In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Best Baby Soothing Gear of 2023

Bring a state of baby zen with our list of favorite soothing gear for little ones
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Best Baby Soothing Gear of 2023
Credit: 123rf
By Molly Bradac and BabyGearLab Review Team
Friday June 2, 2023

Is your baby feeling fussy? We've got you covered. All babies will experience periods of fussiness and crying, which is how babies communicate their discomfort and needs. When the typical clean diaper and full belly fail to soothe your baby's grumpy mood, it might be time to call in some helpful gear.

That's where our expertise comes in.

Our experts have created a list of favorite soothing gear for little ones, featuring only the best products that came out on top of our extensive testing. It's safe to say that no one tests baby products as comprehensively as we do here at BabyGearLab. We will update this list if a new, compelling product becomes available and surpasses a top contender in our hands-on testing.

Since all babies are different, and what works for one may not work for another, our list covers a variety of gear, including some budget-friendly options.

Editor's Note: We updated this article on June 2, 2023.


baby soothing gear
Credit: 123rf

Soothing Gear


All babies will become fussy at some point for all sorts of reasons. With some useful soothing products (and patience!), you will quickly become skilled at comforting and settling your baby.

Baby Carrier


We could talk all day about the benefits and convenience of wearing your baby. It's extremely valuable when your sweet baby feels clingy, tired, or fussy. Here are our favorite baby carriers to keep your little one close for virtually hands-free snuggles and cuddles.

Best Overall Baby Carrier

Nalakai Ring Sling

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Best Traditional Carrier

BabyBjorn One

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Easy to Use Wrap

Baby K'tan Original

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Great Wrap on a Budget

Boba Wrap

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Pacifier


A pacifier can satisfy a baby's innate sucking reflex and provide comfort and the opportunity to self-soothe with a bit of help. It can even help some babies fall asleep and stay asleep longer. If you decide to offer your baby a pacifier, we suggest trying a few to see which one your baby prefers.

Overall Best Pacifier

Chicco PhysioForma Soft Pacifier

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Best Budget-Friendly Option

Philips Avent Soothie Pacifier

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Best for Newborn

RaZbaby JollyPop Pacifier

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Swaddle and Sleep Sack


After being cocooned inside the womb, many babies enjoy a similar feeling in the outside world, especially when the startle reflex is still happening. Here are some of the best swaddle and sleep sack options to comfort your little one.

Best Sleepsack

Woolino 4 Season Ultimate

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Best Newborn Swaddle

Miracle Blanket

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Teething Toy


Teething can make your sweet baby cranky, but a teething toy can bring some comfort. Our favorite baby teether toys are easy-to-hold for little hands with accessible bite points to reach sore gums.

Overall Best Teether

Comotomo Silicone Teether

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Best Teething Toy with Leash

Mombella Elephant Teether

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baby soothing gear - younger infants enjoyed the lower stimulation and gentle movement of...
Younger infants enjoyed the lower stimulation and gentle movement of the BabyBjorn.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Rock and Sway


Parents instinctively rock and sway their babies to help calm them, and sometimes the movement of strolling outdoors does the trick. But, when you're at home, take advantage of some gear that can produce a constant calming, hypnotic effect for babies.

Baby Swing and Bouncer


A baby swing or bouncer offers a rhythmic back-and-forth motion that's calming and provides the movement babies crave. Plus, it's a baby-friendly place for your awake baby when you need a brief break.

Best Overall Baby Swing

Fisher-Price Cradle 'n Swing

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Budget Friendly Travel Swing

Graco Slim Spaces

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Overall Best Baby Bouncer

BabyBjorn Bouncer Balance Soft

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baby soothing gear
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Entertaining Gear


Sometimes baby fussiness means boredom has hit, and they need a change of pace, a dose of entertainment, or a distraction. Regardless of the situation, we've tested various gear for entertainment that can bring a smile to grumpy faces.

Baby Gym


A top-ranked baby gym can be full of entertainment, blending multiple interactive features for curious babies to explore, like colors, textures, mirrors, and more.

Best Overall Baby Gym

Lovevery Play Gym

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Baby Jumper


The joy of jumping can make your little one smile and giggle, especially with you cheering them on. Check out the competition and our favorite picks in the best baby jumper review.

Best Overall Jumper

Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo

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Favorite Doorway Jumper

Jolly Jumper Exerciser + Playmat

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baby soothing gear
Credit: 123rf

Infant Massage


The benefits of touch are widely known, and adding infant massage to your child's routine, such as after bath time, can have a soothing effect on your little one. Create a relaxing ambiance with these essentials.

Baby Oil


Many parents prefer baby oil when massaging to achieve gentle strokes. We prefer baby-friendly products with little to no fragrance and simple ingredient lists.

Overall Best Baby Oil

Earth Mama Calendula Baby Oil

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Our Favorite for Baby Massage

California Baby Body Oil

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Baby Lotion


We've got you covered if you prefer to use a hydrating and fast-absorbing lotion over baby oil. Our top pick for baby lotion leaves babies' skin feeling soft and hydrated.

Best Overall Baby Lotion

Babyganics Daily Lotion

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Best for Dry or Irritated Skin

Eucerin Baby Eczema Relief Body Cream

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Best for Bedtime Routine

Puracy Baby Lotion

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baby soothing gear
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Block Out the World


Creating a less stimulating or sleep-inducing environment can help calm your baby and lull them off to sleep. Here are some products to add to your baby's nursery.

Sound Machine


Shushing can be soothing for little ones, but keeping that up is exhausting. A sound machine is the perfect solution that provides a continuous light humming noise that many babies find calming and sleep-inducing. Plus, it can block out louder noises coming from other parts of the house.

Favorite Portable Option

VTech Myla The Monkey

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Budget Friendly Simple Machine

MyBaby Soundspa On-The-Go

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Lots of Noise Options

Housbay White Noise Sound Machine

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Night Light


Keeping your baby's sleeping space dark can improve their sleep. However, middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes in the dark can be tricky, and overhead lights can be too bright. The best night light for kids can illuminate the darkness yet still keep the sleeping environment calm.

Best Overall Night Light

Hatch Baby Rest Night Light

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Best Budget-Friendly Night Light

LumiPets Bear

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Best Bang for the Buck

Eufy Lumi Plug-In

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baby soothing gear
Credit: Abriah Wofford

More Information


Our list of tried-and-true baby soothing gear works for many babies, most of the time. We suggest trying different gear on this list to see what works best for your baby. Check out our other reviews if you don't see what you seek. We've tested various diapering essentials, car seats for safe travel, along with nursing and feeding items, so you're well equipped for mealtime.

Molly Bradac and BabyGearLab Review Team

Honest, objective reviews. Led by a Pediatrician.

BabyGearLab was founded by a Pediatrician Mom with a mission to provide a reliable, independent, source of information to new parents. Our experts have tested thousands of baby and kids products to share key performance, health, and safety findings. We spend tens of thousands of dollars crash testing car seats to inform our ratings. And, we combine our review work with gobs of expert parenting advice. To assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. No sponsored content. No ads. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing by people who care.

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