This list is full of our go-to items and gear that have helped us out with all aspects of life with a little one. We hope this list helps you out! Whether you are looking for a gift for expecting parents, looking for yourself, or just preparing for the future, this list has you covered on the most high-priority items. If you have additions, please leave them in the comments. We would love to keep the list going for all the new parents looking to make an effective and efficient list themselves.
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Baby Gear
1. Changing Table: Get ready for the place you will spend most of your time. We are only kidding, but seriously, get one that is a good height and place it in a good spot, because it is here you will change diapers, and clothes, do after-bath routines, etc. We found a great one at IKEA for around $100. It is lacking certain things such as a mobile, but for the price, it is pretty good. If you are looking to spend a little more there are better options out there. We do recommend finding one with a mobile! Do your research and choose one that fits your look and size.
2. BABYBJORN Bouncers & Carriers: We did a full review on these products, which you can see here. Just know, that we are not sponsored or paid by BABYBJORN and that our opinion is strictly one from experience. The bouncer and carrier that we have changed the way we travel and soothe our daughter and they have been such an amazing addition. You may find another alternative and that is great! For us, this brand is top notch and we have been very happy with our experiences. Be sure to check out the full reviews here.
3. Diaper Bag: We could talk about this one all day. Stay tuned for a full diaper bag post. Do your research and find a bag that can fit all of the items you would like to carry. Putting in the work to research can save you so much headache when it comes to prepping for travel or just a day out in town. We have gone through a few cheap ones and ultimately splurged on a nice diaper bag that we love. Check out ITZY RITZY or LILY JADE for some amazing options in style and type. Diaper bags can be cool! Don’t settle for a cheap one that isn’t getting the job done. For something you are going to use A LOT, the money spent is worth it.
4. Diaper Pail: All those diapers have to be disposed of somewhere and choosing a bad pail can have stinky consequences. All options have their pros and cons, so research these and choose one with a good setup for you. For example, the Diaper Genie Complete utilizes special refill bags, while the Dekor Pail can handle all types of trash bags. Something to consider if you have a tighter budget for this item. We do stand behind the Diaper Genie on this one. The setup is very easy to use and has little to no odor escaping from the pail. The only drawback is the amount it can hold at one time, but we have found most pails to be about the same in this category.
5. Car Seats & Strollers: With so many brands in this category and so many different styles, it can be overwhelming for new parents on what to purchase for vehicular safety. The same goes for strollers. Finding the right one for your lifestyle can be challenging. We recommend finding the lightest and most versatile combinations. Currently, we utilize the MAXI COSI 360 setup (versions vary by country). This platform comes with a car seat that snaps into a stroller assembly. The car seat also rotates 360 degrees inside of the vehicle for ease of access and to help you take it in and out. Check out some of the other options here.
6. Baby Swings: Finding a swing that travels in multiple directions is a must. Your baby may not like singing forward and back or left and right, so a swing that does both-priceless. Check out the Fischer-Price Sweet Snugappuppy Swing or the Graco Simple Sway LX for swings with this option.
7. Bathtub: Your baby will either love or hate the dreaded bath-time, but one thing is for sure; having a good bathtub can make or break your experience as a parent. With the squirming, playing, and comfort of our baby in mind, we recommend getting one that can grow with them. A great option, with a good price tag, is the Skip Hop Moby (like the whale). The inserts allow it to be used for infants up to 25 pounds. It is a great start until they can be switched over to the “grown-up” bathtub.
8. Wet Bags: We discovered them for travel and camping, but wet bags have also been a great addition to our baby gear list. They can be folded up to fit just about anywhere, but can also hold a lot depending on the size you get. We utilize them for our cloth diapers and dirty clothes, but the uses are many. Amazon has over 1,000 to choose from and some of the big-name outdoor retailers have great options as well.
9. Bedside Bassinet: For the first few months after you return from the hospital, your little one will be sleeping next to your bed, so that you can keep a close eye on them. Bedside bassinets and cribs are the items to add here. We used a bedside bassinet, actually two different ones, and found that it is an item that needs to be researched before purchasing. Most are great, but things to think about are your bed height, space, whether you will be breastfeeding or not, and how easily it moves. The first one we had was extremely heavy and a pain to get around. The prices can range from $100 to $1200, so pick one that is good for you and your budget. We do recommend giving the HALO Bassinet a look.
10. Sound Machine: Not all babies need a sound machine, but it has been a game changer for us. The Hatch is not only a sound machine but also a nightlight with an app to set intervals and change settings. While we have gotten away from using the sound portion, the programable light is still worth the money for us.
11. Crib: We do not have a recommendation here, because we have not used one. Our daughter sleeps on a floor bed (Montessori Method) and it is working well for us. If you would like to learn more about using floor beds and the Montessori Method, please see this post for more info!
Baby Care
1. Nail File: Your baby’s nails are going to be growing so fast. This is something we had been warned about, but the speed of growth is pretty crazy. You will NEED a good way to keep them down to alleviate scratched faces (for you and your baby). We recommend an electric nail file. They are so easy to use and come with different attachments for different age stages.
2. Shampoo & Body Wash: There are honestly so many different types for this category, but we have found that no product is created equal. There are your tried-and-true brands, but we love the newer companies a little more. We recommend the Honest Company or Aquaphor. Our daughter has somewhat sensitive skin and these work the best for her. There are also different scents, so you can choose the style that best suits you and your baby.
3. Baby Brush & Cradle Cap Brush: These two are a must, with the latter being important, especially for the first few months. We recommend two smooth soft brushes (for different areas of the house and/or traveling). The cradle cap brushes come in many shapes and sizes, but this one has worked well for us.
4. Diaper Rash Cream: It is bound to happen at some point, so having a good cream is always a good idea. We have a few and they all work well, but none seem to do quite as well as just good-ole fashion coconut oil. Of course, there are tons of other options that work wonders (Aquaphor, Boudreaux’s, and The Honest Company), so be sure to check them out!
5. Gas Relief Aids: Whether breastfeeding, using a formula, or using normal foods, your baby WILL have gas. Unfortunately, this process can be a painful one and something you can help them with regularly. We utilize Fridababy Windis and have also had success with Gas Relief Drops. What works for you and your child may differ, but these are a great start.
6. Nose Sucker: There will be snot, and sadly their poor little noses have a hard time getting it out. Have no fear though, because you can help with this too! There are a few great options, but for us, the Fridababy Nose Sucker is the go-to. It is really small, easy to clean, and fits in smaller pockets of most diaper bags and fanny packs. Fridababy has an entire kit just for infant cold needs. Check it out here.
7. Pain Relief: With teething, growing pains, and all of the other things your baby is dealing with that you may not know of, sometimes pain relief is a good standby. Please, speak with your pediatrician before using it and for guidance on how and when to use it. If your doctor is on board, we recommend Infant Tylenol and Teething Relief Tablets.
8. Towels & Washcloths: You will need cozy towels for drying them after bath time and we recommend any sort of soft cotton washcloth for their sensitive skin.
Play Time
1. Car Seat Hanging Toys: For the most part, our daughter takes naps during car rides, but for the times that she is wide awake having toys on the car seat have been a huge help. She is now able to reach them and grab them, so it is even more beneficial. You can check out the one we currently use here. There are plenty of options at all major stores.
2. High-contrast Books: High-contrast books enable your baby to focus clearly in an otherwise blurry world. Research has shown that a baby’s retina registers the strongest when shown black and white images. Here are some options if you would like to consider purchasing them or learning more.
3. Regular Books: Books are so important to your child’s development, so you can never have too many. Reading to your child early on also allows for them to grow a bond with you through the sound of your voice. Make the most out of your bedtime routine by reading a book or two to your little one each night. There are tons of new books every day for babies, but there is just something special about reading your favorite childhood books to your children.
4. Tummy-time Mirror: During tummy time it is good to place a small mirror in front of your baby. Over time they will start to recognize themselves and this sparks curiosity, hand-eye coordination, and other motor skill advancements. This item doesn’t need to be a budget breaker and could be one that you have in the house already. We do recommend this one that we found since it has a few other things for them to touch and look at.
5. Baby Gym/Mat: Tummy time is important for development, and as they grow your child will eventually start to sit up and crawl. Having a safe space for them to explore is always an amazing option. For a good, budget, gym check this one out!
Baby Apparel
Your baby is going to grow super fast, so hand-me-downs and clothes that don’t break the bank are always a great idea.
1. Diapers: We utilize cloth diapering. While it isn’t for every one we find it to be pretty easy and highly recommend it. It is more of a cost upfront, but over time you are saving tons of money. For disposable diapers, which we still use for traveling, make sure to have a few different sizes at first. We recommend Huggies Snug & Dry, but every baby is different.
2. Swaddle Blankets: Muslin Swaddle Blankets are great multi-use blankets to have around your house. We utilize them as blankets, but also as in-a-pinch rags. They are lightweight ad breathable and our daughter loves them.
3. Receiving Blankets: These blankets from Carter’s are a little more heavy-duty than Muslin blankets and work well for all sorts of scenarios. If you find smaller ones they work extremely well as spit-up cloths.
4. Swaddles: Your child may love being swaddled or hate it. We read that all babies love to be swaddled even if it doesn’t seem like it. To the person who said that, I am sorry but I disagree. Our daughter hates it. If your child loves it some amazing swaddles make it a breeze. Swaddle Ups give them a little more freedom and are very breathable. Swaddles like the one from HALO are the more conventional style that provides the cocoon shape. Both are great, but which one your child will prefer is always the real question.
5. Zipper Onesies: Zipper onesies with feet and built-in mittens are a game changer. They make changing easy and the provided mittens can help keep your child from scratching themselves in the earlier stages. These are perfect for all seasons and a great addition to the diaper bag while traveling.
6. Socks: We do not have any specific recommendations for this item, but having multiple sizes in the first few months is crucial. Our daughter was wearing 6-month socks as a newborn. I am not saying this will happen to you, but it is always good to be prepared.
7. Sleep Gowns: Making the nighttime routines as streamlined as possible is always a nice thing to consider. One way you can accomplish this is by using sleep gowns. Carter’s has some great 3-pack options for around $14. They are easy to put on and the open bottom makes changing diapers a piece of cake.
While this list is not all-encompassing we have put a lot of thought into making one that is beneficial and contains no useless items. We hope this list has given you at least a few new ideas to add to your own. If you have any recommendations or ideas, please leave us a comment or contact us. We would love to hear from you!
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