The baby gear market is full of strange and unnecessary items that parents think they need but really, it's all just clever marketing. I'm talking about those things you'll probably only use them once and then put it on a shelf for the next naïve pregnant woman you come across.

There are so many baby and kid products that make me stop and say, “Why is this even a thing!?” and “Are there really people spending money on this?”

But then I'll come across some serious creativity — from techy inventions to simple “I wish I thought of that!” ideas. Everything on this list is one of those products, the ones that have made me stop and think, “Wow, that's awesome.”

24 Innovative Baby Products You Didn't Know You Wanted

1. HALO Bassinest Bed Side Sleeper

For parents that want the peace-of-mind that comes with co-sleeping, but without the dangers of having a baby in your bed, there's the Bassinest bedside baby sleeper that keeps baby just an arms-length away all night.

Features

•360 degree swivel

•Retractable side walls with lock

•2 Generous storage pockets

•Soothing Center with 3 Lullabies, 3 Soothing Sounds, 2 levels of vibration, night light and nursing timer

Halo BassiNest Swivel Sleeper - $249.99, Available at Amazon

2. Owlet Baby Vitals Monitor

The Owlet uses the same technology that hospitals use, pulse oximetry, to monitor baby's vitals. The wireless Smart Sock fits snug on your baby’s foot and monitors their heart rate and oxygen levels while they sleep, effectively helping reduce chances of SIDS.

Features:

• Smart Sock Kit (sizes one through three)

• Sock Electronics

• Base Station and corresponding charging cords

• Exclusive access to the Owlet app

Owlet Baby Vitals Monitor - $249.99, Available at Owletcare.com

3. BabyNes Formula System

The BabyNes dispenser combines exclusive technology with intuitive design to guarantee fast and accurate bottle preparation at the ideal temperature. The Wifi-enabled smart system effortlessly anticipates your orders and helps you manage your child nutrition.

Features:

• Automatic recognition of the capsule for a perfectly measured bottled

• Temperature selection

• Automatic calculation of the proper quantity of water, for a lump-free bottle

• Wifi-enabled features provide real-time consumption information, automatic capsule reordering, and feeding alerts.

• Includes the BabyNes capsule opener, for when you're on the go.

The BabyNes System - $249.00, Available at BabyNes.com

4. The Baby Shusher

The Baby Shusher is a revolutionary new tool for parents using an ancient but doctor-tested technique to help soothe your fussy baby. The Baby Shusher breaks a baby’s crying spell by engaging his or her natural calming reflex. The rhythmic shush reminds the baby of being inside the womb, where there is a constant inundation of loud sounds from blood flow and other in utero noises (up to 95 dBs, or the sound of a very loud vacuum cleaner). These sounds, which may initially seem harsh, are actually very calming to a baby.

Features:

• Quickly soothes fussy baby with rhythmic “shush” sound

• Timing options – 15 or 30 minutes with and user controlled volume

• Good for newborns and up

• Makes a great gift

Baby Shusher - $34.99, Available at BabyShusher.com

5. Woombie Air®

The Woombie Air is light, breathable and probably the easiest swaddle on the market. One step swaddling is easily accomplished using the patented design with a multi-dimensional stretch and zipper to prevent unraveling throughout the night. The four-season vented design allows the perfect airflow. Dress baby accordingly underneath.

Features:

• Perfect for ALL SEASONS! (dress baby accordingly underneath per season)

• Vented front offers improved air flow

• Safer than over wrapping with blanket (over wrapping can lead to overheating)

• Easy to use

• Certain colors are Limited Edition & will vary per seasons

Woombie Air - $24.99, Available at Woombie.com

6. Cocoon™ - The Complete High Chair

Inspired by the butterfly, the Cocoon™ transforms from a comfortable recliner to an early feeding chair with its unique and ergonomically designed Food & Cup Holder. Cocoon™ also comes complete with adjustable height and recline positions, easy clean foam seat, stow away tray feature and foldable design – a full set of features for the most complete high chair you can find.

Features:
• Three Recline Positions to maximize comfort for your child at different stages of feeding
• Comfort Foam Pad that is comfortable, waterproof, and easy to clean
• Food & Cup Holder holds a cup or bottle and a bowl, and attaches to either side of the high chair for easier feeding
• Magnetic Staw-Away Tray for easier storage
• Foldable Design
• Six Height Adjustments

Cocoon™ Complete High Chair - $199.00, available at loveoribel.com

7. ZIPaboo

ZIPaboo is a genius baby sleeper idea, with a strategically placed zipper that starts at the base of one leg, circles the belly and moves back down the opposite leg; allowing for a quick and easy diaper change at any time! Picture how much easier those 2am diaper changes would be if you could easily change them without waking them!

Features:

• Made from Peruvian Pima cotton

• Effortless diaper changes

• 5 adorable designs

ZIPaboo - $36, available at ZIPaboo.com

8. Why Cry

This high-tech baby monitor teaches parents to distinguish the different types of cries of their baby using advanced frequency analysis technology. When the baby cries, the Why Cry analyzes the frequency and then determines whether the child is stressed, sleepy, annoyed, bored or hungry. The baby's mood is displayed on the LCD screen.

Why Cry Mini - $85.99, available on Amazon

9. DockATot™

The Dockatot™ Deluxe offers a safe and comfy spot for baby to rest, lounge, play, cuddle, do tummy time and get diaper changes. Lightweight and portable, the Dockatot allows for easy travel. Additional covers are available for purchase to match your mood, room, and style.

Features:

• Breathable, washable and hypoallergenic materials

• Rounded bumper helps to prop up your baby when placed under their arms, encouraging "tummy time"

• Reduces risk of flat-head syndrome

• Reduces startle reflex

DockATot™ Deluxe - $165.00, Available at dockatot.com (Use this link for $10 off!)

10. Baby Bath Bonnet

Seen as useless as some, I know that this would be amazing to have for my kiddos. No more bath-time tears? I'm in! Basically, this silicone bonnet keeps water out of your baby's eyes for easier hair washing.

Baby Shower Cap - $4.18, available at Amazon.