There’s no doubt that everyone you talk to will offer advice on anything to do with your new baby and with that, I too am offering advice with a select list of my top five baby gear. My list of curated items only includes products that will save you time, be hassle free, and are relatively affordable, for the most part.
Baby Formula Prep:
If you are exclusively breastfeeding, then feel free to move onto the next item. If formula feeding or doing some combo of, read on. The Baby Brezza Formula Pro has literally saved my sanity, along with hours of mind-numbing bottle mixing. Not only does it mix a perfectly measured bottle in your choice of five sizes in about eight seconds flat, it saves me a minute of “top of the lungs” baby screaming while warming a bottle. This “baby Keurig,” as we call it, produces a warm bottle that’s ready to go in seconds. The only negative is that it only mixes bottles in even-numbered ounce servings, so you’re wasting formula while you’re in the in between feeding ranges. My solution is keeping one bottle in the fridge to top off the bottles to the right amount.
Other options include the Born Free Bottle Genius, the Gerber BabyNes formula dispenser, and the Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Perfect Prep Formula Machine.
Baby Lounger
The Boppy Lounger saved my life with twins, but I recommend it to all of my singleton mamas, as well. This cozy little pillow is a Bopppy without the hole and my babies lounged in this for hours at a time as newborns. It was also the only way I could tandem bottle feed my twins with ease. The pillow is lightweight and has a handle to easily move it around the house and the surface allows you to wipe up spills and messes in a cinch. I tossed the whole pillow in the washer and dryer when it got really bad and it came out just fine. I also suggest covering with a blanket to avoid having to wash it too often. At seven months my babies roll out of the loungers so the dogs have now claimed them as their own.
Other options include the Leachco Podster Plush Sling-Style Infant Seat Lounger and the Pello Multi-use Luxe Baby-Toddler Floor Pillow/Play mat/ lounger.
Footed Pants
To be comp
letely honest, I hate baby socks. Yes, they are cute and darling, but they are a pain in the butt. If they do manage to stay on your sweet baby’s feet, they definitely get lost in the dryer. My babies pulled them off more times than not, and so, for me, footed pants were the solution. Not only do you forego the whole “lost sock scenario,” but it also makes getting dressed so much easier. And, a bare foot kicking a dirty diaper is a heck of a lot easier to deal with than a sweet little sock covered in poo.
Changing Pad
One of my friends recommended this Keekaroo Peanut Changer changing pad to me before the babies were born and I am so glad she did. These pads are cushy and messes wipe up in a snap so you’re not having to change out a cover every time an accident occurs, and boy do they. Plus the side is curved up, along with a safety strap; both designed to keep babies from rolling off.
Other popular options for baby changing pads include the Summer Infant Contoured Changing Pad, and the LA Baby 4 Sided Changing Pad, among others.
Baby Movement Monitor
Like many moms, I was probably a little overly cautious, especially in those first few weeks and months. My biggest fear was that my babies would stop breathing in their cribs and I would not wake up to help them. This little Snuza Hero gadget was worth every penny, in my mind, as it monitors baby movement and an alarm sounds if there is no movement for a few seconds. We used these religiously for six months and it probably was the only way I was able to get any sleep myself.
Other members of our DMMB team swear by the Angelcare Movement and Sound Monitor – we moms love peace of mind so we can get some rest!
There are tons of other baby items and gear that I use on a daily basis, but this list comprises the items that I would definitely buy again if I had to do it all over. But most importantly, when it comes to baby gear, what I learned is that while everyone will have advice, the absolute best items are the things that work best for your family and your baby.
Do you recommend the podster over the boppy lounger. My sister says I should switch to the podster, but the idea of returning one more registry gift sounds exhausting! Thoughts?
I actually have not heard of the podster. I love the lounger and am using it right now with baby #3, but if you have any feedback on the podtser, post it here. Thanks so much!
I’ve never seen that changing pad but that’s genius! Why didn’t someone invent that before?? (As in before I had to scrub countless changing pad covers!)
I hear you! I love this thing!