Alicia Betz

1 week ago | forbes.com | Alicia Betz |Esther Carlstone

Bassinets and cribs are both safe sleep spaces for babies. They provide a firm, flat surface for the essential sleep your baby needs, which is about 16 or 17 hours per day for the average newborn, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). While bassinets are designed specifically for newborns and young infants, cribs can be used for newborns, older babies and even toddlers.

2 weeks ago | forbes.com | Alicia Betz |Esther Carlstone

As a new parent, selecting the right crib mattress size is essential for ensuring your baby sleeps safely and soundly. “When it comes to crib mattresses, size really does matter,” says Harvey Karp, a pediatrician and founder of the Snoo Smart Sleeper. When the mattress is correctly sized, it prevents gaps between the mattress and the crib, reducing potential safety risks. In addition to size, the firmness of the mattress matters, too.

3 weeks ago | forbes.com | Alicia Betz |Rose Gordon Sala

With a pack and play on hand, you’ll always have a place to set them down around the house or during travel—and a safe spot for them to sleep or nap in. The very best pack and plays also include additional features like built-in changing stations or extra portability. The Chicco Lullaby Zip All-In-One Portable Playard is our pick for the best pack and play, because it’s a safe sleep space for babies and includes extra features like a changing insert, parent organizer and built-in bassinet.

3 weeks ago | forbes.com | Alicia Betz |Esther Carlstone

Virtually all kids are drawn to playing in and around the water. Designed for splashing adventures, the best water shoes for kids are crafted with durable materials, have traction to prevent slips and dry quickly. Many kids want their shoes to look stylish too if they’re going to actually wear them. After testing various styles with our own kids, researching the top options and interviewing two experts, we named the Keen Seacamp II CNX the best water shoes for kids.

3 weeks ago | forbes.com | Alicia Betz

The best baby swimsuits provide ample UPF sun protection, come in bright colors for visibility and provide easy access for diaper changes. You also want the swimsuit to cover as much as the skin as possible, which is why experts prefer and recommend rash guards and long-sleeve swim shirts. Thanks to its easy diaper access, arm and thigh coverage and plethora of bright color options, the Hanna Andersson Baby Rashguard Swimsuit is our top pick for the best baby swimsuit.