I posted an Instagram poll last week asking which blog post you wanted to see next and this was the winner! I’m sure I’ve forgotten a thing or two but these are my baby gear favorites so far! 🙂
sleeping
Dockatot – This is a must have! AG slept so well in her dockatot at night and it was really easy to tote around with us when we’re on the go! It’s safe for baby which was my number one priority when it came down to where she’d sleep. So many uses for the DAT but sleeping is for sure my favorite! We’ll be using our Docktatot Grand and Deluxe again, hoping to follow the same bedtime routine/timeframe we used with AG!
Crib – Usually get a ton of questions about this one. I adore the classic look of a Jenny Lind crib. This one is a steal on Amazon! We put AG in her crib very early on (which we hope to do with baby number two) so this was definitely an essential from the start! We’re actually trying to decide if we should buy a second crib or transition AG to a big girl bed before sister arrives. Any advice?!?!
Sheets – We were gifted these at my shower. LOVE how soft they are. We doubled up on them with a waterproof mattress pad in between. A tip from several wise mamas! That way you’re not washing and drying sheets in the middle of the night after a mess! Instead of designing another nursery, I’m focusing my attention on a big girl room that the girls will eventually share, so little sis will be using a lot of AG’s bedding, decor, etc.
Rock & Play – The Rock & Play has been recalled since we used it so I can no longer recommend but we still own three of them (AG loved hers for daytime naps) so we’re on the hunt for a replacement. I’m leaning toward the 4moms RockaRoo!
Baby Shusher – MAGIC! There’s also an app you can download to take the sound on the go!
Alexa – At night we play white noise from Alexa in the nursery. Also nice to have in her room to play music for mama while I’m nursing! I know it sounds silly but it’s so nice to use voice commands instead of having to mess around with settings/buttons when you have no free hands. We’ll need to buy a second for sister.
Swaddles – These are our favorite because they’re cute, soft, and work with the mom’s on call technique which has worked well for us. We didn’t like any of the pre-swaddled options we found. We double swaddled using MOC technique every night until AG was about 3/4 months old. Snagged a few Beaufort Bonnet swaddles for little sister in this print and this one!
Merlin’s Magic Suit – When it was time to stop swaddling we switched over to the Merlin’s Magic Suit and used that for several months until we were really confident in her ability to self-soothe and once she started trying to take it off. It’s really warm so when she wore it we would put her in a short-sleeved onesie instead of pajamas.
Snuza – This is the baby movement monitor we used and will use again. I like that you clip the monitor on the diaper so there aren’t any cords, wires or sensor pads to worry about! We did get a few false alarms but I’ve heard of this happening with every movement monitor I’ve researched.
feeding
Spectra pump – My insurance provided me with a pump at no cost. I had the option to choose between the Medela pump and this one. A quick google search led me to the Spectra. I never tried any other brands so I don’t have much to compare to but overall I was pretty happy with the Spectra! It did feel like a lot to lug to work when I went into the office, so if you’re a working mama I would definitely research to see if there’s a more travel-friendly option.
Haakaa pump – I probably wouldn’t have breastfed as long as I did if it weren’t for this. It suctions right on so you can use your hands to do other things! You can also wear it while feeding baby to catch any leakage. When I had client meetings throughout the day and had to drive out of town I would always pack my Haakaa because it was so easy to “pump” while driving. Now that I’m home so much more chasing a toddler, I’m sure it’ll be just as handy! I do recommend buying the flower insert to prevent spills. Because crying over spilled *breast*milk is a very real thing.
Bottles – We used Comotomo up until we transitioned to sippy cups with AG! Obsessed with them for three reasons. One, you can dish wash them. Two, they’re completely spill-proof. Three, super lightweight so AG started holding her own bottle so early which was a game-changer!
Milk Storage Bags – Gotta build that stash up! These came highly recommended and we never had a problem with them.
Nipple Balm – Swore by this stuff. Kept it in my robe pocket at all times!
Nursing Bra – Buy ten of these. Seriously! They’re inexpensive, comfy, and you will actually need ten because (tmi warning) breastfeeding is messy.
Nursing Pads – These were great! There are also reusable options out there but I didn’t want one more thing to keep up with!
Boppy – An absolute must if you plan to nurse your baby! Makes positioning so much more comfortable.
Burp Cloths – These are so soft, come in the cutest patterns (which matter not since they’ll be covered in spit up) and are the perfect size! I’m ordering two-three sets this go-around.
Bottle Warmer – We kept meaning to buy a bottle warmer with AG but never got around to it. This time we’re planning ahead!
High Chair – Every mama I talked to recommended this simple $20 IKEA high chair and we’ve been so pleased with the purchase! I think most high chairs are hideous anyway and I loved the simplicity of this one so we decided to save our pennies and go for it! So happy we did. We ended up tossing the first one after AG’s first birthday party (one year olds and cake = big BIG mess) and replacing it with the same model. Pro tip: don’t buy any cushions! So much easier to clean without them.
on the go
Solly Baby Wrap – Baby girl loved being snuggled up to me in this and I can’t wait to tuck little sister into it. When AG got a little bigger we used the Baby Bjorn Carrier One for better support.
Travel System – I was happy with the TAVO system! Did a ton of research and have no complaints about this one! I think it’s a great price for the quality. Still trying to decide which double stroller to go with but I’m leaning toward Zoe strollers after hearing so many friends rave about them! We’ll still use the NUNA Pipa carrier and base for the first few months with little sister.
Diaper Bag – I ended up swapping out my bag for this backpack as soon as AG could walk and it made life so much easier! Love having both hands free!
Clip on Fan – Southern mama’s, you need to have one of these! Clip onto your stroller and car seat to keep your little cool during these brutal summer months.
Pack N’ Play – We were gifted this one and still use it when we travel. It’s pretty compact so we’ve never had any issues in small hotel rooms or when staying with friends. And it’s held up really well for the price!
bathing
Flower – If you plan to bathe baby in the sink at first, get this. Once you transition to baths in the tub, you can use it as a knee pad! I think we still have ours packed away for sister.
Whale – Once AG had better head support we used this whale at bathtime. Loved that the mesh liner came out and could be thrown in the wash. Once she started sitting up really well we filled the entire bathtub and abandoned the whale.
Towels – Used these every night when AG was a baby. We’ve since started using our big towels at bathtime, babies don’t keep!!!
Washcloths – We use Burt’s Bees Baby. A brand I love and trust!
All-Over Wash – Used this with AG up until last week when we switched to the big kids line! Love BC baby + kids so much.
other
Changing Pad – Ours is on the top of the dresser. I like having a designated changing zone. Ours has a pink gingham (washable!!!) cover that I can no longer find online. 🙁
Waterproof Changing Liners – Life changing. Keeps our pretty changing pad cover clean when we have a big blowout to take care of and they’re easy to toss in the wash.
Nose Frida – Kind of gross in theory, but it works well! I’ll confess that Pearce is the nose frida man in our house!!!
Video Monitor & Snuza – So baby can sleep in her own room and you don’t have to worry.
Bumbo Seat – The bumbo was my best friend when AG was learning to sit up on her own. I’d bring her room to room with me as I did chores around the house and got ready! We didn’t use the tray table attachment a ton.
Alright y’all…. I think I’ve covered most of my favorites but feel free to ask if you have any questions! We kept most of these for baby # 2 but still have some shopping to do. We’ll wait until the nesting kicks in to take care of that! 🙂
Love y’all! McKenzie
