The Parent Tested Parent Approved seal has been the symbol of instant trust for millions of consumers for over 15 years. It’s an award built on authentic testing by real families with real feedback.
They select target audience families from their parenting community to test and review products. Once testing is completed, they review overall scores and feedback to determine if the product is a seal of approval winner.
Here are some of the products that won the seal of approval in the Baby & Toddler category. You can find all the winners here.
Acorn Couch
The Acorn Couch includes one large base consisting of two large cushions measuring 66" x 33" x 5" and one trapezoid-shaped pillow measuring 24" x 14" x 13". Both the base and the pillow are made of Certipur foam and covered with a waterproof liner and a soft chenille cover.
I like that it has a waterproof liner (there's nothing like dropping a few hundred dollars on a play couch only to have your kid pee on it), that it's less expensive than its competition, and that it uses quality materials.
Where you can find it: acorncouch.com
What testers had to say:
"My kids absolutely loved this! They've made multiple forts, rode down the stairs and one even slept on it to camp out in his brother's room which was perfect! It's very soft and super easy to maneuver. Easy enough for my kids of varying ages to carry and set up." - Angelica
"I was very surprised by the quality of the Acorn couch. The quality of the foam and washable covers were huge pluses for me. Even though there are only 2 pieces, I find the set very versatile and well suited for my 5 and 3 year olds. They both can lay on the couch with plenty of room in a couple different set-ups." - Laura
Aura Parental Controls
Aura Parental Controls helps parents keep kids safe online at every age.
With Aura Parental Controls, parents can decide what their kids view online, easily set and enforce screen time limits, and get a full picture of their kids’ online activities.
It can identify digital threats in real time and shows trends, patterns, and changes in behavior, so parents can act if they think something is worth a chat.
I like that this helps create a barrier between your child and the digital cesspool lurking out there. As my kids get older and the scams, bullying, and social media platforms expand, it's nice to have something like this in place.
Where you can find it: aura.com
What testers had to say:
"Our kids have smartphones for communicating with us while they are outside of the home. Despite setting limits and access controls, we cannot prevent ALL activities. This app helps us stay on top of things." - Karin
"This app is great! Really shows you how much your kid really is on their technologies. I’m glad to have an easy app where I can easily control what’s allowed." - Emma
Reading Eggs
Reading Eggs is a comprehensive online reading program designed to help children aged 2-13 learn to read in a fun and motivating way.
Based on a proven, science-backed curriculum, it targets early literacy skills from phonics and vocabulary to grammar and reading comprehension.
It supports each child’s learning (subscriptions include access for up to 4 children) by offering individual, self-paced lessons that allow each child to progress at their own rate.
Kids love the exciting rewards, games, and certificates, while parents love the progress reports and peace of mind that their child is learning essential literacy skills that will set them up for life.
Where you can find it: Reading Eggs
What testers had to say:
"Reading Eggs is an amazing program! It kept my son constantly engaged while teaching him fundamental skills. The interactive lessons, fun activities, and engaging storybooks helped him develop a love for learning. I highly recommend this program!" - Jamie
"I’ve tried a variety of reading programs for my children and this one seems to be the biggest hit. I really like how it is very educational while still keeping the child engaged in a fun way. My child does not make a fuss to do the reading activities and they even compete to see who can get the most eggs." - Cameron
Shut Your Face Self-Closing Outlet Cover
Shut Your Face is the first self-closing outlet cover that brings you comfort, simplicity, reliability and most importantly, research-based safety for your children.
The dual action release keeps kids out but is comfortable for adults - simply squeeze and rotate to expose our outlet – and the safety arm automatically springs back to its covered position when you remove the plug.
Unlike other covers, there's nothing between the outlet and your plug and when you use one outlet, the other one remains in its safety position.
Shut Your Face fits your widest plugs on our top vertical panel, and your tallest plugs on our lower horizontal panel.
Where you can find it: Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
What testers had to say:
"This outlet cover eliminates the normal frustration of covers on frequently used outlets - there are no small pieces that could be removed by clever toddlers, the mechanism is simple to use for adults, and the spring close prevents forgetting to replace the cover after use! The cover is bulkier than a standard outlet cover and will not work in all areas of your home, but is perfect for the outlets where you plug in vacuums, hair dryers, or other frequently used household electronics. My toddler who has figured out other outlet covers, cabinet locks, etc. was not able to open this outlet cover." - Alyssa
"These outlet covers are good for nosy toddlers who are always into something. My son tries to get the regular outlet covers off but he couldn’t figure it out." - Kayla
Ground Up Kids Sneakers
If your kid is into anything like My Little Pony, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Frozen, Bluey, etc., Ground Up probably has the license for it.
Unlike other shoe companies that get character licensing, Ground Up makes good shoes that go with their cool styles.
Where you can find them: Ground Up, Amazon, Walmart, Zappos
What testers had to say:
"I was blown away by the quality of these shoes. Typically character inspired shoes/clothing is poor quality and not made to last. These are awesome and my child received a lot of compliments on the shoes. One of a kind, will buy more." - Amanda
"These are durable, well-made, and fun gym shoes. It's great to have fun character shoes that aren't obnoxious (like the ones that light up). We received the shoes in the summer, and although they are hightops my son's feet didn't get overly hot in them. My son was able to wear them for biking and running and for general outdoor play while still being comfortable. I will certainly look into purchasing this brand again!" - Nicole
Haakaa Ladybug Silicone Breast Milk Collector
The Haakaa Ladybug Silicone Breast Milk Collector is the perfect breast pad alternative for mums who want to save every drop of leakage and letdown instead of soaking it up.
The one-piece design attaches to your breast with suction and sits securely and discreetly in your bra. The suction is light and gentle to hold the product in place. It won't draw out additional milk, so it's ideal for mums who leak breast milk and want to save it without increasing their supply.
You can wear the Ladybug on the other side of your nursing bra while you're breastfeeding to catch your letdown, or you can wear one on each breast inside your bra as you carry on with your day. It is completely portable and has small feet on the bottom to stand upright on any flat surface, preventing spills after use.
Once you have finished collecting your letdown, open the plug on the top and safely pour out your milk into a container or bottle.
The Haakaa manual breast pump is the gold standard in the industry, so it's nice to see that they've developed a product that complements it.
Where you can find it: Haakaa, Amazon, Target
What testers had to say:
"The Ladybug Milk Collectors are a cute design that help collect potentially lost milk. Either while pumping or between pumps, I like to wear them and collect a decent amount of milk. They are comfortable to wear and aren't too noticeable. You need to constantly check on them to make sure you don't overflow but that is not a deal breaker. They have saved me tons of milk. Easy to clean and use, definitely recommend!" - Julia
"The Ladybug Milk Catcher is a fantastic product made of soft silicone that comfortably covers the entire areola. Unlike other milk catchers, it’s smaller in size, making it much more comfortable to wear throughout the day. I love how discreet and effective it is, catching every drop of milk without any fuss. It’s been a lifesaver for me, ensuring that no milk goes to waste. If you’re looking for a reliable and comfortable option, this is definitely the one to go for!" - Serra
Malwarebytes Plus (Premium Security + Privacy VPN)
Malwarebytes Plus provides effective and easy security and online safety for all your devices.
Malwarebytes Premium finds threats on 40% of devices that already have another antivirus installed and crushes them. It provides Real-Time Protection against a variety of existing and emerging threats, including viruses, phishing, ransomware, zero-day exploits, and more.
Malwarebytes Privacy helps you shop, read, browse, stream, and live your online life confidently with our next-gen VPN.
Malwarebytes Browser Guard blocks ads and third-party trackers while blocking malicious websites, online scams and potentially unwanted programs at speeds up to 4x faster.
I'm not a techy person, so I love it when something like this is tested for me so I can just get it and feel confident that it's good. (I feel the same way about tires and mascara—just tell me which one is the best, and I'll get it.)
Where you can find it: malwarebytes.com
What testers had to say:
"I absolutely recommend this. It is very user friendly and you don't have to be a tech professional by any means. I trust this to keep our devices safe and kids away from inappropriate content." - Heather
"A super easy to install, real time protection with a private VPN at a low subscription cost. It performs well and doesn't use a lot of the computer processing while running. This is a lower cost option to Norton and the protection is just as good. The user interface is super simple." - Laura
Naturepedic Organic Breathable Baby Crib Mattress (2-Stage - Lightweight)
The Naturepedic Breathable Organic 2-Stage Lightweight Crib Mattress is the only mattress of its kind that is breathable, waterproof and certified organic.
This mattress features a firmer side for infants and a medium-firm side for growing toddlers.
The design is strong yet lightweight, so it’s both easy for you to lift during late-night sheet changes and firm enough for your baby’s developing muscles and bones.
Certified organic, Naturepedic mattresses are made without flame retardants, formaldehyde, polyurethane foam or other questionable chemicals.
I'm excited about this one because I think it will give brands like Newton a run for their money.
Where you can find it: Amazon
What testers had to say:
"My daughter is a great sleeper but we still have blowout accidents still since we are beginning solids full time. We were looking for something that was waterproof and could grow with her for that reason. This is a great mattress and overall very pleased with it!" - Katie
"I definitely recommend this mattress to other parents and caregivers. Although it’s $359 and more expensive than others, the price point is still good. Think about how often your precious baby is in the crib - so much! The money is worth it. It works as an infant AND toddler bed, so you won’t have to buy two mattresses. I really enjoy how breathable the mattress is and that it is free of chemicals. Again, this mattress is worth every penny. Totally recommend!" - Alexandra
Pampers Club App
The Pampers Club App allows parents to save money on diapers by scanning codes on their Pampers diapers bags. After scanning the code, you receive Pampers Cash which you can redeem to an offer, redeemable as a gift card.
This is already listed as one of our best baby freebies, so I'm glad it was confirmed by a large group of testers.
Where you can find it: Pampers
What testers had to say:
"Great app! You earn based on diaper size & amount of diapers. I usually get $2-$10 coupon everything I purchase diapers just from using over the past 4 months. You scan the QR code on the inside of the diapers to earn. The only thing I don't like is for the wipes you have to type in the code. Still a great app and I use it all the time!" - Tiffany
"The Pampers Club app is great if you're a loyal Pampers family. It's easy to use, they have great resources for parents, and the rewards are wonderful if you're using a lot of Pampers products." - Kayla
Diaper Genie Platinum Pail
The new Diaper Genie Platinum pail is made of durable stainless steel and has odor-locking clamps that help to prevent odors of messy diapers from escaping and a foot pedal for hands free operation.
The pail holds up to 47 newborn diapers and includes a long-lasting refill that can last up to 5 months or holds up to 846 newborn diapers. (That's a lot of poop containment.)
Historically, the only two players on the metal diaper pail scene are Ubbi and Dekor so this is cool coming from an established brand like Diaper Genie. Metal tends to be better at holding in smell than plastic so if smell is a concern, it's worth checking out.
Where you can find it: Amazon, Amazon.ca, Target, Walmart
What testers had to say:
"It's got a smaller footprint than a garbage can, but it's tall so it holds a fair number of diapers. The lid set up really makes a difference in smell, which is nice." - Lakshmi
"Love the genie! These baby poopies are stinky! It keeps the smell in perfectly. Easy to use! The bags hold a lot of diapers so we don’t have to take the trash out that often. Also, the foot pedal is a game changer!" - Jada
Other winners from Diaper Genie: Diaper Genie Signature Pail (made from plastic instead of metal so it won't dent) and the Diaper Genie Select (slimmer for smaller spaces)
Ultimate Balu Organics Ball Pit
Balu Organics' Ultimate products are made with the world's first soy-based high resiliency foam. Not only does it maintain its shape and firmness much longer than conventional polyurethane grades, and does not generate any toxic gases.
They come in two sizes: medium and big, are available in 7 colors and can be covered in cotton or velvet. They also have a Limited Edition Balu’s BIGGEST Ball Pit that is gigantic - also, if you get this, can I come over?
Where you can find them: Balu Organics site
What testers had to say:
"This ball pit was a huge success at my 2 year old’s birthday party. The kids couldn’t get enough of it and the soft foam ensured no one got hurt while being durable enough not to lose shape. It was also the perfect size." - Leah
"Our daughter has a blast playing in this ball pit! She is 9 months old and loves to explore, touch and play with the balls and move around in the ball pit. It’s really soft and sturdy so it’s a very safe space for her to play and a fun and different activity for her! It’s a great toy!" - Sarah
DYPER Charcoal Enhanced Diapers
Infused with charcoal, renowned for its amazing filtering and odor-fighting properties, these diapers are lined with plant-based materials, and are incredibly soft and gentle on your baby's delicate skin. They are hypoallergenic and free from chlorine, latex, alcohol, perfumes, PVC, lotions, TBT, and Phthalates.
They have undergone rigorous independent testing and are Certified Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX for the absence of harmful substances. They are proudly made with FSC Certified wood pulp sourced from responsibly managed forests.
Dyper does a good job of pushing the peanut when it comes to make diapers that are more eco-friendly but still work (surprisingly hard to do) so it's nice to see that they are still inovating.
Where you can find them: Amazon
What testers had to say:
"The charcoal diapers do their job. The aesthetic of the black diapers are great. The outside of the diaper feels a bit rougher than other diapers. The interior is softer and does a great job holding everything your little one can let out. They've stood up to the overnight amounts without leakage." - April
"These charcoal enhanced diapers are super soft and absorbent. I love the black color but you do lose the fullness indicator found on other brands. The tabs on these diapers are easy to use and are very strong. I found the sizing a tad smaller than other diapers. I would recommend these eco-friendly diapers." - Cammie
DYPER Baby Wipes
These plant-based baby wet wipes are hypoallergenic, unscented, and 99% water.
They are made with 100% viscose from bamboo because it’s naturally hypoallergenic, absorbent, and soft on your baby’s skin – including sticky hands or faces.
Where you can find them: Dyper, Amazon, and Walmart
What testers had to say:
"These are some of the best wipes I've used. First the packaging is super durable and easy to open! My only complaint is that the wipes are kind of hard to remove at first and if they had a flip top, they'd be perfect. What's even better is that they work well but they are still super gentle on my little one's sensitive skin. DYPER wipes are thick and textured, but soft and not so wet that my littles tush is left soaked. These get an A from but once these little things are changed, A+." - Rebekah
"This is a superior wipe to other brands. The texture and durability were thick but cloth-like. No concerns with the quality or safety of the wipe. I will continue to use these and be a customer, as I feel these do not cause as many issues with diaper rash or irritation as other brands." - Mimi
Smart Sleep Coach by Pampers
This app provides holistic sleep support for your baby from the day they’re born up to 2 years old.
Whether your baby is an early riser, wakes often, protests bedtime, or is going through sleep regression (mine was all of the above), Smart Sleep Coach takes the guesswork out of building healthy sleep habits with multiple tools and personalized guidance to help you choose the path of sleep support that’s best for your baby.
Sleep is a major pain point for many parents (me included) so it's exciting to see something like this coming from a big brand like Pampers. It will be interesting to see if they give Huckleberry a run for their money.
Where you can find them: smartsleepcoach.com
What testers had to say:
"This was a great tool to get my babies sleep scheduled sorted out quickly. We were very happy with the results and now we have her sleep schedule set!" - Samantha
"I really liked the courses presented to learn more about sleep training and make us new moms more confident as parents. This is such a hard time and it’s nice to have direct help to help us ease into it." - Cory
Little Canada
Little Canada is a celebration of all things Canada in miniature. This unique Toronto attraction is a journey of discovery through the sights and sounds in miniature scale.
You can even get yourself Littlized and placed in Little Canada. (I would like to get myself placed at King and Dufferin where I fell in a snowbank with my chicken roti from Island Foods in 1998 - don't worry, I saved the roti!)
Where you can find them: Little Canada
What testers had to say:
"What a beautiful exhibit - the details and the craftsmanship are beyond beautiful. The change from night to day was amazing and the extra visuals like fireworks on Parliament Hill are great additions. My 6 year old and her friend loved it - Maurice the Moose was a great way to get them interested. Too old for my 4 year old. Overall, I would recommend it for kids 8+ as they would be able to appreciate more and play the Where's Maurice game on their own." - Andrea
"Little Canada had a BIG impact on my kids! It was so cool to see the real places we have seen in mini form! I thought this would be a quick trip but the exhibits had the kids (ages 6 & 9) engaged for over 3 hours! We went over a week ago and the kids are still talking about things they saw. We felt it was a great value for a family outing." - Sarah
Under the Sea Sensory Toy Kit
Dive deep into imaginary play under the sea with this mermaid sensory kit from Meemzy Magic.
Beach sand and ocean-colored dough provide a fun-filled seascape to build upon with colorful shells, stones, and a chest full of treasures. Engage the senses with silky sand, smooth, cool clay, and ocean scents. The stones and shells provide a variety of textures and colors fully engaging your little one’s mind.
I love open ended sensory kits like this and I know many kids who would absolutely lose it if they got something cool like this. (The more I look at them, the more I want one.)
Where you can find them: Meemzy Magic
What testers had to say:
"This is a great product, all my kids loved it. My kids are particular about how toys look, smell and feel, and this set worked great for them. It also had that nice feel of a treasure chest, which you can open and look for great things. Very well thought product!!" - Irina
"My daughters (1.5, 3 and 4.5) loved the Under The Sea sensory kit. This kit allowed them to use their imaginations with all of the colorful shells, stones, and treasure. I love how this kit included 2 types of textures; dough and slime. The older girls enjoyed the slime more while my youngest loved the dough texture. Overall, this is an amazing product. It will definitely keep your little ones occupied for hours. I hope they come out with a kit that includes more glitter, beads, and charms." - Catherine
Cosmic Dig Kit
Dive into a universe of discovery with Cosmic Dig Kits, where each planet-shaped kit is a gateway to learning about the Solar System and geology.
Kids can excavate hidden gems or fossils with the provided tools, engaging in a hands-on experience that mirrors the work of real scientists. Alongside the fun of digging, these kits come with an educational poster filled with fascinating facts about the planets and the treasures found within, plus a unique explorer badge to celebrate each discovery.
If you have anyone who is over 6 years old and obsessed with space, how perfect are these?! They are affordable too (Everyone in my family is Uranus for Christmas this year ;)
Where you can find them: Big Discoveries, Adventuretown, and Amazon
What testers had to say:
"These Cosmic Dig kits are so much fun! The Littles were so excited when they arrived. It's a good size and the littles started to get into them pretty quickly. These will definitely keep them entertained and wanting to get all the gems or fossils out of them to collect and keep. I love the poster that is included because it gives facts about the planet you're digging into and about the gems that are included with it." - Danielle
"This was a wonderful product that kept my child occupied and involved, without use of screen time. It was enjoyable and exciting for her to find the different stones while also learning about the planet. Given the amount of time that she was able to spend with the product, it was definitely worth the price point and I would purchase more planets to uncover the different stones while helping her learn about them." - Jillian
Bubbles and Friends
Bubbles and Friends is an animated series for kids that provides fun and entertaining educational content for young children.
Each episode allows children to explore language and literacy, critical thinking, mathematical concepts, and social emotional wellness through the power of story and music.
The program was created by The Learning Experience, an award-winning early childhood education company, and is crafted by experts in both the fields of childhood development and kids entertainment.
Where you can find it: @bubblesandfriends on Youtube
What testers had to say:
"As a homeschooling/working mom, I am always looking for supplemental resources for my kids education. Recently I heard about Bubbles and Friends and thought I would give it a try. I have been very impressed. It covers a wide range of educational topics. My kids look forward to watching and working through each topic. I love that my kids tell me what they learned after watching each episode. The music and bright colors make it fun and interesting. I can’t be happy enough with it!!" - Emily
"I'm very impressed with the Bubble and Friends Youtube Channel. It's different from other channels I've tried with my kids because it's not JUST songs. It uses songs, but the characters have real, genuine conversations with each other. I also love the way the characters handle conflict and express emotions. The videos are fun and educational without feeling like they're educational. I appreciate the skills and lessons my children can learn from these videos." - Katie
Zigazoo
Zigazoo is the world’s largest social network for kids. No bullying allowed — only positivity, fun, and empowerment.
This is an educator-created and human-moderated platform with millions of users and the highest safety reviews from Common Sense Media.
Created by parents and teachers, it encourages kids to be creative and learn and gives them a secure space to meet friends and interact positively with their peers.
In contrast to most social media platforms, Zigazoo prioritizes safety and positive interactions with features that are carefully designed with a child in mind.
I'm not usually a fan of apps for kids, but if you have a child who is itching to get on social media and would like to avoid TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram for as long as possible, this might be a good fit.
Where you can find it: zigazoo.com
What testers had to say:
"My eight year old daughter enjoys using Zigazoo very much. This screen time I feel is a healthier option for her brain and esteem. All kids need an outlet to decompress, and Zigazoo allows her to do just that. Creativity and a safe environment." - Uraina
"This app is very user friendly and easy to navigate. It gives a greater sense of security and control over what your little ones are doing/taking in on social media. I’m normally pretty against the use of social media for children but I think this is a great and safe option to those who are looking for a kid safe social media app." - Kierstin
PIC Portable Mosquito Repellent
This little mosquito repellent isn't a 'baby' item per se but if you're somewhere mosquitos like to hang out, a chemical free solution is probably going to appeal to you as a parent.
The repellent is formulated with all-natural ingredients, including Clove, Geraniol, Lemongrass, and Citronella oils, which are known for their mosquito-repellent properties. It provides fast results in just 10 minutes and creates a barrier of protection up to 15 feet around you and your family.
The device comes with a rechargeable vaporizer, a 60 Hour Repellent Cartridge (Extra Refills Sold separately), and a USB-C cord, providing everything you need to get started.
It's safe to use around kids and pets when used as directed and provides long-lasting protection for up to 4.5 hours on a single charge. Frankly, I would like to wear ten of these around my neck like Mardi Gras beads in the Spring when the bugs are relentless around here.
Where you can find it: Walmart and Amazon
What testers had to say:
"This product actually kept the Texas sized mosquitoes away. I use it outdoors for the kids to play in the screened in porch and also when they play in the backyard. It's convenient and lightweight enough to hang off the diaper bag or stroller when going to the park or a hike as well." - Ami
"I live in Louisiana so this is an amazing product as we have so much trouble with mosquitoes. I love that it is a portable product that actually keeps the mosquitoes away." - Sarah
Want to check out all the previous winners or even become a tester?
Head to the Parent Tested Parent Approved site to see the products that made the cut in all the categories and/or sign up to become a tester.
Also check out: Cool and New Pregnancy & Baby Products in 2023
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