The best baby products all have one thing in common – they have been tried, tested and approved by mothers. I had three baby registries during my first pregnancy, and two for my second. Through a lot of trial and error, I narrowed down those products that I couldn’t live without, and those that I would never buy again.
Here is my list of the best baby products. If you know someone who could use this list, please don’t forget to share!
FTC Disclosure: This post or video contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through my links.
Best Baby Swings & Loungers
This swing was a lifesaver with my firstborn, with soothing motions that mimic the bouncing or rocking of mom (or dad), while giving your arms a rest. The safety belt gives you the assurance that your little one won’t bounce out of the swing, as long as you follow weight guidelines. The mamaRoo also has a lay-flat feature that is safe for little ones to nap in for short periods of time, under supervision. Play music or nature sounds with the pre-programmed features, or set up the bluetooth feature to play some tunes of your own.
I would also highly recommend the Graco DuoGlider, which we used for my daughter when she was younger. There were nights where the only way she would sleep was in this swing, which has a lay-flat feature that is safe for your baby to sleep in, as long as they are not able to turn over. I would stop using this swing as soon as baby can turn over, even when using the safety belt.
Best Baby Products – The Diaper Bag
A diaper backpack is the way to go, in my opinion. Backpacks leave you hands-free to hold wiggling babies in any situation. This bag is one of my favorite items from my daughter’s baby registry. It is lightweight and easy to clean, landing near the top of my list of best baby products.
This backpack is sturdy and durable, perfect for traveling with a newborn. Pockets and zippers galore! I have packed this bag to the brim for many international trips and weekend getaways with my son. It has the best changing pad that we still use to this day. Once you get out of the diaper-changing phase, the inside pocket can be used to secure a laptop or ipad. The zipper that leads to the changing pad can be accessed with one hand – perfect for changing baby in public bathrooms. Be warned, this backpack is on the large side.
Infant Car Seat & Travel System
Evenflo Pivot Xpand Travel system
As a mother of two children under 3, I was in need of a lightweight double stroller that would grow with my family. This is the best double stroller under $350, with the look and function of the more expensive strollers. It comes with the travel system (infant car seat, car seat base and stroller frame), plus a toddler seat. My son loves the toddler seat, and around the time that he outgrows that, my daughter will move into the toddler seat. This dynamic set can work for almost any family, with more than 20 configurations. The stroller can be configured for just one child in the infant or toddler seat, or both. An additional seat would have to be purchased for a second toddler.
Umbrella Stroller
Summer 3Dlite Convenience Stroller
If you are looking for a simple umbrella stroller for an older baby or toddler, this is my number one pick. When I only needed a stroller for one child, this was my go-to stroller. It is lightweight and can be picked up with one hand, and slung over the shoulder with the included strap. Perfect for traveling and theme parks.
The Best Baby Carrier
The Baby K’tan wrap is the only carrier that I trusted to hold my young baby. Nothing else feels as sturdy and safe for a baby under 6 months. There are multiple configurations that can help you find the right wrap position for your baby depending on weight, and developmental milestones.
I have the basic model of this carrier – the one without the zippers and the compartments. But if this model was available when I was searching for a carrier, this would be my first pick. A baby carrier is the easiest way to travel with baby, especially through airports and theme parks. I would recommend this style of baby carrier for babies over 6 months of age. I even used this with my son up to 18 months.
Best Breast Pumps
FTC Disclosure: This post or video contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through my links.
I breastfed my son for 13 months and I am currently still breastfeeding my 9 month old daughter. I have tried manual hand pumps, single electric pumps and finally this pump. This is the best breast pump for anyone who is committed to breastfeeding for the medium to long term (6 months – year). I don’t think it would be worth the investment if you are not planning to breastfeed for fewer than 6 months. This pump allowed me to keep up my milk supply when I returned to work, and is the only pump that works for me when away from my baby for more than 3 hours. The bag is the perfect size for all of your pumping accessories, and the cooler pack helps you feel confident that your breastmilk is safe and secure until you can feed your baby or store your milk in a refrigerator or freezer. I would still recommend purchasing breastmilk storage bags to go along with this pump. I used these storage bags.
If you experience a strong letdown when breastfeeding, I would recommend the Haakaa to catch any excess milk. This is one of the best baby products I have recommended. I got the recommendation from one of my best friends and she was 100% right about this product. It can also be used as a manual hand pump, but I have not tried this method. Additional accessories include a stopper and a lid that can help to make your breastfeeding journey a little easier.
The Best Diaper Pail & Diapers
This product is so good that I don’t even remember the brand I used before trying this one. The Munchkin Diaper Pail comes with an Arm & Hammer disc that prevents diaper odors, and a ring of refill bags that is easy to install. It does what it promises to do! I have now transitioned my daughter from disposable diapers to cloth diapers, so I have also evolved in my use of this diaper pail. Instead of purchasing the plastic refillable bags, I use the pail without the bags to store soiled diapers until I can wash them. I wash one load at night, and leave the pail open overnight to air out. It is always fresh and ready for newly soiled diapers the next day.
During my first pregnancy I considered cloth diapering, but decided against it once I got close to my due date. Fast Forward 2 years later, and I have followed through, deciding on Alvababy cloth diapers. Alvababy cloth diapers have pockets that you use with washable liners. You can purchase disposable liners to go along with this set, but I’m all in with the washable liners. My daughter has sensitive skin and we have had zero problems and no need for diaper cream since making the switch from disposable diapers to cloth diapers. We are 90% cloth diapers now, solely using our disposable diaper stash for overnights. Once those diapers are done, then I will make the complete switch to cloth diapers. There is a learning curve when it comes to cloth diapers, but once you commit to it, you may discover that it was one of the best decisions you made for your baby and your wallet.
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One response to “Best Baby Products”
[…] (hormones), and the stroller was never the same again. Now that I’m entering the territory of double strollers, my husband and I both got familiar with the stroller, and even let our son try out his new toddler […]