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Baby Item Recommendations from an Experienced Nanny
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items As an experienced infant nanny, I've used just about every baby product under the sun! Here are some of my top recommendations for babies. (Just a heads up: This list is still a work in progress. I plan to add more sections as soon as I can!)
Sections
5
Diaper Changes
Sleep
Health & Hygiene
Clothing
Bottles
Diaper Changes
These are some of my favorite products used during diaper changes! I always try to use the most natural products whenever possible.
My current nanny family has this changing station and I highly recommend it. The detachable foam top easily wipes clean. Also, when your baby reaches the stage where they are determined to roll away (and I assure you, it's coming!), there is a safety...
Ubbi Baby Changing Pad with Detachable Base
Sometimes the Ubbi changing pad can feel a little chilly to baby's back, especially during middle-of-the-night changings. If you find your baby is sensitive to this, these liners are a fantastic solution.
Ubbi Baby Reusable Changing Pad Covers
These diapers are a great option for something more natural. They are super soft, and the smaller sizes have a cut-out for the umbilical cord.
Pura Diapers - Organic Cotton, Hypoallergenic
My current nanny family gets this brand of diapers, and they are so nice! They are really soft, and really absorbent. We've never had a blowout or leak. You can tell by touch that they are comfy and high-quality. I love them!
Coterie Diapers
I love this brand of wipes because they are chemical free, gentle for sensitive skin, and plastic free!
WaterWipes - 99.9% Water, Plastic Free
Although the ingredients in these wipes aren't as simple as in WaterWipes, these are still a great, high-quality choice. They feel so soft, and are great for sensitive skin. They are also recommended by the National Eczema Association.
Coterie Wipes - Plastic-Free, 99% Water, Hypoallergenic
One of my nanny families used this balm and it was great. It's made with organic ingredients and has a soothing scent. Highly recommend!
Earth Mama Organic Diaper Balm - EWG Verified
This spray is a favorite to help heal diaper rash! The active ingredient is hypochlorous acid, which may sound intimidating, but it's actually something our body naturally produces to fight off bacteria and viruses. This spray can also be used on min...
BRIOTECH Babies & Kids Skin Love
Slathering your baby's bottom every diaper change giving you the ick? Hate getting your hands covered in diaper cream? Here's a simple solution!
Frida Baby Diaper Cream Spatula - 100% Silicone
Sleep
Here are some great options to make sure your baby gets high-quality sleep.
My current nanny family has this camera system and it is fantastic. It tracks when baby is asleep and awake, as well as times when they are attended to. It also shows you the temperature and humidity level in baby's room. It can be controlled from th...
Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor & Wall Mount
Babies who have white noise are proven to sleep longer! This sound machine is so easy to use, and can be controlled from the same app as the Nanit baby monitor!
Nanit Smart Sound Machine and Nightlight
Does your baby have a habit of escaping their swaddle? I love this swaddle because it keeps baby's arms secure, but doesn't feel overly restricting. Even my strongest little guy stayed contained, and loved sleeping in this swaddle! (Just a heads up, ...
Kyte Baby Sleep Bag Swaddler
Baby start rolling from back to belly? This is a great sleep sack option without the arm swaddle. Kyte Baby's products are high-quality and durable.
Kyte Baby Sleep Bag
My nanny family just bought these sheets and they are so soft and comfy. They feel like a soft jersey tee, which is especially nice for babies that enjoy contact napping on mom or dad's chest.
Burt's Bees Baby Organic Cotton Crib Sheet
This sheet is a super comfy option, and made with 100% organic cotton. Stock up on crib sheets, as messes can happen overnight!
2-Pack HonestBaby Organic Cotton Crib Sheets
This mattress option is *super* comfortable and breathable for baby! The best part? It's double-sided. The second side has extra comfy cushioning layers that are more appropriate for when baby grows into a toddler.
Delta Children Breathe Mattress - Breathable Crib Mattress for Babies and Toddlers
Health & Hygiene
Some awesome picks for health and hygiene that'll keep baby happy and thriving!
This Frida Baby kit has so many awesome things in it, and saves a whole lotta separate purchases. I've also listed most of these things separately, just in case you don't want or need such a large set.
Frida Baby Ultimate Baby Kit
Gotta be honest, this product has always grossed me out, but my nanny families have all loved it. It works wonders!
Frida Baby NoseFrida SnotSucker for Baby
Can't handle the snot sucker that requires you to do the sucking? I don't blame you one bit. This is another great option for sucking out those boogies!
Frida Baby Electric NoseFrida Nasal Aspirator
Stuffy noses aren't fun for anyone, especially babies! This helps loosen stubborn boogies for easier removal.
Frida Baby NoseFrida Saline Mist Spray
This vapor rub is fantastic. It's petroleum-free, and won't leave you with messy hands!
Frida Baby No-Mess Vapor Rub
Let's be honest, pharmacies *try* to flavor medicine, but it's still pretty gross for little ones. Giving it to them in a more comforting way will result in less stress for everyone!
Frida Baby Medicine Pacifier Syringe
Genexa makes such great, clean medicine for little ones. Even most medicines labeled as “clean” have fillers, but Genexa's formula is high-quality and has no unecessary additives.
Genexa Infants’ Pain and Fever Liquid
Not sure how, but this stuff works just about instantly for mild tummy discomfort, hiccups, and fussiness! Babies love the taste, too!
Wellements Organic Gripe Water
This is pretty much the gold standard for gas relief drops. They work!
Mylicon Gas Relief Drops for Infants and Babies
Sticking a thermometer in baby's tush can be intimidating, but this option makes it a little less so. You don't have to worry about inserting it too far, and the tip is soft and flexible for minimal discomfort.
Frida Baby Rectal Thermometer
Okay, so Frida Baby makes some wild products. But this thing is so, so good for babies struggling with gas or constipation. It may seem crazy, but is it really crazy if it works?
Frida Baby Windi Gas Passer - Colic Relief
Love, love, love this tub! It's super comfy for baby, and can be adjusted as they grow!
Frida Baby 4-in-1 Grow-with-Me Bathtub
These wash cloths are super soft on delicate skin, but also durable for frequent washes!
Burt's Bees Baby 100% Organic Cotton Washcloths
There is nothing better than snuggling baby after bath when they're in a super soft, hooded towel.
Burt's Bees Baby Hooded Towels Organic
It's difficult to find infant body wash that's been certified by EWG. This one is fantastic, and you can trust the ingredients are safe for baby.
ATTITUDE 2-in-1 Baby Shampoo & Body Wash
This ointment keeps baby's skin so, so soft. It even keeps mama's hands soft too!
Tubby Todd All Over Ointment
Cradle cap can be so stubborn! I know by experience that this kit works like a charm!
Frida Baby 3-Step Cradle Cap System
Cutting a baby's nails can be nerve-racking. They are so tiny, and they never stop moving those little fingers! This tool makes it so you don't have to stress about little slip-ups.
Frida Baby Electric Nail Trimmer
The rubber toothbrush is great to massage baby's sore gums, and the bristled toothbrush makes brushing new teeth so easy!
Frida Baby Grow-with-Me Toothbrush Set
This humidifier is a standout because it doesn't use mist to add moisture to the air. This cuts down on impurities the typical humidifier would spread, and is especially great if you're in an area with hard water. It also has a washable filter!
Jack & Rose Reuseable Wick Evaporative Humidifier
Clothing
I've listed some clothing basics here. Nothing fancy, but the things you are likely to use the most! You'll notice I listed a lot of sets from HonestBaby. I'm a big fan of their products because they use organic cotton, and are committed to keeping h...
You'll use a lot of these onesies for your little one. I adore the color selection in all of HonestBaby's packs, and love that they are made with organic cotton!
HonestBaby 10-pack Organic Cotton Bodysuits
White onesies are great for wearing under other clothing as an extra layer, or even just hanging out around the house. This is an item you'll want to stock up on!
HonestBaby 10-pack Short Sleeve Bodysuits - 100% Organic Cotton
These onesies are great for colder months, and the bright colors will help dreary days feel a little bit cheerful!
HonestBaby 10-Pack Long Sleeve Bodysuits Organic
Footie pajamas with a two-way zipper are perfect for easy nighttime changes. (When putting baby in heavier pajamas, be sure they are still staying cool. Overheating can be dangerous during sleep.)
Colored Organics Zip-Up Footed Sleeper
Booties with closures on them stay on *SO* much better than those without. If your baby is always losing their socks or booties, try these out!
Burt's Bees Baby Organic Cotton Booties
Stock. Up. On. Socks. Seriously, they are constantly disappearing, and you'll never figure out where they've gone!
HonestBaby Cozy Socks
If you're not a fan of onesies, simple t-shirts are another great option for babies.
5-Pack Short Sleeve T-Shirts - 100% Organic Cotton
Joggers are a great pants choice for babies, especially those still learning how to move around. They are loose enough to allow freedom of movement.
HonestBaby Multipack Pull-On Joggers Organic
Tired of your baby pulling off their socks? Too cold to go without them? These pants are a great solution!
HonestBaby 2-Pack Organic Cotton Pants
I think the texture detail and pockets on these shorts are such a nice touch.
little planet 2-Pack Organic Cotton Shorts
Bottles
The market is flooded with various baby bottles, all with claims they are the best for your baby. I've done the research so you don't have to. Here are my top choices in each category!
Babies love these bottles. Milk stops flowing unless baby is actively sucking, which makes it so baby can easily control feeding pace. Parents love that they are wide and easy to clean. However, these bottles are a bit heavier than average, so keep t...
Parents' Favorite Glass Bottle: Philips Avent Natural Glass Baby Bottles
These bottles are less than $3.00 each, are lightweight, have an easy-to-hold twist design.
Most Cost Effective Glass Bottle: Evenflo Classic Glass Twist Bottles, 6-Pack
The nipple shape of this bottle closely mimics the breast. Many parents having difficulty with transitioning between breast and bottle have found success with this particular brand. These are a bit pricey compared to other options, but parents agree ...
Best Glass Bottle for Breastfed Babies: Pigeon Wide-Neck Glass Nursing Bottle
One of my families used these bottles, and they were really nice. They make the transition between breastfeeding and bottle feeding seamless. The wide mouth and simple design also makes these bottles easy to clean.
Parents' Favorite Silicone Bottle: Comotomo Bottle 4-Pack, 150ml/5oz
One thing that stands out about this silicone bottle is the stable base, which many others lack. This brand also has a nipple option for premature babies!
Silicone Bottle That's Great for Preemies: Nanobebe Flexy Silicone Baby Bottles
Quark bottles are made with specially engineered plastic that is free of leaching chemicals. Parents love this bottle because it has all the perks of glass without the fragility. Even after repeated washings, the bottles stay pristine.
Most Innovative Plastic Bottle: Quark BuubiBottle Mini Slow Flow for Newborns
This bottle keeps milk cold or warm for extended periods, which is perfect for families on the go. My favorite feature, however, is that it’s designed to grow with your little one, since it’s compatible with all of the brand’s lids for every stage.
Parents' Favorite Stainless Steel Bottle: Pura Kiki 7oz Stainless Steel Infant Bottle
My current nanny family loves these bottles for their baby who has struggled with colic. I've never had any issues with leaking, and they have held up well over five months of feeding. The only downside is the multiple parts of the anti-colic system ...
Highly Recomended Anti-Colic Bottle: Dr. Brown's Anti-Colic Narrow Glass Baby Bottle
These bottles have a one-piece, easy-to-clean anti-colic system. Many parents say their colicky babies did much better after switching to these bottles.
Easiest-to-Clean Anti-Colic Bottle: Philips Avent Anti-Colic Bottle, AirFree Vent, 4-Count