When you’re buying or registering for stuff for your baby, it can be a little overwhelming. There are so many products and so many opinions on them. Who really has time to figure it out? Most Mom’s don’t, but I’m a little OCD when it comes to my kids, so luckily you’ve stumbled across my blog.

I’m a little bit of a nerd. I like to do my research before I buy something. Espcially if it’s going to be for my kids. So before I make a purchase I usually read reviews online, poll my Mom BFFs, and even sometimes ask about it in my Mom’s group on Facebook. So when I offer recommendations, these aren’t things I’ve bought on a whim.

These are tried and true, from a veteran mom of littles, and my many Mom friends – both real life and virtual. These are all products I’ve loved through the years and used for both my girls and often my niece. So they’ve also withstood the test of time.

To make things a little easier, I’ve broken items down by category. I’ve also included links to the actual products on Amazon. If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times. Amazon Prime is my BFF y’all. I don’t want to remember life before it exsisted.  We use Subscribe and Save for most of our baby stuff and save lots of money!

So prop up those swollen ankles and get comfy. Because I’m about to win motherhood for you!

For your convenience, this post contains affiliate links. If you purchase from these links I may make a small commission at no cost to you.

Feeding: Nursing and Bottle Feeding Essentials

• Dr. Browns bottles
  These are super easy to clean and help prevent gas – which can be a big problem with a tiny newborns developing tummy.
• Boon bottle rack
  We tried quite a few and most were flimsy and hard to clean. This one is really easy to clean and excellent for holding tiny bottle or pump pieces.
• Freemie Breastfeeding Collection Cups
  Hands down one of my favorite purchases as a mom. These were a life-saver when I was working! If you are a pumping Mama, you will not regret getting these. I literally can’t sing their praises enough!
• Boppy Pillow
  This thing is so versatile. Obviously, its main purpose is as a breastfeeing pillow. But it also comes in handy as baby grows and needs support as they learn to sit up. Annnd…it makes a fabulous tushie cushion right after you’ve given birth!

Clothing Essentials

• Gerber Sleep n’ Play Sleepers
  Zippers are where it’s at! You do NOT want to square off with a button up sleeper after a poop-splosion! Trust me!
• Carter’s Onsies
  These things are staples in a baby’s wardrobe. They are easy to change, and super cute. Also…I didn’t find this out until 6 months into my first kid, but here’s a tip for you – the shoulders of these things are made so you can pull it up over their whole body without having to put it over their head!
• Elesa Miracle Baby Toddler Leg Warmers
  These are the BEST! You don’t have to let your kid live in a sleeper those first few months. These can accesorize a cute onsie and not only do you have an adorable outfit, but also one that is really easy to change!
• Sock ons
  Baby socks and shoes are the devil! They never want to stay on! But you can keep them on with these awesome inventions! If your child is a winter baby these are a must have

Sleeping Essentials

• Graco Pack n’ play playard
  This thing saw us through the first year with both kids. Though we did end up co-sleeping (link), both my girls spent the first 3 months in the napper attachment. My oldest also napped in her’s on and off til she turned one. It was easy to fold up and take with us when we traveled also.
• Halo Swaddle Sleepsack
  When my oldest was born, I knew it wasn’t safe for her to have a blanket, but I also worried about her getting cold. I did some research and found these gems! With her we used them without swaddle straps because I didn’t they exsisted. When my 2nd was born, I discovered these and they were a game-changer. They made the transition from swaddling to not so much easier!
• Skip Hop Nighttime Soother
  These things are mesmorizing for babies. They are usually drawn to light or movement – mine loved ceiling fans. The stars this cutie projects are the perfect thing for your babe to gaze at and be lulled into a peaceful sleep!
• Breathable Baby Mesh Crib Liner
  When we put my oldest in her crib, we instantly discovered that keeping her arms and legs in the crib was quite the challenge. I knew traditional crib bumpers weren’t safe so I started investigating alternatives. I found these and was sold! They are mesh and don’t pose a suffocation risk, and keep babies arms and legs safe inside the crib.

Safety & Health

• Simba Baby Safety Nail Clippers
  There is something terrifying about clipping a baby’s nails. Those tiny fingers and a big sharp object are not things that go together. Plus the squirm, and generally don’t like having their nails clipped, so it’ can be kind of sketchy. We went through tons of clippers before we found these and I will never go back. They cut so much easier and I don’t worry about grabbing skin because I can see what I’m doing!
• Nose Frida Snot Sucker
  Y’all…I know it sounds gross but this thing is all sorts of amazing! Traditional aspirators don’t do half the job of this. You just plug it in babe’s nose and suck. Don’t worry – there’s no chance of it going in your mouth. When your child is sick and not breathing well, you will be amazed what you will do to make the feel better.
• Safety 1st magnetic locks
  Once that baby starts crawling they will get into E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G. Not only does this create a huge mess, but it can also be dangerous. We tried FOUR different types of locks before discovering these. These are easily the best and most convient. We’ve been through 2 houses with our kids now and used these locks at both.
• Munchin Extending Baby Gate
  So for some reason – babies are obsessed with stairs. Both my girls loved to try and sneak upstairs. Having a baby gate was imperative. Like door locks, we struggled to find one that worked. We went through a couple of gates and they were either too hard to open or tore up our wall. A friend had this one and we decided to give it a try and loved it!

Diaper stuff

• 7th Generation Diapers
  My oldest kid had crazy allergies and sensitive skin when she was born. We literally could not use any other diaper. I love that these are chemical free. I mean who wants nasty chemicals coating their baby’s bum?
• Amazon Elements Wipes
  These are the BEST wipes. They are for sensitive skin, which I love but also…they are super thick! We tried alot of wipes before arriving at these. Nothing is grosser than wiping a baby butt and having poop seep through becase the wipes are too thin.
• Weleda Diaper Creme
  Not sure what’s in this stuff but it’s freaking magic. This cures virtually every diaper rash – sometimes overnight! It’s a little more expensive – but probably because it actually works!
• Diaper Genie
  Baby diapers stink. Get something to store them in so the odor doesn’t knock you out every time you walk in the nursery. Also, dogs love to eat dirty diapers. We know from experience and one rather large vet bill. It is also dangerous for them to eat said diapers. So don’t be us buy a Diaper Genie from the start!

Baby Toiletries

• Burts Bees Shampoo
  When it comes on what I put on my child’s body, I try to be picky. I don’t like to load them down with a ton of chemicals so I look for the safest, most natural products. This shampoo fit the bill and didn’t irritate their eyes. It also doubles as a bodywash!
• Earth Mama Angel Baby Lotion
  This stuff smells like what I imagine Heaven would smell that. Couple that with the new baby smell and Ohhh Mylanta! You will find it hard to stop yourself from constantly sniffing your sweet babe.
• Babyganics Sunscreen
  Sunscreen was a tough one for me. I was worried about oxybenzone and found it in almost all of the sunscreens. I tried a few without and had to frequently reapply it. Then I discovered this sunscreen. It’s super thick and lasts a good while, and is made from mineral ingredients. My girls have yet to get burned wearing this stuff!
• Toms of Maine Natural Toothpaste
  I liked the natural ingredients in this one and my kids love the flavors. We start with flouride free and then switch at a year. We also buy this on Subscribe and Save to save money.

Travel

• Soho diaper bag
  Diaper backpacks are where it’s at. Those other ones are hard to wrangle with a carseat or stroller and new Moms don’t need anything making their lives harder! Also, this bookbag is super sturdy and comes with lots of handy pockets. I’ve had mine going on 2 years and it’s not ripped – despite my tendency to carry everything except the kitchen sink!
• Summer Infant Pop n’ Play Portable Playard
  This was also one of my most treasured baby purchases. When baby starts to get mobile, you need a safe place for them to play. This genius invention is perfect for that and can be taken everywhere. This went to the grandparents, the beach, the mountains, basically everywhere we did! You can even put it in the yard for outside play!
• Disposable Placemat
  If you eat out pretty frequently, these things are the best! You just slap them on a table and you instantly have a clean place for baby to make a mess. They also make clean up super quick!
• Skip Hop Shopping Cart/High Chair cover
  These are so handy and protect baby from areas typically covered in germs. I love that you can use them on a shopping cart or a high chair!

There you have it Mama! Products literally designed to make your life easier! So go ahead and stock up now! Soon your hands will quite literally be full!

Like this list? Check out my baby registry guide and FREE printable checklist here! Also, check out my post on the best baby shower gifts!