Here’s a list of the top baby products that have made my first year as a new mom SO much easier!! They’re split up into the following five categories: Everyday Life, Sleeping, Bath and Body, Laundry, and Medicine. I wish I had found and read this before having Colton! If you have any “Can’t Live Without” baby product please comment down below!!
Everyday Life
1. Graco Baby Stroller and Carseat- Graco is an amazing brand! They have great qaulity stuff at an affordable price.
2. Baby Carrier- This baby carrier has been a LIFE SAVER. It was awesome on our first vacation with Colton and I love to use it whenever we go shopping so I can be hands free!
3. Baby Bottle Rack- I was one of “those people” who though that they didnt need a drying rack for bottles but let me tell you, YOU NEED ONE! They come in so handy.
4. Bottles- I bought A LOT of bottles, the Tommee Tippy are by far the best! I love the wide opening for adding formula and they’re super easy to hold!
5. JuJuBee Diaper Bag- I’m all for finding affordable baby items but this diaper bag is worth the SPLURGE. It fits everything I need without being huge.
6. Burp Clothes- These Burp Clothes are affordable and work amazing! Super absorbant and they wash great.
7. Pacifiers- I think pacifiers are pretty specific to each baby but these were by far Coltons favorite. (and we tried a lot)
SLEEPING
- Sound Machine– We got this just before transitioning Colton from our room into his crib. I think starting to use it while he was in our room helped him associate it with something familiar and comforting!
- Snuggle Me Organic– Absolutely loved this when Colton was a newborn! It’s a shame it only works for the first ~3 months, but I’d buy it again! For the little time we used it, it came in super handy. I got our cover off of Etsy to save a little $$, they have the cutest designs!
- Bassinet– I actually found our Bassinet on Facebook swap; BUT, I would happily pay full price for it. Even though it took Colton ~3 months to like it, It worked well for us! It fit right by the side of the bed and it’s not as “structured” as regular bassinets so I could easily rock it to get him back to sleep most nights!
- Sheets– I HIGHLY recommend the sheets from Target. They are just incredibly soft and wash really nice.
- Sleep Swaddle/Sack– I can’t say enough good things about the Nested Bean sleep sack and swaddles. This was a 2 a.m. purchase I do NOT regret! Colton absolutely loved this thing and we started seeing improvements in his sleep RIGHT AWAY! He wore the swaddle from 2-6 months (he was a late roller). It was super easy to transition him into the sleep sack- he still wears that for bed and naps.
Bath and Body
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- Burt’s BeesDiaper Rash Cream- The Burt’s Bees Diaper Rash Cream is, so far, the only diaper cream we’ve had to use! I put it on at the first sign of diaper rash and it takes it away within the next few changes!
- Earth Mama Baby Face- Colton (like, most babies) drooled SO much, his poor cheeks were raw and rosy. This took away the redness and worked well with his sensitive skin – a life saver if you have professional photos coming up!
- Burt’s Bees Shampoo and Wash- Honestly I just like anything by Burt’s Bees because of how natural it is. It doesn’t hurt that all their products smell amazing!
- Burt’s Bees All Purpose Ointment- This works AMAZING for baby eczema. Colton had some really dry patches on his back and bottom and this took it away quickly! Its petroleum free so it is a little more “greasy” but it works like a champ!
Laundry
1. Meyers Baby Blossom- This is a clean laundry detergent that smells amazing! Colton has sensitive skin and this hasnt messed with it at all.
2. Oxy Clean Baby- I CANT SAY ENOUGH GOOD THINGS ABOUT THIS STAIN REMOVER. Sorry, that was aggressive. I just love this stuff so much. The key is to let the clothes soak either overnight or for a couple hours. It works great on set-in stains.
3. Dreft Stain Remover- This spray is perfect for fresh stains, I spray it right before throwing Coltons clothes in the washer- smells great too!
Medicine
- Zarbees Cough and Cold- This is a great alternative to regular cold medicine filled with ingredients you can’t pronounce. They use a natural approach and have ingredients like “Agave”, “Elderberry”, and “Thyme.”
- Gripe Water- This is a must have for any baby! Colic, Gas, Fussy, etc. It all happens to them at some point! This helps naturally calm and comfort them with soothing ingredients.
- Wellements Teething Oil- I cant recommend this enough! It instantly soothes Coltons gums when hes teething and really put off me having to give him pain reliever.
- Dye-Free Ibuprofen- I wont say much about this other than “Do your research on Tylenol and how bad it can be for your baby.” Once I started researching Tylenol and its ingredients I immediately threw it out of our cupboard and opted for some ibuprofen. For Colton, I usually get away with giving only half of the recommended dose.
- Vitamin C and D- This is totally optional; but, as Colton gets older and isn’t breastfeeding I like having peace of mind that he’s getting some daily vitamins! I add it to his morning bottle.