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Seeing your sleeping baby in excellent detail, breathing peacefully, can do wonders for easing anxiety in the early months of parenthood. Fortunately, as the baby monitor landscape rapidly evolves, clear picture and sound quality, batteries capable of lasting through the night, and hardware sturdy enough to survive toddlerhood have all become commonplace. Plus, many of today’s best baby monitors offer extras, from night-lights and white noise to highlight reels of your child’s late-night activity. You have several different types of baby monitors to choose from. A local-video monitor requires that your display unit stay within about 1,000 feet of the camera in your baby’s room. The Babysense MaxView Baby Monitor is our top pick in that category. If you want to be able to keep an eye on your child from a restaurant on date night or during a work trip out of town, you need a Wi-Fi–enabled monitor, which links a camera’s feed to an app on your smartphone. Our favorite in that categor...

Chainsaws can be catastrophically dangerous, but they’re a lot easier to use safely when they’re compact, light, and reliably powerful. In testing over a dozen new cordless tools in recent years, we were happy to realize most people can usually bypass the full-size version in favor of a smaller, safer pruning saw — and everyone can skip gas chainsaws entirely. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/GLvMaXH via IFTTT

In this edition of The Gift, we’re sharing a few closet upgrades that would delight any giftee this February. Plus: 36 gifts that scream “self care.” Even I, a major proponent of Little Treat Culture, who lives much closer to the “opulent” than “practical” side of the shopping spectrum, have to draw the line somewhere. And for me, that line is these $100 socks . I simply cannot justify spending a Benjamin on a single pair for myself — no matter how ultra-luxe they feel, how soft the cashmere is, how much the little IYKYK tag makes them cool to other sock snobs, or how much our style editor gushes over them. (“Now that I’ve experienced these socks,” she says, “it’s hard to go back to anything else.”) All of that said: Few things would delight me more than receiving these socks as a gift. They perfectly embody one of the golden rules of gifting: Get them a thing they use every day, but way better. And today, on what seems to be the 78th day of February, as I trudge through another ...

On the quest to build a versatile wardrobe, it’s easy to acquire a closetful of staples that are tasteful but bland, or trendy pieces that quickly lose their charm. Tops and blouses are especially prone to this Goldilocks predicament (this one’s too boring, that one’s too extra), but there is such a thing as “just right.” We spent three months researching and testing blouses and found a healthy handful of styles that strike the balance between practicality and personality. These top types are meant to be utility players, multitasking (yet not dull) pieces that you can put to work day after day, season after season. In museum terms, think of these as your permanent collection — the reliable standbys that keep you in business, and keep you inspired, as other exhibits come and go. Read on to see which blouses can serve as invaluable building blocks for your wardrobe, and check out the specific styles we recommend in each category, all of which have been vetted by a body-diverse panel o...

Face-washing is task that pops onto your to-do list twice a day, in the morning and before bed , so it should feel like a treat, not a chore. It’s easy to find a good-enough facial cleanser that removes dirt, grime, sunscreen, and other residual skin-care products. It’s harder, however, to come across one that does all of that without leaving skin feeling sensitive, stripped, and generally shrink-wrapped. And the trickiest thing of all? Discovering a face wash that also adds an element of delight and self-care. We’ve been living this search (and lathering various washes) for months. We tested 41 cleansers and sent 21 of them to panelists sorted by skin type. Ultimately, we arrived at eight frothy, foaming overachievers. No matter your budget, we have a basic, gentle wash and a luxe, frothy option for sensitive skin; a foaming cleanser and a gel option for oily and acne-prone skin; a hydrating cleanser ; an exfoliating cleanser ; a cleanser for normal skin , and an upgrade option...

In this edition of Clean Everything, we share 4 upgrades to prevent falls in the slippery, steamy area. Growing old in your home offers a lot of benefits — but also a lot of risks, particularly as dexterity and balance decrease with age. But you can reduce many of those risks by reevaluating the things in your home and how you use them. ( Our new room-by-room tour , built on years of testing and research, is a good place to start.) The bathroom, for instance, poses more physical hazards than any other room in the house — thanks to the slippery surfaces, limited square footage, and low visibility. But a few simple upgrades can deter falls and make any bathroom safer for just about anybody: from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/MoSgBTj via IFTTT

A baby swing is a decidedly optional piece of baby gear, but it can feel like a lifesaver when you need a spot to soothe a fussy baby. (Keep in mind that swings are designed for supervised use when your baby is awake only.) We conducted more than 30 hours of research, which included interviewing child-safety experts. And we’ve spent 20 hours testing 10 different models since 2017, landing on three recommendations. That said, swings rely on a battery- or AC-powered motor to function, and these motors are notoriously faulty. Customer reviews for even highest-rated swings include complaints about motors malfunctioning or failing over time. Top pick The best baby swing Graco Glider LX Gliding Swing Handy features — like an auto shutoff and a motor that defaults to the last setting used — set this swing apart from the competition. It also sits higher off the floor than the other models we tested. $150 from Target The Graco Glider LX Gliding Swing is designed to ...

When I first laid eyes on a Kunz spoon nine years ago, during an early gig as a line cook, I scoffed and thought: It’s just like any other spoon, right? I was unequivocally wrong, and I quickly learned why. My first day on the job, I was tasked with plating dozens of orders of chickpea hozon, a fermented chickpea dip, and I struggled to dollop the thick paste into a tiny bowl using a silicone spatula. As the orders kept flooding in — and my frustration mounted — a fellow cook pointed me toward my soon-to-be saving grace: a Gray Kunz Sauce Spoon . They lent me their Kunz spoon out of pity, and by the end of my shift, I’d become a convert. In the restaurant industry, it’s common knowledge that Kunz spoons reign supreme, and having one is an unofficial sign that you mean business. Walk into any professional kitchen (or watch an episode of The Bear ), and you’re bound to encounter at least one of these spoons. After I finally acquired a Kunz spoon of my own, my confidence in the kitche...

Babies often feel most content snuggled in tightly against their parents, and stretchy wraps and ring slings offer the best ways to hold them up close to the people they love. We logged roughly 360 hours babywearing with 15 wraps and ring slings for three months in late 2023 and early 2024 before concluding that the Solly Baby Wrap is the best wrap for newborns. The Koala Babycare Koala Cuddle Band is the best hybrid option for people who don’t want to learn how to wrap, and the Sakura Bloom Basics Ring Sling is the best choice for babywearing on the go. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/bUoyGDv via IFTTT

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker going off the grid for a few days or an outdoors enthusiast prepping for the occasional hike, you can likely find whatever it is you’re looking for at REI — and you’ve probably considered investing in an REI Co-op membership , which gives shoppers a chance to earn back a percentage of what they spend at the end of each year. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/WLJoNgc via IFTTT

Double strollers are often much more expensive than single models. But if a double stroller makes life with kids easier or allows you to go running or to take long walks without hiring a babysitter, it may be worth the investment. After spending 100-plus hours testing 17 double strollers — including recruiting four families to try the top contenders at the zoo, in stroller-enabled exercise classes, during a day of errands, and out trick-or-treating — we found that the compact, convenient, and easy-to-push Chicco BravoFor2 is the best tandem sit-and-stand double stroller, and that the sturdily built Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller is the best side-by-side option for most families. We like the double version of the Thule Urban Glide 3 jogging stroller for runners or for people who frequently stroll off-pavement, and we recommend the Uppababy Vista V3 for those who are willing to pay more for durable materials, a smoother ride, and extensive adaptability. We’ve compared t...

Many caregivers find that a baby bouncer or rocker can help soothe a fussy baby and provide a secure spot to place an infant while the adult accomplishes other tasks. (Keep in mind, though, that these seats are not safe places for babies to sleep.) After spending 30-plus hours testing close to 20 baby bouncers since 2017, we’re confident that the sturdy and versatile BabyBjörn Bouncer Balance Soft is the best baby bouncer. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/GSiHx0l via IFTTT

You should swap out your dirty towels for clean ones about every three days, but that doesn’t mean you need to wash them immediately. Towels can live happily in your hamper until laundry day if you take a couple of steps first. Here are the best ways to keep your towels fresh and clean that I learned after chatting with experts and referencing years of our own towel testing . from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/2fQcigM via IFTTT

Fridges have come far in just a century. Once literally big boxes filled with ice , refrigerators are now available with flat screens, Wi-Fi connectivity, wine drawers, and water pitchers that automatically refill themselves. (And, yes, they keep your food from spoiling, too.) No matter what kind of refrigerator you’re shopping for, freestanding models today come in myriad sizes, multiple styles, and a blizzard of budget options. To help you find the right fridge for you and your kitchen, we’ve assembled the best — from feature-laden French-door fridges to sleek side-by-side models and counter-depth options  to budget-friendly top-freezer and bottom-freezer models. We offer some buying advice , too. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/vmsbBfq via IFTTT

Gas ranges (or stoves) appeal to our inner caveman — or to anyone who thrills to the idea of cooking over a live flame. Of the 30-inch, freestanding gas ranges I considered, the GE GGF600AV is my top pick. It has a basic convection oven and an excellent cooktop for the price (occasionally under $1,000), and it comes in multiple finishes. I also recommend two upgrade picks with higher-end designs and specs, a good-looking budget model , a pared-down range designed for longevity and repairability, and a model with a double oven . from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/DjK1IJb via IFTTT

When Goodnight Moon author Margaret Wise Brown wrote “goodnight stars, goodnight air, goodnight noises everywhere,” it’s unlikely the noises she imagined were jackhammers, sirens, or a snoring partner. If you, like me, are a light sleeper in a busy world, an uninterrupted night of rest can feel like a fairy tale. Sleep headphones can help. They’re designed for people who want to block out sounds, fall asleep to music, or mask issues such as tinnitus. After years of testing many sleep headphones that proved to be a nightmare, I’ve found two pairs that help me sleep like a baby: the Soundcore Sleep A20 and AcousticSheep SleepPhones Wireless . from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/12nMyhp via IFTTT

If you want your cat to have a comfy spot to snooze, or you’re simply trying to get them to stop sleeping on your head, a dedicated cat bed (or three) might help. Or it might not. But you probably already know that. Because cats are notoriously picky and wonderfully mysterious, there’s no one “best” cat bed. But, after testing 21 options and sending 13 of them to be judged by a panel of 25 cats, I landed on this list of 10 great beds that can at least serve as a well-vetted starter menu. These models are cozy and easy to clean, and they can stand up to regular cat use (and attacks). Ultimately, your cat is the one who will decide, so surrender to the process — and hang onto your receipts. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/XG7j4EA via IFTTT

Worried that using your gas stove is negatively affecting your health? Though experts and pundits continue to debate the fine points, gas stoves have long been shown to release potentially harmful pollutants like carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and nitrogen dioxide , a respiratory irritant . New studies have also linked gas stoves to increased rates of childhood asthma and have shown that using a gas stove can produce elevated levels of benzene on a par with those from secondhand tobacco smoke, or more tiny toxic particles than the exhaust of a diesel-powered vehicle. The good news is, you can mitigate risks right now — even if your household includes kids with asthma — by getting more fresh air into your kitchen while you cook. Here are some tips. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/yTXVp1n via IFTTT

Aging in place — growing old in your own home rather than a nursing home — offers a lot of benefits. You’re in the comfort of familiar surroundings, and you retain independence. And depending on your health and level of home care, it can be less expensive. But it also involves risks. As people age, dexterity and balance typically decrease, social isolation can become a problem, and simple chores and home upkeep may prove more difficult. You can reduce or eliminate many of those risks by reevaluating the things in your home and how you use them. We spoke with a wide range of occupational therapists and other aging specialists — all of whom have conducted aging-in-place home assessments — and got their advice on how to transition your living space so that it’s safe, secure, and ready to foster your independence as you age. The experts we spoke with stressed that adapting your home for aging is a process that you must customize to your own needs — and that it’s best to take a proacti...