Video Good Housekeeping expert shares winners of 2026 Parenting Awards

August 7, 2026 - 16:07

The Good Housekeeping Institute has announced its 2026 Parenting Awards, and the list is packed with practical, clever, and genuinely useful products for families. Lexie Sachs, the executive director of the institute, recently walked through the standout winners, focusing on items that solve real problems for parents rather than just adding clutter to the nursery.

This year's picks span everything from strollers and car seats to feeding supplies and sleep aids. Sachs highlighted that the testing process is rigorous, with dozens of parents and experts putting each product through daily use for weeks. The winners had to prove they were durable, easy to clean, and worth the price tag. One of the big themes this year is adaptability, with several products designed to grow with a child from infancy into the toddler years.

Among the top winners is a travel stroller that folds down small enough for overhead bins but still offers a smooth ride on rough sidewalks. Another favorite is a bottle warmer that heats milk evenly without hot spots, a common complaint from parents. For sleep, a new white noise machine with a built-in nightlight and a timer that gradually fades out earned high marks for helping babies settle without sudden silence.

Sachs also pointed to a few unexpected winners, like a diaper bag that doubles as a changing pad and a portable high chair that straps onto any regular dining chair. These items, she said, are the kind you do not realize you need until you have them, and they quickly become everyday essentials.

The full list of winners is available in the latest issue of Good Housekeeping, with detailed reviews and buying guides for each category.