There are tons of “Baby Items We Love” lists out there and while I don’t want to add to the noise I do want to make a list of things that were true “winners” in our book. While some things are truly just for that newborn stage most of these items you’ll get use out of for months/years. I will say that the items that I’ve included that were mainly for those first few months were ones I would happily buy again and again because they were so useful for us.
Every baby and family is different so some things that may work for someone else might not float your boat and that’s perfectly ok! I am a FIRM believer in asking friends to borrow something their child has outgrown to test it out OR buy things second hand. We live in a world where we (myself included) often buy new when we can easily buy used and still get quality. I can truthfully say that so many things we’ve gotten second hand and you would never know the difference. Hit up your local children consignment stores, search FB Marketplace, look in mom groups, and ask friends – I’m sure you can get well stocked on items for a fraction of the cost brand new!
- Baby Bjorn Bouncer
This was a game changer for us and truly we were SO sad when Ford finally outgrew it. He loved sitting and bouncing in it and since our swing was a bust (we got the 4moms swing second hand and Ford just didn’t love it). I loved that it was a secure place to sit him and that it was machine washable! I definitely suggest checking FB marketplace / with friends for purchasing second hand as people are always selling! - Quilted Pads
PERFECT for changing tables / packing in a diaper bag. Especially having a boy they really do just tinkle every time you change a diaper in those early days so having an extra layer to quickly change has been so helpful! - Portable Sound Machine
This is a game changer and life saver! For the first few months we put this sucker right next to / inside of his bassinet and on his car seat while out and about during nap times. Now that he is older we really only use it when traveling / if we’re on the go for nap time (or if a storm is coming we can charge it up in case of a power outage) - Earth Mama
We love this company. We’ve used the un-scented lotion, the calming baby wash, the eczema cream (seriously soooo good and moisturizing), etc ALL clean ingredients and safe for their little skin. PLUS we can use it too so it’s basically products for all the family. **PS** I have a discount code for you for 20% off regularly priced US orders (does not include travel kits) off use code: “ALOVEDLIFEBLOG20” - Burp Clothes
Get the cloth diaper ones (that is what I linked) – they absorb so much since they are technically cloth diapers and are thin which means drying time is super fast! - Bibs
Babys drool, A LOT when they start developmentally putting their hands in their mouth and even more so when they start teething! - Portable Night Light(s)
We have two and during those room-sharing days we used both all the time. Now we only use them here and there but they are great for middle of the night changes/feedings/check-ins and they are also great for just soft night lighting. - Kimono Style Gowns
These were something we found in our sleep deprived newborn days that helped so much. They are so easy to get the baby in and out of for those midd of the night feedings/diaper changes (we had to strip Ford down to his diaper for middle of the night feedings when he was a newborn to keep him awake enough to eat). - Zip Up Onesies
No one really wants to deal with buttons, especially at night time. I definitely suggest to invest in a few bamboo ones as they are so soft and last so long (so you’re not having to always buy new ones every so many months). - Swaddles
Definitely try out different types as everyone has different preferences and each baby is different. We loved the Halo one for when he was super little but also loved the “Woombie” & then when we transitioned him out of the swaddle we used the “Zippidee-zip” for a few months until we went to sleep sacks. - Different types of bottles to test (and different nipple sizes!). Personally we loved Tommy Tippee & Chicco Duel (the one with glass inside and plastic outside)
- 4Moms Pack and Play
*Get the one with the bassinet and changing table attachments. This was truly a game-changer for us and I still love it. Being able to place him down for sleep as well as not having to go far for diaper changes were amazing during the newborn days. Now that he is older we use the pack and play as an independent safe play zone he can hang out in while we are doing stuff around the house as well as a place to sleep when we are away from home. - Infant Optics Baby Monitor
I like that this isn’t connected to my phone but a system where I can have a hand held monitor to carry with me room to room and plug it in to recharge. - Rocker/Glider with ottoman
We got ours second hand off of FB Marketplace but it’s definitely worth it. LOTS of contact naps in the beginning (or hey even sometimes now) so having a nice place to hold your babe is super important for your sanity and comfort. - Salt Lamp
I absolutely love the good glow for night time. Especially in those early days when you find yourself sleeping with a small light on all the time. - Medela Storage Bottles
If you’re hoping to try breast feeding / pumping these bottles were great for breast milk! I like that you can move the top around to reflect the day of the week the milk was added. - Frigg Natural Rubber Baby Pacifiers
These are still the ones we use with him and have just bought the next size up when we need to. - Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Stain Treater
I have no idea how this is as good as it is but it really does get the stains out; YES including those blow out stains! - Newton Baby Mattress
Costly but worth the sound mind in my opinion (FB marketplace sometimes has them and it’s totally fine to get them because they are 100% washable). We’ve had to wash our cover a few times due to drooling/pee/blow outs and once Ford started rolling over/sleeping on his stomach it helped me have peace of mind to know that WHEN he was sleeping with his face straight down on the mattress he could still breath! - Baby Bath Thermometer
We love this little stingray as it tells us the exact bath water temperature as well as blinks blue if the water is safe and red if it is too hot. - Baby Nail Trimmer
No more cutting their skin with nail clippers, hallelujah! - DockATot
We had two of these and they were worth their weight in gold in our opinion. Having a two story house meant we could have one on each floor for newborn nap time as well as being able to easily take one with us when going to other peoples homes / out and about. PLUS with all the pee leaking and blow outs it was nice to have one always ready when one was in the wash. - Bathtub Pad Set
Talk about a GAME CHANGER here. When you get to the point of giving your kid a bath (almost) every night as part of that nighttime routine you find that leaning over the tub is killer on your knees and elbows. I LOVE this set because not only does it protect the knees and elbows but it also has the mesh nets to put some bath toys in to dry!
Great list!! I need to try that eczema cream !!
It’s SO SO GOOD. I use it myself too. 🙂