WTF to Wow: The Memos 2022 Nominees for the Best Odd but Amazing Baby Products

Totally out-there, totally genius.

The Memos recognise the absolute in parenting essentials, the best baby brands in the biz, the products worthy of your time, adoration and money. This year, we have eight categories ranging from bath time BFFs to the most innovative baby gear in the game. The judges have finalised the nominees, now all you need to do is vote! Consider it your civic duty and cast your vote by Tuesday March 1st, 11.59pm AEST and let parents everywhere know the products that made your parenthood experience that little bit easier. But first, a closer look at the nominees for WTF to Wow: The Best Out-There but Amazing Products, as curated by out panel of expert judges.

Having a baby can be kind of confusing, and there’s a ton of products that you won’t know you need… until you do. These niche problem solvers require a bit of explaining to new parents (like seriously, what the f, why the f, how the f) but make a huge difference when you need them most.

And the nominees are...

As voted for by The Holistic Birthing Expert Yahna Fookes and The Sleep Expert Dr Golly.

Did you know that shushing a baby to sleep is actually a thing? Save your voice and do it the easy way with the Baby Shusher. It uses a real human voice to lull your baby to sleep with a calming shush, a similar tone to the sounds in the womb. We love this as an alternative to a white noise machine. It's super portable and easy-to-use, simply turn it on for a short or long session to lull even the most resistant sleepers into some seriously restful shut eye.

What our judges say:

“From 22 weeks your baby in utero can hear and recognise sounds. Once in the outside world, having sounds that emulate bodily sonics can help them settle. This device was a miracle for us and we never had to change the batteries once!” — Yahna Fookes, The Holistic Birthing Expert.

Baby Shusher 101:

Real human voice to shush baby
Portable and easy-to-use
BPA-free
Removable wrist strap
15-30 minute timer
10 hour battery life
Adjustable volume control

As voted for by The Sleep Expert Dr Golly.

The things you discover with a newborn! Like the fact that constant pushing in a stroller helps to calm them and lull them to sleep. New parents will know that the second you stop is when fussy babies wake. Keep them asleep for longer, and save yourself the hassle of constantly pushing your pram with the help of the Rockit. Battery operated, the quiet motor has an adjustable speed and will free up your hands and give you a bit of extra time back to get on with your day.

What our judges say:

"In my experience, babies can detect a lack of motion even in their sleep! To help link sleep cycles when the pram stops - these rockits are incredible. I wish these were around when my kids were newborns." — The Sleep Expert Dr Golly.

Features of Portable Pram Rocker:

Battery operated
Quiet motor
Adjustable speed
60 hours of run time
Attaches to your stroller/pram

As voted for by The Midwife and Lactation Consultant Tanya Maschio.

Speaking of weird but wonderful, have you ever thought about cutting a baby's nails? It's a lot harder than it sounds, plus they grow super quickly! Keep sharp nail in tact with the baby nail trimmer from Haakaa. No sharp scissors in sight, just a baby-safe filing gadget. The baby nail trimmer pads make your baby's nails smooth and don't leave sharp edges that may scratch their delicate skin.

What our judges say:

“So often I get asked “ How do I cut my babies nails?” I have also seen babies with small cuts close to the skin near the nail bed due to parents trying to “cut” their nails. These are much safer alternative that parents are confident to use and babies have no problem with!” — Tanya Maschio, The Midwife and Lactation Consultant.

Baby Nail Kit 101:

Safely cut baby nails
Suitable for newborns to toddlers
Includes x5 pads
LED light for nighttime filing

As voted for by The Editorial Director Alexandra Whiting.

Did you know you could be changing your baby's nappy up to 12 times a day? That's a ton load of baby wipes going in the garbage. The Baby Bum Shower was invented to help new parents reduce their wastage when changing nappies in an ultra hygenic way. It's a small, hand-held device that delivers soap (pH neutral) and water or just water, whenever it's needed. It is activated by a simple squeeze of the bottle making it simple and easy to use in the messiest of situations!

What our judges say:

Baby Bidet 101:

Baby wipes alternative
Eco-friendly
Hand-held
Delivers soap and water

As voted for by The Editorial Director Alexandra Whiting.

We're seriously amazed by the innovation that continues to come out of the land of baby products. Who knew just how much the Nasal Aspirator Kit was needed until Snotty Boss created it! Babies can't actually blow their noses which is annoying as it sounds for them. Thanks to this incredible device, it uses a battery powered suction to gently remove snot for them. Bub will breathe, feed and sleep better in less than 10 seconds. Genius.

What our judges say:

"Babies get snotty, but can't blow their noses. This gets all the junk out of there so they can breathe easy. There are alternatives on the market that involve you doing the sucking, so praise the heavens that this exists." — The Editorial Director Alexandra Whiting.

Features of Nasal Aspirator Kit:

Battery powered suction
Removes snot from your baby’s nose gently and safely in ten seconds
Helps babies breathe, feed and sleep better
Use to relieve colds, flu, sinus, allergies, teething and virus related congestion and runny nose
Ideal for newborns to preschoolers

As voted for by The Nutritionist Jacqueline Alwill.

So tiny, so cute! The finger toothbrush from Mushie is perfect for teething babies. The bumps on the back assist with sore, teething gums while the bristles on the front keep your baby's teeth clean.

What our judges say:

"I love this product for babies and toddlers. It’s an easy way for parents to establish a tooth brushing routine when kids are young to support oral hygiene as they grow." — Jacqueline Alwill, The Nutritionist.