These 11 Luxury Baby Items Are Worth the Splurge

Owlet Dream Sock ($300)

The Owlet sock isn't a must, but for anxious parents, it can feel like a godsend. The device fits on your baby's foot and tracks heart rate and oxygen as part of its Sleep Quality Indicators. It alerts you — via sound and light — when your little one may need you. The phrase that keeps coming up in reviews is "peace of mind." It lets parents sleep a little easier knowing their baby is being closely monitored. It can also give you insights into your baby's best sleep windows, to help you set up a healthy sleep routine.

Hatch Rest+ 1st Gen Baby Sound Machine ($90)

The Hatch Rest is another great product that can change in use as the baby grows. As a sound machine, it offers soothing noise to help baby fall (and stay!) asleep. The Hatch can also be used as a baby monitor, where you can listen and talk to your child through your phone. And the lights, which you can change on your phone via the accompanying app, also creates a calming sleep and wake-up environment.

A tip about the lights: one mom we know uses them with her toddler and kindergartener to make bedtime and mornings easier. She lets them take turns choosing which light they want to come on in the morning, which has become a fun part of their nighttime routine. And in the mornings, the kids know they're not allowed to leave their room until the colored light comes on (usually around 7:30 a.m.), which has minimized how often the little ones are waking her up at 5:30 a.m.

BabyBjörn Bouncer Bliss ($210)

Bouncer chairs have been favorites of parents for a long time, and this one comes with extra perks that make its price tag worth it. This chair has three different positions, offering more comfort for your baby and a more tailored experience while ensuring the seat is ergonomic, so it's not putting pressure on your baby's (cute) hips.

Artipoppe Zeitgeist Yin Yang Air in Linen ($420)

There are so many great baby carriers on the market, including affordable options that work amazingly well. But if you have money to burn or are looking for some big-ticket items to put on your registry, consider the Artipoppe carrier. It's a celeb favorite, partially because it's just so luxe — you can buy models in cashmere and silk — and partially because it's so comfortable for you and your baby, thanks to the padded, super-adjustable straps (that even allow for hands-free feeding); padded leg openings; and adjustable neck cushion.

the Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor ($250)

We know, we know — a baby monitor? But the Nanit is more than "just" a monitor. The camera offers a 130 degree view of the room, tracks your baby's sleep patterns, and detects the baby's breathing without the need of sensors. The alarm and accompanying phone app will send alerts if your baby is crying and allow you to speak through the camera to soothe your little one. The Nanit also grows with your kiddo, offering safe-zone alerts when they're more mobile, so you'll get years of use for the price.

Snoo Smart Sleeper Baby Bassinet ($1,695)

Yes, it's true: the Snoo is worth the price tag. There are loads of unique benefits that the Snoo offers, including soothing motions and sounds that respond to your baby throughout the night and the ability to track your baby's sleeping patterns. Plus, it promises a good night's sleep for everyone, and it really does deliver. It's durable, so it can be used for your next baby, and it's a hot ticket for reselling. In some cities, you can even rent one, so be sure to look around before considering it out of your price range.

Uppababy Vista V2 Stroller ($750, originally $1,000)

To be fair, this stroller isn't an essential: there are plenty of really great and safe strollers that cost less. But even if you're only going to splurge on one item, it's worth considering. It offers a sizable undercarriage storage compartment handy for bringing a fully packed diaper bag or, for urban parents, going shopping and toting grocery bags back home. The stroller is also easy to fold and store away, plus it offers a truly smooth ride for baby and parent with its shock-absorbing, all-wheel suspension. It also offers perks above other strollers, like an adjustable handle length, which means it's comfortable for caregivers of different heights — a small perk, but one that feels indispensable once you have it.

Pipa Car Seat and Base ($250, originally $330)

When it comes to car seats, the main concern is safety. And a big part of safety is making sure you install the car seat correctly. That's where this seat comes in. It takes a lot of the guesswork out of car-seat installation and works safely with or without the base. It's also approved by the FAA for use during flights, and for chemical-conscious parents, this car seat is made with nontoxic, flame-retardant-free fabric.

Willow Wearable Breast Pump ($350)

The Willow is perfect for parents planning or hoping to chest or breastfeed. This breast pump offers a hands-free experience, so you can multitask while pumping. That perk alone offers so much opportunity for the pumping parent to feel less pressure and stress. These can be strapped on during housecleaning, a commute to work, or just laying in bed while reading a book. Plus, the settings allow you to tailor to your needs (with seven suction levels), and you can connect to an app on your phone to track your time.

Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair ($299)

If you're only splurging on one baby item, an aesthetic high chair might not be the first on your list. But it's worth noting that this option is surprisingly practical. It's easy to clean, sturdy, comfortable, and long-lasting. It's made for babies from 6 months to 3 years old, but it can function as a big kid's chair and even support a grown adult. The beautiful quality material will last as a hand-me-down for your next baby or a friend expecting their first, which brings the cost per use way down.

Nestig The Cloud Crib ($749)

When you consider the quality of this crib and how long you'll be able to use it, it doesn't seem so splurge-y after all. It's made of sustainably harvested, solid Brazilian pine that's independently certified via the Juvenile Products Manufacturing Association. It also transitions from a mini crib into a full crib into a toddler bed, so you'll get literal years of use out of it. There's a reason Lindsay Lohan's a fan.