visual stimulation and perception. Textures and fun characters of a lady bug and butterfly keep baby’s attention. Textured leaves offer peek-a-boo play. Easel back allows mirror to be used on the floor or you can attach it to the crib with elastic. This toy is recommended for ages newborn and up.

Best Books for Newborns

Parents, especially new parents, are eager to begin reading to their child, but aren’t sure what books are appropriate to share with a new baby. Studies show very young babies are most captivated by black and white images. Many child-experts believe babies are better able to see and recognize shapes when they are presented in black and white. Babies love looking at stark black and white designs. This is a very educational activity for a newborn, stimulating some good brain development.

Black on White by Tana Hoban

Available at Amazon.com

This picture book compels parents to talk to their babies as they share the wordless pages with their little ones. Black illustrations on a white background provide high contrast for infants’ underdeveloped eyes. Soothingly familiar, silhouetted shapes, a leaf, a key ring, a bib, an elephant, will be recognized by the very young, and through these simple pictures, aspiring readers will begin to identify the link between the objects they see and the words they hear. This book is recommended for ages newborn to preschool.

White on Black by Tana Hoban

Available at Amazon.com

White on Black is an ideal first book for your newborn baby. Simple, solid white illustrations of every day objects, a banana, a duck, a horse, baby bottle and sailboat, against a black background provide high contrast for developing eyes. This wordless picture book encourages caregivers to engage the baby as they read together. This book is recommended for ages newborn to preschool.

Who Are They by Tana Hoban

Available at Amazon.com

Share these animals and their babies with your baby. Babies will begin to stare at the animals and their babies and in time, with the assistance of a caregiver, begin to identify them. It is never too early to look and talk together. This book is recommended for ages newborn to preschool.

Look, Look! by Peter Linenthal

Available at Amazon.com

I love this sturdy little board book, full of high-contrast black and white cut-paper art perfect for staring at, just the thing for the eyes of the youngest babies. A few words in curving red type on each spread describes the scenes. Baby will love looking at children playing, fish swimming, stars shining, a car racing, a cat scratching, flowers blooming. Look Look! is the ideal first board book for babies just beginning to look and learn. This is a great book to place in front of your baby at tummy time. This book is recommended for ages newborn to preschool.

There are a lot of books written especially for toddlers, some are very generic for either a boy or girl, some are written with just boys in mind and some are written strictly for little girls. There are times when little girls love to hear stories about girly things, like tea parties, becoming a big sister, stories about little girl’s adventures, animals and even how to go potty. Listed below are some favorite books written especially for toddler girls.

Lulu’s Shoes – by Camilla Reid

Available at Amazon.com

Your little girl will have fun exploring this utterly fabulous interactive book. Lulu loves her fuzzy bunny slippers, glittery high heels, lace up snow boots and her frilly flip flops. Every pair of shoes has a touch and feel element that young fashionistas will love to explore. There are flaps to be lifted, a shoelace to tie, plus five other textures to enjoy. The illustrations are bright and cheery, lots of pinks, purples and reds to captivate your toddler’s attention.

Daddy Loves His Baby Girl – by David Vision

Available at Amazon.com

Discover how deep, meaningful bonds are developed, as a father and his baby girl spend quality time together. In a world where it seems there is such an emphasis placed on men having a boy, it’s great to find a story where a baby girl is loved and cherished by her father. A baby girl and her father show there love for each other by spending special time reading, playing, and sitting together. This is a great book for daughters young and old, as well as the Dad’s that love them.

Millie Moo Touch and Feel Picture Book – by Roger Priddy

Available at Amazon.com

Join Millie Moo on a crazy adventure as she looks for her friends from the farm. Your toddler will go on a quest with Millie Moo as she searches for her friends in this engrossing picture book with textured animals for little hands to touch. Bright and colorful illustrations, fun rhymes, silly characters and a wacky, whimsical story will make reading time a fun time for your toddler.

My Very First Tea Party – by Michael Sparks

Available at Amazon.com

The very clever and colorful Miss Honey B. Five shows your little girl how hearts fill to the brim when friends gather together for tea and good times. Through playful verses and pretty pictures, Miss Honey B sets the table, brews a pot of piping hot tea, adds the cream and sugar, says a tea time blessing, and even writes the hostess a thank-you-note

The Potty Book for Girls by Capucilli Alyssa Satin

Available at Amazon.com

Making the transition from diapers to potty can be one of the most stressful experiences for both young children and their parents. This cute, little book takes on the tough job of toilet training. Hannah needs to have her diaper changed so she can go out and play. Mommy and Daddy bring a big box home.  Hannah wonders what’s inside.  She opens the box and finds a potty which means that it’s time for Hannah to graduate from diapers. Little girls will enjoy looking at the pictures and having the story read to them. Listening to the story they will get the idea that it’s time for them to grow up, exactly like Hannah.

Good Night Dora by Christine Ricci

Available at Amazon.com

Dora and Boots are making their way home for bedtime, and along the way they hear various animals making noises. It’s interactive as well as just fun to peek under the flaps and find out who’s making the sounds. Good Night Dora is an excellent bilingual book. As your child lifts the flap to see what animal is hiding under it, he or she encounters both the English and Spanish goodnight greetings for each animal. Your toddler will love saying goodnight to all the animals as they are going to bed.  Best of all, they get to say goodnight to Dora at the end of the book.

Silly Sally by Audrey Wood

Available at Amazon.com

Silly Sally is an entertaining and great book for little girls. It’s fun and okay to be silly is the message that “Silly Sally” offers to its young audience. And what more does a toddler want to do than be silly. Silly Sally is the story of Silly Sally herself who went to town, walking backwards, upside down. On her journey, Silly Sally meets a pig, a dog, a loon, a sheep, before encountering her equally silly friend, Neddy Buttercup. All of Silly Sally’s friends are just as silly, bright and fun as she is. Upon reaching her destination the people of the town are very happy and excited to see that Silly Sally and her friends have arrived.

Big Red Barn by Margaret Wise Brown

 Available at Amazon.com

Big Red Barn follows a group of animals on their day around the farm, as the children are not here today, only the animals are out to play. There are horses and sheep and goats and geese and a jaunty old scarecrow leaning on his hoe. Butterflies, field mice, goats, cows and chickens, they each have their own sounds and activities as they play together. At the end of the book the sun goes down, and all the animals return to the barn for bed time.

I’m Going to be a Big Sister by Brenda Bercun

Available at Amazon.com

I’m Going to Be a Big Sister is the perfect book for a child who is about to   welcome a new baby brother or sister into the family. This book really explains it all! From how life will change to what will happen when the baby is ready to be born. Amanda’s mommy is pregnant and Amanda is going to be a big sister. In this story Amanda learns about preparing for the new baby’s arrival. Through a variety of descriptions, from which toys are safe for babies and which are dangerous, to the importance of hand washing and picking up the baby only when a grown up is there to help, Amanda learns what it means to be a big sister. This book won the iParenting Media Book Awards Best of 2007

Big Dog and Little Dog Going for a Walk by Dav Pilkey

Available at Amazon.com

Big Dog and Little Dog captures the humor of everyday canine behavior. The sweet personalities, lasting friendship, and hilarious antics of Big Dog and Little Dog will delight your toddler when they go on a walk with their owner, get into some trouble and get very dirty.  Big Dog and Little Dog like going for walks, but having a bath afterwards is not so much fun.

Precious Moments Book of Manners for Girls by Harvest House Publishers

Available at Amazon.com

Fun for parents and toddler girls to read, Precious Moments Book of Manners for Girls offers age-appropriate ideas and examples to help toddlers understand how important good manners really are a part of their lives and how good manners are a blessing to them and those around them.  The teddy bear toting darlings help kids learn to communicate with adults and other children, be a helper to family and others, do the right thing in all situations, play well with other kids at school, church or at home, and turn every meal into a happy meal.

Ten Little Rubber Ducks by  Eric Carle

Available at Amazon.com

A ship loaded with boxes of rubber ducks is traveling across the sea when a storm blows up and dumps 10 of the toys into the water. The ducks bob along together for awhile, but soon they drift in different directions, each encountering an animal, such as a dolphin, a seal, a polar bear and a flamingo. The last little duck is adopted by a mother duck, floating along with her ducklings and bobs along with them until they reach their nest. The ducks all bid “Good Night” to one another with a “Quack,” while the newcomer says “Squeak!” Your toddler can press the page to hear a squeak.

Little boys love reading books about things they are especially interested in, like dinosaurs, cars, trucks, fire engines, trains, boats or planes. They love books with a lot of action and adventure. If you have a budding pilot, truck driver, fireman, engineer, dinosaur lover, running around the house, he’s sure to want to hear one of these award winning books over and over again.

My Car – By Byron Barton

Available at Amazon.com

I am These bold, chunky characters will grab your baby’s attention. They make the most of a few words, explaining how Sam cares for his car. 
Sam and this is my car. Sam explains the wonders and responsibilities of car ownership. He keeps his car clean and well maintained, filled with gas and oil. He drives carefully, stopping for pedestrians and obeying road signs. Sam shows us some of the cars parts, including the engine, wheels, body and frame, as well as the lights, so he can drive at night and the windshield wipers, so he can see when it rains. Sam also shows us one of the places he drives, to work, where he boards a bus because he’s a bus driver. My car is a must for all little car lovers.

Planes Board Book – By Byron Barton

Available at Amazon.com

The young aviator in your house will love this book. Your toddler can explore the many ways we use airplanes as he visits the airport where all kinds of planes are landing and taking off, including seaplanes, crop dusters to planes that write messages in the sky.

Freight Train – By Donald Crews

Available at Amazon.com

Have a train-crazy kid? This book has great illustrations to help children learn the names of each type of train car. Simple text describes four different types of freight cars, the caboose, the tender and the steam engine. The six basic colors plus black are used for each car and therefore this is an ideal way to teach colors to the little train lover.

Trains – by Byron Barton

Available at Amazon.com

Most little boys are fascinated by trains. Byron Barton introduces little boys to the excitement of trains in this bold and colorful book. All aboard as the train journeys through a town, through tunnels, and over bridges. Trains are also shown carrying passengers both on long distance trips, through metropolitan areas and then returning to the station. Brief text and illustrations presents a variety of trains and what they do.

Boats – By Byron Barton

Available at Amazon.com

The little sailor in your house will love this book. A variety of boats and the services they provide are showcased in this book. Fishing boats that go out so fishermen can catch fish, ferryboats that transport people from one place to another, sailboats for sailing around the bay, tugboats that help big ships into port, cruise ships that transport lots of passengers to far away places, and tankers that bring petroleum to heat homes and run cars.

Machines at Work Board Book – By Byron Barton

Available at Amazon.com

Machines at Work, takes your child through an entire day at a construction site. With the call of “Hey, you guys, lets get to work”
men and women, arrive and begin their day. Each page shows people and machines actively working. Your toddler will be fascinated by dump trucks, bulldozers, cranes, cement trucks, and more.

Oh My Oh My Oh Dinosaurs! – by Sandra Boynton

Available at Amazon.com

Little boys seem to be fascinated by dinosaurs. Happy and sad, good and bad, opposites take on a whole new meaning when illustrated by a gang of personable dinosaurs. Open the cover and your little one will discover pages full of delightful dinosaurs singing, dancing, sunbathing, volleyball playing, lumbering, galloping, and gallivanting all around. This book is a main selection of the Children’s Book-of-the-Month Club.

Dig Dig Digging – by Margaret Mayo

Available at Amazon.com

Kids who clamor of construction site action will love this book. Simple rhymes introduce eleven various large vehicles and describes the work that they do. Trucks and tractors, fire engines and helicopters-they like to work hard. But after a long, happy day of beep-beeping and vroom-vrooming, even the busiest engines need to rest. The bright, bouncy, noise-filled book brings together all the vehicles children adore.

Touch and Feel Fire Engine by DK Publishing

Available at Amazon.com

Put on your fire hat and climb on board. Toddlers can now touch and feel some of a fire engines elements in this awesome and enlighting board book. Textures of a fire engines tires, hoses and ladder, are featured in this touch and feel book that contains easy-to-read text and full-color photos.

Once Upon a Potty – Boys – by Alona Frankel

Available at Amazon.com

This book is one of the first books available to children about using the potty, and it is no surprise that it has been established as a classic and has sold over four million worldwide. It contains simple, colorful artwork that still manages to depict “poop” in very real terms. It also does a great job in incorporating parents into the process of moving from diapers to toilet. Your toddler will be empowered by Joshua as he learns to use his new potty.

Thomas the Tank Engines Big Lift-and-Look Book – by Owen Bell

Available at Amazon.com

Children love books with flaps. This book has many, many flaps, over 60 in fact. Little boys also love Thomas the tank engine. Very young children will spend a lot of time lifting and learning with this big, bright, colorful board book. Early learning concepts are reinforced on each page, as toddlers are encouraged to explore their knowledge of colors, numbers, sizes, everyday objects and the alphabet. Thomas the tank engine travels through the pages, starting out early in the morning in the train shed and moving through the stations, dropping off parcels and passengers, and finally ending up in the freight yard with car after car full of important objects to be delivered, such as milk, doors, a piano, a kangaroo, and xylophones. This wonderful book will keep your child busy for hours at a time.

Cars and Trucks and Things That Go – by Richard Scary

Available at Amazon.com

The Pig family takes a road trip to the beach for a picnic. The road is packed with hundreds of cars and trucks, vans and motorcycles, tractors and buses. The Pigs find chaos and adventure on the way to the beach and the opportunity to see vehicles they have never seen before. Besides vehicles, every page has lots of scenery. Also a little yellow bug called “gold bug” is hiding somewhere on every page. Toddlers find it great fun to look for “gold bug” every time you turn the page.

Baby Bath Soaps

All of these well-known baby bath soaps are mild and gentle on baby’s skin. Just squirt a little in baby’s bath water, no need to rinse off before taking baby out of the bath.

Playtex Baby Magic Gentle Baby Bath

Available at Amazon.com

Huggies Natural Care Baby Wash

Available at Amazon.com

Johnson’s Moisture Care Baby Wash

Available at Amazon.com

Johnson’s Bedtime Bath

Available at Amazon.com

Aveeno Baby Calming Comfort Bath

Available at Amazon.com

All-in-One Body Wash and Shampoo

If you don’t want to bother with separate baby bath soaps and shampoos, wash your baby from head to toe with one product. All of these products can be added to the bath water. There is no need to rinse baby after using these products.

Playtex Baby Magic Gentle Hair & Body Wash

Available at Amazon.com

Aveeno Baby Wash & Shampoo

Available at Amazon.com

Johnson’s Head-To-Toe Baby Wash

Available at Amazon.com

Mustela 2-in-1 Hair and Body Wash

Available at Amazon.com

Aquaphor Gentle Wash & Shampoo

Available at Amazon.com

California Baby Super Sensitive Shampoo & Body Wash

Available at Amazon.com

Burts Bees – Baby Bee Shampoo & Wash

Available at Amazon.com

Vapor Bath Products

When your baby has a cold, you want to do everything you can to soothe and comfort her. The menthol vapors of a vapor bath provide soothing comfort for colds and sniffles. I find these products to be very relaxing for a fussy, stuffy baby.

Johnson’s Soothing Vapor Bath

Available at Amazon.com

California Baby Colds & Flu Bubble Bath with Aromatherapy

Available at Amazon.com

Shampoos

Baby’s eyes are sensitive to irritants. You want to use the mildest of shampoos, and a shampoo that’s tear-free and hypoallergenic. When washing baby’s hair just apply a small amount of shampoo. A little goes a long way.

Johnson’s Baby Shampoo

Available at Amazon.com

Mustela Foam Shampoo for Newborns

Available at Amazon.com

Aveeno Baby Essential Moisture Shampoo

Available at Amazon.com

Huggies Natural Care Baby Shampoo

Available at Amazon.com

Cradle-Cap Shampoos

Cradle cap is a condition that causes baby’s scalp to flake. This condition is characterized by a yellowish, scaly crust on baby’s head that’s caused by over-active sweat and oil glands in the scalp. Cradle Cap is not pleasant to look at but is not serious. Gentle treatment with a cradle cap shampoo usually relieves this condition.

Gentle Naturals Baby Cradle Cap Treatment

Available at Amazon.com

Bella B Bee Gone Cradle Cap Shampoo

Available at Amazon.com

Parents often think that they will just use adult towels for baby, but adult towels are too big and cumbersome for a small baby and they don’t have a hood to keep baby’s head nice and warm after a bath. Some hooded towels are thin and not very absorbent. Hooded towels should be made of thick, absorbent terry-cloth or terry velour material. Not only do they absorb more moisture but keep baby nice and warm during the drying process.

SwaddleDesigns Terry Velour Hoodie Towel

Available at Amazon.com

SwaddleDesigns Organic Cotton Hooded Towel

Available at Amazon.com

American Baby Cotton Terry Hooded Towel Set

Available at Amazon.com

Luvable Friends Super-Soft Hooded Bath Wraps

Available at Amazon.com

Fisher Price Rainforest Hooded Towel Set 2-Pack

Available at Amazon.com

Washcloths

As with towels, adult washcloths are too big for washing baby’s tiny face and body. Baby washcloths are smaller than standard-size washcloths, which makes them easier to work with when you’re washing your little one. Washcloths should be made of soft, absorbent terry cloth.

SwaddleDesigns Washcloths

Available at Amazon.com

American Baby Company Cotton Terry Wash Cloths

Available at Amazon.com

Luvable Friends 4-Pack Washcloths

Available at Amazon.com

Bumkins Organic Cotton Washcloths

Available at Amazon.com

Brush and Comb Sets

Whether your baby has a lot or a little bit of hair, and whether it’s straight or curly, thick or fine, a brush and comb make it easy to care for and style. Baby brushes have soft bristles that are gentle on baby’s scalp. Baby combs have fine teeth with rounded tips for pull-free combing.

Sassy Brush & Comb Set

Available at Amazon.com

Nuk Baby’s First Comb and Brush Set

Available at Amazon.com

The First Years Arc Comfort Comb/Brush Set

Available at Amazon.com

Safety 1^st Easy Grip Brush and Comb

Available at Amazon.com

Nuby Comb & Brush

Available at Amazon.com

Cradle Cap Care Kit

A Cradle Cap Care Kit includes unique tools to help you gently and effectively treat your baby’s cradle cap. Use the dual-sided mitt to apply and rub in shampoo or baby oil. Then use the 2-in-1 brush and comb to remove the cradle cap.

Safety 1^st Cradle Cap Care Kit

Available at Perfectlysafe.com
Available at Buybuybaby.com

Baby Nail Scissors

The best time to trim nails is when baby is asleep. These child-sized scissors feature safety rounded tips and easy-grip handles. If you keep baby swaddled and just expose one hand at a time, it will be a much easier process.

Sassy Soft Grip Scissors & Clippers

Available at Amazon.com

Baby Nail Clippers

Many parents are afraid to cut little nails because they are hard to see. These nail clippers feature a magnifying lens that makes trimming a child’s tiny, soft nails easier. The Graco Liteup clippers even features a bright LED light so you can see your baby’s nails more easily, you can even cut them in the dark while she sleeps. When clipping tiny, soft nails, be sure to pull back on the finger itself fully exposing the nail, so as not to accidentally clip the tip of the finger.

The First Years Deluxe Nail Clipper with Magnifier

Available at Amazon.com

Safety 1^st Fold-Up Baby Nail Clipper

Available at Amazon.com

If you don’t feel comfortable cutting or clipping your baby’s nails, you can file them with an emery board. Any brand will do.

Grooming Sets

Good grooming habits start by having the right tools for the job. Get everything you need to keep your little one cuter than ever, all in one convenient set.

Health Care Kits

If you think your baby is sick, having the right health care items on hand helps you determine if baby has a temperature, relieve a stuffy nose and administer the right amount of medication. There’s nothing worse, if you think your baby’s sick, than having to run out during this stressful time, to get a thermometer or medicine dropper.

Combination Grooming and Healthcare Kits

Keep everything you need to care for and groom your baby all in one convenient place. These kits contain both grooming and healthcare items for your baby.

Safety 1^st Detach & Go Grooming & Healthcare Kit

Available at Amazon.com

This kit includes 25 essential items for good grooming and health. Kit includes gentle care brush and comb set, clear tip nasal aspirator, easy fill medicine syringe, easy fill medicine spoon, toddler toothbrush, steady grip nail clippers, digital thermometer with protective cover, baby scissors, tweezers, 12 emery boards, no-scratch mittens (1 pair) and a detach & go travel case.

The First Years American Red Cross Deluxe Health & Grooming Kit

Available at Amazon.com

This set includes labeled holders for each grooming item, an infant brush and comb, sure-grip nail clippers and nail scissors, a fingertip toothbrush and toddler toothbrush, emery boards, a hospital-style nasal aspirator, a digital thermometer with case, a medicine dropper with travel case, a medicine spoon, a medicine dispenser, and a shake-and-see rattle. The zippered case has a storage pocket for extra items

I find having to kneel on a hard floor or resting your elbows on the side of the bath tub to be very painful and uncomfortable. The following accessories will add comfort and ease to the bathing experience for both parents and baby.

Elbow and Knee Savers

Safety 1^st Tubside Kneeler and Step Stool

Available at Amazon.com

Enjoy greater comfort as you bathe your baby. Protect your knees and elbows while you’re leaning over the tub at bath time. Tubside Kneeler coverts to a step stool to help your toddler reach the sink. Slip resistant grips help keep tub kneeler and step stool in place. Machine washable bag holds bath accessories.

Aquatopia Deluxe Safety Easy Bath Kneeler

Available at Amazon.com

The deluxe extra large Aquatopia safety easy bath kneeler has anti-slip cushioned pad for your knees and extra padding for your elbows. Easy to use, the kneeler unfolds in seconds. Made from water friendly neoprene, it has pockets that are perfect for soaps and shampoos.

The First Years Sit & Store Parent Bathing Seat & Step stool

Available at Amazon.com

Enjoy greater comfort while bathing your child with this sturdy tub-side seat that doubles as a container for bath toys. Give tired knees a rest and help keep the bathroom clutter free. Side vents encourage air-flow to keep toys dry and mildew-free. Sit and Store adjusts to two heights and can be used as a stable step stool to help older children reach the sink.

Toy Bags and Organizers

I hate a messy bathroom. Toys left in the bath tub or scattered all over the floor. Toys left on the floor can be stepped on or tripped over becoming a safety hazard. Keep the bathroom tidy by storing bath toys in a toy bag. Toy bags use easy-to-install and quick-to-remove suction cups that mount securely to any smooth surface.

Safety 1^st Bath Toy Bag

Available at Amazon.com

Safety 1^st Bath Toy Bag is a colorful stretchy mesh bag with 2 suction cups to conveniently hold the bag with bath toys to the wall, encouraging your child to put his toys away after bath time.

Munchkin Bath Friends Toy Organizer

Available at Amazon.com

The Munchkin Bath Friends Toy Organizer has a delightful seascape design that captivates kids. It easily hangs from the tub, walls or showerhead. The mesh bottom lets water drain out so toys are kept clean and dry.

Skip Hop Tubby Bath Toy Organizer

Available at Amazon.com

This toy organizer is made of washable neoprene and mesh. It features a stay put mounting plate with 4 suction cups which secures the bag on tiles or glass.

Tubby allows water toys to dry out and stay mildew free between baths. It’s stretchy, wide mouth makes toys easy to find and grab.

Kidco Bath Storage Basket

Available at Amazon.com

Keep all your bath time essentials and toys neatly organized and close-at-hand. Holds bath toys, soap, shampoo and more.

The basket adjusts to fit most standard tubs. Divider separates toys from bath care items.

Bath Thermometers

Prevent accidental scalding by using a bath thermometer, which measures the actual temperature of the water and indicates the ideal range for your baby’s bath. Placing baby in bath water that’s too hot can not only burn baby’s skin but can be very traumatic, making bath time an unpleasant experience for your baby.

Munchkin White Hot Duck Bath Toy

Available at Amazon.com

This adorable rubber ducky has a safety disc at the bottom that tells when the water is too hot, then lets you know when it’s safe to put your baby in. And, it’s just the right size for little hands to hold and cuddle.

Safety 1^st Bath Pal Thermometer

Available at Amazon.com

This friendly floating duck helps you make sure baby’s bath water is a comfortable temperature. Along the side is a thermometer that lets you know what the temperature of the water is, so you can adjust it if you need to.

Aquatopia Deluxe Safety Bath Thermometer Alarm

Available at Amazon.com

The Aquatopia deluxe safety bath thermometer alarm constantly and accurately measures the bath temperature every 2 seconds. The thermometer alerts you with an audible alarm if the water is too hot, over 100.4 degrees F, and another alarm if the water is too cold, below 89.6 degrees F.

This battery powered and water activated thermometer automatically activates when placed in water and de-activates when taken out. It is fully tested to meet all necessary safety standards and makes a great toy.

Sassy Temperature Sensing Froggie

Available at Amazon.com

The Temperature Sensing Froggie inspires baby’s imagination as it bobs in the water and frog rotates to float underwater. Froggie features a “Too Hot” indicator to assure that the bath water is a comfortable temperature. Froggies indicator changes color to warn you if bath water is too hot.

Spout Covers

I find using spout covers makes bath time much safer. Soft spout covers guard the entire faucet to protect children from accidental bumps and burns.

Munchkin Bubble Ducky Spout Guard

Available at Amazon.com

It’s America’s #1 selling spout guard. Soft cushiony material protects baby from bumps and burns. Pop the top to dispense bubble bath in the water for super sudsy fun. Easily fits standard bathtub faucets.

Skip Hop Moby Bath Spout Cover

Available at Amazon.com

Moby is a cute little whale that brightens up the bathtub while protecting your baby against bumps and bruises in the tub. Moby’s sleek design includes an adjustable fin strap that fits snugly on most tub spouts.

Sassy Froggie Soft Spout Guard

Available at Amazon.com

Soft Spout Guard helps protect against accidental bumps and bruises in the tub and fits easily and securely over most bathtub faucets.

The friendly frog is a happy bathing companion for your child and helps make bath time safer.

Sesame Street Bath Tub Faucet Cover – Elmo

Available at Amazon.com

Elmo Spout Guard Protect your children from bumps, bruises and burns in the bathtub with this adorable Elmo spout cover. Made of flexible durable vinyl, and featuring Elmo in a bubbly tub, this faucet guard will help make bath time safer and more fun! Helps protect little ones from bumps and bruises in the tub Elmo in the tub encourages your kids to bathe!

Transitional Bathtubs

When baby gets too big for his baby bathtub or kitchen sink it’s time to transition to an adult bathtub. Place a transitional bathtub inside an adult-sized bathtub, and baby will feel more comfortable and secure. Transitional bathtubs should only be used for babies that can sit up on their own unassisted. Transitional tubs make bath time easier whether you are at home or traveling.

Munchkin White Hot Safety Duck Tub

Available at Amazon.com

This inflatable, padded tub makes big bathtubs more comfortable for babies and toddlers. The safety disc in the tub turns white when the water is too hot, and the textured surface helps prevent slipping. Perfect for children 6 to 24 months that are able sit upright unassisted. Deflates and folds easily for travel.

Leachco Bath ‘N Bumper Cushioned Bathtub

Available at Amazon.com

The Bath ‘N Bumper makes bathing your child safe and easy. The soft bumper bath fits directly in a full-size tub, surrounding your child with comfy cushioned support. The padded slip-resistant bottom helps prevent slipping and sliding.

Kel-Gar Snug Tub

Available at Amazon.com

The inflatable Snug Tub is your child’s safe, fun comfortable and water-conserving bathtub for use within your preexisting adult tub. The inflatable sides and bottom provide something for your child to hold on to and are less slippery than adult tub surfaces. The padded headrest can be used to safely shampoo toddlers.

Safety 1^st Kirby Inflatable Baby Bathtub

Available at Amazon.com

The Safety 1^st Kirby inflatable tub is designed to provide a cozy environment for a self-sitting baby. It is made of soft vinyl which is easy on your baby’s skin. The recessed drain plug allows quick and easy draining.

Sassy Aquatic Bobbers

Available at Amazon.com

The Sassy Aquatic Bobbers float in the water and the fish and the frog bobble back and forth. Your baby will love the unsinkable bobbers and will have a constant companion for bath time fun. Simply immerse the bobbers in water for bubble sounds and a variety of water straining activities.

Sassy Counting Friends Bath Toy

Available at Amazon.com

Scoop and strain water with each little fish while learning to count! Easy to grasp fish and fishing net are sized just right for little hands.

Each of the colored fish have a number and corresponding holes in the bottom to make scooping and straining water as easy as 1-2-3.

Munchkin Ten Squirting Sea Buddies

Available at Amazon.com

These colorful and creative sea buddies are sure to please your little bather. Each captivating creature squirts water for endless laughs and surprises. Get set to get wet.

Munchkin Baby Bath Turtles

Available at Amazon.com

Bring your baby out of his shell at bath time with 4 floating turtles that connect with magnets. Each colorful turtle is its own interactive toy – a mirror for sight, rattle for sound, and balls for rolling and spinning fun. The captivating colors and sounds keep your little one busy while you’re getting him nice and clean.

Sassy Double Duckies

Available at Amazon.com

You can’t have a bath without a rubber ducky and twin rubber duckys are double the fun.

Your little waterbug will love sharing the tub with these two yellow fellows. Twin Rubber Duckies make bathtime a time to look forward to every day. Bright yellow duckies float effortlessly and can squirt water too!

Amazing Animals Tubtime Friends Dolphin and Starfish

Available at Amazon.com

A dolphin, an inner tube and a squirty starfish are all ready to ride the waves, floating in baby’s bath!

Dolphins’ tail and flippers spin with a clicking noise.

Yookidoo Stack ‘N Steam Tub Fountain

Available at Amazon.com

Water-jet powered fun in the tub! Base attaches to the bottom of the tub and draws water up through the center creating a magical fountain for bath time play. As boats and characters are stacked up on the base, the water flows through each one and out the top.

Change the figures on top for different effects. The red boat spins as it sprays, blue boat has a swiveling propeller, octopus spouts in all directions, and scuba pal sprouts hair as he squirts from his mouth. Figures are shaped for interchangeable stacking. Easy for kids to turn on and off by themselves. Just press the orange peek-a-boo button. Boats and characters can float around the tub, too. 3 AA batteries required.

Alex Toys Rub-A-Tub Squirters for the Tub – On the Go Transportation

Available at Amazon.com

Your little boy will love these bath toys. The set includes a fire truck, police car, airplane, boat, and car. Each squirter is perfectly sized for little hands to squeeze.

This toy is recommended for ages 6 months to 5 years.

Sassy Car Wash

Available at Amazon.com

The Sassy Car Wash won the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award and the National Parenting Publication Honors Award.

Floating Car Wash offers over eight imaginative play activities. An oval-shaped roadway features terry cloth sponges, bumps, squishy spinners, and a water squirting nozzle. Car wash includes a squirting car, a truck for scooping and pouring, a car for scooping and straining, and a floating car ferry. This toy is recommended for ages 9 months and up.

Sassy Bathtime Kitchen Sink

Available at Amazon.com

Bathtime Kitchen Sink has won the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award, National Parenting Publication Award and the Iparenting Greatest Products of the Year award. Your little kitchen cleaner upper will have lots of fun in the bath with the Bathtime Kitchen Sink.

Kitchen set includes a terry cloth scrub brush, a bottle that squirts water, a cup for scooping and straining water, and a dish pan for scooping and pouring water. Water can strain from the faucet or squirt from the spray nozzle. This toy is recommended for ages 9 months and up.