Having a baby can be overwhelming, especially as a first-time parent. To add to the confusion there are so many baby products out there. Knowing where to start and what you actually need can be challenging. As a sleep consultant I will say that there are many baby products, especially that relate to sleep, that are unsafe. To make it easier for parents I created a list on Amazon with baby products I like and that more importantly help promote healthy sleep.
As a mother of three (almost 4) I have tried a lot of different baby products and these are the ones that stuck. I also notate the products that are easy and acceptable to find used and save some money.
Infant Products
Bedroom
Following AAP guidelines and safe sleep, babies should only be sleeping in a bassinet or crib that lies flat. Newborns prefer a smaller bassinet and can be moved to a crib when they are about 3-4 months. Pretty much all other baby sleeping products are not considered safe.
Baby can move to the pack n play if you don’t want to get a full size crib when the baby is about 3 months. You will need a Pack N Play for when you travel also.
These are great because they help control the light coming in through the sides of the curtains.
Glider chair with an ottoman (can get used)
Many curtains claim to be blackout curtains but are actually just light filtering, not blackout. Also the light colored curtains don't work as well as the dark colors. I have these in the dark grey and black and they work well. Many other reviews I have read about blackout curtains say the curtains either fall apart in the wash or give off a weird smell, yikes. These ones wash fine and have a good fabric, but they are not the prettiest curtains in the world. If you are concered about the look, use these to cover the windows and then put nice looking curtains the front using a double curtain rod.
I like this humidifier because it doesn’t have filters and is easy to clean. It also has a warm and a cool mist.
White noise machine: Marpac Dohm white noise machine
This is my favorite noise machine. It makes a much more soothing noise than the cheaper ones. Use only white noise sound if you get a different brand.
Video monitor: Vtech VM321 Video Baby Monitor
I love this monitor. The talk feature is great. It has a good range and no static. It doesn’t pick up the sound of a noise machine too which is key.
Crib
I would highly recommend a crib that has a back and sides that are taller than the front. That way if
the child starts to crawl out of the crib you can flip it around and keep them in the crib longer.
This was the most affordable of the best independent reviewed crib mattresses. It has a baby and a toddler side and is a very substantial and quality mattress.
Nothing should be in the crib except a mattress and fitted crib sheet. Do not put bumpers, pillows, blanetks, or stuffed animals or anything else in the crib.
Clothing
Light Muslin Fabric Sleep sack (summer) (can get used)
Microfleece fabric Sleep Sack (winter) (can get used)
Doesn’t matter which brand but you will need the light muslin fabric and the fleece version depending on your climate. You will need 2-3 in each size (newborn - x-large).
Swaddle blankets: Aden + anais Swaddle Baby Blanket
These are so soft and you can use them for so many different things.
These are my favorite swaddles. I love the zipper and the fact that you can keep the baby’s hand up near their face and still zipper it closed. They also can’t bust out of them! They are the best. You will need 2-3 in each size.
You MUST stop swaddling once a baby even begins to roll over. When that happens switch to just PJ’s and a sleep sack.
High chair
Summer Infant Deluxe Comfort Folding Booster Seat (can get used)
You don’t need a fancy high chair. Any will do. These ones that go on a regular chair save a lot of space.
Bath
Infant Bath and Washable Insert (can get used)
There are lots of options for infant baths. I like this one because I prefer to do baths in the shower or tub over the kitchen sink. This insert is also washable.
Feeding
These bottles are supposed to help reduce gas and colic and bonus they are glass.
Boppy Nursing pillow with a cover (can get used)
These are the best for sore nipples. Get 2 packs.
Get bibs with snaps or magnets, not Velcro for easier washing.
Baby food cooker: BEABA Double Babycook
There is a single version if you want a less expensive one.
Baby food cookbook: Nourished Beginnings Baby Food
Strollers
Snap N Go Universal Infant Car Seat Frame (can get used)
You don’t need a stroller as long as the baby is in the infant car seat. You can use the car seat and just get a stroller frame. There are universal ones and ones that go with the brand of your car seat.
If you do want to get a stroller this my favorite single stroller. I have tried a lot of strollers and this
one is the most smooth.
Or
The cool thing about this stroller is if you have a second kid you can add a second seat and don’t have to buy a whole new stroller. Love that! I also love the double strollers that are in this configuration and not the ones that are side by side. The side by side strollers are hard to fit through doorways. This stroller is nice too because the wheels are close together. Some of the other strollers in his configuration are much longer and those ones are super hard to manage.
Health
Pretty much the only thing you can give babies when they are congested.
I will say this takes a while to get used to, but it works better than anything else on the market and you can wash it, unlike the bulb syringe you get at the hospital.
Diapering
Diaper Champ Deluxe (can get used)
I like this one much better than the Diaper Genie. This one doesn’t need special bags and it is less smelly than the Diaper Genie.
I have used them for 3 kids and they still work well. You will need 2-3 sets. These didn’t fit my kids until they were 3-4 months old just FYI.
If you do cloth diapers, once you start solids, diaper liners are KEY! These ones are the softest I have tried.
Car
Never buy or use a used car seat. Also, car seats are only good for 5 years. This car seat had the highest saftey rating on Consumer Reports when I bought it. With any car seat verfiy the saftey ratings through an independent testing company before you purchase a car seat and after you install it have a qualified person check that it is installed correcly. (As a side note when baby moves to a convertible car seat it is safest to keep baby rear facing until they are 40 pounds).
Carriers
Moby Wrap (can get used and wash it)
My favorite carrier for the newborn until about 4 month age is the Moby Wrap. It is a little annoying to learn how to tie but it is so comfortable because there are no straps. It is also great for skin to skin contact with a newborn. Just don’t wear a shirt under it when you are at home.
Ergobaby 360 All Carry Positions (Can get used and wash it).
Once the baby is about 4 months and getting heavier this is my favorite carrier. In this newer version of the Ergo the baby can face in or out or go on your back (which is great when they get bigger and heavier). The older version, they can only face you or go on your back (not face out).
Other Baby Products
Bouncer seat (Can get used)
Any will do. Stop using once your baby starts leaning forward in it.
Door Jumper (Can get used)
Any will do and kids usually love them.
Extras if you can afford it
Swivel Glider Recliner (Can get used)
It is really nice to have a rocker that reclines. It is a life saver when baby get sick and need to be held upright.
After giving birth
These are the best if you have a vaginal birth.
Older babies (over 1 year)
Don’t put anything in the crib with baby until the baby is over a year and has your pediatrician’s ok. I would highly recommend getting 2 loveys so you have a backup. They also make a triplet set for almost the same price.
Water bottles:
These are the best because they don’t leak and they are stainless steel. They also don’t have parts that collect mold like the water bottles.
I hope this list was helpful. This is really all you need to get ready for baby. Enjoy it, it goes by so fast.
Happy sleeping y’all!
©April, 201 9 by Erin Myrmel at Sleep Baby, LLC
Erin Myrmel
Sleep Baby, LLC
775-413-0521
erin@sleepbaby.co
This information is being provided to you for educational and informational purposes only. It is being provided to you to educate you about pediatric sleep and as a self-help tool for your own use. It is not intended nor is implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or the health and welfare of your baby, toddler or child. This information is to be used at your own risk based on your own judgment. For my full Disclaimer, please go to https://www.sleepbaby.co/disclaimer-copyrigh