These days it can be completely overwhelming to decide what baby products are necessary and worthwhile. I remember when we registered at Babies R Us for our first child I questioned every decision about which items to scan. I would look down at my checklist and see “pacifier” and then go to that section and stare at the wall in front of me filled from floor to ceiling with every possibility of pacifiers you can think of! Which shape should I choose? Which size, which color, which brand and on and on.
Since I am now a mom of two and have had some time to test out some products in everyday real life experience, I would like to share some of my favorites. I love to give these as baby shower gifts and have even loaned mine out to friends to use in between babies when I haven’t needed them. Several of these items are perfect for finding second hand if you want to save money. I purchased my Ergo carrier for half the price by shopping on Craigslist.
I have listed some of my favorites in no particular order…
They come in all kinds of fun colors and are very easy for newborns to keep in their mouth as the silicone is curved to fit their face. I also love how easy they are to clean and sanitize – there are no little crevices or nipples for moisture to get locked in.
2. Aden & Anais Swaddle Blankets
These also come in many different colors and patterns. I LOVE these blankets! They are simply perfect for many uses. They are super light weight cotton and very large which is great to be able to swaddle babies of all sizes and as they get older.
3. Bebe Au Lait (a.k.a. Hooter Hider) Nursing Cover
I loved having this cover while nursing my baby around other people and especially out in public! It also came in handy while traveling on an airplane and can be used to shield light if baby is napping as well. The difference between this and a simple blanket to cover up with is that this gives you the ability to look down and see your baby without trying to latch them on and nurse blindly 🙂 My babies enjoyed being able to make eye contact.
4. Moby Wrap
I used this wrap with my daughter until she was over a year old! I enjoyed it with my son also, but only used it until he was about 6 months old and then I switched to the Ergo. I prefer the Moby for the first several months as it is all encompassing and acts as a cocoon for baby. My babies loved it! There is all kinds of research out there that supports wearing your baby, especially skin to skin (around the house of course!). The Moby is almost like a t-shirt once it is wrapped around you so it is perfect for this purpose. It is essentially one long wide piece of fabric that you can tie in many different ways to place your baby in different positions on you. It can be intimidating at first, but once you use it about 5 times, you get the hang of it and it becomes second nature quickly. It does take some time to get used to tying it around yourself just the right way that is comfortable for you – not too tight, not too loose, etc. but it is so worth it. When tied properly, you will love how comfortable it is, how it evenly distributes the weight of your baby over both shoulders and, best of all, having your hands free!
The Ergo has proven to be invaluable in our family. We purchased ours on Craigslist when our son was about 6 months old. My husband and I use it with our son all.the.time. Unlike the Bjorn, baby must face “in” either on your back, side or front – but I have found this to be the most comfortable anyway. I think it has to do with your center of gravity and how their weight is distributed while facing toward you. It gives great support for your back and your hips and is so simple to put on with only two clips. I use this while shopping the most and have even carried my 3.5 year old on my back at the zoo. It is versatile and even includes a little cover to place over baby’s head while they are napping to shut out light and support their head. While you can purchase an infant insert for this carrier to use for babies pre-sitting up – I highly recommend the Moby for that stage. This carrier is great once your baby can sit up on his/her own completely and is ready to spread their hips to straddle you. No matter what carrier you choose, I love “wearing” my babies as opposed to lugging around the carseat carriers. My babies are always so happy to be against me, will nap easily and plus I have immediate access to their heads for kissing. 🙂
6. Boppy Pillow (or other nursing pillow)
These are great for supporting your baby while feeding. I also used mine to lay baby down propped up next to me on the couch or the floor and Daddy used it for support while snuggling our newborns. You can purchase the naked boppy and then choose what cover(s) you like! I am not a seamstress, but if you are, the covers are probably simple to make and I am sure you could find a pattern online.
7. Summer Bib
This bib is great! It cleans up so easily after each meal and actually catches food and liquid in its pocket as opposed to the flat bibs with pockets. I highly recommend this bib!
I hope this will give you some ideas for what to purchase if you or someone you know are expecting!
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Did you make that blue beanie your son is wearing? I crochet (blankets and scarves..nothing fancy) and promised my boys I would make them a hat but haven’t learned how yet…seems pretty complicated.
I didn’t – I actually knit, but also consider myself a beginner. I have made baby blankets and scarves too 🙂 My friend, Joy, crochets and I have mentioned that I would love to learn how someday when we can actually sit still when we are together as we are usually chasing our little ones (she has 3)