It’s easy to accumulate quite a stockpile of baby gear as a new parent — some quite necessary and some simply taking up precious space. Below are the items I used on a daily (or almost daily) basis the first 6+ months.
BABY GEAR
- Baby Lounger — some parents love them, some opt to go without. But the DockATot was a lifesaver for us in the first 6 months when baby girl slept all over the house & preferred the coziness of the lounger as she adjusted to life outside the womb. She napped in it multiple hours each day (always with one of us close by) and it gave me some much needed hands-free time to take care of myself in the early postpartum weeks. We have a large dog, and it prevented him from accidentally knocking her off our bed/couch.
- Sound Machine — the Hatch is the best. We have been using it since week one. I also use our portable sound machine daily (next to the Dockatot or in the stroller/car for on-the-go naps). It is also what I bring with us when traveling.
- Artipoppe Baby Carrier — this was a splurge item that I have absolutely loved. Once I was cleared to go for gentle walks & hikes, this allowed baby girl to stay close/nap on me while I got some exercise. For the first 4+ months, the only way I got any cooking or cleaning done was while she was snoozing on me in her carrier. I love the way the Artipoppe distributes her weight & is gentle on my back. Thankfully, baby girl adores it as well.
- Charlie Crane Levo Rocker — starting at around 4 or 5 weeks, baby girl spent a lot of time playing with her teethers in her rocker. It’s where she sat & chatted with me while I made my coffee, got a quick shower and watered the kitchen garden. Not a necessary item, but gave us a safe space for her to be upright while we got a few things done.
- Car Seat — The Nuna Pipa RX is all it’s hyped up to be. We LOVE it and thankfully so does baby girl. It is great for traveling because it can strap in without the base. We got this adapter so that it would slide into our Uppa Vista stroller (which we love!).
- Crib — the Stokke Sleepi mini crib was the perfect fit for us and our small space as we were able to roll it from room-to-room as needed. And once baby was in her own room, we expanded the mini to a full size crib (which saved us from needing the storage space for a bassinet).
BREASTFEEDING
- Night Light — the VAVA still lives on my nightstand at 10 months postpartum for our middle of the night feeds. I even pack it in my bag on weekend road trips.
- These ice packs, silverette cups and nipple balm got me through many a tearful day. The haakaa was also essential in the early months. If you want a cover, this nursing cover with the small hoop is the best. It doubles as a cover for our stroller or carrier during nap time.
- I have tried over a dozen nursing bras and my favorites are the Hatch skin to skin bra & Negative Underwear nursing bra.
DIAPERING
- Coterie Diapers — we tried a slew of diapers and these won by a landslide. They are worth the cost in my opinion & the only leakage we ever experienced was when we tried to get by with a smaller size after a big growth spurt. Also, the customer service has been top notch. ps – Whole Foods now carries the larger sizes which is a huge help when traveling.
- The Gathre Mat goes with us everywhere for changing on-the-go. And the Keekaroo peanut changer lives in her nursery. It is a dream to clean up — one quick wipe or a rinse in the tub for major messes and you’re done. Who needs yet another thing that has to go in the wash??
POSTPARTUM:
I was so thankful I put a lot of time researching postpartum healing. The fourth trimester truly is the least talked about, yet the most challenging. Below are some of my favorite items for healing from a vaginal delivery.
- Frida Mom Postpartum Recovery Kit — yes, the hospital sends you home with lots of products.. but I preferred most of the Frida Mom products to what they provided. Also, these pads are the bomb postpartum.
- Stock up on your favorite teas, healthy snacks (if you choose to breastfeed, the hunger is no joke!) & some self care items (I love these face masks & this body oil) for when you need a minute to yourself in the early months.
- A lightweight robe was key for me with a summer baby & postpartum night (and day) sweats.
TRAVEL
Our current travel essentials include: the Baby Bjorn travel crib, blackout cover, portable sound machine & our Nuna TRVL stroller.
My Favorite “Extra’s”:
- LovEvery Playmat entertained baby girl for hours and hours.
- Our Willaby blanket gets so much use and I can’t believe how soft it has been from day one.
- Binibamba Pram Sheepskin Liner — the coziest little pram liner that’s perfect for our chilly evenings & winter walks. Baby girl loves snuggling in her stroller thanks to the added softness & warmth. (ps – we love our Uppa Vista!)
- Cloud Mobile — admittedly there are a million cute mobiles, but this Danish brand stole my heart.
- I’ve been really happy with my Mina Baie Diaper Bag — structured, durable, super easy to open & access all the organized pockets. I’d love to be someone that can just throw a diaper in my purse.. but we are out and about a lot and baby girl needs to many things throughout the day.
- The Laundress Baby Detergent & Wiley Baby Wash are two favorites I will buy again and again.
Favorite Baby Clothing Brands
- Konges Sløjd has my heart with their adorable prints.
- At Noon Store carries the cutest pieces (& Monbebe, my absolute favorite for little girl dresses).
- Jamie Kay for bathing suits and the highest quality knitwear.
- Oat Co’s ribbed knit playsuit is one of my favorite pieces (it looks so cozy, I for sure want to steal it for myself).
- Simply Magnetic pj’s make middle of the night diaper changes soo much easier.
- Pehr makes the softest pj’s with adorable prints.
- Briar Baby sun hats might be the cutest thing on the planet.
- Lou Lou & Company, Quincy Mae & Rylee & Cru are other brands I frequent.