Baby Products

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A Word to the Wise about Baby Stuff

  • I recommend you register for/buy as many multi-functional or "grow-with-me" products as possible, so you'll need less STUFF. No matter what, you will probably feel your home has been consumed by baby stuff, but this will help.
  • You can find A LOT OF STUFF on Facebook marketplace or Garage Sale Groups. I can't tell you how much money we saved by going the "used" route; give it a good cleaning, and you're good to go. Use your judgement, of course - I wouldn't buy a used mattress or infant car seat - but most things are totally still good even after going through a child or two.
  • Consider registering for more things baby will grow into, rather than just filling your registry with baby items that will only get a few months of use. If you're willing to hang onto something for a year or two and run the risk of newer/better things coming out in the meantime, this is a great way to fill your registry with useful items and save money down the road. Check out the Toddler page and the Baby/Child Toys/Books/Gifts page for items to consider.
  • There are many options for Baby Registry sites, but I think these are the top two to consider:
    • Amazon is so easy for you and your gift-givers. You can put products from any other site, add notes to each product, and rank products in priority, but the BEST feature is that guests can easily "mark as purchased" if they've purchased from another site. As someone who has bought many baby shower gifts, this is SO important in case I prefer to buy an item elsewhere, whether it be for a better price or points from a store-specific credit card. Another great bonus - you will get a completion discount after your shower for you to use on the essentials that weren't gifted to you.
    • BabyList also allows you to pick items from any other site, but guests have to remember to mark as purchased afterwards.
  • Lastly, I have a Pregnancy page that lists all of my recommendations for clothing and other products I recommend specifically for mom, as well as tips and tricks that help make pregnancy and labor easier.

Products

On the Go

Baby Carriers

  • Ergobaby 360 - easily our most-used carrier between my husband and I. Adjustable, comfortable, doesn't sag, can accomodate newborns with the insert, can be used through toddlerhood in multiple positions
  • Moby Wrap - I used this a lot with my first but am not the biggest fan.
    • Pros: fits anyone, is very comfortable, good for newborns.
    • Cons: sags after a 30+ minutes of use, is annoying to "wrap" on, can only accomodate small babies, less versatility in positioning, can get very hot (it's a lot of material!)
  • Baby K'tan - I used this more for my second. Much easier to put on than the Moby, but you have to buy it in your size, so if your significant other wanted to use it, you'd have to buy their size as well. Very comfortable, folds up well into an integrated pocket, and much less material so less hot.
    • The "Active" version can be used in water!
    • The "Breeze" version is lighter weight fabric, but not as slippery as the active version
  • Sollie Baby - have not used this but hear great things despite price point
  • Boba - have not used this but hear great things
  • Boba Hoodie - not a carrier in and of itself, but I LOVE this for wearing baby outdoors on colder days!

Strollers

Jogging Stroller

  • BOB - If you want a single stroller that can go anywhere, get this. It's not convertible, and requires an adapter to fit select infant car seats. But it can navigate mud, gravel, and snow seamlessly, and easy for a mom to push while jogging.
    • BOB Double Stroller - same thing, but for two kids. Can get an adaptor for infant seats. Has fit any doorway we've tried.

Travel Systems (Infant Car Seats with Quick Connect Strollers)

  • Britax B-Agile with B-Safe35 Travel System - I used this and while it worked just fine, there are definitely better systems out there. Both of my girls looked uncomfortable in it during the first 6 months. Also, there aren't many babies that are still in one of these seats at 35 lbs so I'm not sure that's worth it.
  • Graco Trax Jogger Travel System - I haven't used this but looks like a good compromise between the BOB jogger and more lightweight strollers, with a very good price point
  • Evenflo Pivot Modular - I haven't used this, but it looks like an awesome option with a great price. Plus it turns into a bassinet, which is an amazing option if your baby gets uncomfortable in traditional seats after a while of walking.
  • UPPAbaby Vista with MESA Infant Car Seat - I WISH I had this. One stroller, can fit two kids, with NINE different configurations. Enough said. Certainly pricey, but if you think you'll be using a stroller even a couple of times a week, it's a good investment.

Umbrella Strollers - lightweight strollers for 3-ish months to toddlerhood. A great option for travel, but if you're only going to get one stroller, I'd still recommend one that accomodates an infant carseat.

  • Zoe XLC - I had this one; it was nice but we didn't use it very often
  • JOOVY New Groove - slightly cheaper and reclines flat, so even newborns can ride in it
  • There are MANY cheaper options that I've seen at Walmart, Amazon, etc

Wagons - I think everyone should have a wagon, even if they have a great stroller. Kids love it and sometimes it's just easier to plop them and your stuff into a wagon.

Car Gear

Car Seats

  • Infant Car Seats: a seat that can easily be carried with baby inside, and easily snaps into a carseat base or stroller. Primarily meant for babies less than 30-35 lbs who are rear-facing. Good for when they're asleep and you don't want to wake them up to go inside. See the "Travel Systems" section under "Strollers" above.
  • Convertible Car Seats: a seat that is meant to be left in the car, but can convert from an infant seat to a booster seat. Buy one seat that will last your baby through childhood.
    • Graco 4Ever - I wholeheartedly recommend this seat. It can be used for newborns all the way to children about to move out of car seats. The cupholders are essential. My daughter loves it. We had a car accident when my older daughter was 15 months old, in which all airbags went off (including hers) and the SUV was totaled. The seat was ruined, but she only had a few bumps and bruises. We replaced it with the same one immediately.

Car Shades

  • Cling Shades - easy, cheap, but only cover part of the window and window can't be rolled down while this is on
  • Suction Shades - same pros/cons as cling shades
  • Mesh Cover - the best option for providing full coverage; covers entire window and window can be rolled.
    • Uarter worked very well for my SUV

Mirrors

  • Dwelling Place - I used this shatterproof mirror because of the great reviews. It's pretty good, although I do have to tighten the straps every so often.
  • Cozy Greens - I don't have this mirror but love their other products, and this comes with a windshield mirror as well

Entertainment - if your baby hates the car as much as mine did, consider the following:

  • Car Tablet Holder for Headrest - I swore my child would never watch TV before 2 years of age, but I quickly realized that life got MUCH better when I put a tablet in front of her. I used this one by TFY, which accommodated our iPad and Kindle Fire without issue, until we got a car with a built in screen.

Misc

  • BINXY BABY Shopping Cart Hammock - this is a great idea, and the first time I used it, it worked great while my 3 month old napped away. The second time, she was 4 months and simply wouldn't stay put. If I did more shopping, it may have made more sense for me but otherwise wasn't worth it.
  • Carseat Blanket Cover - This is a blanket that the baby sits on and then the front zips up to cover the baby. I had this one by JJ Cole. Truthfully, it looked nice and warm, but it made an already annoying process harder and we ended up ditching it after a few weeks and not using it for subsequent children.

Feeding

High Chairs

Less is more with these. Avoid things with fabric!

  • Stokke Tripp Trapp - expensive but will get many years of use, from 6 months to late childhood. We love ours for infancy through preschool age. So far, it's the best way to get your child feeling like part of the family at the dinner table.
    • Stokke Tripp Trapp tray - in case you want to contain the mess a bit (I don't have this, but definitely thought about it!)
    • Stokke Tripp Trapp newborn set - can be used for baby even before they can sit without slouching; not sure it's worth the expense since you're not feeding them much before that, but it is an option if you need it
  • Clip on high chair - this is a GREAT travel option (way better than restaurant high chairs that children can push over or slip out of). We have Phil and Ted's lobster chair, but there are MANY options out there. The only con - will not work with all tables (specifically those with a lip or very thick surface). But a great space-saving option that can be left in the car. We have thrown the fabric into the washer machine without any issues.
  • Graco Swivi 3-in-1 Booster - This is a great "transitional" seat. It converts from an infant seat (with adjustable recline) to booster seat. Fairly easy to clean, as you just pull the fabric cover off and wash. The straps, however, are not as easily removable (especially the crotch strap) and get dirty quick. For some reason, my oldest would just NOT sit in it once it became a booster, even though it looks perfectly comfortable. Also, you won't take up extra floor space as it sits on an existing chair.
  • Ikea ANTILOP - I have never owned this but I've heard so many good things about this chair. Easy to use and clean, simple appearance.

Bottles

  • Kiinde Breast Milk System- see breastfeeding below. If you're using a pump that works with these bags, this is gold. So convenient and both of my girls loved the Kiinde nipples. I still use them now for storage and feeding even though I can't pump into them anymore using the Willow pump.
  • Lifefactory Glass Bottles - there is some evidence showing that glass is safer than even BPA-free plastic bottles. These are great quality although I can't speak to how well babies take to the nipple as I never used it on my girls (I used the Kiinde from the start).
  • There are MANY, many brands out there. Medela, Spectra, and Boon bottles also worked fine for my breastfed babies.

Bottle Warmers

Bibs

  • Oxo Tot Waterproof Bib - the best bib out there. I mean it. The pouch is everything.
  • Disposable - for "on the go" meals; great to put in your car for when you forget to bring the oxo bib! There are several brands, like Bibsters and Summer Infant

Bowls/Plates/Utensils

  • Munchkin Silicone Placemats - This is the only grippy placement I've used. It worked very well for my daughter until about 9 months, when she figured out how to peel it off. I think it's a good option for traveling as rolls up small.
  • Oxo Tot Stick and Stay Plate and Bowl - if I am going to use a bowl or plate, this is the one. It's so difficult to remove, I have a hard time doing it myself. Also easy to clean and the plate divisions are nice! I wouldn't recommend sticking to anything but the table surface, rather than a placemat.
  • Oxo Tot Cutlery - my kids honestly barely used these because they used their hands till they were old enough to use real cutlery, but if you're going to push the use of utensils early on, these are great for their little fingers.
  • Oxo Tot Cutlery for Big Kids - possibly a waste of money because by the time they're old enough to use these, they might as well use real cutlery BUT there is something to be said for a fork and knife that aren't AS sharp as typical cutlery.

Misc Feeding Stuff

  • Insulated Sleeve Lunch Bag - great if you want to slip a few cold things (yogurt pouches, particularly) to throw into a diaper bag rather than bringing a whole lunch bag.
  • Boon Patch Counter Drying Rack - great for bottles, pump parts, etc. They make a long rectangular one (my favorite) and a square one with accessories.
  • Frozen Pop Tray - for breastmilk and/or fruit; GREAT for teething babies. Nuby Garden Fresh Fruitsicles were the best of the ones I had!
  • Fresh Food Mesh Feeder - I rarely used these (I had the ones by Munchkin) because I did Baby Led Weaning, and therefore just let baby eat the food. But this would be good for pureed-fed babies being introduced to solids, and/or for frozen fruit when teething.
  • Burp Cloths - my absolute favorite are Burt's Bees - soft, absorbent, luxurious, and hold up very well after MANY washings.

Sippy Cups

Most pedatricians recommend introducing limited amounts of water around 6 months.

  • Munchkin 360 - a cup designed to teach little ones how to drink from a regular cup, but they have to bite it in order to get any liquid out. Prevents spills and easy to use, but be warned it does harbor mold pretty easily in the lid underneath the silicone rim.
  • Munchkin Weighted Straw Cup - the BEST straw cup for babies. Both of my girls figured this out pretty quickly and were able to drink no matter how they were holding the cup. Our dentist pushed this cup since the sucking-from-a-straw mechanism promotes better speech development. They can leak, but only if thrown or if pressure hasn't been released in a while.
  • Oxo Tot Transitions - this is a great cup. You originally use it as a plain spout with handles, then you use the second lid to teach them how to control drinking from regular lids while controlling spillage. (But it DOES spill. But you've gotta start somewhere, just be prepared for the mess).
  • ORIGIN Glass Straw Sippy Cup - also for those of you interested in glass over plastic for safety reasons. Seems pretty break-resistant but I definitely would reserve for the older baby that is less likely to hurl it across the room. But a great cup overall.
  • The First Years Take and Toss - best inexpensive cup for once baby is no longer throwing their beverage (if thrown, it WILL pop open and spill). Easy to clean, cheap enough to throw away when needed. It does spill if turned upside down but overall a great cup.

Breastfeeding

  • Nursing Pillows - I'm not sure I'd recommend one to every nursing mom. I find them all a bit burdensome and only use them for a month or so; a regular pillow would probably suffice. That being said, I've had a few:
    • MyBrestFriend - probably the one pillow I'd recommend for most moms. The pillow is firmer than most and straps on around your waist and STAYS PUT, which is very convenient when you have another child you may have to suddenly get up to deal with. It also has a small pocket for lip balm, nipple cream, etc.
    • Boppy - too big for me, but can be used for other purposes (helping baby sit up, tummy time)
    • Smaller nursing pillow - I have a brandless pillow that is basically a smaller sized Boppy. It is my FAVORITE pillow as it's not too bulky. This was my "middle of the night" pillow since I stayed stationary and just wanted to be comfortable during those feeds.
    • TushBaby - my husband got me this for baby #2. I have to say, it's a great concept. It's a little firm seat that straps on to your waist, and can support most of baby's weight while nursing or sitting, leaving one of your hands free.
    • Nursing Sling - my husband also got me this, but I found it a little redundant since I already owned a bunch of nursing pillows. That being said, it's another great concept. The pillow straps around your shoulder/neck, so stays put relative to your breast, rather than sitting on your lap and moving with your position. Worth looking into.
  • Pain Relievers
    • Heat/cold packs like Lansinoh's (can be microwaved or kept cold; I used for clogged ducts but also when I wanted to apply heat prior to pumping to help increase output)
    • Nipple pads - save yourself some space and money and buy re-usable ones like these by BabyBliss. They also won't leave little lint balls on your nipples.
    • Nipple cream/ointment - I always used Lansinoh's pure lanolin but recently switched to Free The Nips (lanolin-free) and love it! Both are safe for baby.
  • Nursing Covers
    • CoverMe - multifunctional cover that can be used for nursing, car seat naps, shading from the sun, or a light layer or warmth. I ued mine all the time, particularly for nursing after I had gotten the hang of doing it one-handed and with less need for visualization.
    • Udder Cover - best for newborn/new moms because you don't need to use a hand to hold it open to see.
    • Check out the maternity/nursing clothes section on my "Pregnancy" page - I LOVED using nursing cardigans rather than a cover; easier to use, doubles as a flattering top that you don't have to hunt for when you're about to nurse, and can be used even after your nursing days are over!
  • Pumps
    • Electric Pumps
      • Tube-less
        • Willow - a pump that fits inside your bra without any cords or wires. Seriously the best breastfeeding decision I ever made. It's expensive, but gives you so much more freedom, although you will look a little bit like Dolly Parton while pumping. I got over that quickly and would even go see patients while wearing these. There is a learning curve but once you figure it out, you will probably love it. I get more milk in less time with this than the Medela and Spectra. Since I purchased mine, they made one that doesn't require bags (which are expensive but can be hacked to be re-used for up to 24 hours when refridgerated).
          • Get a bra carrying case like this one (see if you can find better patterns than I did), which makes it easy to carry them safely and semi-compactly
        • Elvie - I don't have this but it looks comparable to the Willow
      • With tubing
        • Spectra S1 - the best "traditional" pump after the Willow, based on my own experience and that of many other women I know. It has a built in battery and light, is gentle yet powerful, and is fairly quiet. It is a bit big.
        • Medela PISA - don't even bother. Wasn't nearly as efficient for me.
        • Freemie Collection Cups - I've heard some people people like these, but I got minimal output (like 2 oz total per pump session) with these using my Medela, so I don't recommend them. Nonetheless, I feel I should have them here since others do recommend them.
    • Hand Pumps
      • HAAKA Silicone Breast Pump - if you're breastfeeding, GET THIS. I used it on the other breast every time I nursed and stored over 500 oz before returning to work. I found they worked better if replaced every 6-12 weeks.
      • Medela Harmony Hand Pump - I was given this and found it useful a handful of times. It's good if you're on a road trip and want to feed baby without stopping; simply pump and serve while baby stays in the car seat. It's also good for middle-of-the-night engorgement when baby starts sleeping longer. But not a necessary item.
  • Pump Bags
    • Sarah Wells Abbey Bag - Sarah Wells makes many types, but this particular bag is great if you want to fit everything. It has two insulated compartments (in addition to the main compartment, which is also insulated). It holds everything and has a few handy pockets for your actual work-related stuff.
      • PackIt Freezable Salad Bag - If you're looking for a freezer bag for your milk to fit into one of the side compartments of the Abby bag, this fits perfectly! Fits several milk bags and some food for you too :)
    • Sarah Wells Pump Parts Bag - I actually thought this was extranneous when I bought it but I LOVE IT. I used it for my pump parts for the Medela, Spectra, and Willow. It's a nice discrete bag, particularly useful if you are sharing a fridge at work. Easy to clean, and the extra pocket for dry parts is great. Oh, and so is the little rectangle to lay down to have a clean surface area!
  • Pumping/Feeding Accessories
    • Kiinde Breast Milk Storage Twist System - I love this, although now that I use the Willow, it isn't as usable. If you're using a traditional pump, this is worth it. Pump directly into the bags, and pop them into the freezer. This set comes with the Foodie system and warmer.
  • Pumping Bras
    • For tubeless pumps: you just need a stretchy nursing bra like HOFISH and iLoveSia
    • For traditional "tubed" pumps that use flanges:
      • Hands Free Pumping bra like Mamacozy's
      • BRAVADO! Designs Clip and Pump Bra - an attachment that works with a nursing bra or tank. No need to take your shirt off or change bras - just lift up, pull down the nursing bra clip, strap this on, and hook onto the clip. I didn't even use Bravado's actual nursing bras, just whatever brand I happened to have on.

Seats / Entertainment

Play Pens

  • Summer Infant Pop N Play Portable Playyard - This is light, economic, easy to use, and bigger than the PNP. They also sell a canopy to go with it. I wouldn't use this for sleep, but it is great for outdoors.
  • Fence
  • I won't discuss Pack and Plays here as I recommend them for sleep more than playtime.

Jumpers

  • Fisher Price Jumperoo - both my girls loved this jumper. It has a big foot print, though, and only serves as a jumper.
  • Skip Hop Explore and More Activity Center - this is what I would get, if I did it again. It turns into a table, which means you will get MONTHS, if not years, more use out of it.
  • Baby Einstein 2-in-1 - another "grow with me" product; converts from a floor gym to a jumper. I'd probably go with the Skip Hop, though, and just get a plain floor gym since they're cheap enough (and frequently handed down! I somehow ended up with 3).
  • Graco doorway jumper - if you have a door with trim that will accommodate a doorway jumper, these are good options, especially if said door is one you aren't going through often. Takes up less space than a traditional jumper, and is easily portable. Be aware, though - they don't like it when they pinch their fingers. Mine thankfully caught on quick. A great option if you have limited space and plan on taking baby to other people's homes often.

Swings/Rockers

  • Graco Sense2Soothe - a friend has this and LOVES it. It detects when baby cries and responds by swinging.
  • Fisher Price My Little Snugapuppy Cradly 'n Swing - both of my girls loved this swing. It worked well for soothing both of them when fussy, and for occasional naps when younger (and sometimes sleep overnight when she just wouldn't fall asleep any other way).
  • Mammaroo - Neither of mine liked it and I've met MANY people whose kids didn't either. If you have a friend whose you can borrow to see if your kid likes it, I'd recommend doing that before buying (or buy used as cheap as possible).

Seats/Bouncers

  • Sit Me Up - a great seat! Both of my girls liked it.
  • Babybjorn Bouncer - if you only buy ONE chair, get this one. It's expensive, but it's so useful - collapsible, lightweight, and lasts for years. Colby still uses hers at 2.5 years old. I found that the wooden toy attachment for the seat made my babies stay content much longer.

Seated Walkers - beware some concern for hip health

  • Joovy Spoon Walker - my kids never actually walked in this, but did enjoy eating and playing in it

Standing Walkers - safer, and serve as an "activity center" while still sitting

  • V-Tech Sit-to-Stand Walker - easily our most used toy between my two girls. My 3-year-old still loves playing with the stupid phone.

Floor Gyms

These get limited use (basically from newborn until rolling over and/or crawling). Not an essential item in my mind. Buy used!

Toys/Books

See my Baby/Child Gifts, Books, and Toys page

Sleep

This is just the products I recommend related to baby sleep. For tips on HOW to GET baby to sleep, check out my Baby Sleep page.

Sleep Spots

  • Bassinets
    • DockaTot - not in accordance with "safe sleep" but I LOVED using this for my first for naps and overnight with my second from 0-4 months. She slept so well in it and it was easy to transition out of. They also make a larger size for bigger babies.
    • Halo Swivel Bassinet - I actually don't recommend this, since it only worked well for my first while she was swaddled. After her arms were out, she would wake up when they touched the sides.
  • Crib and Accessories
    • Cribs
      • Simple cribs - like Ikea
      • Convertible Cribs - they make cribs that convert to toddler beds and even full beds. If you plan on this being your baby's crib for the foreseeable future, this is a great option. I love my Da Vinci Kalani. But if you plan on moving them to bunk beds or other specific type of bed as a child, or if you only want to buy one crib to pass down from child to child, maybe get a cheaper one that does not convert.
    • Crib Accessories
      • QuickZip sheets - if you're going to use crib bumpers or liners, or your baby spits up a lot in the crib, GET THESE. So much easier to change the sheets compared to regular crib sheets.
      • Chenille sheets - I swear these by American Baby Company helped my babies with sleep training since they were able to snuggle against the softness of these sheets and comfort themselves. That being said, QuickZip sheets are still way easier.
      • Waterproof pads - useful for baby stage (spit up, pee, poop) and for potty training stage! I used Carter's and liked them because they could be used other places than the crib (i.e. the couch during potty training, my bed if I brought baby in with me), but ones like these that are fitted and wrap around the entire top of the mattress provide better coverage.
      • Mesh bumpers - there is a bit of controversy on whether or not to use crib liners for SIDS risk but these are absolutely breathable and do a great job keeping babies from getting angry when their limbs get stuck between the rails. I had AirFlowBaby brand but BreathableBaby has many more good reviews!
      • Rail covers - I'm not sure how essential these are, but I never went without them so it's hard to say. I used Trend Lab brand and they worked well. Sahaler brand is much prettier and has matching sheets!
  • Portable Crib - I only used these for travel and a brief period when transitioning baby out of my bed before moving into her crib in her room. Some people leave them in common living areas for naps or as a changing table.
    • Pack and Play - this has been my go-to portable crib for each of my children as long as they could fit in it. I personally recommend buying a very basic one unless you plan to use it at home as a changing table, but even then I don't recommend buying one with extraneous bells and whistles like vibrators, sound machines (horrible quality), mobiles, bouncers (buy one designed specifically for this purpose), etc. I definitely recommend buying a mattress specifically meant for portable cribs as the ones that come with it are not comfortable.

Sleep Aids

  • Room Darkening
    • Shades
    • GroAnywhere Blind - an easily portable option for blackout blinds! Make sure to check dimensions of your window
    • SnoozeShade - a breathable mesh darkening cover for a Pack n Play
  • Sound Machines
    • Hatch Baby Rest - the best sound machine out there, in my option - the bluetooth (regular Rest) and wifi (Hatch Rest +) connectivity make them a GREAT tool for sleep training. The Rest+ is also portable as it has its own battery. Both also function as a "wake-to-rise" clock for older kids.
    • Rohm Sound Machine - simple and very portable
    • Skip Hop Owl - cheaper than the Hatch but with less options and sound quality, but did the job for our first for two years.
    • Baby Shusher - not a true sound machine but may be good for fussy babies who respond well to fussing, for a brief amount of time. Can get very loud.
    • A word on using Amazon Alexa or Google Home for white noise: these are usually dependent on Wi-Fi and electricity. Should your Wi-Fi or power go out, your white noise will stop. Baby might wake up due to the abrupt onset of silence. Just something to think about.
  • Monitors
    • Eufy - great quality with great settings options. A bit big. Great resolution but first model doesn't warn you of low battery.
    • Hello Baby - a cheaper product but it has one feature I LOVED - it beeps to warn you when battery is low.
    • Owlet - if I could go back and buy this from the start, I would. I have the version that is just the sock alone but I LOVE combining products and would definitely recommend this, although I can't speak to the quality of the monitor as I've never used it. The big question most parents have is "do I REALLY need to know my baby's vitals? Babies have done just fine without this product for thousands of years!" It's true. But there is something very, very nice about being able to open your phone and make sure your baby is ok. I've used it for both of my girls and love the peace of mind it gives me.
    • VuSee Corner - a wonderful little shelf you adhere to the corner of the room and put the baby monitor camera on. Gives many more options for where you can put the camera.
    • A word on using internet-based monitors like NestCam or monitors that you can view on your iPhone: these are usually dependent on Wi-Fi to work. If your internet goes out, you may not be able to view your baby. Also, there is some debate whether or not these are more suspectible in terms of privacy/hacking.
  • Loveys - used for sleep training
    • Angel Dear Blankie - worked wonders with my first, but be warned - they can suck on it and end up with the same deformity a pacifier causes. But easy for them to find during the night and cuddle with. Pretty lightweight so it never bothered me putting it in the crib with her at 4 mos, even though that is against current recommendations.
    • Mary Meyer Putty Nursery Lovey - I got this for my second since it seemed less likely to be sucked on, and so far that is true, and it's SO soft and cuddly. It is thicker, though, in case you're nervous about breathability.
    • Cuski the Original Baby Comforter - very thin, lightweight material.
  • Pacifiers
    • Philips Avent Soothie - the only pacifier both of my kids would ever use!
    • WubbaNub Pacifiers - the above pacifier, with a plush attached. They are technically not sleep safe, but they make it way easier for babies to find, grab, and insert the pacifier. They also can help babies retain the pacifier while driving, since it is less likely to drop.
    • Glow in the dark pacifiers
  • Miscellaneous
    • Sleep Bumper - this is more for older children once out of a crib, OR if you happen to bring baby into bed with you and don't have someone else with you. My husband flies for work and for the rare occasion I brought baby into bed with me, I liked knowing I had a sort of barrier to keep baby from rolling out.

Swaddles/Sleep Sacks

  • Swaddle Blankets - do NOT go crazy with these. They are expensive, can be hard to wrap sufficiently once baby gets stronger, and only last till baby can bust out of them. Get one nice set for photos (if that's your thing) and get one of the actual swaddles in the next section.
    • Aden and Anais - definitely offer the most variety of beautiful patterns and colors, but at a price. They can also be inconsistent - whether or not you buy the "silky soft" kind, some will be SO soft and others won't be. But they make for a beautiful photo!
  • Swaddles
    • Miracle Blanket - the BEST swaddle. It's the only one that kept my babies contained until I transitioned out of the swaddle. They slept better in this than any other, and I tried them ALL. You can use this to transition to arms-out, although not as easily as some of the others below.
    • Nested Bean Zen Swaddle - This is a swaddle that has a sack of beans that puts weight on their chest, mimicking the sensation of your hand on their chest. I liked this for when I was teaching my baby to put herself to sleep for naps. Easy to transition to one/both arms out.
    • Sleepea Swaddle - also worked well for naps; never tried this overnights since the Miracle Blanket worked so well. But easy to use (even my mom, who is somehow terrible at swaddling, could do it without issue) and to transition out of.
    • SwaddleMe - both of my girls broke out of these pretty early, plus they didn't sleep as well as they did with the Miracle Blanket so if you're looking for a good price point, they may be good; otherwise, go with one of the above
    • Love To Dream Swaddle Up - a different sort of swaddle that allows baby's hands to be up by their face. I've heard wonders about these, but neither of mine liked it. They also make convertible ones for larger babies so their arms can be out.
    • Woombie - another different sort of swaddle, this one leaving baby's arms down at their sides but allowing for a little bit more wiggle room. May work for some babies but didn't work for mine.
    • Halo Sleepsack Swaddle - I used this for a very long time with my first, although I didn't love it as a swaddle and then once her arms were out, the flaps just got in the way. I only used the Miracle Blanket and Nested Bean swaddles for my second until she went to the zipadee zip.
  • Transitional Sleepsacks
    • Merlin Sleep Suit - I'm not sure I recommend this for a few reasons (hard to transition out of, may not work for all babies, can result in odd limb positioning) but I know many people swear by it.
    • Zipadee Zip - the best way to transition out of the swaddle - for MOST babies (my second loved it, my first didn't). It buffers the startle reflex but lets baby roll safely. Most babies will start with the "small" size (11-19 lbs or 4-8 months, when they start rolling) but they do make it for babies as small as 8 lbs and as large as 34+ lbs. I believe they also make summer and winter weight versions, although I either adjusted their pajamas or our thermostat instead of buying different weights.
  • Sleepsacks
    • Nested Bean Sleepsack - will work well for babies who liked the Nested Bean swaddle. Otherwise I wouldn't bother.
    • Halo Sleepsack - the best simple sleepsack for babies who are already used to sleeping with their arms out. Great material, easy to put on, sizes from 0-24 months with many color/pattern options. They also make winter and summer weights.
    • Woolino 4 Season Ultimate Baby Sleep Bag - the highest quality sleepsack out there. It's made of a wonderful all-season wool that helps regulate their temperature. They also make a 2+ year size, which is what I used after my first outgrew her Halo (I got smart with my second and ditched sleepsacks altogether at 9 months). My favorite feature are the holes for carseat buckles, which is a GREAT idea if you plan on doing a lot of traveling during baby's sleep times and need to simply carry them up from the car asleep and put in their crib. It is VERY expensive and probably not worth it for most people.

Diapering

Diaper Bags

    • Backpack style - I highly recommend this type of diaper bag. Messenger bags slide off the shoulder too easily when carrying an infant carseat and holding a toddler's hand. We had and liked this one by Tactical Baby Gear but I'm sure there are many more options out there.
    • Messenger bag - I had this one by Skip Hop; many pockets with many other nice features with a low price point.
    • JuJuBe BFF - I never had this, but wish I did. I love the convertability and style. Probably worth the price.

Diapering Locations

  • Changing Station - truly, you don't NEED any "surface" to change baby (read the "Changing Basket" section a little ways down). But if you want one, consider the following:
    • For the nursery: DO NOT BUY A TRADITIONAL CHANGING TABLE. If you want a "changing station" in the nursery (which, by the way, you may not use often, since who it's not always feasible to go to the nursery to change a diaper), buy a low dresser that can function as a changing table (like Autumn 4 Drawer Dresser by DaVinci) and then be used for years after baby has outgrown diapers. Simply top the dresser with a traditional changing pads like this one by Summer Infant or a Moses basket like those made by DesignDua (cheaper options available on Amazon). This makes way more sense than buying a traditional changing table that will only be use for a few months per child.
    • For living areas: if you want a designated place to change baby in common living areas, consider setting up a Pack n Play that has a changing table insert. I did this for a while but hated how much room it took up so switched to my next suggestion, the "changing basket" (see below).
  • Changing Basket - have a basket with a handle that can hold a day's supply of diapers, wipes, diaper creams, and a changing pad. This basket went everywhere I went in the early days when diaper changes happen multiple times an hour, but you can have several "baskets" for all of the main areas you and baby hang out.

Diapering Accessories

  • Wipe Containers
    • Oxo wipe container - keeps wipes wet for a long time. Not an essential item, though.
    • Wipe warmer - I only put this here to recommend AGAINST this item. A) you don't want baby used to warm wipes then freaking out when you're out and about wiping with cold wipes, plus there's some concern about bacteria growth in the warm environment.
  • Diaper Pails - get one if you don't take your trash out daily. Otherwise, just use the trash. We have and like the Munchkin Step Diaper Pail.
  • Diapers
    • Pampers always worked best for us; their 360 line is a bit more expensive but much less likely to get red marks from the diaper being too tight and easier to put on a squirmy baby!
    • DO NOT GET STORE BRANDS! They leaked on me every time.
    • Honest has the most beautiful diaper, although don't seem as comfortable
  • Wipes
    • Water wipes - don't go any other route. They are clean, help treat/prevent diaper rash, and can be used for more than just cleaning butts.
  • Diaper Creams

Nursery Furniture

  • Changing table and cribs as above
  • Chair
    • Da Vinci Glider - the BEST for breastfeeding, reading, lounging, whatever. I loved it so much I still have it in my room.
    • Ikea Poang - what I actually have in my nursery; they have chairs that bounce or glide, and have a matching footstool. A huge variety of wood colors and cushion patterns/colors. You can also find them used pretty easily!
  • Consider a book case for decorative items and books, or maybe cute wall shelves like these
  • Closet

Baby Hygiene

Baby Hygeine

  • Bathing
    • Tubs/Tub Seats - I found myself bathing with my baby rather than doing ourselves separately, as early as when baby's umbilical cord fell off. Then once baby can sit unassisted without plopping over, I just throw them in the tub, whether I'm in the tub with them or not. So all I found I needed was somewhere to put them for a quick rinse (such as a sink insert) if I didn't want to do a full bath. But if you don't think you'll be bathing with baby, you may want an actual bath seat/tub.
      • Sink Inserts
      • Baby Tubs
        • Fisher Price 4-in-1 Sling'n Seat Tub - all you need to give baby a bath from infancy until they won't sit in it anymore (for mine, about 9 months). But it takes up space and I personally used it maybe 1-2 times per month for the above reasons.
      • Bath Tub Accessories
        • Summer Infant My Bath Seat - looks great for the "can sit with help" through the "I won't sit still" phase, which for my kids was really only from 5-9 months.
        • Non-Slip Bathtub Mat - like this by Hills Point, for when they're walking around the tub; otherwise they WILL slip and fall.
        • Spout cover - your kid will bang his or her head on the faucet at some point. They make spout covers, like this one by Skip Hop, but my kids just like to take it off so I stopped putting it back on. Eventually they'll learn without it.
    • Towels - you don't need many (if any). I personally have two towels and 6 wash cloths for my baby. Honestly, we usually just find ourselves using a regular towel and wash cloth.
      • Burt's Bees Hooded Bath Towels - my favorite (and that's saying something, because I was given MANY). Soft, hold up well, good size, gender-neutral and gender-specific options, inexpensive.
      • Matimati Bamboo Wash Cloths - way better than the Burt's Bees ones I had. Stay soft even after many washings. This brand also makes a bamboo towel I would have tried if I didn't have so many.
  • Nail Care
    • Little Martin's Drawer Baby Nail Trimmer File - so much easier to trim a newborn's nails without the risk of chopping off a chunk of their finger (which DID happen to my second).
    • NailFrida The SnipperClipper Set - for when the electric nail trimmer takes too long on toddler's fingernails, get this. Easy to use and protects their skin almost as well. I've used a bunch of other types and this works so much better.
  • Hair/Scalp Care - baby brushes are more complicated than I ever realized. You want the bristles firm enough to stimulate hair growth and exfoliate enough to prevent cradle cap, but not so firm that they're uncomfortable against their sensitive scalp or if they manage to chew on it. As their hair grows, you'll want firmer bristles.
    • DermaFrida - Not a true brush, but great for baby scalps that are prone to cradle cap, as well as for eczema.
    • Wet Brush Detangler Baby Brush - possibly my favorite brush for the baby phase. Soft yet firm brushes. Does not, however, work well for detangling my older daughter's long hair.
    • Summer Brush and Comb - the brush is great in terms of the bristles but also not great for detangling; but the brush is not bad for that purpose before their hair gets too long
    • KeaBabies Natural Wooden Hairbrush Set - I'm mainly putting this here to advise against getting a set like this. It has great reviews but I found the baby brush rather useless because the bristles are just too soft. The firmer bristle brush and comb aren't great at detangling. I got rid of this set and like the ones above better.
  • Skin Care

Dental Care

For when that first tooth pops out!

Teething Products

Baby Medical Kit

The below products are things I think every mom should have on hand for inevitable issues. See my Baby Care page for tips and tricks and condition-specific product recommendations that might not affect every baby.

  • Medial Equipment
    • Thermometer
      • Rectal thermometer - the gold standard in the pediatric world. This one by Vicks has good reviews.
      • Pacifier thermometer - I have no idea how accurate this is but it is a great idea!
      • Forehead thermometer - easy buy not as accurate.
    • FridaBaby NosaFrida - the ONLY nasal aspirator I recommend. I've tried so many. This thing is worth it, I promise. No, you won't get snot in your mouth, and yes, you can reuse the filters many, many times unless your kid has THAT much snot.
    • Oogiebear boogie scoop - for when you just can't get the firmer boogies any other way. I love this thing.
    • FridaBaby MediFrida - this is a pacifier through which you can give liquid medications. I've never used it so I'm not sure how well it works, but I DO know how difficult it is to squirt meds into a squirmy infant's mouth when they're sick, so worth looking into!
  • Medications to have on hand:

Baby Attire

Functional Clothing

Don't get suckered into buying too many cute but unfunctional clothes, particularly during the newborn stage. They tend to be too uncomfortable for naps (i.e. ruffle butts and dresses), difficult to change (which you'll be doing frequently), and will probably be poop-stained before you get enough use out of them to make them worth the price.

My favorite items:

  • Kimono style onesies - when I found these kimono onesies, I fell in love. Not only can you dress them laying flat, don't have to pull dirty/poopy clothes over their head, and don't have to force a big, crying head through a small opening, and you can also very easily open the front up for skin-to-skin while nursing!
  • Cotton Zipped Footie Pajamas - in my opinion, the easiest outfit EVER. Majority of skin surface is kept covered without the bulk of fleece or the inconvenience of buttons. My kids all lived in these the first few months of their lives when outfit changes are so frequent.
    • Moon and Back uses a wonderfully soft material but are a little expensive
    • Carter's are cheaper and have more patterns/colors but run small
  • Socks
    • Robeez Baby Socks - I've had SO many different types of socks. These are the only ones that stay on longer than 5 minutes.
  • Hats
    • L'ovedBaby Organic Infant Cap - this is one of the few hats that stayed on my kids' VERY large heads. Plus they were simple and unisex!
    • KYTE BABY Organic Bamboo Rayon Beanie Hats - another one of the few that stayed put, plus super soft and stretchy so lasted a while, and also simple and unisex
    • Mommy and Me Winter Hats - I loved this set. PS it also makes for a great inexpensive addition to a baby shower gift!
  • Bibs
    • Hankerchief Bibs like these by Parker Baby - cute and absorbent.
    • Teething Bibs - have a soft rubbery section for baby to chew on once they have hand-to-mouth coordination. Mine were never interested in the ones we had (by Nuby), but a cute concept.

Quality Brands for Everyday

  • Primary.com - my absolute favorite brand. NO LOGOS! Solid colors or simple stripes. You can match any piece with any of their other pieces. Huge variety of styles and colors. Slightly expensive, but they have great customer service and offer cash back towards your next purchase.
  • KickeePants - beautiful, comfortable clothes made of an incredibly soft and stretchy fabric. They hold up very well but are fairly expensive.
  • Old Navy - inexpensive, great variety, good quality, and many ways to match baby with other family members!

Safety / Childproofing

  • Cabinet Protectors
    • Tin Solider drawer locks - nothing works as well as this does. But it does require hardware installation. Let's just say I used the magnetic ones for two years before finally realizing I should have just done this in the first place.
    • Magnetic Child Safety locks - genius concept but the adhesive just never held up for me.
    • Velcro handle locks
    • Clickable straps like these by Kiscords for a pair of doors with HANDLES close in proximity - we used similar ones that are no longer available on our pantry
    • Drawstring straps like these by Kiscords for a pair of doors with KNOBS close in proximity - this was the only thing that worked for my nightstand
  • Gates
    • North States Easy Swing gate - we have this at the top and bottom of our stairs and LOVE them. Easy to use, hard for toddlers to figure out. Simple hardware that can't go wrong. Don't rely on the tension rod types, it's not worth the risk.
  • Doorways
    • Knob protectors like these by EUDEMON - this concept works well for traditional knobs
    • Lever locks like these by Tuut - I don't have levers like this so haven't used it
    • Pinch protectors like these by Jool Baby - this is a good thing to have for doors that tend to stay open. Babies LOVE to open and close doors and often get their fingers pinched in the process. This keeps them from being able to do that, and from getting closed out.
  • Misc