Top Baby Product Recommendations: My Favorites
Blogs, Reddit threads, and businesses (It’s me! Hi!) all have their must-haves for what is going to help caring for a baby a better experience.
Before giving birth, I thought a lot of items were gimmicky, targeting soon-to-be parents with things they won’t ever use or need. As it turns out, there may not be a lot of critical “needs” but wow, there are certain things that can make a world of difference.
After many purchases, good and bad, here are some “Oh, I didn’t even think of that!” highlight recommendations to supplement what you’ve likely already gathered from multiple sources. They aren’t necessary items, but are used every day in my household and are items I am grateful to have readily usable.
Naturally, a tarot spread is included as well, to help you as you look to what you want to equip your nursery with as you nest.
This is not a sponsored post and no compensation is provided as a result of sharing this information. Thoughts are completely my own (with chime-in and agreement from my partner or other mom friends). Product links are provided for convenience and perusal. As a personal choice, I’ve been trying to avoid shopping on Amazon so links to alternate shops are provided whenever possible.
Top Baby Item Must-Haves
Ergobaby Embrace
There are multiple carriers out there, but this carrier is by far the best I’ve come across for my own needs. Carriers seem to be so complicated! YouTube videos and instruction manuals referenced repeatedly don’t seem to help, until one day, it clicks! I am glad I didn’t give up on figuring out a carrier.
The Ergobaby Embrace is easy to put on. It also has three buckle clips that help provide that secure feeling. Some folks love the loose wrap, but given my anxiety, that audial-physical assurance of interlocking plastic gives that super-secure reassurance. The knit fabric is incredibly soft, baby is gently hugged between the support and your own body. It’s machine washable, can be used from Day 1, and has a lifetime guarantee.
As a progression from this cozy carrier, the Ergobaby Alta Hip Seat Baby Carrier (which looks similar to the Tushbaby carrier) has been a recent addition to the nursery collection. It’s so easy to put on, helps when walking around but needing a little more support while carrying my girl, and it has that reliable Ergobaby quality.
Buy: Ergobaby, Pacifier Kids
Image Credit: ergobaby.com
Grownsy Nasal Aspirator
Folks rave about Frida Baby’s The Snotsucker. I tried it many times, but my daughter deeply hated it (she is fierce and an excellent communicator for being so new to the world!). I wasn’t exactly a big fan of using my mouth as the force to draw goop from her nose into a hard to clean tube. For those who love this tool, I am happy for you and envy you! It did not work for our family. After going through a few different kinds of aspirators, the superior goop-getter was found and changed everything.
The Grownsy nasal aspirator come with three different nose tips and in multiple colors. It plays music. It has flashing, colorful lights. It provides the essential “just long enough” distraction to help clear a little one’s nasal passages. My sweet girl has big emotions, and equally big congestion, so this aspirator is part of our daily care routine. If I could gift one item to any new parent, this would be it. There is still opposition at play — and understandably so (who wants someone sticking anything into their nose, let alone something with sucking force) — but it allows the job to get done. Complementary picks to the aspirator include this oogiebear nose picker and Boogie saline spray and wipes.
Buy: Grownsy, Babylist
Image Credit: Grownsy.com
Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen and Hatch Rest Go
A baby that sleeps through is every parent’s dream. The Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen and Hatch Rest Go, for home and out and about, are sleep gamechangers. For our own family, we have relied on this sound machine bundle the day we left the hospital and it continues to be a stellar addition to the sleep regimen.
The range of sound options — white noise, brown noise, rain, ocean, fan (to name a few) — are helpful for calming little ones to rest. The Hatch+ sound subscription is fantastic; it widens the sonic library to multiple types of songs, stories, sound profiles, and varied ambient sounds. Nocturnal Nature, Mellow Cello, and Acoustic Coos are my daughter’s favorites. The unit itself charges and can be moved around, so whether in the nursery or another room in her Pack ‘n Play, the sound machine can easily be wherever sleep is taking place.
For on the go or travel, the Hatch Rest Go is incredibly handy and comes with a collection of ten different sounds. It has a little clip-on ring that easily attaches to a diaper bag or stroller. I will say, the unit can very easily slip off the ring! Provided you keep an eye on it, it should be fine, but it’s something to keep in mind. Try one or both, or try some sort of sound machine. It might not be magic for everyone, but it certainly does wonders for sound sleep from what I have witnessed.
Buy: Hatch, Pacifier Kids
Image Credit: Hatch.co
Additional Loved Items
Bath: 4moms cleanwater tub — Talk about great body positioning and temperature monitoring with a built-in thermometer.
Bottle Warmer: Grownsy Parent’s Choice Bottle Warmer — Purchased after I wrongly assumed the cheapest bottle warmer I could find would do just fine.
Cleaning Wipes: Aveeno Baby-All-Over Wipes — Great for quick clean-ups.
Monitor: Lollipop Smart Camera — Keep an eye on the crib from your smartphone.
Sleep Sack: Copper Pearl Sleep Bags — The perfect, all seasons (1.7 TOG-rated) sleep sack.
Stuffed Animals: Warmies Juniors — Cute, scented, and affordable stuffies.
Travel System: MIXX™ next Stroller + PIPA™ rx Car Seat — Easy to use, superb quality, and worth every penny.
Baby Items Prep Spread
These three questions, used in the context of tarot, journaling prompts, or general thought exercise, can help with inner clarity and confidence in your choices.
What purpose does this item serve?
An item may have a designated function, but its purpose is greater. For example, a carrier’s function is to carry a baby. However, its purpose allows for safety, security, comfort, care, and support.
How can I manage comparative thinking?
It’s difficult to see something another person uses, as if that item is the Holy Grail that will solve all your problems. Accepting and using your own caregiving provisions is what matters most.
What intentions can I set as I build my care supply collection?
Intention is powerful. Knowing your intentions can provide better direction, help with decision-making, and align acquiring external material items with your inner values.
I would love to meet with you and support you along your journey. Reach out or book a session.
