Technology

The best deals on the baby gear I recommend to my friends

Published

1 year ago

November 28, 2024

The best deals on the baby gear I recommend to my friends

This time last year, I was pregnant with my first child and extremely overwhelmed by the sheer volume of decisions to make. Should we buy a rocking chair or a glider? Which bassinet should we get? What how-to book, white noise machine, or magical schedule would make a newborn sleep? I spent a lot of time asking friends, searching Reddit, and reading blogs to try to figure out what things I would actually need — and then which specific products to buy.

I did not exhaustively test every product against the competition (having a baby is very all-consuming), but I can tell you what gear I frequently use and love with my son, who is now eight months old. A lot of these products get nice discounts on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, so it’s a great time to shop if you’re expecting.

Deals on bassinets and sleep accessories

Before we had our baby, I planned to be a chill parent with a chill baby who would sleep well without needing expensive gadgets. This went out the window very quickly when I got a baby who hated being still and wanted to walk or bounce 24/7. First, we bought this Norwegian gadget called the Sleepytroll to attach to our bassinet and DIY ourselves a cheaper Snoo. It soon rocked itself to death, its motion gradually weakening over time. After a particularly rough few nights, we broke down and bought a used Snoo on Facebook Marketplace. We would have saved money spent on our original bassinet, the Sleepytroll, and small sleep sacks if we had just bought a Snoo to begin with.

Picture of a Snoo bassinet on a white rug surrounded by baby toys.

A smart bassinet that soothes your infant with motion and white noise.

The Snoo is a smart bassinet that plays white noise and rocks your baby, ramping up the intensity if your baby keeps crying. I have heard from friends that it does not work for every baby, but when it works, it really works — and you have truly magical moments when it successfully puts your baby to sleep. You can control the intensity manually and get nice sleep logs in their proprietary app — though Snoo’s parent company, Happiest Baby, has come under fire this year for introducing a new subscription fee of $19.99 / month for the main app functionality after nine months. While infuriating, I was so desperate for sleep that I still would have bought a Snoo. Also, look out for return policies; some parents prefer to buy their Snoos from Amazon to avoid Happiest Baby’s steep $199 restocking fee.

A pack ‘n play that is easy to set up and can be used for older toddlers.

If you plan to travel a lot, you may also want to invest in a portable crib or pack ‘n play. We went with the Guava Lotus, which came recommended because the mattress sits on the floor and doesn’t have a weight limit — meaning you can use it longer. It’s very easy to set up and collapse, secures the crib sheet safely to the supports, and has a nice carrying bag with backpack straps.

$40

A nice little rechargeable white noise machine for your baby’s crib or stroller.

When your baby grows out of the Snoo, white noise is still an incredibly effective sleep aid. We set up an old Sonos One in our nursery, but as the “White Noise Baby Sleep” playlist has completely wrecked all of my Spotify recommendations, you may want a standalone white noise device instead of a Bluetooth speaker. We got this rechargeable little puck for traveling, and it works well and charges on a standard USB-C cable.

Baby carrier and stroller deals

An expensive but great lightweight car seat that transforms into a stroller, fantastic for city living and travel.

If you plan to travel a lot with your baby, have a small car, or live in a city where you’ll be frequently using mass transit, you should consider getting the Doona as your main infant car seat and stroller. It is an incredibly light all-in-one car seat with stroller wheels that fold into the seat itself, so you can easily transition between sidewalk, car, train, and plane without carrying a separate stroller that you need to gate check or shove in your trunk. It’s expensive, but the build quality feels great, it rides very smoothly, and once you get the hang of it, it’s very easy to transition between modes. My only complaint is that it’s easy to accidentally lock the wheels while walking. And because of its small wheel size and lack of hand brakes, it is best used on sidewalks and flatter terrain.

A solid choice for baby-wearing that distributes the weight to your hips.

There are lots of stylish baby carrier options out there, but we were sometimes walking our baby four-plus hours per day, and so we prioritized ergonomics over style. We have and love the Beco 8, which puts the weight on your hips like a backpacking backpack and has a shoulder strap. It has a newborn insert for very small babies that can be removed as your baby gets older and can face forward and a nice little sunshade that can snap onto the shoulder straps.

A soft and cozy baby wrap that’s especially nice for c-section recovery.

In the first few months, I also used a Solly Wrap as the Beco 8’s hip support was too close to my c-section scar. It’s pricey for what is essentially just a long, soft piece of fabric, but I found it very easy to use and great for getting things done around the house while my baby napped on me. Around three months, though, my baby got too heavy and squirmy and I preferred the additional support of the Beco 8.

A solid, very capacious diaper bag that clips to your stroller.

Any old backpack can become a diaper bag, so you don’t necessarily need to buy anything new. We got this Skip Hop backpack because its squat shape gives it more carrying capacity and makes it easier to find things. It has plenty of space for diapers, wipes, spare outfits, burp cloths, toys, and bottles; and has beverage holders on either side that can accommodate adult water bottles. I do wish it had a chest strap for hiking, but if you will mostly be using your diaper bag with a stroller, it can clip to the handlebar and is a solid pick.

Deals on bottle warmers and changing table accessories

A very nice, easy-to-use bottle warmer.

If you plan to pump or formula feed, it’s nice to have an easy way to warm bottles. Our baby will drink room temperature bottles, but he definitely prefers nicely warmed milk. (Who wouldn’t?) This warmer sits on our counter, looks reasonably nice, and works well.

A well-designed wipe dispenser for your changing table that lets you grab a wipe one-handed.

My favorite changing table accessory is the OXO wipe dispenser, which has a press-to-click open that enables you to grab a wipe with only one hand. This is critical when dealing with the dreaded blowout. I also remember to properly close it far more often than a regular wipe pack, so I don’t accidentally dry out the wipes.

A set of very useful spatulas that suction to your changing table and keep your hands from getting sticky when applying diaper cream.

The weirdest and best baby gift I received was a set of baby bum spatulas. I was initially skeptical, but these are amazing for applying Aquaphor or Desitin during diaper changes with a lot less mess.

Baby toy deals

Because this is The Verge, I’ll stick to toys with batteries. These have been my son’s favorites — music, in particular, is a big hit with him. Any musical toy may eventually drive you insane, but these cycle through enough tunes that I am still dancing along to them with our son.

A musical penguin toy that cycles through surprisingly boppy remixes. It flaps its wings with high-contrast black-and-white spots that will mesmerize your baby.

A cheap, great little teether and music maker that has amused my baby for hours. It is not technically on sale, but I am still including it because at less than $10, it is still a good deal.

Deals on other random baby stuff I loved

Hand holding Thermapen One thermometer into a grilled steak.

An instant-read thermometer that promises speed and accuracy.

As first-time parents, we were nervous about getting the exact right bath temperature. We happened to have the very nice Thermapen One in our kitchen for cooking and baking, and hijacked it for our first several months of baths with our newborn.

A cute, warm baby hat that actually stays on.

This is the only baby hat that has ever stayed on my son’s head for more than three minutes, and we now own it in every size. It’s cute, it’s warm, and something about the construction helps it actually stay on — especially compared to the stocking-style hats that seem to scrunch off immediately.

A baby bouncer that will captivate most babies, with a washable cover that extends its lifespan.

We were a little mystified about why the ubiquitous BabyBjorn bouncers are so expensive, especially the $60 toy bar accessory — but our son loved it. The cover is washable, so we just bought one on Facebook Marketplace for $100 that had the toy bar included. Especially in the first six months, our baby would spend at least an hour a day in his bouncer, contentedly watching the action and bouncing while we ate meals and caught up with friends.

A nice, easy-to-install baby gate with an adjustable cat door to let pets roam freely.

When it came to baby-proofing our house, we had a bit of a conundrum: how to keep our baby in but let our elderly cat out to her litter box and food? We found this nice option with an adjustable cat door from Babelio, which seems to make some of the more popular baby gates on Amazon. We have three installed now. They were easy to install on both stairs and doorways, and they work very well. They open and close easily when you grip the two buttons on the top and bottom of the handle, and the door can be propped open at a 90-degree angle after our baby is in bed.

An expensive but very comfortable glider with an electronic reclining function and USB-A and USB-C charging ports for your phone.

A glider is really nice for nursing, soothing a fussy baby, and establishing bedtime routines. After testing a few, we really preferred the smooth motion of a glider to the tipping feeling of a classic rocking chair. We splurged on the Babyletto Kiwi, which has an electric recliner function, and it is awesome. We intend to use it in an office afterward, though, and it might not be worth the money just for a nursery. The performance fabric has held up well even after some epic spitups.

Technology

OpenAI keeps shuffling its executives in bid to win AI agent battle

Published

11 hours ago

May 15, 2026

Press Room

OpenAI keeps shuffling its executives in bid to win AI agent battle

OpenAI announced yet another reorganization Friday, consolidating certain areas and making company president Greg Brockman the official lead of all things product.

In a memo viewed by The Verge, Brockman wrote that since OpenAI’s product strategy for this year is to go all-in on AI agents, the company is combining its products to “invest in a single agentic platform and to merge ChatGPT and Codex into one unified agentic experience for all.”

To do this, the company is making a suite of org chart changes, although it’s still operating under some of the same ones from last month. That’s when AGI boss Fidji Simo went on medical leave and OpenAI announced that Brockman would be in charge of product strategy and CSO Jason Kwon, CFO Sarah Friar, and CRO Denise Dresser would take control of business operations.

It’s all part of OpenAI’s recent strategic shift to focus on key revenue drivers like coding and enterprise and stop pouring resources into “side quests” ahead of its potential IPO later this year and amid investor pressure to turn a profit.

In Simo’s continued absence, Brockman’s role leading product strategy is now official, as well as the company’s “scaling” arm. Under Brockman will be four different pillars. The first is core product and platform, led by Thibault Sottiaux, who has been OpenAI’s engineering lead for Codex, and the second is critical enterprise industries, led by ChatGPT head Nick Turley. Third is the consumer pillar, such as health, commerce, and personal finance, which will be led by Ashley Alexander, who has been its healthcare products VP. The fourth pillar — core infrastructure, ads, data science, and growth — will be led by Vijaye Raji, who has been OpenAI’s CTO of applications.

Brockman wrote in the memo that OpenAI’s goal is now to “bring agents to ChatGPT scale, in order to give individuals and organizations significantly more value and utility from our products.”

Technology

Is that traffic ticket text a scam or real?

Published

12 hours ago

May 15, 2026

Press Room

Is that traffic ticket text a scam or real?

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

You’re going about your day when your phone buzzes. A text hits your phone. It looks official. It sounds urgent. And suddenly, you are being told you owe money for a traffic violation. That is exactly what Todd from Texas experienced. He emailed us and said:

“I received this text message today. It was so baffling because I haven’t lived in California for nearly a decade. I didn’t click on anything or respond. How can I tell if this is for real or if this is a scam?”

If you’ve gotten a message like this, you are not alone. This type of scam is spreading fast, and it is designed to pressure you into acting before you think. Let’s break down what is really going on.

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FAKE AGENT PHONE SCAMS ARE SPREADING FAST ACROSS THE US

This message may look official, but several red flags show it is likely a scam designed to pressure you into paying quickly. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What the traffic ticket scam text looks like

At first, the message seems convincing. It claims to be a “final reminder” from the California DMV, and it warns of penalties like license suspension and added fees. It even includes a link that appears somewhat official. However, once you slow down and take a closer look, the red flags quickly start to pile up.

The biggest red flags in this message

Here are the key warning signs to watch for in messages like this.

9 WAYS SCAMMERS CAN USE YOUR PHONE NUMBER TO TRY TO TRICK YOU

1) The phone number makes no sense

The message comes from a number with a +63 country code. That is the Philippines, not California. Government agencies in the U.S. do not send official legal notices from international numbers. That alone is a major warning sign.

2) No name, just “Dear Driver”

Legitimate notices from a DMV or court almost always include your full name or at least some identifying information. “Dear Driver” is vague on purpose. It allows scammers to send the same message to thousands of people.

3) The link isn’t a real DMV website

The message includes this link:

ca.mnvtl.life/dmv

That isn’t a government domain. Official DMV websites in California use “.ca.gov” or similar trusted domains. Scammers often create lookalike links to trick you into clicking.

4) Urgency and threats

The message pushes you to act quickly with a deadline. It lists consequences like license suspension and extra charges. Scammers rely on fear. When you feel rushed, you are more likely to click without thinking.

FBI WARNS OF DANGEROUS NEW ‘SMISHING’ SCAM TARGETING YOUR PHONE

5) Asking you to reply to proceed

The text says to reply with “Y” to get instructions. That is another trap. Responding confirms your number is active, which can lead to more scam messages.

6) Generic language and odd phrasing

Parts of the message feel slightly off. The tone is formal but not quite right. That subtle awkwardness is common in scam messages sent to large groups of people.

7) Overloaded threats designed to scare you

The message piles on consequences like license suspension, added fees, court action and even credit damage. In this case, it even mentions a license suspension and a $160 late payment charge. That combination is meant to overwhelm you and push you to act fast. Real agencies usually provide clear, specific notices, not a long list of escalating threats in a single text.

INSIDE A SCAMMER’S DAY AND HOW THEY TARGET YOU

Scam texts like this often arrive out of nowhere and try to create urgency before you have time to question them. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What this means for you

Even if you have never driven in California, you could still receive this message. Scammers cast a wide net and hope someone takes the bait. If you click the link, you could be taken to a fake payment page. That page may ask for your credit card details, personal information or login credentials. In some cases, it can also install malware on your device or redirect you to credential-stealing pages. This isn’t about a ticket. It is about getting your data. State DMVs typically do not send final legal notices or payment demands by text message.

Why these scams keep working

These messages work because they tap into something most people fear. Legal trouble, fines and losing driving privileges. They also look just real enough to pass a quick glance. That is all scammers need. As more services move online, these scams will continue to evolve.

Unlike typical DMV scams, this message impersonates a court and escalates the threats to make the situation feel more serious (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Ways to stay safe from traffic ticket text scams

Start with a simple rule. Never trust a payment request that shows up out of nowhere. Here are practical steps you can take:

1) Do not click the link

If you are unsure, do not tap anything in the message. That includes links and reply options.

2) Use strong antivirus software

If you accidentally click a link, strong antivirus software can help detect malware and protect your data. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com

3) Verify directly with the DMV

Go to your state’s official DMV website by typing it yourself into your browser. Do not use the link in the text.

4) Check the sender carefully

Look at the phone number. International numbers or random strings are a clear warning sign.

5) Ignore generic greetings

Real notices will usually include your name or case details. Vague language is a red flag.

6) Consider a data removal service

Scammers often get your number from data broker sites. Removing your personal info from those databases with a data removal service can reduce these messages. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com

7) Block and report the number

On your phone, block the sender and report it as spam. This helps reduce future attempts.

8) Turn on spam filtering

Enable spam filtering on your phone or through your carrier to catch more of these messages before they reach you.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Todd did the right thing. He paused, questioned the message and did not click. That one decision likely saved him from handing over personal information. When it comes to messages like this, skepticism is your best defense. If something feels off, trust that instinct.

Should phone carriers and tech companies be doing more to block scams like this before you ever see them? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

Honda’s hybrid future starts with new Accord and RDX prototypes

Published

23 hours ago

May 15, 2026

Press Room

Honda’s hybrid future starts with new Accord and RDX prototypes

Honda revealed prototypes of two new hybrid models, an Accord sedan and the Acura RDX SUV, during its annual business briefing this week, built on a platform that it says will begin launching next year. The RDX was announced earlier this year as Honda’s first SUV to feature the next-gen version of its two-motor hybrid system.

In March, Honda announced it would take a writedown of up to 2.5 trillion yen ($15.7 billion) on its EV investments. Now Honda says its EV-related losses will be “resolved” by 2029, and that it will reevaluate its EV plans in 2030.