Month: August 2018

Getting your home ready for baby can be downright overwhelming.
Becoming a new mom is a huge transition and stocking up on baby supplies is a good way to get a head start and prepare yourself for the change. Unfortunately, with so many options to choose from, it’s almost impossible to decide which products are worth spending money on and will actually come in handy down the road.
No one wants to end up with closets stuffed with baby gear taking up space. One of the best ways to separate the wheat from the chaff when it comes to buying baby gear is seeing what other parents have bought, used, and loved before. Check out these 40 baby and toddler products with high ratings and gushing reviews on Amazon, and put what you need on your baby registry ASAP.

1. The Basic Onesies You’ll Want in Every Size

There is a good reason why this five pack of Gerber onesies is a number one bestseller on Amazon—this basic wardrobe piece is so useful! It might seem like nothing special at first glance, but a white onesie is perfect for layering under sleepers on cold nights or acting alone for lazy summer days at home.

2. A Manual Breast Pump for Easy Expression

Having an electric double pump is perfect for working moms expressing breast milk several times a day, but there’s something so simple about having a manual pump on hand at home.

3. A Discreet, Milk-Saving Cup

While we’re talking about amazing breastfeeding products, we can’t fail to mention Freemie Collection Cups. At $59.99, these are definitely an investment, but they could be a lifesaver for working moms struggling to find a few moments alone to pump.

4. A Multi-Functional Nursing Cover

Nursing covers should be all about what makes mom most comfortable, and this nursing cover accomplishes just that. It’s a lightweight fabric that slips over your neck like a scarf, allowing for full coverage in the front and on both sides, but an easy view for mom from the top.

5. A Sustainable Baby Bottle

Even if you plan to breastfeed, it’s a good idea to have bottles on hand in case your baby needs to eat during short spurts of separation. Plus, with all the extra breast milk you’ve been stashing away, you just might decide you need a date night or solo trip to the coffee shop for a little peace and quiet.

6. A Safe Option for Warming Up Bottles

Since microwaving bottles can overheat the milk and even create unexpected hot spots that can burn your baby’s tongue, most people heat their baby bottles in warm water. This has never been a perfect solution because it takes a lot of time. When you’ve got a very hungry baby on your hands, it feels like it takes forever.

7. A Simpler Solution to Bottle Cleaning

Sometimes we don’t realize something is a problem until a product solves that problem for us. Keeping bottles clean is likely one of those annoying little tasks you didn’t know could get a little easier.

8. A Darling Drying Rack for All Those Baby Bottles

Once you become a mom, baby bottles, sippy cups, dishes, and tiny spoons will quickly start to take over your kitchen. Why not give them an adorable place to rest?

9. For Warming Up Cold Wipes

Brrr! Wipes right from the package can startle sleepy babes during midnight diapers changes. A wipe warmer keeps wet wipes at a more comfortable temperature, ready to go for diaper changes at any time of the day or night.

I wish we had one these back when my oldest child was a baby…I can tell the baby enjoys it as well…No more visible flinching when touched with a cold wet wipe!

hiccapop Wipe Warmer and Baby Wet Wipes Dispenser, $34.92 from Amazon

10. A Mess-Free Diaper Cream Application Option

Many diaper creams are made to be water resistant, protecting tiny tushes from the irritation of a wet or soiled diaper. Unfortunately for the caregivers doing the applying, this also means that washing your hands after application involves a lot of scrubbing and the smell can take hours to dissipate from your hands.

11. A Little-Discussed New-Mom Healing Product

Giving birth comes with all kinds of little surprises, and the healing process after giving birth often doesn’t get a lot of airtime until you’ve already had your baby. After giving birth, you’ll quickly learn that it is going to take a bit of time before you’re healed enough to wipe without pain.

12. An Easy-to-Clean Bib That Actually Works

Your life may be all bottle warmers and breast milk now, but it won’t be long before your suckling babe is ready for big kid food, and it’s going to come with a lot of mess. Bibs may be a no-brainer for parents everywhere, but not all bibs are created equal! Some bibs require a run in the washer after every use and others do very little to guard your baby’s lap from dropped food.

13. A Sanity-Saving Placemat

Even if it’s only a phase, there’s nothing quite as aggravating as watching your toddler toss a plate full of food on the floor. Most babies don’t mean any harm; they’re just looking for a little fun. Make mealtime a little less chaotic with a placemat-and-plate combo that actually suctions to the table or highchair.

14. A Yummy Teething Solution

Introducing solid foods can create a lot of anxiety for moms. It is completely normal to worry about the risk of choking, and Munchkin has found a great way to assuage those worries with their Fresh Food Feeder.

15. An Introduction to Lidless Cups, Without the Spills

Transition to a lidless cup without daily spills. The Miracle 360 Trainer Cup is another genius product by Munchkin. Although the cup has a lid, it’s a spoutless one, meaning instead of sucking a spout or straw, your child can tip the cup and drink just as they would from a lidless cup.

16. A Snack Cup for Road Trips and Play Dates

When it comes time to pack snacks, any old ziplock will do, right? Not so fast. Think just how awesome it would be if a product existed that allowed toddlers to reach in and grab a bite or two at a time without spilling their crumbs everywhere.
 

17. A Gentler Stuffy Nose Cleaner

Bulb syringes may be an efficient option for clearing out a stuffy nose, but they’re no fun for mom or baby! Whether you’ve got a newborn or a wriggling toddler, it’s awful having to pin them down to suction out their nose while they scream.

18. A Potty Seat for Any Toilet

When you’re potty training, it’s easy to feel like you’re confined to living your life within a few feet of the bathroom, ready to race your child to the potty chair at the slightest hint they might need to go.

19. A Solution for On-the-Go Diaper Changes

A bestseller on Amazon, the Skip Hop Portable Changing Station is all about keeping diaper changes convenient and clean. Since it easily fits in a diaper bag, it’s a baby product you can bring with you anywhere. When your baby needs a change, it can be unfolded on any surface.

20. Keep Baby Cool During Summer Months

Stop worrying about whether your baby is staying cool enough in their rear-facing seat during summer months. This cute little fan can be charged in advance using a USB port and clips on the hood of infant carriers, blowing cool air into your child’s seat to keep them comfortable.

21. A Blind That Keeps Bright Sunlight out of the Back Seat

When babies are buckled tightly and safely in their car seats, there is little they can do to escape the glaring sun on hot summer days. Made by Enovoe, this set of window shades clings directly to the windows, providing baby with sun protection while they ride in the car.

22. A Mirror For Long Car Rides

Rear-facing is the safest, and legal, option for babies and young toddlers, but it also means baby’s face is obscured from view. This back seat mirror allows you to keep a close eye on baby or simply exchanged smiles during a long car ride.

23. A Carrier That Grows with Baby

A really great baby carrier can be a lifesaver for moms with their hands full. Whether you’re looking to free up your hands so you can hold onto to your older kids or carry groceries inside, or you’re looking for a way to comfort a needy baby while getting a few things done, you’re going to be glad you made this baby product a non-negotiable part of your baby registry.

24. A Hands-Free Backpack Diaper Bag

Bring everything you need to take care of your baby on the go without tying up your hands with an awkward or clunky diaper bag. This backpack diaper bag is seriously perfect for busy moms, with a pocket for keeping bottles warm, a waterproof interior liner, and plenty of room for diapers, teething toys, and an extra change of clothes.

25. A Cute Backpack for Toddlers That Keeps Them Safe

Leashes get a lot of criticism in the parenting world, but there is something to be said for a product that helps moms with multiple kids keep their busy toddlers safe. If you’ve got one of those toddlers who is hard to keep track of or you simply don’t have enough hands to walk all of your kids through a parking lot, this is a product that will bring you a lot of peace of mind.

26. A Solution For All That Stroller Clutter

Babies come with a lot of stuff, and strollers rarely have enough pockets for everything you need on the go. Make your stroller a little more functional with a stroller organizer that attaches to the handle. With space for extra cups, your phone, snacks, diapers, and toys, you won’t even need to bring a diaper bag along on your next trip to the park.

27. Hassle-Free Cabinet Latches

If you’ve ever installed cabinet latches, you know they’re a total pain. Everything has to line up perfectly for them to work properly and adding them to every shelf is generally a tedious baby proofing project to take on.

28. An Easy-to-Open Baby Gate

Even if you don’t have stairs to worry about, it is nice to have the option to keep baby contained once they start to move. A baby gate that can be easily opened by mom but keep baby out is a great way to create boundaries when you want to keep them out of unsafe rooms or if you’re simply trying to keep the toy tornado contained to a single part of the house.

29. Corner Protectors for Newly Walking Toddlers

Keeping a newly walking toddler from injuring themselves can easily become a full-time job. Give your baby some room to explore and yourself a break from constantly intercepting them before they run into a corner by baby proofing the dangerous and potentially painful aspects of your home.

30. A Booster Seat for On the Go

Family get-togethers or dinner out can be a real pain if there aren’t high chairs or booster seats handy. The Summer Infant Portable Booster is easy to unfold and can be placed in a chair at the table or on the floor our ground outdoors.

31. Easy-to-Grip Nail Clippers for Tiny Fingers and Toes

Every parent has heard a horror story from a friend or family member who accidentally cut the tip of their child’s finger while trimming their nails. It’s hard not to be terrified of touching them at all!

Clipping a child’s nails is like trying to wrestle a pig in mud at times. If you can relate, these are for you. The larger body and handle of these trimmers give you complete control as you try to pin down your little bundle of joy and try to not clip off their entire finger.

Safety 1st Steady Grip Infant Clippers, $3.49 from Amazon

32. A Toothbrush That Makes Brushing Baby’s Teeth Easy

Speaking of wrestling a pig in the mud, let’s talk about just how dramatic those first several months of brushing our babies’ teeth can be. Talking a teething baby into holding still for 90 seconds is no easy task.

33. A Soft Bath for Newborn Babies

Bathtime is a parenting ritual that is surprisingly nerve-wracking during the early months of your baby’s life. For months, babies are too wobbly to sit on their own and young babies make random jerks and movements until their muscles get stronger.

34. A Bath Seat That Steadies Young Babies

Even after babies start sitting, they continue to take regular, unexpected falls and have trouble staying balanced, especially in the bath.

35. A Bath Toy That Monitors the Water Temperature

Make sure your baby’s baths are always comfortable and safe with this baby bath toy that doubles as a water thermometer.

36. A Bathtime Rinse Without The Tears

Even if you find tear-free shampoo, kids hate having water and soap in their face during baths.

37. A My Size Potty That Makes Potty Training Fun

Is there anything cuter than this miniature potty seat that looks just like a big kid toilet?

38. A Little Extra Protection for Deep Sleepers

A lot of moms find themselves troubleshooting heavy wetters and deep sleepers as baby grows older. Instead of waking them in the night for a trip to the potty or a diaper change, try adding a little extra protection to their overnight diaper.

39. A Fun Toy for Bathtime Play

Make taking baths more than just bearable with this interactive bathtime toy.

40. A Decorate-It-Yourself Night Light

A night light is a nursery essential that often gets overlooked. Instead of using a bright lamp each time your baby needs a change in the middle of the night, an adjustable light night light provides just enough light to guide you without overstimulating you or your baby.

Congratulations, mama-to-be. You’re pregnant!
You’re about to embark on an adventure like no other. The next nine months will be some of the most exciting of your life, filled with new experiences, anticipation, and so, so much love. But they’re going to be filled with lots of questions, changes, and unknowns, too.
Not to worry, mamas. We’ve so got you covered. Although each pregnancy is different, there are certain tried-and-true products that every pregnant mama needs to know about. From morning sickness hacks to serious self-care, here are the 38 essentials that you just can’t live without!

First Trimester

For some (lucky, lucky) women, the first trimester will fly by with hardly any pregnancy symptoms at all. Unfortunately for lots of moms-to-be, though, the first 12 to 14 weeks bring with them not just the excitement and anticipation of what’s to come but a few pretty unpleasant side effects as well, like bloated bellies, swollen breasts, and lots of nausea. Here are the must-haves to make your first trimester as pleasant as possible.

1. A Reprieve From Morning Sickness

Morning sickness—or all day sickness? If you’re one of the (un)lucky ones to suffer from morning sickness, you know just how miserable it can be. But for some mamas, the thought of putting anything in your body—even something that may help you feel better—turns your stomach even more.

2. An Easy (and Beautiful) Way to Stay Hydrated

Even when you’re not growing an entirely new person inside, it’s important to stay hydrated throughout the day. So when you’re pregnant, it’s even more important!

3. For a Little Extra Breathing Room

That gorgeous baby bump hasn’t quite popped yet, but getting the zipper up on your regular pants is not happening. What’s a mama to do? Grab a Bellaband, that’s what—the perfect solution to that in-between phase that all pregnant mamas will face.

4. For Your Growing Girls

There are few things more uncomfortable than a too-tight bra, especially when you’re pregnant. And since one of the first symptoms of pregnancy is often swollen breasts, it’s likely that you’ll be experiencing a larger than normal chest size sometime during your first trimester.

5. A Lifelong Keepsake

Although 40 weeks of pregnancy may feel like a lifetime when you’re going through it, someday you’ll look back at this time in your life and want to remember every single magical detail. Promptly journals can help you do just that, even if you’re not someone who is naturally drawn to journaling.

6. A Healthier Pop of Color

For lots of women, pregnancy is a time to step back and take a closer look at what you’ll be putting in (and on) your body for the next nine months. Many moms-to-be don’t want to sacrifice their regular beauty routines, so they’re looking for a safer, more natural way to do it.

7. A Better Tasting Prenatal Vitamin

Taking your prenatal vitamin probably doesn’t rank up there as one of the highlights of your day, am I right? But what if it could?

8. Pregnancy-Safe Skincare

The first trimester of pregnancy can often bring with it a whole lot of fatigue, which may not leave you feeling like your best self. If you’re looking to brighten your complexion and revel in that pregnancy glow but you’re concerned about using pregnancy-safe ingredients, make space in your medicine cabinet for Acure’s Brilliantly Brightening Facial Scrub.

9. An Insta-Worthy Milestone Marker

Documenting your growing baby bump is one of the most fun parts of pregnancy. To take your Instagram feed to the next level, try these sweet Pregnancy Belly Stickers from Lucy Darling.

10. A Worry-Free Natural Cleaner That Actually Works

The last thing you’re going to want to do during your first trimester of pregnancy—or any time, for that matter—is to inhale harmful fumes from household cleaning products. If you’re looking to shake up your usual cleaning regimen for something more natural, this Multi-Surface Cleaner from Puracy is a great place to start.

Second Trimester

You’re in the sweet spot now, mamas! For lots of moms-to-be, the second trimester is when all the fun parts of pregnancy begin. Your bump is growing. So you can rock all your new maternity clothes, you’ll soon feel your little one’s first kicks, and hopefully the morning sickness you may have dealt with during your first trimester is now a thing of the past. Soak it all in and enjoy!
Here are our picks for rocking that second trimester bump.

11. The Belly Cream of Your Dreams

It’s time to get your self-care on, mama. Your baby bump is growing, bringing with it stretching skin in need of a little TLC. Keep your bump hydrated, smooth, and nourished with this ah-mazing Belly Butter from Burt’s Bees.

12. A High-Energy Organic Snack

By now your morning sickness should be yesterday’s news. (Or at least not a regular occurrence, we hope.) After feeling nauseated during your first trimester, you may be surprised to find that during your second, you are hungry all.of.the.time.

13. A Mama-to-Be’s BFF

If there’s one thing we learned from 40 weeks of pregnancy, it’s this: Leggings are a pregnant mama’s best friend. We can’t say it enough. Leggings are the best, most comfortable and most versatile piece of maternity wear you can invest in during pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. (Who are we kidding, mamas? We’re still rocking our leggings and we have a toddler!) You can dress them up, dress them down, and even work out in them.

14. Support for Those Sleepless Nights

Even though there are so many things going right during your second trimester, there are a few challenges along the way. The sometimes elusive sleep is one of the most common. As your belly grows, it may get harder and harder to find a comfy sleeping position, especially if you were a stomach sleeper in your pre-pregnancy life.

15. Your Own Personal Blackout Shade

While we’re on the subject of sleep, we also recommend another must-have for getting the most of your eight hours. Even if you’ve never had a problem falling asleep, pregnancy may change all that. This silky sleep mask can help.

16. A Wear-Anywhere LBD

What leggings are to athleisure, the LB(maternity)D is to pregnancy fashion. Every pregnant mama should have a simple, comfortable little black dress in her closet. It’s a versatile staple for work, a night out, or even an afternoon in the park.

17. A Little Light Reading—French Style

Since you may not feel like diving headfirst into parenting books quite yet, the bestselling Bringing Up Bébé is the perfect combination of narrative and advice, written in a funny, warm, and engaging voice. (Plus, we are always on board for learning more about how the French make everything seem so fabulous and effortless, even when it comes raising kids!)

18. A Worthwhile Splurge

If you’re going to splurge on one item in your maternity wardrobe, we think it should be denim. Less is really more here; instead of buying three or four cheaper pairs that may wear and stretch before baby even arrives, we recommend investing in one good pair of jeans that can go the distance.

19. A Maternity Wardrobe Must-Have

There are a few pieces of maternity wear that we absolutely cannot live without, and this is one of them. Ingrid & Isabel’s Everyday Cami will quickly become a go-to during your second trimester. Think of it as a hug for your growing belly! It has just the right amount of stretch to smooth and shape your bump, providing the all-around support you need during your second trimester and beyond. (It’s perfect for postpartum wear, too.)
 

20. Comfy Coverage Down Under

Your belly isn’t the only thing that grows during your second trimester. Lots of women experience other body changes, especially in the hip and thigh area. And these changes may mean your regular undies just aren’t doing the job anymore.

21. Overnight Support Where You Need It Most

If it seems like your chest is growing just as fast as your baby bump, it’s probably time to start thinking about a sleep bra. For some women, going to bed without a bra isn’t an issue. But for lots of us—and especially as pregnancy progresses—a little extra overnight support for the ladies goes a long way.

22. Relief for Your Aching Back

You knew it was too good to be true…there had to be at least some downsides to the second trimester of pregnancy, right? You may be loving your growing bump, but your back probably isn’t. The unfortunate reality of carrying around more weight on the daily often leads to sore hips, pelvis, back, and belly.

Third Trimester

You’ve made it to the home stretch! Only a few more months to go until you’re cuddling your newest addition. The third trimester is a time filled with excitement, anticipation, and probably some anxiety and discomfort, too.
You’re carrying around a lot of baby at this point, so it’s totally normal to feel tired and sore. Now’s the time to take care of you, mom-to-be, so we’ve chosen some of our favorite self-care products to get you through these final weeks. You’re also likely thinking ahead to your delivery by now, so we’re also sharing what we loved to help you have your best birth.

23. For Your Special Day

It’s easy to get caught up in everything your little one is going to need—but what about you? If you’re having a baby shower, a sip and see, or just need to remind yourself of how cute you look rocking your baby bump, it’s about time you treat yourself to this maternity maxi dress from Mother Bee.

24. For Those Aching Feet (and Back…and Hips…and Body)

We never said the third trimester was easy, did we? (But we can assure you it’s worth it in the end!) For the ultimate in relaxation, add some Pink Stork Flakes to your next bath or foot soak. We promise you’ll thank us later.

25. For a Little Me Time

Since you’ve now remembered how rejuvenating a bath can be, fire up some Netflix and drop a few of these delicious Oliver Rocket Bath Bombs in the water the next time you hit the tub. With six scents to choose from, including cucumber melon, grapefruit tangerine, and black raspberry vanilla, they’ll add just the right about of fizz—and fun—to your next soak.

26. Soothing, Nourishing Stretch Mark Relief

We like to think of our stretch marks as proof as to just how awe-inspiring our bodies can be during pregnancy. Sometimes, though, they can get a little itchy due to quickly expanding skin, and you may need a little relief.

27. For When Nothing Else Fits

Tight, restrictive clothing is the last thing you’ll want to deal with during those final few months of pregnancy. Finding clothes that are comfortable and flattering during your third trimester can be a bit of a challenge, but this floral kimono checks both of those boxes in a super stylish way.

28. A (Fun) Way to Relax

Remember when you used to use an exercise ball for doing sit-ups? (Insert your pre-pregnancy self laughing hysterically here.) Turns out these versatile exercise balls are great for a whole lot more than just crunches.

29. Not Your Grandma’s Compression Socks

Nothing says third trimester like swollen ankles, huh? One of the less glamorous side effects of pregnancy, swelling is an uncomfortable way your body deals with all that extra fluid you’re now carrying around, especially during those last few months. Time to rock some compression socks, mama!

30. A Multipurpose Accessory (That You’ll Actually Want to Wear!)

As soon as you become a mama, you’ll soon see that products that do double—or even triple—duty are totally the way to go. That’s why we love this 5-in-1 cover from Copper Pearl. For now, it makes a great scarf, adding a fun pop of detail to any outfit. But once baby arrives? It’s also a car seat cover, nursing scarf, shopping seat cover, and high chair cover. Genius!

31. For When You Really Need to Catch Some ZZZs

If you haven’t figured it out already, sleep—or the lack thereof—is a common struggle during pregnancy. By the time you hit your third trimester, you may be having a lot of trouble falling asleep and staying asleep throughout the night.

32. To Help You Breathe a Little Easier

While we’re still on the topic of sleep, you may be noticing that you’re feeling especially congested throughout your pregnancy, especially in the final weeks. It’s not uncommon, and it’s nothing to worry about, but it can make sleeping especially difficult.

33. For Soft, Glowing Skin

We know what you’re thinking, “A snail facial? Nope.” But just trust us on this one, okay? We promise your pregnant skin will never look better!

34. For a Stylish—and Comfortable—Delivery Day

If the thought of giving birth in a stiff, oversized hospital gown doesn’t sound like something you want to test out, you’re not alone. Lots of mamas-to-be are rocking their own delivery gowns lately, and we’re totally behind the trend.

35. A Portable Massager

If you have a partner who likes to give massages, now is the time to ask for one, mamas. (And even if you don’t, you should still ask for one!) Third trimester aches and pains can be rough, but a little massage goes a long way. These Kieba Massage Balls are game changers.

36. For Smoothing and Shaping

If you’re needing a bit more support heading into your third trimester, we totally feel you. Your body is going through so many changes, especially as your due date approaches, and sometimes, a little extra smoothing and shaping helps you to feel more confident throughout the day.

37. For Those Chilly (and Slippery!) Hospital Floors

Hospitals are notorious for having cold, slippery floors—and the last thing you need to worry about on delivery day is taking a spill! Cozy, grippy socks will not only keep you warm, but they’ll also prevent you from slipping when you’re walking around your room.

38. A Mega Time Saver

The last must-have on our list is a product that you’ll be able to use now and for years to come. And it will save you time and money, two things that are often in very short supply once you have little ones!