If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a mom, it’s that babies require a lot of gear. And just when you feel like you’ve got everything you need, your little one hits a new milestone and suddenly requires something completely different. From those newborn days of swaddles and bottles to the later stages of teething, crawling, and learning to walk, every phase comes with its own must-haves.
Now that Edie is almost one, I’ve been reflecting on the items we’ve truly used and loved over the past year—the things that made life easier for both of us and even helped her explore new skills like eating solids, dancing to music, and testing out those wobbly first steps.
This month also happens to be the 20th anniversary of Parent’s Choice, Walmart’s exclusive baby brand. Their products have been staples in our home from day one, and I’ve found them to be both affordable and excellent quality—a huge win when you’re stocking up on baby gear that you use daily. If you haven’t checked them out yet, now’s the perfect time.
Here are five Parent’s Choice items that have become essentials for us this first year:
1. Parent’s Choice Shea Butter Baby Wipes
If there’s one product no parent can live without, it’s wipes. We go through them constantly—for diaper changes, sticky hands, messy meal cleanups, and even quick surface wipe-downs when needed. What I love about the Shea Butter Baby Wipes is how soft and moisturizing they are. They’re gentle on Edie’s sensitive skin but still tough enough to handle the messiest situations.
Parent’s Choice also offers different varieties of wipes, but the shea butter version has been my favorite. It’s the kind of product I buy in bulk because I know we’ll use them every single day.
2. Parent’s Choice Gentle Formula
Feeding is such an important part of babyhood, and finding the right formula can feel overwhelming. What stood out to me about the Gentle Formula is that it’s NON-GMO, easy to digest, and—just as importantly—affordable. The price point means I don’t have to worry about breaking the bank while making sure Edie is getting what she needs.
We all know how quickly the costs of baby gear and essentials add up, so having an option that combines quality with value has been a huge relief.
3. Parent’s Choice Plush Blanket
Every baby needs a blanket (or two… or three). For us, the Plush Blanket quickly became a household favorite. It’s unbelievably soft, cozy, and perfect for snuggles on the couch or tummy time on the floor. Plus, it comes in multiple colors, so you can match it with your nursery décor or just pick a shade your little one loves.
There’s something about having a “go-to” blanket that makes daily routines feel comforting. Edie drags this one around constantly, and it’s safe to say it’s become part of our family.
4. Parent’s Choice Fitted Crib Sheet
If you’re a parent, you already know: you can never have too many crib sheets. Between middle-of-the-night accidents, snack spills, and the occasional baby “art project,” extra sheets are non-negotiable.
What I appreciate about the Parent’s Choice Fitted Crib Sheets is that they come in a pack of two, which means I always have a backup ready. The prints are adorable, and they hold up really well after countless washes—a big plus when you’re doing laundry nonstop.
5. Parent’s Choice Inflatable Safety Bathtub
This one might just be my favorite of the bunch. The Inflatable Safety Bathtub has been a total lifesaver. It’s soft and comfortable for Edie, fits perfectly in our bathroom, and makes bath time feel safe and fun.
The best part? It’s inflatable, which means it’s incredibly easy to travel with. We’ve brought it along on family trips, and it makes bath time away from home so much easier. No need to juggle awkward sinks or worry about slippery hotel tubs—this one does the trick every time.
Why We Keep Coming Back to Parent’s Choice
As a mom, I want products that are safe, reliable, and comfortable for my baby—but also practical and budget-friendly for our family. Parent’s Choice has really struck that balance for us. From the small everyday items like wipes to the bigger things like formula and bathtime gear, these products have been part of nearly every stage of Edie’s first year.
Watching her grow—from those newborn snuggles to dancing along with songs and testing out her little steps—has been the sweetest adventure. And having trusted baby gear along the way has made the ride just a little bit smoother.
Final Thoughts
Parenthood comes with a learning curve, and so much of it is trial and error when it comes to finding the right products. But for us, Parent’s Choice has been a reliable go-to that has stood the test of messy mealtimes, sleepless nights, and endless milestones.
If you’re building your own baby essentials list, I can’t recommend these five items enough. They’ve carried us through Edie’s first year, and I know they’ll be just as helpful for the next families starting their journey.
