Having just welcomed our first child into this world on October 24th, 2021, I am well aware just how overwhelming it is to navigate the expansive baby product market. Creating our baby registry felt like a massive undertaking. Deciding which diapers to get, which pacifiers and bottles to try, which bassinet, and which swaddle to use, was incredibly challenging. I hope this blog serves as a resource to you as you make those decisions.
I will say this once and once only, but I mean it full-heartedly: YOU DO YOU! Your babe might not like the same things mine did, and your budget may not look the same as mine did – you know your baby best and you are doing your best – I applaud you!
All products linked within their product name – some are affiliate links and are commissionable.
SLEEP
SNOO Bassinet
Kicking this blog off with the most expensive item. After 8 long weeks of little to no sleep using the Halo BassiNest (nothing wrong with it, just didn’t work well for us) I caved and rented the SNOO. I couldn’t stomach purchasing it (a whopping $1,600) and almost couldn’t stomach renting it ($150/month but upfront cost of nearly $400). Seriously – WORTH EVERY PENNY. I was so glad when I finally bit the bullet, as it was a game changer for us. I am not saying Asher all of a sudden started sleeping through the night, but it significantly ease some of our biggest nighttime struggles (frequently waking where he just needed subtle assistance to fall back asleep, for example). We are all more well rested because of the SNOO, and we are already talking about purchasing it for our next baby.
Hatch Sound Machine
A popular baby registry item, and for good reason. This sound machine is small and has programmable sound and light features. I personally use the rainfall sound! While I mostly operate it through the Hatch app, it’s single touch off/on feature is super easy.
BREASTFEEDING
Willow Breast Pump
When it comes to wireless beast pumps the Willow is really great, and there are indisputable benefits to having a wireless pump. For example, we have a road trip coming up and I plan to pump in the car throughout the day to bottle feed Asher. The photo below is another example, I was about to start pumping while heading out the door to a Christmas party – I pumped in the car on the way there so I could give Asher a bottle at the party. I often pump while getting things done around the house, and walking the dogs. The market for wireless pumps is growing so I hope it helps to hear that I have really enjoyed the Willow.
Haakaa
The Haakaa is game changer if you are looking to build a breastmilk stash. I simply attach it to the opposite breast I am nursing on to collect milk each time I nurse. As someone who does NOT have an oversupply, I can still get 3+ extra ounces / day to freeze as I prepare to head back to work. There is a reason I linked the one with the lid and base – I personally think it is very helpful to have the one with BOTH the lid and the base. I don’t want to tell you how many times me or my husband knocked over the Haakaa with breastmilk in it and yes … I wanted to cry over spilled milk. Don’t be that person – get the one with the lid and the base.
Lansinoh Storage Bags
Willow storage bags are pricey if you pump a lot, and though they are convenient because you can pump right into them, I suggest using the reusable Willow containers and pouring the milk into a cheaper storage bag – I used the Lansinoh storage bags. Another benefit is you can fit more into the Lansinoh bags (6oz compared to 4oz for the Willow).
Kindred Bravely v. Bodily Nursing Bra
If you are expecting you are likely being inundated with ads featuring both the Kindred Bravely and Bodily Nursing bras. I purchased both so I’m here to share my thoughts.
The Bodily Everything Bra: I loved this right out of the hospital because it is soft, comfortable, has easy adjustments and clasps, and could easily fit a breast pad. It is also roomy, so it fits my Willow breast pump really well. I used the Bodily reusable breast pads for the first month or so instead of disposable ones. Truthfully, this bra doesn’t have much support, and I found it unflattering under clothing so I only wear it around the house. Also, I LOVED their mesh undies for the hospital and at home that first week.
Kindred Bravely Sublime Nursing Sports Bra: I use this bra every time I am going out. It fits like a regular sports bra, is super flattering, more supportive, comfortable and easy to unclip. I highly recommend this nursing bra if you are looking for something you can wear out and about.
Kindred Bravely Organic Cotton Nursing and Sleep Bra: Unfortunately I am not a fan of this one – way too much material in the back and fits really tight around my shoulders / armpits. I used it a few times when I first got it, but haven’t pulled it out of my dresser since then.
SnuggleMe Feeding Pillow
While I brought this to the hospital with me, truth was it was too firm right after giving birth. In the hospital I just used big fluffy pillows to support me and baby. I did, however, use this when I got home from the hospital. I used it both as a breastfeeding pillow and also as a prop for Asher to do tummy time / sit up in bed with me.
PLAY
Lovevery Play Gym
This play gym was gifted to us and I am so glad it was. We have used it nearly every single day since coming home from the hospital. There is no better place (other than on my chest) for Asher to do tummy time. As the weeks went on he interacted more with the play gym – hitting the ball, gazing at the high contract images, looking at himself in the mirror, etc. It’s a great all in one kit for sensory play those early months.
I also HIGHLY recommend the Lovevery Play Kits – a fantastic addition to the play gym and also makes a great gift for a friend or family member that is expecting!
Sensory Flash Cards
High contrast images are great tools for early development. They are easy for babies to interpret and support the development of their nervous system. The Lovevery gym comes with a handful of cards, but I also found this kit on Amazon. It includes contrast cards for four separate age ranges (0-3, 3-6, 6-12, and 12-36 months).
Newborn Teethers
While Asher wasn’t actively teething, he was already practicing putting things to his mouth and loves chewing on his fingers. I am a HUGE fan of the Mushie teethers and have a variety ready for Asher when he starts actually teething, but I found this other kit incredibly helpful in the earlier months. They are the perfect size for his little hands as he was learning to grasp things and put things to his mouth.
DIAPER DUTY
Pampers Swaddlers
After trying Hello Bello, Honest Company, Huggies, and Pampers, the Pampers Swaddlers were a win in this household. I had heard these were a favorite among moms and I understand why – less mess and a better fit, period.
Ubbi Diaper Pale
An easy, and in my opinion necessary purchase for new parents. With endless diaper changes the Ubbi is used constantly — we got a pack of the Ubbi trash bags as well (haven’t even gone through 1/3 in the first 3 months) but when we do, we may save cost and just use regular trash bags! We keep the Ubbi in our bedroom and I have never smelled a dirty diaper – so I call I’d say it’s a great product.
CLOTHING
Kyte Baby, Goumikids, & Magnetic Me
If I had to pick three brands that got the most use in the first 3 months it would be these. Asher has practically lived in the footies / rompers from these three brands. While they are all a bit pricey, they have persevered through all that this baby has thrown at them – spit up, blow outs, pee, you name it. They are super soft, great quality, and as he outgrows them they remain in great condition for the next baby.
GENERAL USE / MISC
BIBS Pacifiers & Mushie Paci Clips
If you are anything like me, you may have a variety of pacifiers ready to try with your newborn. I think I had 6+ different pacifiers ready to try if necessary, but Asher loved the BIBS on the first shot and we never looked back. Every baby has a different preference, but we have loved the BIBS! We also use the Mushie paci clip every time Ash is in his carrier or car seat!
Solly Baby Wrap
If you plan to baby wear, there are a host of wraps and carriers to choose from. I have used my Solly wrap time and time again since Asher was born and it is a favorite. I find it very easy to put on / take off, and Asher gets so very cozy in there. It keeps both of us warm during this Winter months, and allows for him to take seamless naps while I am out and about.
I also LOVE the Solly Baby Crib Sheets – while Asher isn’t in his crib just yet, I have these ready to go for when he makes that transition. SO SOFT.
Baby Bjorn Bouncer
This item was on my registry and when it wasn’t gifted I really hesitated to buy it for myself. It seemed unnecessary to me, seeing as I already had the 4Moms mamaRoo and the SnuggleMe Lounger. I realized I desperately needed something portable, that I could bring with me when I was showering, doing laundry, cooking dinner, letting the dogs out, etc. This fit that need and honestly Asher LOVES it. I highly, highly, highly recommend getting this bouncer or something similar!
Orbit Baby Car Seat & Stroller
How does one even begin to navigate this market? SO MANY OPTIONS. I feel like I see Nuna and UPPAbaby strollers and car seats all over the place, but we went with Orbit Baby. In fact, a friend of mine gifted us the Orbit Baby car seat, so we just had to purchase the stroller base. Here are the main reasons I love this duo: (1) the car seat attaches directly to the stroller base (2) the stroller easily converts to carry 2 kiddos (3) the car seat rotates 360 degrees and locks in at 4 different points onto both the car seat base and stroller base, making it exceptionally easy to put Asher in the car (4) the material is top notch, the merino wool keeps Asher warm and it is easy to clean (5) the full-coverage UV sunshade with the “paparazzi shield” and lastly (6) the soft and dual attachment carrier handle makes it easy to carry.
Also – bonus — you can use promo code CARISSAN for $50 off!
BEIS Diaper Bag
Searching for the right diaper bag was just as hard as finding the right diapers. I’m here to share that this BEIS diaper bag has been AWESOME. Some of my favorite features are (1) it’s cute and wears comfortably, (2) lots of compartments inside and outside, (3) comes with a great changing pad and paci holder.
Puj Bathtub
After waiting a couple of weeks for his first bath, I was so nervous to bath a small and slippery baby. I have another bathtub for when Asher is a bit bigger, but this collapsible Puj Tub has been absolutely perfect. It forms it’s shape with easy magnetic clasps and fits right in our bathroom sink. When we are done using it, it flattens back out for easy storage. It is super easy to clean, and has great cushioning for Asher. We’ve used this for every bath during the first 3 months and will be so sad when he outgrows it.
A Blonde Escapes 
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