Baby Products I Swear By
As a new mom, I have gotten tons of opinions about products I “need” vs the ones that are a waste. Gemma is almost 4 months old and I've made a list of the ones we specifically use that work for us. Obviously, we have tried a few that we didn’t like / didn’t find any use for, but this post is not to make comparisons or call any brands out- I’m just sharing what we love! Most of these products are used daily or on a regular basis. xx
Feeding
We have been using Dr. Brown’s bottles since Gemma was a newborn + she hasn’t had any gas with them. Also of 9/10 weeks, we started using level 2 nipples for a quicker flow. I personally prefer glass bottles over plastic, however they are significantly heavier.
Bottle Brush: Essential to remove any film from inside the bottle- especially if you’re using formula.
Drying Rack: We have the original green one, but the white is so much more aesthetically pleasing- especially if you’re leaving it on your countertop. I might have to order a new one.
Formula Dispenser: Honestly, a lifesaver. When Gemma’s hungry, she wants her bottle ASAP. I don’t know what anyone did before these were invented. With one button, you have a perfectly formulated bottle that’s warmed up.
Bottle Sterilizer: Something else to make your life easier. The Babymoov is the exact one we have. TBH, the only downside is that it’s bulky AF and this next to the formula dispenser takes up an entire small counter. BUT it’s worth it.
Bibs: You can never have enough…trust me. But don’t get them all at once- Gemma’s newborn ones are already too small for her so now I’m buying larger ones like the ones linked. Also love these!
Burp Cloths: Another thing you can never have enough of. Obviously for feeding, but I leave one in different areas of the house for when Gemma spits up or drools. These are also cute + soft!
Boppy Pillow: This will save your shoulder! I favor one side when feeding her (left) and I swear I gave myself a minor injury from holding her a certain way. The Boppy pillow just makes it comfortable for both mom + baby.
Diapering
Diapers, duh! This is a personal preference, but we’re using Coterie and are very happy with them. She’s currently 15 weeks and wearing a size 3. They’re v soft and hypoallergenic + dermatologist tested. They are also free of all the nasty things including fragrance, latex, dye, heavy metals, parabens, chlorine bleaching, etc. and there are no harsh chemicals- all important to me as a mom.
Wipes: We switch off between the Coterie ones (I order in bulk with the diapers) and the Pipette brand that I linked. I really like both!
Wipe Dispenser: It’s basic but I’m happy with this one. I was told not to get a warmer because our baby will get used to warm wipes and then cry if you have to change them on the go with colder ones. Clearly I took that advice and it’s working for us. Others might have a different opinion.
Baby Balm: I use this on Gemma’s tushy and on the creases where the diaper touches her skin every time I change her. We love it! My only complaint is that it doesn’t come in a bigger size and I have to hoard like 5 jars at a time.
Diaper Pail: The Ubbi is amazing! It’s super cute and fits perfectly next to the changing table. Don’t forget the bags!
Bath
Tub: We have this one and it’s the perfect size- from newborn to now. It fits in the sink and Gemma seems to be v comfy in it! It also has a rubber interior so she doesn’t side around.
Washcloths: I really like these because of how soft they are. I went ahead about bought two packs because we use them twice a day. They’re also thin enough for when you have to clean your baby’s tongue.
Shampoo / Body wash + Body Oil: Both clean options! We bath Gemma every other day with the Puracy and use the body oil daily to moisturize her face + body.
Bath Towel: We love a hooded towel after a bath. Keeping your babies head & feet warm is so important, so we wrap her up immediately and put the hood over her head before bringing her to the changing table.
Baby Saline Spray + Nose Frida: Not really a bath product but essential in my opinion. Gemma’s nose get’s stuffy almost every morning and these two combined have been working so well.
Nail File: A must!! The amount of times Gemma’s scratched her face, ugh! Her nails grow so quickly and we use this multiple times a week.
Sleeping / Soothing
Dockatot: Honestly, the best investment! Gemma naps in this daily and we even used it in her crib when she was a newborn for her to feel more snuggled (I know everyone says you shouldn’t have anything at all in the crib, but it worked for us). PSA they have two sizes and we just ordered the larger one because Gemma is getting so tall. Here is a more affordable option in the smaller size.
Crib Sheets: An obvious, but I wanted to share my fav ones!
Crib Mattress Pad: Our nurse suggested we get this for two reasons. 1. It gives your baby an extra layer of comfiness + most the raw mattress material can make your baby too hot and you’ll notice they sweat a little in their sleep. 2. To prevent any future accidents.
Blanket: Gemma’s fav! So warm & cozy. I bought every color + customized with her name.
Swaddles: They look like straight jackets and in the beginning, I felt guilty for putting her in one. BUT babies love them and she sleeps so much better when swaddled. I love the velcro ones because it makes it easier on the parents. Also, this is her nap-time swaddle. Gemma keeps putting her hands in her mouth and I’ve noticed her naps are usually longer when she’s in there.
Mobile: I was told to get a musical one and Gemma loves it! It can spin with or without sound and keeps her entertained & smiling. Especially amazing for when I put her down and do some cleaning/ organizing in her room.
Sound Machine: Love this Hatch one! I turn it on for Gemma every night.
Pacifier: TBH I was against pacifiers in the beginning but they can be SO useful. The Philips Avent ones are amazing for newborns. At around 3 months, I swapped those out for the cute WubbaNubs- buy a few, trust me.
Shusher: You guys will thank me later for this one. Trust me. This little machine says “shhhhh” over and over again and is extremely soothing for nap + bedtime or for when your baby is having a fussy moment. Gemma is pretty chill, but I use this during almost every nap and when we put her to bed.
Entertaining
Swing: Gemma LOVES this one! It swings side to side, plays music & the mobile spins. It keeps her entertained but also rocks her to sleep occasionally.
Bouncer: Legit the best $30 I spent recently. Gemma will sit/ bounce and laugh at the little toys in front of her. She’ll also take short naps in it which is so convenient!
Activity Gym: Ok…TBH this thing is ugly AF. But Gemma is obsessed and that’s what counts. Highly recommend it!
Play Mat: I leave this in my bedroom or living room for when I want to do my own thing and she loves to chill on it. We also use it for tummy time and when I want to be silly with her. It’s so soft & cute!
Books: Some of our favorites include Little Traveler Set, A is for Awesome!, Hello World (customizable).
Clothing/ Laundry
Laundry Detergent: Luckily, Gemma doesn’t have very sensitive skin, however I’m still a psycho and did tons of research on every single product I bought for her- including detergent. This was one of the cleanest I found. Plus, she started putting everything in her mouth, so all the stuffed animals that I wash are worry-free to me.
Baby Hangers: I can’t even handle how cute these are! We also have these that are more practical + I love the rose gold detail. Also, closet dividers have been v helpful with keeping track of her clothing sizes.
Onesies: these magnetic ones are amazing for nighttime- especially in the beginning when you have to change them in the dark. I also love these with love the zipper closure. Both are SO soft!
Getting Places
Stroller: We have the Uppababy Vista (color Gregory) for the city & it’s great! We also got the Joolz Hub to keep at our summer home.
Car Seat: We keep this one in Louis’s car and really only use it when we travel from the city to Jersey.
Carrier: I have the Artipoppe one. Its’s cute & useful!
Diaper Bag: I use this Dagne Dover tote in the smaller size (color Dune). It comes with a million compartments and a changing pad. Also fits perfectly in the storage part of our stroller.
Hope this list was helpful! Let me know if you guys have any favs of your own! You can also shop all the the products on my Amazon page (under “baby”). xx