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Baby Basics (and Beyond)
59
items A roundup of the gear, gadgets, and little luxuries that make life with a baby easier — from true essentials to smart extras you didn’t know you needed.
Sections
8
Newborn Essentials
Sleep Solutions
Feeding
On the Go
Bath and Diapering
Clothing and Accessories
Newborn Essentials
The must-haves for those first few blurry weeks.
An essential! This was the perfect spot to keep our boy cuddled up beside us on the couch. This was one of the items we used most in the first 6 months!
Simmons Deluxe Cozy Nest Baby Lounger, for 0-9 Months, Ivory
This is an item we use daily right from the newborn stage. Our babe loves it, and there are compatible toy bars as well for when they're a few months old. We have this black mesh, it made cleaning super easy (spot clean or throw into the washer/dryer...
BabyBjorn Bouncer Balance Soft Black Mesh Googly Eyes Black White
We set this up in our living room for the first few months. We used the inside of the playpen for storage and the top as a changing station. Now that our babe is past the newborn stage, we packed up the top pieces, and use it as a pack and play and t...
Graco Pack 'n Play Quick Connect Portable Lounger Deluxe Playard
These were the first soothers our babe took to. They were the same as the Dr. Brown's bottle nipples, so I think they were familiar.
Dr. Brown’s® HappyPaci™ 100% Silicone Baby Pacifier, Contoured One-Piece Design, 0-6m, BPA-Free, 3-Pack, 0-6 months - Walmart.ca
Sleep Solutions
Everything for better rest (for everyone): bassinets, white noise, cozy sleep sacks.
Convertible crib to bed. Our family loves when items can be multi-purpose like this. This one matches well with the Ikea dresser we chose too.
Graco Hadley 4-in-1 Convertible Crib with Drawer, White
We used this bassinet stand in our living room so baby always had a comfy place to nap. We put it beside the couch so we could always see him.
UPPAbaby Bassinet Stand White
We LOVE our Nanit. This is one of the things we use most. The app has so many great features and let us go to sleep (and actually rest) knowing it would alert us if anything happened. HIGHLY recommend.
Nanit Pro Baby Monitor
We have a few of these for the bassinet in case of an accident (often!). That way there is always one available when others are being washed.
UPPAbaby Bassinet Mattress Cover
I've heard people say this isn't worth it, and I couldn't disagree more. We used this daily when our babe was small. He slept in it (with the bassinet stand) beside our couch, and we took it out for walks (attached to the stroller). Once he was bigge...
UPPAbaby Bassinet V3 Greyson
Feeding
Bottles, nursing pillows, and high chairs that make feeding time a little smoother.
I exclusively pumped, and this worked wonders for me. Easy to use, and small enough to take on the go. I found this powerful enough that I never had to use any other pump!
Pump In Style® Pro Pump Your Way Bundle, Hands-free and Traditional Pumping
From the loads of research we did, this is the formula we landed on. Our babe transitioned to this very well from BM, and we never had any tummy issues.
Kendamil Whole Milk Baby Formula Powder, European with HMOs, Prebiotics, No Palm Oil or Soy, with DHA, 800g, 0-12 Months, Kendamil Baby Formula
I love that this is easy for babe to hold and easy for us to clean! We have filled this with whole fruit, yogurt, purees, and even chunks of frozen apple sauce to sooth his gums during teething.
Frida Baby - Push Pop Feeder, Baby Fruit Food Feeders, Safely Introduce New Foods, Easter Basket Stuffer for Babies, Fresh + Frozen, Silicone, BPA Free, Dishwasher Safe - Teal, 1 count
These little bottles are the ones we started with. They're small, easy to hold, and don't take up a huge amount of space in the sterilizer.
Dr. Brown's® Natural Flow Anti-Colic Options+ Narrow ...
THE BEST feeding starter pack!! Quite a few bottles, warmer, bottle brush, etc. The little formula container is fab for on the go as well.
Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow® Anti-Colic Options+™ All-In-One Gift Set, 4 - 8oz and 3 - 4oz bottles
These were the bottles my son liked the best. For some reason he liked these much better than the narrow version.
Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Anti-Colic Options+ Wide-Neck Baby Bottle Newborn Feeding Set with Baby Bottle Travel Caps, 3x9oz, 2x5oz, 2 nipples, 2 cap
Size One for the wide-neck bottles. Easily change as baby grows. We started with these an our babe started with these and we found the speed/ quality good.
Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Level 1 Wide-Neck Baby Bottle Silicone Nipple, Slow Flow, 0m+, 100% Silicone Bottle Nipple , 2-Pack
Size Two for the wide-neck bottles. Easily change as baby grows. We switched to these around 3 months.
Dr. Brown's Natural Flow® Options+™ Wide-Neck Bottle Nipple 2 pack Level 2, 2 Pack
Size Three for the wide-neck bottles. Easily change as baby grows. We began using these at 6 months when he was frustrated with the slower flow of size 2. It took a feeding or two to get used to it.
Dr. Brown's Natural Flow® Options+™ Wide-Neck Bottle Nipple 2 pack Level 3, 2 Pack
Size Four for the wide-neck bottles. Easily change as baby grows. We started using these at 10 months, and he seems happy with the flow rate and drinks his bottles quickly and easily.
Dr. Brown's Natural Flow® Options+™ Wide-Neck Bottle Nipple 2 pack Level 4, 2 Pack
Y-Cut for the wide-neck bottles. Easily change as baby grows. We are starting to use these at one year. We found them a bit fast for 9 months, but they’re great for him now!
Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Options+™ Wide-Neck Bottle Nipple 2 pack Y Cut
This is so convenient! There are three sepreate compartments for formula to be pre-measured and stored in the diaper bag! This is great for a day out.
Dr. Brown’s™ Formula Dispenser with Snap-On Lid for On-the-Go Feedings, Milk Powder Dispenser for Traveling with Infant, grey
On the Go
Strollers, car seats, carriers, and diaper bags to help you leave the house without losing your mind.
This car seat can last you right from birth to 120 pounds! This means you only ever need to buy one item. Very easy to use. Our babe looks comfy and has room to grow.
Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat | Versatile, Comfortable, and Safe for Babies through Preteens | 1.8-54 kg (4-120 lb), Lofton - Walmart.ca
This stroller is the BEST. We test drove and few and whispered with a few moms who we saw walking around with this. The undercarriage is bigger than most, which makes it perfect for groceries or shopping. We loved that it can also hold the bassinet a...
UPPAbaby Cruz V3 Stroller Greyson
This is the car seat we used for the first year. It has a detachable base so we were able to carry the seat into the house, or pop it onto the stroller without taking the baby out. Super convenient, and easy to use.
UPPAbaby Mesa V2 Infant Car Seat Jake
I've heard people say this isn't worth it, and I couldn't disagree more. We used this daily when our babe was small. He slept in it (with the bassinet stand) beside our couch, and we took it out for walks (attached to the stroller). Once he was bigge...
UPPAbaby Bassinet V3 Greyson
We had an October baby so we got lots of winter use out of this! Super warm, and doesn't disrupt the straps at all so it's safe in the car.
UPPAbaby CozyGanoosh for Mesa Jake/Charcoal
Depending on how much walking you're planning to do, this could come in handy! Keeps baby nice and dry.
UPPAbaby Vista/Cruz/V2 Toddler Seat Rain Shield
This is such a good idea for families with an older child. They can ride along when they want, and it can be flipped up when it's not being used.
UPPAbaby Vista PiggyBack Ride Along Board
The Mesa car seat comes with one base, but we bought a second one for my husbands car. This way we could use either car without a fuss. Very convenient.
UPPAbaby Mesa Base
Great for mom and dad's stuff when we're out for the day. It can easily come on and off, and be cleaned.
UPPAbaby Carry All
An extra layer of support and comfort for baby, especially if you don't have the bassinet. This makes the rumble seat better for infants.
UPPAbaby Infant SnugSeat
A must-have for when the baby is a bit older and getting into snacks. This snack tray replaces the bar easily, and can be removed quickly for cleaning.
UPPAbaby SnackTray
We have a few of these for the bassinet in case of an accident (often!). That way there is always one available when others are being washed.
UPPAbaby Bassinet Mattress Cover
A cup holder for mom or dad's drink! Especially useful when your hands are full!
UPPAbaby Cup Holder
We've used this countless times! From groceries, at the mall, to trying to cook a meal in the newborn days. We keep this in the trunk of my car so we always have it with us! As a “Mini” this carrier is a bit smaller than other Baby Bjorn models. It's...
BabyBjorn Baby Carrier Mini Cotton Black
This bag is the best!! It's cute, has loads of pockets, and doesn't look like a diaper bag. Once my babe is out of diapers, this is something I'll keep using!
New Parent Backpack 17L | Men's Bags,Purses,Wallets | lululemon
I kept this in my babes diaper bag for emergencies or days on the go if I didn't happen to have my pump with me. Much less bulky!
Dr. Brown’s™ 100% Silicone One-Piece Breast Pump, Hands-Free Breast Milk Collector with Travel Bag Exclusive to Walmart, 100% SIlicone
Bath and Diapering
Changing pads, creams, and tiny tubs to keep things clean and comfortable.
These were our favourite. We found them a little taller than Huggies which prevented the dreaded blowout.
Pampers Swaddlers Diapers, Super Econo Pack, Size Newborn-7, 144-72 Count - Walmart.ca
I've heard so many people say this is a waste of money, and I couldn't disagree more! We use this multiple times a day. I couldn't imagine applying diaper cream with my bare hands, and getting it under my nails. We have one of these in his room, in t...
Frida Baby - Silicone Booty Brush Applicator for Infant Diaper Rash Cream and Butt Paste, Blue, 100% Silicone
A must in your bedtime routine. Such a soft calming scent.
Johnson's Baby, NaturalCalm, Bedtime Bath Wash, 800 mL
This is my favourite scent for daytime wash-ups. Soft and cuddly.
Aveeno Baby Daily Wash & Shampoo baby’s hair & Sensitive Skin Cleanser with Natural Oat - Paraben Free & Phthalate Free, sulfates-free and dye-free, 975 mL
This quickly calms and prevents diaper rash. Especially once your babe starts sleeping longer overnight.
Sudocrem® Healing Cream - 250 g Tub - Diaper Rash | Minor Skin Irritations | Incontinence Dermatitis Cream, Recommended by pediatricians, dermatologists
This matches our favourite bedtime bath bubbles. Calm and cuddly scent helps keep baby asleep.
Johnson's Baby Bedtime Lotion for Dry Skin, 400 mL
Clothing and Accessories
The cute and practical layers that keep baby cozy through every season.
These ribbed onesies are our favourite for bedtime! They're cozy, soft, and stretchy. They also feature the 2-way zip everyone loves.
Ribbed 2-Way-Zip Sleep & Play Footed One-Piece for Baby | Old Navy
Love these for newborns and older babies. The cute details on the toes are a favourite for our babe.
2-Way-Zip Sleep & Play Footed One-Piece for Baby | Old Navy
SO CUTE. This hat is warm, and one of the most complimented baby items he has.
Baby & Toddler Cooper Glow Toque
We had an October baby so this was used daily for our fall walks out in his bassinet.
Hooded Critter Footed Sherpa One-Piece for Baby | Old Navy
My son wore this on repeat. So cute, and very warm. Perfect for winter.
Baby Organic Original Cooper Beaver Romper
SO warm. You can have your babe wear this on its own, or if you buy it a little big, it can go over a onesie for a fall walk.
Baby Cloud Romper
We have these, and are so excited for him to wear them this winter!
Baby & Toddler Cooper Glow Mitten
Such a cute and cuddly little snowsuit. Perfect for a winter walk.
Unisex Water-Resistant Frost Free Puffer Snowsuit for Baby | Old Navy
We started swimming around 6 months. These swimsuits were perfect. The one piece stays in place, and is easy to put on and take off, even when wet.
Printed Swim Rashguard Bodysuit for Baby | Old Navy
These are a bit warmer than the regular onesies. Perfect for a fall or winter day!
Long-Sleeve Fleece One-Piece Jumpsuit for Baby | Old Navy
Play and Development
Play gyms, soft toys, and first books to spark curiosity and growth.
This is our babes favourite toy!! Not a day goes by that he doesn't play with this. I love that it has two modes (with legs and without), so it can be played with before baby can stand. The music is fun, and there are a few different settings for the...
Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn Mix and Learn DJ Table Musical Learning Toy for Baby and Toddler, Multi-Language Version
We used this EVERY SINGLE DAY for months! The bottom is nice and soft, can be taken apart to wash, and very entertaining. There are a few settings, our babe found the bubble sound soothing. Once he had outgrown this, he still came back to play with t...
Disney Baby Mr Ray Ocean Lights Activity Gym
We bought this because he loved the nemo tummy time activity gym, so we figured he would like this too. It was a big hit. He started out every morning in here jumping around and playing. This was also great for when we were cooking dinner ;).
Disney Finding Nemo Sea of Activities Jumper
Baby TLC
Everything you need to keep your little one healthy and comfortable — from thermometers and nasal aspirators to those tiny tools that make days a little easier.
I can't tell you how many times we've used this. It's so handy for noses, ears, and under nails. Our babe laughs and laughs when we clean his nose with this too.
Frida Baby - Baby, Infant, Toddler - 3-in-1 Nose, Nail + Ear Picker: Baby Ear Cleaner + Baby Nose Cleaner and Nail Tool for Babies + Toddlers, Safely Clean Baby's Boogers, Ear Wax & More, Age: Newborn+
This is such a good idea!! It can be super difficult to get medicine into you baby. This took the struggle and guesswork away. We got him used to using this as a pacifier here and there before he ever needed medicine through it, that way he accepted ...
Fridababy - MediFrida - The Accu-Dose Pacifier - Baby, Infant Medicine Dispenser, 0 months +
This was a game changer for us, especially in the newborn days. I was so scared of cutting him with the normal baby clippers. We were able to use this on his fingers and toes while he was sleeping and we had great results! I liked that there are diff...
Electric Nail Buffer