Must Haves for Baby
We spent countless hours researching the products we were going to buy for our baby. We based our decisions on forums, reviews, and friend success stories. Some of these things we were able to put on our baby shower registry and others we learned about along the way. Add them to your registry or pick them up when needed. Hope they work as well for you as they did for us!
Nursery
Best baby monitor: video, audio, night vision, full color, breaths per minute and growth tracking, alert systems, all through their app.
These snug sleepers' patterned sash connect to the Nanit to be able to monitor baby's breathing. It will be able to tell you information about their breathing frequency and set off alarms if needed. It is not meant for medical supervising needs, but the peace of mind that it adds to new parents is priceless. They also sell just the velcro sash if you prefer different sleepers or for when baby outgrows their full sleepers.
There are many available bassinets, but we found Halo to be the best. They have breathable mattresses, infant inserts, etc. This model worked well for us - but the stand is very heavy and large, so it was annoying at times, but was everything we needed for the first several months with baby. It can slide under your bedside so baby is near, the side can bend down for easy night feedings, and there is a vibrating and nightlight that are very helpful too.
Breathable, sleep safe mattress for baby's crib. Cover can be removed for cleaning. Our little guys sleeps like an angel on this mattress.
So you don't have to remove the actual mattress, this cover is waterproof, breathable and machine washable.
This clip on mesh "hammock" safely hugs baby and prevents them from getting stuck on the sides. Easy to remove and washing machine safe. Adding this made us feel more at ease knowing our son was safe from the soft bedding and sides. Not a required type of item, but a nice added feature.
This is the most comfortable recliner we could find: it rocks, reclines, lumbar support & head tilt. Cozy enough to sleep in!
Water Resistant, easy to clean and comfortable changing pad with safety strap. Be sure to secure it to your changing station.
A controversial item, but we love it. Newborn nighttime diaper changes with warm wipes can help baby stay asleep during the change! The little nightlight helps see how many wipes left too; it's a newborn must have!
Hands-free, odor fighting and large capacity diaper bin. Easy to use and better than the popular Diaper Genies.
Yes, these are shower curtain hooks, but use them to attach outfit pieces and hang them on the hanger so everything stays together!
The Hatch Sound Machine connects via app with tons of sound and light options. You can purchase their subscription to unlock even more features. We love to use the red light and brown noise settings (which are included for free).
Health
​This velcro sock monitors baby's pulse, oxygen and sleep trends, setting off alarms if something drastically changes. Only meant for peace of mind and not for medical purposes. Make sure the base and sock are in the same room to prevent false alarms due to distance. Everything links to your phone and app so you can track baby at all times. This provided so much relief that we could monitor our little one while we slept too!
Handy tool to sneak up into tiny nostrils to scoop our those pesky boogies. Much more sanitary and safer than using your fingernails.
Mucus and boogies don't stand a chance with this nose sucker. Seems gross but there are filters, still need to have a strong lung capacity, but way more efficient than the traditional bulbs. Be careful not to use too often to prevent irritation or other issues. Sometimes adding some saline to little noses first and then sucking helps collect more by loosening up what's inside. Check with your doctor if you have any concerns.
Gentle, efficient, and quiet nail Dremel for tiny nails. Toddler nails tend to be a bit too hard for the stop sensor, but great on babies!
Thick, long lasting and very effective diaper rash cream. Came recommended by our pediatrician - works every time.
Holy sh*t! This tiny tube gets out all gas and poop stuck in those little bellies. Only for severe situations, not for frequent use. Always check with your doctors and read all the directions carefully. Use a lubricant, an extra clean diaper underneath, and be ready for possible projectile doodie!
Nifty portable roll-on device for lotions, intended for sunscreen. Easy to apply, keeping your hands less messy.
Rounded swabs with small short tips to prevent going too deep in ears and nose. Always use caution when using.
Padded top for elbows leaning on the tub sides, connected to larger pad for to support your knees. Keeps you comfortable on the floor longer and helps reduce getting pins and needles in your feet.
Little one's can't handle the same temperatures adults can. A bath thermometer should be used every time to be safe.
After much research, Tubby Todd proved to be the most natural option for shampoo, body wash and lotions. They are organic, no harsh chemicals or fragrances. Depending on your child's skin type or needs, you should always double check the products with your doctors.
All natural ingredients, talc and fragrance free. A tad pricey, but worth it so no chemicals are on baby. Great for mama's use too!
* All of the health related products mentioned above should be spoken about with your pediatrician before exposing your baby to the ingredients. These products are what we found to be the best for our preferences and needs. You Got This Mamas is not sponsored by any of the brands, companies, or products mentioned above (commissions may be earned on some products purchased). The items above are simply suggestions and personal research should always be performed before purchasing.
Feeding
Mylicon helps breakup the big air bubbles in baby's belly to make it easier to pass. Usually given prior to a feeding, most commonly with bottle feeding specifically. Should not be used with all feedings and should be discussed with your pediatricians prior to use.
May you never have to use this, but having it in your home, regardless of having kids, can possibly save someone's life from choking.
These pacifiers can be filled with breastmilk, formula, or soft foods. They are meant to be frozen and become an amazing tool to bring teething relief or to start to introduce new flavors. We used it all the time with breastmilk and then fruits!
Glass is more sterile, easier to clean, and last longer than plastic. The anti-colic device reduces gas. Downside is they are heavier.
Best thing ever in the middle of the night! Heats up quick, makes perfect temp milk and holds a lot of water & formula.
Perfect to warm premade bottles using steam instead of the microwave. Bottles ready within minutes! Try to use distilled water to reduce build-up and keep it clean.
Used this to death and bought a second. Steam sterilizes bottles, pump parts, and pacifiers. Use distilled water and clean often.
Blender, grinder, and steamer all in one. Reduces clean up and very easy to use to be able to prep baby food.
Super easy to use and clean - food squeeze station into easy storage pouches. Baby can eat right from bag spout, or spoon attachments are available too. Bags in bulk available too. It's great to make big batches of food and then freeze them for later.
The most organic and natural ingredients that we could find in a produce spray. It's disgusting what it cleans off your food.
Fully sleeved, waterproof, long front with ties and buckles. Creates a pocket when draped over highchair table. Super easy to clean!
Best burp cloths we had. Strong, thick and great quality. Used for everything!
Travel
So much better than old fashioned mirrors. Small, in color and night vision to easily see baby without losing sight of the road.
Needed if you're using a video monitor and the A/C car seat.
Best investment ever! We live in FL and even with the AC on in the car, the baby still gets super hot. This car seat has a built in fan with temperature sensor to turn on anything over 72 degrees! It also converts as baby grows! We are so thankful for this seat that not only keeps our son safe, but nice and cool and comfortable!
Carry your little one for hours with no back pain! This baby carrier fastens tight around your waist (not hips) to keep baby's weight distributed better while holding them on your side or in front. Convenient storage and folds down small for easier storage. We use this ALL the time, we don't have pain after, and we loved it so much we bought a second, one in the house and one in the car for travel!
This is the Snug Attachment for the Tushbaby. It creates a full carrier strapping so babies stay secure and you handsfree. A must buy!
A classic shoulder sling is super convenient for travel, nursing on the go and around the house. Also great for skin to skin contact for newborns.
Super stretchy baby carrier wrap is comfy to wear and breathable. Hugs baby in close for skin to skin and you're handsfree. Great to wear around the house while you get stuff done and they are napping with you!
Adds an extra hand and storage effortlessly to your strollers. Can hold one or multiple items, just be careful with weight distribution!
Small and portable sound machine that sounds like mama shushing baby to sleep. Very much like white noise, good for car rides or naps outside of the house. Read up on white noise and the pro's and con's prior to purchasing.
Doesn't have to be Disney, but adding this mesh storage pouch to the side of the stroller adds lots of space within arm's reach.
This stretchy breathable playpen cover has an opening on top and window panel on the side. It is designed to cover the playpen to keep it dark inside to help baby get their best rest. Helpful for daytime naps or travel. We even used this while we were transitioning our son from our room to his crib. Gave him the chance to hear us in our room, but had the darkness he needed to stay asleep while we were awake in the same room.
Grossed out by public changing tables - these are for you! They come in different sizes and are one time use disposable diaper pads. Perfect for on the go changes! Lay it down on the nasty changing station to keep baby clean, change their diaper and then scoop it all up with one hand and into the trash. Yes, it's not super environmentally friendly and that's why there are reusable diaper changing pads within your diaper bags, but seriously, how often are you washing that? And aren't you putting it right from the germy changing station back into your bag? You can also use these in your car seats while your little one is potty training to help with accidents in the car!
Our favorite travel wipe container. Keeps wipes moist and is firm to help with pulling out each wipe.
More Must Haves
You can seriously see this spray take the berry stains right out of the clothes, almost instantly! We use this spray so much it's on subscription for every 2 months. This brand also makes a travel stain wipe and travel spray. Works great on your messy spouse's shirts too!
Strange name, but amazing product that gets our those nasty yellow newborn poop stains! This stuff worked like a charm, every time, even on the white onesies. You can even grate it into a finer powder and add it to your entire load. Plus they are super cheap!
Babyganics makes many outstanding products with less chemicals and fragrance free. This toy and highchair spray works well and you don't need to rinse afterwards. Always read all directions before use.
Babyganics Laundry Detergent is made with less chemicals and is fragrance free. The name may infer that it's organic, but only certain ingredients in their products are certified organic, not all. With washing your newborn's clothes, the less harsh chemicals and scents the better for the delicate skin. PLEASE do your research on these types of products and always read all directions and warnings before use.
While our son was very little, up until he was about one, we used this soap to clean all of his bottles and pacifiers. The fact that it had less "bad" chemicals and no fragrance brought us peace of mind when later putting his bottles and binkies in his mouth. Even though we would handwash or dishwasher his things, we still used our Baby Brezza Sterilizer afterwards.
This multi surface spray is great for floors, walls, etc. Keeping other contact points around the house cleaner for baby's hands and feet. Similar ingredients to the other Babyganics products; read all directions before use.
Used almost every minute of every day! Super comfortable to play and lay one. Baby is safe from tumbles and adults can sit in comfort!
This formed and fluffy pillow was perfect for our newborn to rest while we relaxed on the couch watching TV. Was great to plop him there while getting dressed or folding laundry. This is not a sleep approved pillow and baby must always be supervised while using.
Teething safe, easy to clean and strong. Cute colors for different outfits and can go in the sterilizer too. Toddlers can pull them off.
Cute machine washable plastic pacifier clips. Strong enough clips that toddlers usually can't tug them off.
Lovingly called the Circle of Neglect. A safe place for baby to start to learn standing. Works their core and back to turn around the circle to see all it's toys. Bottom and chair come out to be able to place the whole cover to transition into a table for baby to stand and play. Chairs are sold separately as well to become a full toddler table too. Our son loved this thing, was great to have him playing safely while we cooked in the kitchen.
Fun for baby & parents! This bouncer is great to calm baby into a nap or to have them safe and stationary while needed. As baby grows they learn to bounce themselves and becomes their favorite chair. We still use it for our toddler because he hasn't figured out how to get out on his own, so it's perfect to have him hang out and bounce while we use the bathroom for a few minutes. Entire things can come off to be machine washed, super soft material and can even be slipped on the other way with no fastener so older toddlers can use it as a seat in their play area.
Incredibly fun tummy time water mat that excites baby with colors and splashing sounds. Use 50/50 distilled water to vinegar mix to avoid mold or cloudy water to form.
This framed bouncer and swing combo was awesome! After baby is 6 months and ready, you can start with bouncing to strengthen their legs and have tons of fun. Swing transitions while baby ages, first with full harness and front plate, then just straps and eventually just a seat. Weights will be needed once more "aggressive" play begins. Always be present while baby is using bouncer or swing.