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Other Helpful Posts for New Moms: Baby Registry Must Haves, How to Survive the Newborn Phase, and How to Help a Choking Baby.

Registering for a baby can be a VERY daunting task. When you go to a baby store, they give you a list of things they recommend you register for and it’s crazy long. It’s also hard to trust because you know they are trying to upsell you. Influencers get many products for free, so it can be hard to get an unbiased opinion on recommended products from Social Media.

I put up a Facebook post asking all moms to comment what baby items they couldn’t live without. Below are my favorite items off that list (100% Unsponsored).

For my registry I used BABYLIST.COM and can’t recommend it enough! It’s like Pinterest in that you can “pin” different items from anywhere online (even places like Anthropologie). You can also go in-person to somewhere like Buy Buy Baby, make a store registry, then link that registry into your Baby List Registry.

My tip for almost any of these items is to buy used! Not only is is great for the environment, you can get most items for 50%+ off. I buy a lot of Cohen’s clothing off Buy Sell Trade (BST) groups on Facebook. NOTE: you can NOT donate any baby gear to any thrift store (for safety reasons), so be careful about accepting bulky hand-me-downs. Craigslist and FB marketplace are both great places to buy and sell gently used baby gear.

“The more stuff you have, the more disorganized and overwhelmed you will be.”

WHAT NOT TO BUY:

• Bottle Warmer: it’s best if they are used to room-temperature bottles so that when you are on-the-go, they don’t reject your bottle.

• Brand name items like diaper cream, medication, etc.

• More than 1-2 of any item EXCEPT pacifiers, bottles and clothing.

• A hoard of clothing. Your baby will grow in unexpected ways and the seasons don’t always line up. I am majorly into baby clothes and dressing my kids, but the more stuff you have, the more disorganized and overwhelmed you will be. KEEP IT SIMPLE and buy clothing as you need it. I love Facebook Buy Sell Trade groups for my favorite brands like Childhoods, Boden, and Rylee and Cru.

• Wipe Warmer: same as above, you don’t want to get them too used to warm wipes because then they will FREAK OUT with a room-temp wipe on the go.

• You should not use sunscreen on babies before 6 months, so don’t even bother buying it until they are older (the stick I had bought dried out).

• The Bumbo chair was really popular, but there is some evidence against making babies sit up before they are ready, so we skipped that.

• One more item you can take off your list? Baby Mittens. Doctors are starting to realize that it’s very important for your baby’s developing senses that they feel their hands on their face! Just use an emory board to make sure their nails aren’t too sharp.

• We just used a regular Marc Jacobs backpack for the diaper bag with LeSportsac zipper pouches inside. Click here to see my diaper bag recommendations.

FEEDING AND BREASTFEEDING

MY BREST FRIEND: If I could convince any new mom to get any one item, THIS IS IT. This makes breastfeeding a newborn 100 TIMES easier than trying to use pillows, etc. It automatically puts you in the right position and is a nice, firm base for baby’s back. You can unzip and wash the cover. It also has a little pocket you can stash your phone/the remote in! This really will become your breast friend while learning to breastfeed (note I said LEARNING, because it’s not just innate!).

BBHUGME travel Nursing Pillow: I loved this for nursing on-the-go (and it comes with a case). Anyone who has a baby knows the cuddle-struggle of finding enough pillows to shove under your arms to get cozy for holding or feeding. You tie this around your waist and voila! Problem solved. PRO TIP: I also loved it to support grandparents and kids to comfortably and safely hold Cohen when he was tiny. For baby #2, I sprung for their pregnancy pillow as well and it does not disappoint!! I am still using it to sleep now that she is 9 months old. Note: As these ship from Norway, prices on their website are Krone.

Bamboobies Nursing pads: NEED 1 box to start. Great for sensitive skin, super absorbent and antibacterial, these were the most-recommended nursing pads. They also make washable pads as well. I actually never needed nursing pads (apparently I’m not a super producer), so just buy 1 box to have on-hand in case and you can always order more!

NEED set of 2. This is another amazing tip Lactation Consultant, Karen Lisbon, shared with me. Medela Tender Care Hydrogel pads are a total NIPPLE SAVER!!! Unfortunately your nipples have to “toughen up” and it can be really painful. Rinse the gel with mild soap, air dry, and place in the fridge. After a BF session, wipe your nipple down with a baby wipe or water and paper towel to remove baby’s saliva, then squeeze out a little milk and rub into your nip. Apply a cool hydrogel and YOUR NIPPLES WILL THANK ME!! PRO TIP: If breast feeding continues to be painful after the initial latch or is ever excruciating, ask your doctor for a referral to a Lactation Consultant.

Lansinoh Breastfeeding Bottles: NEED 2-3 to start with. I bought/received a BUNCH of Comotomo bottles before Cohen was born and he wasn’t having any of that. We tried so many different kinds and these were by far the best for us. These were 1/3 of the price of all the other fancy bottles, reduce nipple confusion and colic and were a real winner in our household. I recommend only buying a few of any bottle to see if your babe takes to them. PRO TIP: Once you do find that magic bottle, buy at least 6 so that you aren’t constantly washing them.

Babyganics Foaming Bottle Cleanser: NEED 2 bottles. This was recommended by my friend, Alex, and is one of the only soaps that truly doesn’t leave a taste. PRO TIP: Fill your sink up with super hot water, pump this soap onto each bottle and pump piece and let sit for a few minutes. Then rinse off with hot water and place on your Boon Drying rack to batch-clean. For a few months it will feel like all you do is clean bottle and pump parts. It’s not forever.

Medela Quick Clean Wipes: NEED 3 pack. Diaper bag MUST HAVE!!! These wipes are a total lifesaver for sanitizing on-the-go. You can sanitize pacifiers and bottles (which comes in clutch if you are out of the house for more than a few hours). I also used them to sanitize the high chair and my pump parts while pumping at work. PRO TIP: If you have access to a refrigerator, you actually only have to clean your pump parts once every 24 hours. Store them in a large ziplock bag and you can use multiple times within 24 hours!

The Spectra S1 Breast Pump. This pump is hospital grade and amazing. It CAN BE UNPLUGGED, so I can pump cordless. It is very quiet and every lactation consultant I’ve seen has been super impressed. PRO TIP: Your insurance is required to provide you with a breast pump! Call the number on the back of your insurance to find out the process. We have Kaiser insurance and they tried to give me another pump (Ameda), but I ditched it and purchased this one instead. It is a closed system, so you could also purchase this secondhand and replace the accessories. You should also be replacing the accessories every 3-4 months to ensure the best suction.

The HaaKaa Manual Pump: This little gadget is suction-applied to the breast that is NOT in use during breast feeding. Important note: for most use, particularly with newborns: only apply the Hakaa AFTER baby has nursed that boob. For example: I start feeding Sadie on my right side (I leave left boob in bra, but if you leak, you can use a hard plastic shell to collect milk to save). Once she is done on the right after 10 minutes or so, I move her to my left boob and apply the Hakaa to my right. I also use this is the morning, when she gets full after just the right boob, so I collect all the milk from my left with the Hakaa and save to freeze. It’s kind of confusing, but bottom line is that you don’t want to steal milk out of a boob before babe nurses that side, or they have to work harder for the milk and miss the first rush.

SLEEPING OUTFITS

NEED 3: These knotted gowns are amazing and I used these all the time for Cohen before he was 2+ months. Trying to get a newborn into a footie is like trying to put pantyhose on a jellyfish. These make middle of the night changes a breeze. I would recommend getting 3-4 of these for the newborn days. Other brands that make cute and well-made knotted gowns are Goosebumps, Childhoods and SollyBaby. I also got a set or two of the SollyBaby Sleeper set.

Thick pajamas: NEED 2-3 per size. After 2+ months, we switched to these long-john type pajamas by Childhoods Clothing and that’s when Cohen dropped his 3am feeding, I think because he was nice and warm. You could similarly find soft footies. PRO TIP: These ones in particular are super pricey, but you can buy them gently used on Facebook BST groups for $35-40, then sell for the same price (so it’s like renting for free!). We love Childhoods for all kinds of baby/kid’s clothing because there isn’t branding/images/words all over them and they are great quality/last for multiple kids and you can resell. The Avauna and Vaenait nightsets off Amazon for a fraction of the price and a decent dupe.

Zipadee Zip Transitional Swaddle: NEED 1-2, size 6-12 months. Once Cohen graduated from the Snoo, we had a really easy time transitioning him to a crib using the weaning phase on the Snoo and the Zipadee Zip transitional swaddle. These swaddles are perfect once baby can roll over (so they can leverage and use their arms).

BABY CARRIERS

Solly Baby Wrap: NEED 2. Cohen LIVED in this. It quiets him right down when she gets fussy (unless it’s bad gas) and it’s so soft and snuggly (made of Australian Beechwood trees!). I always wear this around the house. It’s also great out and about/dining because I can sit comfortably while wearing. When I was brave enough to take him out to eat, I wear him in this and had a bottle nearby, just in case (he didn’t do great nursing out and about). PRO TIP: They also have a BST group on Facebook where you can find gently used for less!

The Ergo Baby Omni 360 Carrier: You don’t need the newborn insert for this one. I use this when out and about, hiking, etc. It’s great because you clip in and don’t have to wrap. The pockets are super helpful and I’ll put a key, debit card, and cell phone in the front pocket and GO! I use this and the Solly Wrap for different places/activities, so I do recommend both. I also find the Ergo easier to nurse in.

BABY ESSENTIALS

FridaBaby Accudose: NEED 1. This invention is AMAZING. When you give your baby liquids through a syringe, they barely sputter and choke them down. This allows the baby to suck it out of the syringe or you can push gently. I give Cohen his Probiotics with this (and motrin once he was old enough).

PRO TIP FROM A NURSE: Check the active ingredients on the back. You do not need to buy ANYTHING “brand name,” just make sure the active ingredients are the same and for diaper cream, medication, etc., store-brand is just as good and a fraction of the price!

Infant Motrin: NEED 1. In my medical experience (and as a mom), I have found Ibuprofen to be the most effective at fever-reducing. Remember: check the active ingredients, does NOT need to be brand name!! It is anti-inflammatory, so it also works better than Tylenol for teething. Just remember to check with your pediatrician when you can start using with your baby! PRO TIP: Don’t proactively medicate your baby before or after vaccinations. Wait until/if they get fussy and then you can definitely use.

FridaBaby Nail Care Set: NEED 1. You should use the file to keep your baby’s nails short and smooth until you must trim them. The safety viewer helps you to trim the right amount. PRO TIP: One item you can take off your list? Baby Mittens. Doctors are starting to realize that it’s very important for your baby’s developing senses that they feel their hands on their face!

Vick’s ComfortFlex is the fastest and most accurate way to read your baby’s temperature when used rectally with a pea-sized amount of vaseline. PRO TIP: Rectal temperatures are the ONLY accurate way to take your baby’s temperature if they are under 6 months.

PACIFIERS: NEED 2-3 to start and at it’s helpful to have at least 2 different kinds. Only purchase a few newborn size of whatever type you want to get, because babies actually have preferences with their nipples! Buy Buy Baby and Amazon have great return policies if your baby doesn’t like something. Once you find that right paci, you will want to purchase about 8-12 of them so that you can easily find them quickly/everywhere.

Bib Pacifiers: These are simple/plain (my favorite part about them). A lot of moms use and love WubbaNub Pacifiers as well, because bebe can grab the stuffie part to put back in their mouth. MAM are the least visually pleasing, but seem to be really easy for little ones to keep in.

DIAPERING

Diapers: I love Huggies Special Delivery from Target and HelloBello from WalMart or Online. Huggies Special Delivery: NEED 1 box of Newborn and 1 box of size 1 to start with. I have tried Pampers, Huggies, Honest, Seventh Generation, Aden and Anais (those were my fave before they discontinued) and a few others and these are my favorite. They are ultra-soft, the prints are not obnoxious, they have great coverage, and they have the wetness indicator. One tip I have is to SIZE UP in diapers, particularly if they get rashes, so the urine does not sit right on their skin.

There is so much hullabaloo about diapers… just buy whichever brand and price point works for your baby and your budget.

Tush Swiper: NEED 1-2. One of my friends surprised me with this and it has been the total baby shower MVP. Diaper cream has a way of getting under your nails and is greasy, so this paddle is a game changer. PRO TIP: Wipe the paddle off in your baby’s clean diaper to keep the tip clean.

NEED 3 tubes. I have found Zinc Oxide to be the most effective for diaper rash. It’s way cheaper from Wall Mart and the Wal-Mart Brand is awesome! PRO TIP: Make sure your baby’s tush is COMPLETELY DRY, then use your paddle to “frost the rash like a cupcake.” I have one in our changing table/dresser, one in our car/trunk pack and one extra.

I LOVED this all-in-one changing table for my first baby. Now that I have 3 kids, the baby gets changed on LITERALLY ANY FLAT SURFACE with no changing pad. It folds up into a clutch and has pockets for diapers, diaper cream and wipes. This is most of what we carry around in our backpack (note, I don’t have a diaper bag. I’ve had great luck with just using a cute Marc Jacobs backpack I got off Poshmark!

Ubbi Diaper Pail: This diaper pail is pricey, but it is VERY effective at containing smells, is super easy-to use and aesthetically pleasing! You also don’t need to purchase any special diaper trash bags (which can add up $$$ quickly).

… AND MORE

Don’t forget books! There are some really fun and cute books out there. PRO TIP: I always carried a sharpie and when someone gave us a book, I asked them to write a little message. Now that we are reading books together, we talk about who gave it to us and feel more connected to them as we enjoy the story.

Solly Swaddles: NEED 3-4. These swaddles are SO soft and made of the same fabric as SollyBaby’s wraps. I much prefer these over muslin. I have SO many blankets and we always use these to swaddle him. I have 6 (but 3-4 is plenty). There is also a Solly BST group on Facebook.

Little Unicorn Bath Towels: NEED 2. They have tons of fun prints and are by far our favorites. The hood is super helpful. One side is terrycloth and the other is soft muslin. PRO TIP: Your baby doesn’t need a bath every day (They are also starting to delay newborn baths for 24 hours based on data!) Therefore, 2 towels is plenty:) If your baby has particularly sensitive skin, you don’t need to use soap at all. Fragranced products with lavender, chamomile, etc. can CREATE an allergy. Exposure to antigens (natural substances) through the skin can create an allergy!

The Mommy Hook: NEED 1 per stroller. This thing is basically a giant carabiner and is just plain useful. You can clip your shopping bags, purse, etc. to your stroller handle.

EQUIPMENT AND SLEEP

THE SNOO. This bassinet is woven with merlin’s beard and unicorn tears. It’s PURE MAGIC. Dr Harvey Karp (the creator of the 5 S’s) created it and it uses motion and white noise to keep your baby asleep all night. It can sense your baby’s motion and will increase it’s efforts if it senses they are waking. When Cohen was 2 months, he started sleeping 8-9 hours a night in it and you can use this until baby can push up on all 4s (was 7-8 months for us). The Snoo is a very big ticket item, $1295 new. You can add a “group gift” on your registry for individuals to go in on. We borrowed this for Cohen and swore if we couldn’t borrow for baby #2, we would do whatever it took to purchase. I share a full unsponsored review here, along with tips for using and how to get for less.

4Moms Breeze Play yard: This is super easy to set up and travel with. This was our big gift from my grandma and we can use if with all the Clark babies. Note they have a black option that includes a changing station for $50 more, which I think is not necessary at all.

Don’t really need: A lot of moms love the DockATot. We did have one, but I didn’t use it very often as it is only supposed to be used while baby is awake or for a supervised nap. If I was going to put Cohen down, he didn’t like being still and preferred the swing. Here is more safety info from DockATot.com because it’s such an important safety message:

“Can I use my dock in a crib, bassinet and/or play yard?

No. DockATot should not be used in a crib, bassinet or play yard. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has cautioned that babies should be placed in a bare crib without any additional bedding, blankets or pillows… There have been incidents involving other products where babies have suffocated after becoming entrapped between a soft product and the side of a crib, bassinet or play yard.”

They do have additional information about co-sleeping with the Dock.

Moonlight Slumber Little Dreamer Mattress: This is something you definitely want to buy new. This particular mattress was Wirecutter’s #1 choice, is hypoallergenic, made in America and flips for firm for babies to softer for toddlers. Something that really doesn’t matter as much? The crib. All cribs have such severe safety regulations that you can get reall any crib in good condition and you are set. We purchased ours off Craigslist. Your crib does NOT need to be your big-ticket item.

SollyBaby Crib Sheets: NEED 2-3. Have you picked up on the fact that I love Solly yet? #obsessed. I love shopping small and the softness of the Australian Beechwood trees cannot be beat. I also have a few sheets from Little Unicorn and Pehr, which have more adorable themes/patterns.

Eufy HD security camera: This was another Wirecutter pick. We used a VERY old hand-me-down, which I totally recommend if you can get your hands on, or look for one on Craigslist.

Skip Hop Activity Center: I purchased a lambskin rug and adorable wooden baby gym from etsy (with Anthropologie toys on it to boot!) and Cohen found it incredibly dull. My mom insisted we have this and I have to say- we used it all. the. time. It’s great for babies 4-10 months or so.

Fisher Price Swing: As my friend told me, the bigger and uglier the baby gear, the more they will love it. We tried the 4moms Mamaroo, Baby Bjorn Bouncer ($200 and Cohen hated it. It just sits there), and a woven moses basket and Cohen didn’t like to be put in any of them. Important reminder to not let baby sleep anywhere (particularly overnight/unattended) that does not allow him/her to be flat on her back to prevent SIDS. The swing is amazing for having a place to put baby down while you get ready for the day (and yes, you should still do that! Feeling good is half the battle). TRY TO BUY USED!!

Graco Modes Click Connect Stroller: I used this stroller for my first 2 kids and we thought it was frugal and solid. The toddler seat comes off and you use the base alone with the carseat (it clicks right on top). We had asked the 18 year-old stroller salesman at Babies R Us which stroller he would buy if he needed one and this was the set he said.

UPDATE: I bought THIS STROLLER used from a neighbor and OH MY GOSH, I am in heaven!! The Babylon Yo-Yo drives like a dream and I freaking love it. It wasn’t in our budget for my older two but I’m so grateful I was able to buy used and HIGHLY recommend!!

Graco Snugride: This is one of the top-performing carseats in terms of safety, and it is really easy to use as well. This carseat goes with the stroller set above. It clicks in and is easy to install, especially with latch.

FEEDING

OXO tot bibs: NEED 2-3. These bibs wipe off super easily and the little pocket catches all the food-gone-wild! They also roll up into themselves, so they are easy to throw in the diaper bag!

Don’t really need: Gathre Mini Highchair mat: This is a low priority item… if you have a dog, they work just as well.

DON’T NEED: GoStak Blender Bottles: You don’t need any special snack cups.

DON’T NEED: QShare Toddler Plate: The food tastes like the silicone, particularly if it’s warm food. Just put the food on the high chair.

Ikea Antilop Highchair: You cannot beat this price ($22) and it’s sleek. It’s super easy to use and clean. Note that you can not remove the tray. You just wipe it down. If it gets really gunky you can shower it off. You also purchase an insert/cushion (which we re-covered). The legs can come off if you need to travel with it and/or when you store it away for baby #2.

Ok! I hope that helps! That is my EXHAUSTIVE list of my favorite things. I can’t take credit for most of the items, I had a huge group of moms give me their recommendations and the above is that list! Did you love something that isn’t on my list? OR didn’t love something that was on my list? Please comment below to share with other moms!!

YOU GOT THIS MAMA!!!

-Traci Clark RN BSN OCN