Parent-Approved Products That Work for the Whole Family

Taking care of kids and babies can get messy, but Miss Mouth’s stain remover is up for the job. This product is formulated to work quickly on all types of stains. It comes in a compact container and doesn’t have a strong scent. Simply wet the fabric and spray this on, then run the item through the laundry cycle. (It also works on stains on carpet and upholstery.)

TEST RESULTS: GH Cleaning Lab stain tests proved that this spray works; in fact, it’s a favorite of many of our staffers. All our parent testers confirmed that it worked quickly and effectively in their homes, saying it removed stains left by fruit, dirt, spaghetti sauce, markers and more. “Wow, was I impressed!” raved one.

Braun’s thermometer is designed for the entire family — from newborns through adults — and even tracks temperatures for specific people via an app. The results are color-coded based on age, letting you know when there is no fever (green), a mild fever (yellow) or a high fever (red).

TEST RESULTS: Parents said they liked this thermometer better than others they had tried, including forehead and rectal ones. They found the readings consistent and especially loved the nighttime mode, which allowed them to check kids’ temperatures while the children were sleeping. “The device is easy to get into a squirmy child’s ear, and the quick color result based on temperature is helpful,” one said.

Formulated with picaridin (an ingredient the EPA considers safe and effective when used as directed), Off's mosquito repellent comes in a fragrance-free, non-greasy formula for both adults and children. The easy-to-use pump makes it simple to spray on.

TEST RESULTS: Those who are sensitive to odor and texture were big fans. “I like this bug spray much better than similar ones I’ve tried,“ said one parent. “It doesn’t have a lingering ‘bug spray’ smell or feel sticky and oily on the skin after it dries.” GH chemists agreed, with one saying, “I love that it doesn’t smell like essential oils so I can put it on without feeling nauseous.”

Keep your household running smoothly with this large touchscreen calendar that lets you add color-coded events, meals, chores and more. For ultimate organization, it even syncs with other digital calendars, including those on Google, Apple and Outlook, and you can make updates in real time from an app.

TEST RESULTS: GH tech analysts praised the calendar’s anti-glare display and sleek, modern design that looks great when mounted on a wall. “We have it in our kitchen, and it has been a game changer for our family!” one mom said. “We can sync all our existing calendars there and put on rewards, chores and tasks for the whole family.”

Saving for college can feel overwhelming, but a 529 savings plan helps you invest from the time kids are young. That way by the time they start college, you’re able to compile a notable amount. Savings in the plans can grow free from federal income tax, and withdrawals are tax-free for qualified educational expenses. The plans vary by state, so check with your state to understand the options.

TEST RESULTS: “I’m on year six of puling from a 529 plan for my kids’ college,” a GH parenting editor explained. “My kids’ money grew a lot over the years, and they didn't have to pay taxes on the earnings.“ She noted that because money is invested, the amount may fluctuate with the stock market, but as kids get closer to college age, the investments get more conservative.

Offering discounts of up to 70% on popular parenting products, Rebel is an online resource that helps parents save on big-ticket gear. Rather than shopping secondhand, you can find open-box and overstock items for babies and kids on the site, which partners with brands and retailers to source returned products that are quality-checked before resale.

TEST RESULTS: GH analysts found the ordering process seamless and noted that delivery was fast. “It’s a great way to save money on expensive baby essentials without sacrificing quality,” said one GH expert who’s also a parent. Our pros also praised the site as a cost-effective solution for families.

Childproofing stove knobs is an essential task, and these locks from Vadiff are both easy to attach and subtle in appearance. Designed for push-turn knobs, they are made of a silicone material and easy to install. They’re great for homes with kids of all ages and pets and even for homes with just adults, as anyone could easily turn on a burner accidentally.

TEST RESULTS: Our Kitchen Appliances Lab director confirmed that the knob locks were easy to use and called them “a nicer-looking alternative to plastic covers.” One tester who said plastic covers wouldn’t fit over her stove’s knobs found this to be the perfect solution.

Blueair’s popular air purifier is small but mighty. It’s designed to work quickly and quietly in smaller spaces, detecting and removing pollutants and odors from the air. You can monitor and track the filter from an app, and its round, compact design means it can be placed anywhere in the room.

TEST RESULTS: It’s been a top-tested air purifier in the GH Home Improvement Lab for years thanks to multilevel filtration that captures all types of contaminants including dander, pet hair, cooking fumes, dust mites and pollen. At-home testers liked its design, ease of use and effectiveness. The app was also a hit, with one tester saying, “It’s super convenient to just check air quality stats or change settings from my phone.”

This air purifier from Windmill stands out for its powerful performance in large rooms and its sleek, modern design that blends seamlessly into homes. You can monitor and control air quality through an easy-to-use app, and the app sends alerts when contaminants hit the air so you can take action quickly.

TEST RESULTS: A tester favorite, it earned high marks for its effectiveness, quiet operation, and aesthetic appeal. “It very quickly addressed poor air quality — it was cool to track the improvement via the app!” said one tester. Others praised the “sleek and attractive” look, noting that they preferred its appearance over that of other air purifiers.

Shower filters have become popular for skin and hair health, but Canopy is now bringing this technology into tubs with its new bath filter. It’s designed to reduce chlorine and contaminants in water that can dry out skin and cause irritation.

TEST RESULTS: “I use a shower filter, and I've seen huge improvements with my hair, so I was super excited to start using this bathtub filter when cleaning my baby,” said one parent. “It does the job, and the water appears less yellow.” GH analysts agreed, finding the filter both effective and super easy to install.

A large one-gallon tank makes this PureGuardian humidifier a standout choice for larger rooms. It uses ultrasonic technology, meaning that quiet vibrations turn the water into a mist. It also has a built-in night-light with soft colors, making it especially great for homes with children.

TEST RESULTS: The large reservoir was appreciated by parents, who said they didn’t need to refill it as frequently as other humidifiers. When they did have to refill it, doing so was a breeze thanks to the wide opening. It also stood out for mist output that didn’t leave surrounding areas too damp. “It helped me sleep so much better at night, as it kept away the post-nasal drip and cough,” said one parent who used it during allergy season.

Levoit’s humidifier uses evaporative technology, which adds moisture to the air without creating mist — a method that’s often better at maintaining clean air than traditional humidifiers. The top-fill water tank is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning, and the unit features an auto-drying function to help prevent mold growth along with an integrated filter to remove impurities.

TEST RESULTS: “I immediately noticed that my previously dry, cold air felt more breathable and moist,” said one tester. Parents praised the humidifier’s customizable settings, sleek design and “super soft, calming little light.”