One thing that I learned quickly after becoming a new mom is that babies really don’t need much, material-wise…. but of course there are those products that just make life as a new mom so much easier!
There are a handful of baby products that we’ve gotten a lot of great use out of… ones that I’ve been really happy with. Here’s a list of my favorites.
My favorite baby products
UPPAbaby Vista Stroller
The UPPAbaby Vista is definitely a high ticket item, compared to other strollers. It was a tough decision for Aaron and I to purchase this stroller, due to it’s high price tag, but we’re both so glad we did. It was our biggest splurge item, and so worth it, especially now that we have a second child. We’re able to push both kids in this stroller (with the additional Rumble Seat attachment), and, if we ever decide to have a third, there’s a stand-on attachment for one of the big kids to hitch a ride standing.
The UPPAbaby Vista comes with the stroller frame, a toddler seat, and a bassinet attachment. I absolutely love the bassinet. My daughter was a summer baby, and we used the bassinet A LOT for summer strolls and outings. Each time we went out to eat, shop, etc., she just slept comfortably in the thing! We even used it as her bed on our first family vacation.
The stroller has a large basket on the bottom, great for holding all of baby’s things, and also great for groceries.
My favorite thing about the UPPAbaby Vista is how easy it is to maneuver! It glides with so much ease.
UPPAbaby MESA Infant Car Seat
We went with the UPPAbaby Mesa Infant Carseat primarily because it’s the match to our stroller. It’s nice and cushiony, keeps the baby snug, and of course, safe. Our daughter used this carseat from infancy up to 16 months. It can be used for children weighing up to 35 pounds. We switched her to a toddler carseat just prior to our son being born so we could use it for him.
Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
I really love this crib.
When it came to a crib and mattress, the most important thing for me was choosing something non-toxic. The Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib is GREENGUARD Gold certified, meaning that it’s been tested and verified to meet rigorous standards for chemical emissions and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as formaldehyde or phthalates.
Aside from being eco-friendly and non-toxic, this crib is also really cute! It has a clean, modern, classy look.
We bought it in white for our daughter, and the natural color for our baby boy. As much as I love the white, my daughter did teethe on it a few times, so there are chips of paint missing in one small area.
Newton Baby Crib Mattress
As I mentioned, choosing a non-toxic crib and mattress was my biggest thing. Like the Babyletto crib, the Newton Baby Crib Mattress is GREENGUARD Gold certified for low chemical emissions.
The mattress is 90% air, and 10% food-grade polymer. It’s 100% breathable, so the baby can literally breathe right through it… this gave me a lot of peice of mind! It’s also 100% washable – you can put the cover right in the wash, and spray the mattress core with a shower head or hose!
Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard with Portable Napper and Diaper Changer
We kept our daughter in our room at night until she was 8 months old… then we transitioned her to the crib in her room. At just 2 months old, our son is still in our room at night. When choosing to room-in with baby, it’s so important to choose something safe for sleep! A crib, bassinet, portable crib, or playard that meets the safety standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is recommended.
We went with a Playard because I knew it would come in handy for many uses later on. It’s pretty versatile, so after being used for sleep, it can be used as a play space, or a way to keep baby safe and contained while you cook dinner, shower, etc.
We have the Graco Pack ‘n Play Portable Napper & Changer Playard.
Newborn Lounger
We had the DockATot – often marketed as a co-sleeper, though we didn’t use it for that. We used it as a safe station for baby to nap during the day (when I was awake), and a place to safely lay baby down when I had to get a few things done of my own. Aaron made this DIY baby gym, and we often set it over the baby while in the DockATot.
A very similar product that I’ve heard a lot of good things about is the Snuggle Me Organic Baby Lounger & Infant Floor Seat. I haven’t had any experience with this, but I love that it’s made with organic material, and it has a lot of really great reviews.
BABYBJÖRN Bouncer
I love this bouncer. It has allowed me to shower in peace [most days] since having my first child, and that’s saying a lot! I put the bouncer right on the floor in the bathroom while I shower. If the baby started to get fussy, the gentle bounce usually quiets him right back down quickly.
Both of my kids love it…. my 18 month old still wants to sit and bounce in it.
We have the toy bar attachment, and it’s a big hit for the babe.
Boon Drying Rack Lawn
The Boon Drying Rack Lawn holds all of my daughters bottles, sippy cups, pacifiers, forks and spoons after washing. It allows them to dry much quicker than if I were to just place them on a dish towel on the countertop. Be aware that the bottom tray under the grass does hold water, so you just have to be sure to empty and clean it every so often.
Of course, this is just a short list of my very favorite baby products. Some other things I recommend for baby are muslin swaddles, a white noise sound machine, an activity play mat (Asher is currently loving this one by Tiny Love), a cushy play mat to protect baby’s head from hitting the hard floor (check out the post on the best non-toxic play mats by The Gentle Nursery), a backpack style diaper bag, and lots of burp cloths!
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