That’s why Consumer Reports launched Top Picks for Baby—a curated guide to the safest, most reliable baby products on the market today.
“One of the reasons that we launched top picks for baby was to try to invite parents into that world of our testing… we’re not just reviewing baby products, we’re actually testing them,” Siobhan Adcock, Director of Baby Content at Consumer Reports, tells BlackDoctor.org.
Let’s dive into the 10 must-haves that CR’s experts—and parent testers—say will make your life a whole lot easier.
What Makes These Picks Stand Out
Lab Testing Meets Real Life
Consumer Reports is famous for its rigorous lab-based evaluations, but baby gear gets even more scrutiny. CR tapped real parents—including staff—to test usability in real-world scenarios.
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“In addition to being experts in different fields, the CR testing team—most of us are also parents ourselves… So we knew that it was important to kind of layer in that parent perspective in addition to the product safety expert and sort of product engineer perspective,” Adcock adds.
That means strollers are tested on city sidewalks, high chairs are judged by how easy they are to clean, and car seats are crash-tested beyond federal requirements.
“We test car seats for ease of installation, for ease of use, and then also we test car seats to a higher standard than even the federal crash testings for car seats,” she notes.
Three Types of Picks in Every Category
To help families with different needs and budgets, CR offers three designations in each product category:
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- Top Pick: Highest scorer overall
- Best Value: Excellent score at a lower price
- Expert Pick: Innovative, standout performer
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The Top 10 Baby Must-Haves of 2025
Infant Car Seat
- Top Pick: Clek Liing
- Best Value: Chicco KeyFit
- Expert Pick: Maxi-Cosi Mico Luxe+
Stroller
- Top Pick: Nuna TRVL LX
- Best Value: Baby Jogger City Mini GT2
- Expert Pick: UPPAbaby Vista V3
Double Stroller
- Top Pick: Baby Jogger City Select® 2
- Best Value: Evenflo Pivot Xplore Double
- Expert Pick: Thule Urban Glide 3 Double
Travel System
- Top Pick: Graco Modes™ Lx Travel System
- Best Value: Britax B-Lively Travel System
- Expert Pick: Chicco Bravo For2 Travel System
High Chair
- Top Pick: Stokke Clikk
- Best Value: Graco SimpleSwitch
- Expert Pick: Peg Perego Siesta Ultra
Diapers
- Top Pick: Pampers Swaddlers
- Best Value: Huggies Little Snugglers
- Expert Pick: Seventh Generation Free & Clear
Crib
- Top Pick: Babyletto Hudson
- Best Value: IKEA Gulliver
- Expert Pick: DaVinci Kalani Crib
Bassinet/Baby Bed
- Top Pick: Maxi-Cosi Iora
- Best Value: Graco Pack ‘n Play with Bassinet
- Expert Pick: Snoo Smart Sleeper
Baby Bath
- Top Pick: Infantino Cuddle & Clean™ Bath
- Best Value: Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Bath Center
- Expert Pick: Blooming Bath Lotus
Portable High Chair
- Top Pick: Inglesina Fast Table Chair
- Best Value: Chicco PocketSnack Portable Chair
- Expert Pick: Phil & Teds Lobster Chair
Why Parents Should Trust These Picks
Choosing baby gear isn’t just about preferences—it often comes with emotional and financial pressure.
“Parents are first of all under a lot of financial stress… The average birth costs $5,000—that’s with insurance. So you know there’s a lot of financial pressures on parents and parents-to-be and we think that helping parents understand the products that are really worth their dollar is one way that we can serve them,” Adcock shares.
It’s why CR’s picks include both high-performance and budget-conscious options, all tested for what truly matters.
“We can test a high chair for stability and for how much weight the harness can handle, but what parents are also really interested in with a high chair is how easy is it to clean,” she notes.
Beyond Testing: Advocating for Better Standards
CR’s work doesn’t stop at reviews. Their team of product safety advocates also works to push safety standards forward at the national level.
“Many parents assume that if a product is on the shelf, it must be safe,” Adcock says. “Unfortunately, that’s not always true. Some categories have more rigorous safety standards than others. That’s why we also work behind the scenes in Washington, D.C., to improve product regulations.”
Final Tips for New Parents
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, Adcock gets it.
“I remember those days of really eagerly, excitedly expecting my first baby and then realizing that I needed to become an expert on a whole bunch of stuff that I had never even really thought of before… Baby gear can feel kind of technical,” she adds.
This guide exists to take the pressure off, recommending gear that’s tested, trusted, and parent-approved.
For those just starting their baby gear journey, Adcock offers a grounded perspective,
“You don’t need to become an expert overnight,” she says. “The Top Picks guide is designed to take some of the stress out of the process. Every product we spotlight not only meets but often exceeds the most important safety and usability benchmarks.”
And when comparing products, remember that one size doesn’t fit all.
“The best stroller for me might not be right for my neighbor. That’s why we offer a range of options so families can choose what works best for them, while still feeling confident about quality and safety,” she notes.
What’s Next?
Consumer Reports will continue updating this guide each year as new models launch and safety standards evolve.
“I’ve been in this space for years, and I was still surprised by some of the standout performers,” Adcock admits. “Some lesser-known brands really rose to the top. It just proves that good design and safety don’t always come from the biggest names.”
Whether you’re preparing for your first child or upgrading gear for a growing family, this guide is your shortcut to safety, usability, and peace of mind.
“We’re hoping that by spotlighting these products we can help parents just have an easier time making those choices for their babies,” Adcock concludes.
View the full Consumer Reports Top Picks for Baby list here.
