As a health journalist, I am always on the lookout for the latest and greatest health gadgets or wellness products. Whether it is new cooling bed sheets to banish nighttime sweats and boost my sleep or the latest non-toxic cleaning or baby products, I will try almost anything to improve my health and wellbeing. So, in the name of health journalism, I tried some of the newest and trendiest products.
Sleep Aids
Harbor House's Cooling Stretch Jersey Sheet Set and Cooling Reversible Tencel Comforter Blanket are recommended for warm sleepers seeking a cool night's rest. The bedding is noted for its softness and OEKO-TEX certification, ensuring materials are tested for harmful chemicals. For side sleepers, the Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow, with its U-shaped contour and adjustable filling, aims to promote proper neck and spine alignment, and it includes a cooling pillowcase. The DREO Smart Humidifier 409S, marketed as a baby humidifier, can also benefit any room needing more moisture, featuring app and voice control, a gentle night light, and a quiet operation. Its top-fill design simplifies refilling and cleaning.
The RAPTbaby Smarter Sleep sound machine, developed by neuroscientist Dr. April Benasich, offers soundtracks with variations designed to support language development in infants, going beyond traditional white noise. While beneficial for babies, the sound machine's design may also offer cognitive benefits for adults.
"Clean" Cleaning Products
Concerns over chemicals in common household cleaning products have led to a search for safer alternatives. Dropps offers toxin-free laundry detergent and dishwasher pods made without parabens, phthalates, dyes, chlorine, and phosphates. These pods are praised for their effectiveness on tough stains and their mess-free design. Biom focuses on plastic-free baby wipes made from 100 percent plant-based fibers, free from BPA, parabens, fragrances, and phthalates, and designed with a sleek, refillable dispenser. Handzies Soap + Water Wipes provide an individually packaged, alcohol-free, and natural option for on-the-go cleaning, using a formula of Castile soap, water, and essential oils.
At-Home Fitness
The BetterMe Mini Stepper provides a compact, low-impact lower-body workout with quiet hydraulic resistance and adjustable intensity. It includes resistance bands for upper-body engagement and is small enough to store easily. Complementing this is the BetterMe Vibration Plate, which claims to enhance muscle activation and potentially aid lymphatic drainage. The XENJOY Cube Cycle XS30 offers a quiet, under-desk stationary bike with eight levels of silent magnetic resistance and a stylish design, ideal for integrating activity into a workday. For targeted toning, the Megelin EMS Toning Shorts utilize electrical muscle stimulation to contract specific muscle groups, with claims of shaping and lifting thighs and buttocks, and strengthening core muscles.
Vitamins and Supplements
First Day offers a range of vitamins and gummies for adults and toddlers, aiming to close nutrient gaps. Their Women's Wellness Starter Pack includes vitamins formulated for energy and a 3-in-1 probiotic for gut, immune, and vaginal health. Müves Prebiotic Fiber Gummies by Grünes provide three types of fiber to support digestion, are vegan and gluten-free, and come in low-sugar and no-sugar options. A gradual introduction is recommended due to their potency.
Food and Drink
marrō is a cold, sparkling, ready-to-drink bone broth beverage that claims to support muscle recovery, gut health, and collagen production. While unique, its taste was described as "interesting" by testers. Polar Joe is an instant protein coffee brand that combines coffee with whey protein, offering various coffee and tea-based options for a dual-purpose beverage.
Pet Products
Open Farm provides high-quality, single-ingredient treats and food for cats and dogs, with traceable ingredients and a focus on meats raised without antibiotics or hormones. Their dehydrated cod skins and canned salmon and cod silky mousse are highlighted. The company also offers supplements for digestion, skin and coat, and senior pets.
Baby and Kids Products
The CYBEX Callisto G 360 Rotating All-in-One Car Seat is recognized for its safety features, including SensorSafe technology and a steel frame, as well as its 360-degree rotation for easy loading and unloading. It is adaptable for children from newborn to 10 years old and is Greenguard Gold Certified. The Mabē Monarch Baby Carrier is designed for comfort and ease of use, accommodating children from 9 to 45 pounds with adjustable straps for a secure fit. WonderFold Stroller Wagons offer a versatile alternative to traditional strollers, with two- and four-seat options, ample space for children and gear, and all-terrain wheels. The Stokke Sleepi 3-in-1 Convertible Crib transitions from a bassinet to a crib and toddler bed, made from sturdy beech wood and certified by OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and Greenguard. hope&plum offers baby carriers, including a newborn ring sling that allows for close carrying and discreet nursing, with size options to fit different body types and free fit checks for proper use.