These products are perfect for parents of babies and young children

Parenthood brings on all the emotions. There’s the sheer joy of watching your child grow and thrive. There’s sadness when one phase ends and anxiety when another begins with new challenges.

As friends, we may feel helpless watching people we love go through the highs and lows of parenting. It’s such a personal journey, and it’s natural to want to step in and help. Of course, you may fear you’ll overstep. Sometimes, a small, practical gift can go a long way in making a parent’s life less stressful and more organized. Though they won’t stop their infant from waking up at 3 a.m. or toddler from climbing on the table, these products will keep their little one safe and them a little saner.

Baby Proofing Edge/Corner Set 20 ft 8 Corners

When older babies and young toddlers learn to walk, it’s only a matter of time before they start running. Sometimes, they don’t have the best control over their little bodies and wind up running into the corners of tables. Cue the tears. Bébé Earth’s corner guard protects those precious noggins. They’re made of absorbent rubber foam and affix to corners and edges of furniture, cutting down on accidents and keeping little kids and parents less stressed.

Buy at Amazon

Cool Beans Baby Car Seat Canopy and Nursing Cover

Ask any new mom about a trip to the store, and they’ll probably have a story about a random stranger who came up and touched their baby. The Cool Beans car seat canopy keeps the baby under wraps and protected. The versatile product can also be used as a nursing cover, giving a lactating person privacy, too.

Buy at Amazon

So Peep Shatterproof Baby Backseat Mirror

Often, on that first car ride home, one parent will ride in the backseat of the car to keep an eye on the baby if possible. Eventually, though, the parent will be in the driver’s seat, and the baby will be rear-facing in the backseat. This backseat mirror for cars by So Peep ensures your friend can still see their little one. It boasts an extra-wide surface so it’s a cinch to take a peek at the baby and get peace of mind. Previous buyers love that it’s sturdy and parents can adjust the position.

Buy at Amazon Buy at Walmart

HEARTEK Noise-Cancelling Headphones

In 2010 when the Saints won the Super Bowl, Drew Brees’ young son sported a pair of big headphones. They weren’t the trendy Beats by Dre but noise-canceling headphones. If your friend’s pre-baby life involved sports games, concerts, and summer fireworks, getting these headphones for their little ones may allow them to enjoy some of their favorite activities again. HEARTEK’s noise-canceling headphones are durable and adjustable, so they can grow with the baby. Previous buyers say they worked great at monster truck shows.

Buy at Amazon

Woffit Toy Storage Organizer Baskets 2 Set

Between birthdays, holidays, and doting grandparents, little kids accumulate a ton of toys. Some are no fun to step on (hello, Legos). Woffit’s toy organizer keeps all those toys off the floor and in one place. The product is lightweight, made of canvas, and neutral-toned, so it goes with any room motif.

Buy at Amazon

Parenthood is a journey, and it’s natural to want to be there for our friends. A few practical and genius products can help give caregivers peace of mind and make their lives a little less stressful. Kids tend to run into furniture with reckless abandon when learning boundaries. Corner guards can keep those accidents meltdown-free. Carseat and nursing covers and backseat mirrors make outings easier. Noise-canceling headphones keep ears safe, and toy organizers ensure the house stays as tidy as possible. Sometimes, though, the best way to help a friend is by doing something money can’t buy: Asking them how they are and really listening to their response.