the things we actually used that i didn't feel add clutter or chaos, but instead, made life better and easier. the first months are HARD and anything that helps even a little bit is worth it! i really wanted to avoid buying too much so researched and...
Sections
4
feeding
gear
bath/sleep/health
fun & toys
feeding
Switched from the Boppy and will never look back!!
My Brest Friend
We've spent a lot of time in feeding therapy and these are great for helping baby learn - he loves to suck on them but the little holes also allow you to press harder to grab foods into them
Infant Spoons & Baby Utensils - Munchkin
I researched and compared high chairs in person and LOVE my choice. I maximized for what is easiest to clean and this definitely wins. Everything is easily removable and wipeable, it doesn't have a large surface area, and is cute and safe!
Mockingbird High Chair
We use these ALL the time - restaurants, airplanes, etc. We have the little strings all over the house to tie onto strollers, carseats, etc. but they are especially helpful for dropping toys on the ground at restaurants
Busy Baby Mat
We struggled with breastfeeding and every lactation consultant pushed these, and they have been great - I love that they have both glass (often found at Target!) and plastic. Make sure you get wide neck!
Evenflo Baby Bottles, Nipples & Accessories
So many uses, one little cup! I love that it has a lid for germs and you can pop it right in the microwave or dishwasher - you can use it to make baby food, hold snacks, drink, etc.!
The Everything Snack Cup
We love Elk & Friends - nontoxic, dishwasher safe, they don't hold food fragrance.
Stainless Steel Bundles
I struggle with supply and these have really helped- note that you have to take 2 with every meal for them to actually make a difference
I mostly nursed so we didn’t have much use for a bottle washer! We used the dishwasher but if we had to hand wash, we sterilized (until about 6 months) in these bags. Super easy
Dr. Brown's Microwave Steam Sterilizer Bags for Baby Bottles Pacifiers Pump Parts and Accessories - 5ct
After trying so many cheap ones, I found they all bothered me and I ended up wearing this one literally everyday
Hands-Free Pumping Bras
My #1 rec if you are nursing!! The Haaka one drove me NUTS. This fits in your bra and collects milk from the boob you aren’t nursing on- it’s confusing before you are BFing but will make sense when you start!
Boon Trove Silicone Breast Pump - 6oz/2pk
I actually used the Medela, but have heard this is way better - I kept this next to my bed when he started sleeping through the night to relieve engorgement
Manual Breast Pump
I wore these round the clock. If you like sports bras, this is for you!
Women's Seamless Light Support Nursing Sports Bralette - Auden™ Heathered Gray M
gear
Our travel stroller! We got this for $100 on Black Friday and it has seen the world - fits in the overhead and can lay all the way flat so baby can take a safe nap!
Lightweight & Compact Metro+ Stroller Collection
I did soo much car seat research and this is one of the safest! If you are hesitant on the Doona for safety reasons, get this one + the caddy I also have linked
KeyFit 35 Infant Car Seat
To go with the carseat - lightweight and easy!
KeyFit Caddy Frame Stroller - Black
I thought this was dumb and now i'm OBSESSED! Our little guy didn't fit in restaurant high chairs for a long time (plus, germs) but this one keeps him safe and strapped in. He also likes it better because he can be up at the table with us. We leave i...
Fast Table Chair | Legendary Award-winning high chair for children
Ended up getting this when he started eating food! Perfect fit for the chair and fits in the bag with it
Fast Dining Tray Plus | Must-have accessory for Fast Table Chair
We chose not to do a wifi monitor and this one has been PERFECT. Great clarity and vision!
Best baby monitor
This saved us - we wore him everywhere and it's so snuggly. Putting the tiny babies in the structured carriers is not recommended, so we used this until he was more stable!
Newborn Boba Baby Wrap Carriers
These are the SOFTEST burp cloths! We had these + lots of cheaper muslin ones but I always grab these when I have the option
Baby Bibs & Burp Cloths
After lots of research, we loved the nontoxic features of this breathable crib mattress
organic baby crib mattresses
We heard not-great things about the Vista, so we decided on the Cruz (because we already had the bassinet for it) and will cross the double-stroller-bridge when we come to it!
Cruz V3 - Julian
We planned to use the Uppababy stroller bassinet + stand until we learned it's not 100% safe sleep and a friend loaned us this, and I will definitely be purchasing for our next baby. It was perfect - so easy for me to reach in post c-section
Shop All - Bassinet Swivel Sleepers - Halo Sleep
You can get this on sale during the Nordstrom anniversary sale! Do research for what fits in your car, but we love this luxe seat.
Nuna RAVA™ Flame Retardant–Free Convertible Car Seat
bath/sleep/health
Keep it simple! I love this one because it doesn't mold. Once he had grown out of it, he could sit up in the tub!
Angelcare Baby Bath
A splurge, but you never have to buy a new size or different TOG!
4 Season® Ultimate Baby & Toddler Sleep Sacks
I'm not unique in loving this product! When he wakes up, we have it play birds so he knows we are coming and waits patiently! He loves listening to the birds and we can turn them on from our phone
Hatch Baby - Your go-to for baby sleep support
Another thing I thought was excessive and now we use all the time - we travel a lot and would be lost without it!
Hatch Go - Nap trapped no more
If you plan to travel, you need this after 6 or so months. I thought it was the dumbest thing, until my son became aware of the world and wouldn't go to sleep in a new place because he was too distracted. Now we ride for the Slumberpod
Slumberpod
Dupe for the Guava Lotus - I've used both and don't see a difference! Feels safer because it's on the floor, with a zip part for mom or dad to slide in to help soothe!
Alfa Lite Lightweight Travel Playard
Great nontoxic, no fragrance soap that is easy to grab at Target when you need more!
Baby Shampoo + Wash - Pipette
Definitely our favorite swaddle - every baby is different but I loved how soft this one was and how we could transition it to a sleep sack when he was ready
Sleep Bag Swaddlers
I will never understand the hate for the wipeable changing pads! This is one of the few things I'm glad we splurged on.
Peanut® Changer Wipeable Diaper Changing Pad
you'll never catch me sucking snot with my mouth… we got the hospital grade one which is cheaper than the Dr. NozeBot and works just as well!
Nasal Aspirator for Newborns | Safe Baby Congestion Relief
most of the towels we got were so small! these are big, hooded, cozy, and dry well. we won't use anything else!
Golden Bee Organic Knit Terry Towels Set of 2
Hot take: the baby nail files are overcomplicated and overrated 🙈 it’s fastest and easiest to me to just cut them!
Unique Bargains Children Portable Long Handle Nail Scissors Toenail Clippers 4.49"x2.28" 1 Pc Blue
Bath toys that don’t mold!
Bath Boats Rustic One Size
Wipes and diapers are extremely personal! After researching ingredients and different price points, we decided on honest wipes and never looked back
The Honest Company Sensitive Skin Baby Wipes - Pattern Play - 576ct
fun & toys
Ohhh how I wish we didn't love these. When we subscribed, we committed to not buying other toys and have mostly stuck to that. Pro tip: find someone in your neighborhood with a baby ~3-5 months ahead of or behind you and split them!
The Play Kits by Lovevery | Montessori Toy Subscription Ages 0-5
This was our son's first Christmas present! It's a great push walker but more versatile than the other ones - as he grows, he uses it as a shopping cart, wagon for stuffies, etc. I'm all about maximizing the use of things!
Durable Wagons for Kids | Safe & Fun Outdoor Play
We really limit big items like this, but our son LOVES IT! It's great to set him in for a few minutes when we need to get something done.
Skip Hop Baby Activity Center 3-Stage
There's no reason to get the expensive ones unless it's the main room in your living room…we use this in our baby jail with a soft, cuter mat overtop!
Skip Hop Baby Play Mat, Foam Floor Tiles, 70x56
Just TRUST ME. You need it!
Baby Bouncers that gently rock your child | BabyBjörn
There are also dupes on Amazon! I really underestimated the entertainment the bar would provide.
Fun toy for baby bouncer | BabyBjörn
I'm not sure why I am always so hesitant to ruin cute outfits with a drool bib, but these make it less painful because they are so cute!
KeaBabies 8-Pack Organic Baby Bandana Bibs
I wish I could have this in every size. SO SOFT. If you are going to splurge on these, focus on the newborn months when you are changing them constantly
Baa Baa Baby
I'm so glad I decided what to do about a baby book before he was born - set a monthly reminder to do it and keep track of little memories on your phone throughout the day to day!
The Short Years
We didn't find out baby's sex so I wanted something small and gender neutral - these have been adorable
Monthly milestones interchangeable flag for baby photos, newborn photo prop first year, felt neutral pennant, baby shower gift
I’m not really sure why I was hesitant to get a car seat toy because he is obsessed with it…
Itzy Ritzy Bitzy Spiral Activity Toy - Veggie
It took time for our son to fall in love, but he loved this even at 1 year old! Other people love the fisher price monkey one which is much cheaper. We wanted to limit music making toys where we could!
Lovevery The Play Gym
LOVE these books- for the bath and for they want to chew on everything!
Indestructibles Basic Word Book Set for Infant and Toddlers - Set of 6