Alison Fox

After four babies, I’ve figured out which baby products are truly essential — and which ones just take up space. This list includes the real MVPs that made newborn life smoother: from sleep solutions and feeding gear to diapering must-haves and soothing favorites. Whether you’re building your first registry or preparing for baby number two (or four!), these are the tried-and-true items I’d recommend to every new parent.

Eating out with little kids doesn’t have to be chaos — a well-packed busy bag can make all the difference. I like to keep a small pouch stocked with quiet, mess-free activities like reusable stickers, crayons, mini coloring books, magnetic toys, and dot markers. The key is variety and novelty — I rotate items often so it always feels new. It fits right in my diaper bag and saves the day when we’re waiting for food or trying to enjoy a meal as a family. Total mom hack!

Whether you’re a first-time mom or nursing your fourth, this list includes my tried-and-true breastfeeding essentials that make the journey easier, more comfortable, and more successful. From nipple creams and nursing bras to the best breast pumps and milk storage hacks, these are the products I swear by as a mom of 4. Everything here has been mom-tested and approved—so you can feel confident, supported, and ready to feed your baby with less stress. Perfect for moms searching for: best breastfeeding products, breastfeeding must-haves, nursing essentials, and breastfeeding tips from real moms.