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Baby Recs
104
items This is a list of all the baby things we purchased based on lots of friends recommendations. Links should take you straight to websites. Feel free to add questions or comments!
Sections
12
Strollers, Car & Travel
Home & Play Accessories
Nursery
Sleep
Nursing & Feeding
Baby Grooming
Strollers, Car & Travel
Lots of friends recommended this or the Uppababy Cruz, but said if you're planning multiple kids the Vista is best. Update: We’ve loved the Vista and the bassinet it comes with. The bassinet was great for walks and daytime naps (he outgrow it around ...
Vista V2 Stroller
Friend shared: "Great way to keep the baby engaged" - attach to stroller or carseat. At 2-4 months this was Jacob's FAVORITE toy - he stared at it endlessly!
Sunny Stroll Stroller Arch
We did some research and decided on the Nuna PIPA, but also heard good things about the Chicco Keyfit. You'll need an adapter if you get the Uppababy stroller, but easy to buy on Amazon. The Uppababy Mesa carseat doesn't require an adapter but was ge...
PIPA Car Seat
Will need depending on your car seat/stroller combo.
Infant Car Seat Adapter
We like this much better than just a mirror - easier to see while driving and only thing that works for night driving. We just keep it closed most times since it can be a bit distracting.
Shynerk Baby Car Mirror 4.3'' HD Night Vision Function Car Mirror Display
Our post-PIPA carseat, we love!
Nuna RAVA
Our air travel carseat - super lightweight, easy to install, and approved for planes (which most typical carseats are not)
Scenera Next - CoscoKids.com
Home & Play Accessories
Multiple friends recommended for travel + around the house - we got with the bassinet adapter. We don't love that the legs stick out (easy to trip on) but otherwise great, and he sleeps super well in it when we travel.
Pack n' Play
Lots of friends recommend the Ergo Omni360 over BabyBjorn - we only used
Omni 360 Baby Carrier
Multiple friends recommended, but I'm not sure I'd buy it again - we preferred the boppy for when he was small and the bumbo (both on this list) for when he was bigger. I guess it was nice to have it as an option though? He would also always have mas...
Bouncer Bliss
Friend shared: "This you wont be able to use until almost ~3 mos, but it's so great and we used it to have A sit at the table with us." Completely agree - once they can hold their head up this thing is amazing and we put him in it more than almost an...
Floor Seat
Friend shared: "Amazing way to trap your baby when they’re old enough to chill in here". 100% agree. We call this his "baby office" and it's been a great baby trap / entertainment device since he was around 6 months (he's 13 months now and still uses...
Baby Activity Center
Multiple friends recommended
Sophie The Giraffe
We tried the K'tan wrap but I liked this one much better - super easy to put on / position baby and he would always pass out in it immediately. I also liked that I could just wear this and pants and call it a day (no actual shirt needed). I loved it ...
Baby Wrap
This is a ridiculously expensive high chair (a relative gifted to us), but we really love it. So so easy to put in and clean, and looks great in our house (vs. like another big plasticy kid accessory). If you can afford it or add to a registry we def...
Nomi Highchair Oak
We got this cushion for the Nomi high chair and it looks great / makes the chair more comfy, but honestly we barely use it any more since it's easier to clean without it.
Nomi Cushion, Pale Blue, Accessory for use ... - Amazon.com
He has LOVED this since 9 months or so - one of his fave toys.
VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker (Frustration Free Packaging)
The playmat was great for tummytime early on, but now that he's bigger he mostly just plays on our floor with this great / comfy / easy to wash mat over our rug.
Organic Cotton Play Mat – PILLOBEBE
We've used this a ton from around 6 months (when it was a baby trap/seat) to now (13 months, when he runs around in it like crazy).
Joovy 'Spoon'
We DID NOT have or use this; we used the boppy more than anything, but it was just recalled, so this will be what we use next time - definitely need this kind of baby holding device
DockATot Deluxe Plus Dock Pristine White
Nursery
100% wood, nontoxic - one of the most nontoxic cribs and insanely affordable. If going luxe here, checkout Ouef/Sparrow or DucDuc brands.
Sniglar Crib
Certified organic crib mattress
Mattress
Friend shared: "Organic Cotton is worth it. Get 3 - one is on the crib, another dirty and another emergency…there will be emergencies."
Fitted Crib Sheets
Friend shared: "It has music and it moves, it's amazing." We can confirm - baby loves. We only used for a short period of time so can definitely skip it if not of interest.
Soothe 'n Groove Baby Mobile
We tried the Ubbi but wanted something with a foot pedal, so changed to the genie.
Diaper Genie
Another splurge item we love - super comfortable and looks great; we went with quick ship option from a brand others recommend for comfort and non-toxicity! You will need / want a table next to glider for night lamp, pumping, snacks, etc...
Luca Glider
Cotton and washable. We don't currently have a rug pad but will likely add one. The rugs are pretty small so we have two matching in the nursery, they look cute together!
Braids Soft Blue Washable Rugs
Goes nicely under the glider ottoman with the braids rug above
Washable Rug Bubbly Soft Blue
100% cotton and washable; these let light in, so likely need blackout shades too. They look great and go really well with the rugs and decals on this list!
Hannalill Curtains
Healthier than painting or wallpapering nursery - super easy to put on and look great!!
Fabric Wall Decal
Sleep
Friend shared: "We chose Eufy, a top recommendation from Wirecutter. We also heard good things about the Nanit, but didn't like wifi in room and heard that can pose security risks." Update - we've been happy with the Eufy so far. Second update: this ...
Video Baby Monitor with Camera and Audio
Friend shared: "Swaddle Me - everything else is worthless." We agree this was one of the easiest / best DIY full swaddles, but actually quickly started to prefer the love to dream semi-swaddle after week one or two (next on this list). Wish we had ha...
Original Organic Swaddle
Not a full swaddle (hands are up in squirrel-like position) but we preferred this from week 2 until week 10 or so, at which point we moved to the halo swaddle (next on the list) until he was out of swaddles around 3.5 months. My two cents - I'd proba...
Swaddle UP Lite
These were the swaddles he wore most after the swaddleme in the first few days and then the swaddleup for the first few weeks. Every baby / parent is different though! We liked both the organic cotton and muslin (lightweweight).
Halo 100% Cotton SleepSack Swaddle
Multiple friends recommended. He's been in a sleepsack since he got out of the swaddle and still uses it at 13 mos.
Sleepsack 100% Cotton Wearable Blanket
Friend shared: "Adan and Anais swaddle blankets (you can't have enough!)" And another said: "They are soft, organic and you need them everywhere. It's nice to leave in the car or other places you might forget to bring one along." Update - we complete...
Swaddle Blanket | Boutique Muslin Blankets for Girls & Boys
Nursing & Feeding
Strongly prefer to the boppy. Super helpful for crossbody breastfeeding position. We got with the organic covers.
Nursing Posture Pillow
We used the kiinde bags for breastmilk storage in fridge and freezer - I'm not sure all the other accessories are needed / helpful, but we found the bags and rack much easier to store than bottles.
Breast Milk Storage Bag
Glass bottles are apparently healthiest, but we may go plastic depending on what baby likes. Update - Dr. Brown's bottles were way better for baby's gas than Avent bottles; the glass ones worked well for us. Although we now use Platex slanted bottles...
4 Oz Glass Baby Bottles
These bottles are so poorly made and leaky, and not as healthy as glass, but they worked best for us when J would have really bad gas.
Playtex Baby VentAire Baby Bottles
Went with the Spectra S1 (recommended by multiple friends), purchased through Aeroflow Breast Pumps site which handles insurance. Also rented a hospital-grade pump through the DC Breastfeeding Center. Update - the Medela Symphony hospital grade renta...
S1Plus Electric Breast Pump
Natural ingredients and works pretty well
Nipple Cream
He loves the soothies - the more the better.
soothie 4-pack
Cute easy pull over bibs for spit up and eating.
4-Pack Lap-Shoulder Drool Cloths
These are amazing and must have once baby is eating solids (6+ months).
Rubber bibs for babies
This is beyond ridiculous and expensive, but honestly, one of our favorite things - super quick way to make a perfectly heated bottle. Great item if you have a relative who wants to splurge on something nice.
Baby Brezza Formula Pro Advanced
We love these - so easy and healthy. The oats were a bit too sweet so we get the non oats.
Raised Real
Baby Grooming
This one has worked really well for us; we put a towel in on top of the infant insert for now to keep him from slipping. Heard good things about the Boon too.
Comfort Height Bath Tub
100% organic cotton
Washcloths
Nice organic towels
2 Pack Durable Large Bamboo Baby Bath Towel
These were gifted to us monogrammed - super cute and absorbent (not organic though).
Gingham Baby Hooded Towel
Manual nasal aspirator
Baby Nasal Aspirator NoseFrida The Snotsucker with 10 Extra Hygiene Filters and All-Natural Saline Nasal Spray
A friend shared: "These things saved our lives in the first couple of weeks when A was super gassy / weirdly constipated.... brace yourself. They are not exactly fun to use...". Update: These were VERY helpful at reducing gas when baby J was very fus...
Windi Gas and Colic Reliever for Babies
Never really used - we clipped or bit his nails.
Baby Nail File
Best sunblock we found.
Sunscreen Lotion 50 SPF
Can use under arm too if scared by rectal!
Quick-Read Digital Rectal Thermometer
We tried this and cerave for J’s eczema - we like this better and it has a better EWG rating. We originally used coconut oil but apparently it’s not a great idea to use food oils for daily moisturizing given potential allergen issues.
Eucerin® 13.5 oz. Baby Lotion
Changing & Cleaning
A friend shared: "We have the Keekaroo Peanut Changer and its great - its expensive for a changing pad but you don't need to buy covers and it saves you the laundry when they leak during a change...and it happens all the time. This one can just be wi...
Peanut Changer
Friend shared: "The changer can be a little cold when they are super little so I bought these liners to cover it temporarily." Update: we love these and bring them in our diaper bag too, but actually don't use them on the changer.
Premium Bamboo Changing Pad Liners
Recommended by many; better than the Betts & Emy version.
Unscented Baby Wipes, Sensitive and Newborn Skin, 12 Packs (720 Wipes)
Recommended rash ointment from folks who try to get mostly nontoxic products.
Diaper Rash Ointment
Less organic / more intense diaper rash cream. We've been using basic Aquaphor instead of the ButtPaste and then the 3 in 1 very rarely for bad rashes.
Baby Skin Care Set
Recommended by many friends; we have in white.
Lawn Drying Rack
Solid bottle brush.
Bottle Brush with Nipple Cleaner and Stand
Friend shared: "This is kind of absurd, but also kind of great… I mostly like it for drying. For bottles and pump parts. Because I didn’t realize this, but bottles and pump parts need to be dry before you put them away." Out of stock on Amazon so we ...
Baby Bottle Sterilizer and Dryer Machine
You need different detergent for baby - we like Molly’s Suds (unscented).
Molly's Suds Super Powder Detergent
Baby Clothing
Burt's bees has great 100% organic cotton clothing; he wears the Burt's Bees onesies more than anything else during the day; at night his go to is the Moon & Back long sleeve onesies (below) with a sleepsack swaddle.
Unisex Baby Bodysuits
100% organic cotton and cute patterns - baby wears these to sleep with Halo sleepsack swaddle every night.
Set of 5 Organic Long-Sleeve Bodysuits
I loved these (super cute and comfy), but not sure how organic they are
Mori
Very organic, lightweight baby clothing
Dordor And Gorgor
Cute clothing with lots of organic options
Basics Collection
Less organic but super cute baby clothing
Janie & Jack
Goumikids boots and gloves have velcro and stay on way better than other brands.
Baby Booties
My favorite hat and mitten combo
Infants' and Toddlers' Mountain Classic Fleece Hat ...
Mom Clothing (Hospital & Home)
These are insanely comfortable and great for nursing - wish I had had in the hospital! I lived in these at home the first few weeks.
Moonlight Pajamas
I wore these camis almost everyday; super convenient for breastfeeding and look good with day and nightwear.
Clipdown Lace Trim Nursing Cami
Another great cami option, on the more expensive side
Luxe Nursing Cami
Loved this delivery gown and got compliments on it by anyone who walked in our room. Only problem was it doesn't have a back opening, so you'll need a different gown if you get an epidural (e.g., option below).
Bravely Labor and Delivery Gown
This gown had snaps everywhere for easy access during delivery, including for epidural.
3 In 1 Labor, Delivery And Nursing Gown
Super comfortable and looked really nice; I wore everyday in hospital after the birth and made me feel way more human.
Lace Trim Maternity Robe
Expensive but worth it - one of the most comfortable things I own, I wore almost every day postpartum and great while pumping & breastfeeding
CozyChic Lite Circle Cardi
Lively nursing bras are great - very comfy and clip down is super convenient.
Maternity Bralette
This is a great pumping bra - I have two and wear them both almost daily for pumping sessions.
Sublime Hands-Free Pumping & Nursing Bra
A comfy fleece is super nice for chilly hospital and home. This one looks ridiculous but is insanely soft (very synthetic).
Softest Fleece Jacket
Great Gifts from Grandma
My mom bought a ton of gifts/things for when we visit my parents that we truly didn’t need (and we did zero research on ourselves, so can’t speak to toxicity etc.), but Jacob loves them so including them here!
Great from 6 weeks to 4 months or so - was the only thing that would entertain / settle him during his crankiest hour.
Fisher-Price® Sweet Little Lamb Cradle 'n Swing
Starting at 6 months Jacob is absolutely obsessed with this (who knows how long that will last!). Prefer to the jolly jumper. Update - he still loves this at 13 months...
Fisher-Price® Rainforest™ Jumperoo™
Baby Mozart time! It says 1+ years but he’s enjoyed this at 6 months.
Melissa & Doug® Personalized Learn to Play Piano
I thought the one was super random but another hit with the baby. Maybe grandma knows best?
Safety 1st® Ready, Set, Walk! DX Developmental Walker in Blue/White
We keep this on the changing table and it distracts him super well.
GUND® Flappy the Elephant Collection
We originally bought the LoveVery playmat but J greatly prefer this one. He is entranced by it still!
Fisher-Price® Rainforest Music and Lights Deluxe Gym
So fun
Magna-Tiles® – The Original 3D Magnetic Building Sets
Other Hospital Essentials
This was so clutch during labor and recovery. Highly recommend, and make sure to also bring a long extension cord (15 ft) to ensure you can use in bed.
Lumbar and Abdominal Heating Pad
I haven't found a brand I love yet (these are pretty stupidly made and leak out the top if you move), but definitely needed something like this to protect nipples in the hospital vs. nursing pads that still directly touch/irritate
Soft Shells Breast Shells
I didn't have one in the hospital and really wish I had - no idea if this one is any good, but we've been happy with Frida products generally
Perineal Comfort Cushion
They had ice pads in our hospital too, but I liked these much better than what they had. Super helpful for first few days of recovery.
Instant Ice Maxi Pads
The hospital will likely have for you, but I brought one of these (you'll likely need one for home anyway) and liked it much better
Frida Mom Upside Down Peri Bottle for Postpartum Care
I was never actually able to shower in the hospital and really appreciated having these.
Facial Cleansing Towelettes
I overestimated how easy it'd be to shower at the hospital, and really wish I had had dry shampoo! No idea if this one is any good but we like Aveeno generally.
Rose Water and Chamomile Gentle Dry Shampoo
You can’t drink enough liquids. This tumbler + a silicone bendy straw were clutch during labor and recovery.
Rambler 30 oz Tumbler
Super important to stay hydrated during birth and breastfeeding - these things were my savior when I couldn't take any more water.
Coconut Water - The Original
Turns out you can have one type of “solid” food when giving birth / on a liquid diet - gummies! We happened to have these with us and they were clutch when I was almost 24 hours without food and needed energy.
Organic Bunny Fruit Snacks
Loved these for hospital and breastfeeding at home - easy food to eat one-handed and great way to get fruits and veggies in hospital.
Happy Tot Organic Stage 4 Super Foods
Another good food pouch option
Peter Rabbit Organics | Fruit and vegetable pouches ...
Other Hospital-Related Recs
Other things we were glad to have at the hospital are in the comment below - happy to share specific product recs if helpful, but these are more generic!
Things we were glad we brought to hospital
