First things first. The baby industry is projected to be worth 88.72 billion dollars worldwide by 2026. It is an extremely profitable business, which is why gearing up for your baby seems like a very overwhelming experience. I am here to tell you…YOU DON’T NEED ALL THE THINGS! You just don’t. It will be literal crap that just takes up space, and you will have to rehome or donate. Babies are tiny humans, and they have preferences just like us. Don’t run out and buy all the things. You just don’t need it. The baby industry wants you to think that you need it all, and that without it you are not providing the absolute best for your baby. Not True! Let me give you an example. I HATE baby bath tubs. They are huge, awkward to use, and take up space. Plain and simple.
Here are my top recommendations for some baby products that have excellent reviews, and parents love! I am not receiving any compensation for the products in this list. Frankly, it can be hard to find honest reviews where you are feeling like people actually like the product rather than being paid to recommend it. The list is not made of the most inexpensive, but rather what people love. In my opinion some of the items aren’t truly necessary, but rather nice to haves, not need to haves. These are in particular order.
Wander and Roam Foam Play-mat. You can find this here . They are woman owned, eco friendly, hypoallergenic and non-toxic. They also come in the most adorable patterns and colors. They are great for everything from play, yoga, and everything in between.
Copper Pearl Bandana Bibs. You can find this here. They are well priced and have tons of pattern choices! I love these as when your baby begins to teeth, trust me you’ll love them. When my first was a baby, I was constantly changing his shirt because it was soaked, these take care of that. I love this company as they also have adorable apparel, blankets and are Family owned started by two best friends in 2015.
The Solly Baby Wrap. This carrier is made of a lightweight, breathable fabric and comes in really cute prints, and are affordable. Another woman owned company. Good for 5-25 pounds and is less structured which keeps babe close. You can find this here.
Lillebaby. These carriers are more structured and are useful for babies from 7-45 pounds. There are a variety of different styles and the website does a great job of explaining which carrier is best for your lifestyle. I used this from about 7 months of age until my son was three. It is great. Find the carriers here.
Hiccapop Baby Wipe Warmer. This is definitely a nice to have. I had two babies that did fine without one, however with my last baby I will say that it made diaper changes a little easier. With over 9800 5 star reviews there is something to these. Click here.
Baeba Babycook NEO. This makes everything from fine purees to food with chunkier textures and won’t take up a lot of counter space. You could also use an instant pot, but this thing is your one stop shop for homemade baby food! Click here.
Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor with Interchangeable Optical Lens. This has been voted best monitor time and time again. Again, over 40,000 ratings say so. Privacy is guaranteed. The video and audio is transmitted via a secure 2.4 Ghz Channel with Fhss Technology. This ensures no data is shared through the internet and no other devices can access your camera unit. Click here
Sunscreen: Adorable Baby is one of the safest brands out there according to the EWG (environmental working group) website. This means that their products do not contain any ingredients of concern and meet their highest standard for ingredient safety. All of their ingredients are naturally sourced or derived. Click here.
Graco 4Ever DLX 4 in 1 car seat. Car seats are a very personal decision. I go with safety first! I also like one that will last a while! This one transforms from rear-facing (4-40 IB) to forward facing harness (22-65 IB), to high back booster (40-100 IB) to backless booster (4-120 IB). It features an integrated seatbelt lock-off system and Graco’s SimplySafe harness adjustment system, which helps prevent mistakes common when adjusting convertible car seats. Car Safety Hub gives this one 5 stars. You can find the car seat here.
Breast pumps. This is also a personal choice, and some insurance companies cover the cost of this so make sure you call and check. People love the Spectra S1 Plus. This pump has hospital strength, which means big power and less noise. You can adjust the speed and suction and it uses a closed in system which keeps milk completely sperate from the pump pieces. It’s portable and small in size compared with some of the other pumps that are available. People love the comfortability factor and it’s easy to use. Find the pump here.
Bottles. Comotomo Baby Bottle. This one is shaped like a breast, and you can pump directly into the bottle. You are even able to squeeze the bottle to mimic mom’s breast and milk flow. For more information about bottle and breast feeding I rely and send my clients to Danielle Spradlin who is an IBCLC. She is amazing and the best resource for all things breast feeding. She has a ton of information on her website. I trust her with all of my clients breastfeeding needs.
Sleep. Sleep is a very personal decision, and what is right for one family might not be the choice of another. I encourage you to visit these websites to make the best possible decision for your family. CDC provides info on safe sleep. You can also find great information from AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics).
Babymoov Hygro+ Humidifier. This is not the most exciting item to add to your registry, but you’ll be glad you did! I can’t tell you how many times I needed it and was so glad that I did not have to run out to Target or Walmart late at night to find one. This one is programmable and customizable. The mist output is 360 degrees, and it runs almost silent. You can find it here.
Swing. 4moms mamaRoo. This high-tech swing + bouncer hybrid mimics human movements with five natural motions, five speeds and four built in sounds AND is Bluetooth -enabled for remote motion and sound control. You really can’t go wrong with this one! Find it here.
Strollers. I prefer one that is a travel system, and honestly if you spend money on one thing…this is it. Things to consider would be weight, how much room does it take up, is it easy to fold down, and of course safety. I love Inglesina strollers! They can be used from 3 months to 55 IBS. Here is the thing. I bought one of these when my first baby was born, 18 years ago. I used that stroller with each child, (my youngest is five). It held up and weighed less than 11 IBS. It folds up to the size of a matchstick and is really easy to use and durable. I honestly would give it 100 stars. There are lot of strollers out there ranging in price from $50-$1400 dollers, but I’m telling you can’t go wrong with this one! Find them here.
On a final note. There is so much stuff out there, and some of it is just stuff. There are really amazing companies that will make your life easier, and some products that will take up space and are useless. The old saying of give your toddler a cardboard box to play in or pots and pans and it will keep them busy for hours is true. I’m not saying to not buy any toys, but you don’t need ALL the toys and gear. Take it from me. When one day they are four and five and have to clean out that playroom. You will thank me. I promise!