Our Favorite Baby Gear
Now that nearly one year has come and gone (holy shit… another post is needed to fully express all the feels), I am inclined to finally put together a collection of all the baby gear that has stood the test of time for us.
When I first found out I was pregnant, I convinced myself that I would maintain a minimalist mindset when it came to gathering up gear for baby Stevie’s arrival. It didn’t really go as planned, ha! Between our long and arduous breastfeeding battle and our mission to increase sleep by using every swaddling product known to motherkind… we tried a lot of different products. Some of them have been stashed away for a (potential) baby #2 or friends and family to use in the future, while other items were promptly sold to the highest bidder on Facebook Marketplace. Now, I am left with only the things that we really and truly loved and would use time and time again, many of which I have excitedly bought for expectant friends!
Of course the most important disclaimer here is that every baby is different and every parent is different. Our needs are varied and complex, as is our humanity! These items are simply what have worked best for us out of the myriads of options available to you, depending on your preferences, budget, etc.
One of my biggest tips for buying baby stuff is to buy used/secondhand. Babies grow fast which makes buying clothing expensive and often wasteful, especially if fast fashion brands are the best for your budget. I am a major Kidizen* devotee for that very reason. I can sell clothing items that no longer fit (or aren’t really our style) then use that cash towards clothes in the next size up for Stevie, as well as for toys and books.
Big gear — such as strollers, play pens, cribs and high chairs — often outlast multiple kiddos and can be found cheaply on Facebook Marketplace or in FB moms groups! Search your area for a group and ask for what you need — moms are usually happy to help and you’ll be giving more life to big items that aren’t ready to be tossed.
While most of these items are not necessary for raising a happy, healthy baby, they certainly made life easier for us in the last year, so this is what we are happy to recommend to you if you may be in need of anything.
None of these links are affiliate links, although some of them will direct you to Amazon. I encourage you to source from whatever business appeals to you and fits your budget! Update 9/21: I added an affiliate link for Mason Bottle!
*The kidizen link gets you $5 towards your first purchase :)
Now that all of that is out the way, without further ado:
SLEEP
best for newborns: magneticme gowns
You maybe have heard other parents dissuade you from using pajamas with buttons. They’re right. But what’s even better than a zipper? Magnets. So dang easy. Beautifully soft, as well!
best for winter: organic fleece footies
Castleware is a small, family-owned business and — in our search for organic fleece pajamas for Oregon’s cold winter — they won our hearts immediately. The quality is impeccable and these are the coziest (and healthiest) pajamas out there.
best overall: zippyjamz
Unbelievably soft organic cotton. Perfect mid-weight for warmth. And: A CROTCH ZIPPER, as well as a regular zipper. These are the absolute best jammies out there.
baby delight cosleeper
When we first brought Stevie home, we were nervous about cosleeping but it felt like the best place to start to help us transition into nighttime feedings. This bridged the gap for us in a way that felt super safe and comforting. It fit perfectly between us and Stevie was snug as a (sleepless) bug.
yoga sleep Sound Machines
I am extremely picky about sound machines; I tend to hear the “seam” in the looped recording and it drives me nuts! This big sound machine is literally a machine that makes the perfect white noise sound — no recording! The little guy’s recording is perfect, but it also plays other sounds and at a surprisingly loud volume, if necessary. This little machine saved us on so many road trips and trips to the grocery store. Bless!
organic fleece lovey
So soft. No dyes. Organic fleece and silk. Need I say more? Very snuggleable. They also come in organic cotton jersey!
ollie swaddle
When I say we tried everything… oof. It was madness. Stevie could get out of every swaddle. This is the one we had the most success with and we consistently used it until she started rolling. It’s breathable for safe layering, extremely easy to use (no big struggles) and soft as can be.
woolino sleep sack
Because of how much we struggled to help Stevie be comfy for sleep, I spent a long time looking for a great sleep sack that checked-off all our boxes. Woolino is made of soft merino wool that naturally regulates body temps, has a two way zipper, and grows with baby until they are 2 years old. A worthy investment that we use everyday.
lotus bassinet + crib
This travel set is incredible. It folds up in a backpack and can be set up as a bassinet or crib/play pen. We used the bassinet in our living room when Stevie was a newborn and then beside the bed for night sleeps. Eventually we set it up as a crib which was great for our gal once she was too big for the bassinet, before she moved into her own room.
easzzz night light
Night lights are a must-have, especially for the newborn days. We have used a few different options, including a dimmable salt lamp and the VAVA touch lamp (we loved them both), but this one takes the cake. It fits in the palm of your hand, is customizable on brightness and warmth, and turns off and on simply by flipping it over. Magic. And rechargeable!
Clothes & Shoes
kina booties
Sustainably made with New Zealand lambskin. These are what Stevie wore — almost exclusively — for the first ten months of her life. I found them secondhand (and half price) on ThredUp, but they are worth every penny for keeping your babe’s feet cozy as can be. Also great for kiddos who seem abnormally adept at getting shoes OFF their feet!
macarons wool hat
This isn’t the exact one we bought secondhand for Stevie, but similar. The shape is great for keeping ears warm, eyes uncovered, and not shifting around while in a stroller or carrier. Merino wool is insulating and temperature regulating. And also, it’s so dang cute!
SmartWool Socks
Filed under: Socks That Stay On. These were a fall and winter staple for us because they mostly stayed on our baby who was really really good at getting her socks off… and they are super cozy!
nomies t-straps
These are Stevie’s current spring time shoes and they have been great for all the new walking she’s been doing. The leather is sturdy and protective but plush, which is important for foot development.
kate quinn basics
While most of Stevie’s clothes are secondhand or hand-me-downs, I wanted some organic pieces before she was born. Everything I found was so pricey! Luckily, Kate Quinn has great basics at reasonable prices that wear well over time. The wrap styles are great for newborns.
Merino Wool suit
An heirloom item that is meant to last through all the kiddos and more. Super soft, boiled merino wool that naturally regulates babe’s body temperature for cold outings and cozy days inside. These run super large but easily cuff — Stevie’s will still fit her for another winter season!
zutano booties
Also filed under: Booties That Stay On. During extra cold days (pre-Kina booties) these were our go-to because they are 100% baby-removal proof and extremely cozy. Win-win!
eleanora & co. romper
This mom-run company seems to be taking a break from production, so if you find one of these second hand, snag it! These rompers are so soft and — once again — crotch zippers win every time.
FEEDING
baby noah smocks
While these certainly don’t fulfill any of my “crunchy mom” standards, they are quite helpful to have when your babe is as messy as Stevie! We love the high-up pouch for catching crumbs and they wash up easily in the sink until they require a full wash in the machine.
mason bottles
Chances are high that you’ve heard me talk about these, because it has been a lifesaver! The “mason bottle system” uses 4oz/8oz mason jars for bottle feeding. Plus, you can adapt your pump to pump directly into the jars for freezer-safe, glass milk storage that can go seamlessly from freezer, to fridge, to baby. No bags needed!
mason bottle straws
Once babe is drinking water and milk at mealtimes, these are great for continuing your plastic-free drink routine! Similar to the nipples, they secure onto the mason bottle using the metal band.
tommee tippee bottle warmer
This seems to be the best warmer out there for folks using mason bottles. It also has a lot of easy settings — including for glass bottles coming from the fridge or freezer — that don’t require much thinking when your brain is maxed out! I appreciate that.
abiie beyond highchair
There are so many great highchairs out there, but this one fulfilled our wish list and we are happy with it. The plastic tray is removable and easy to clean, as are the cushions. Eventually, it will transition into a booster chair for Stevie, too!
comotomo nipples
We paired our jars with Comotomo nipples, which come in a range of flows. They snap perfectly into the metal band for a leak-proof seal on the jar. We had no issues with Stevie latching onto these nipples, thankfully, so they were the first we tried when we began bottle feeding.
numnum pre-spoon
Stevie used these for her first bites of food! The stage one spoon acclimates baby to new textures while stage two holds thicker purees easily. These were helpful for those early days when Stevie was first exploring textures and food.
ezpz tiny cup
Open cup drinking is an important skill for babies to explore early on. This tiny tiny cup is perfect for itty bitty hands and is weighted on the bottom for less tipping. Stevie loved playing with hers before she knew how to drink!
boob gear
elvie wearables
I was hesitant to include a breast pump because every body requires something different, but I would be remiss not to mention how truly useful it is to have a wearable breast pump — especially when you are exclusively pumping. My Elvie’s were gifted to me by the brand and I am so grateful for how easy they made it to pump and “mom” at the same time! Pumping while driving is a game changer, haha.
breast shells
When your milk first comes in, you’re leaking constantly, and your nipples are sore, these are a life saver. They catch any drip-drops while protecting your nipples from rubbing against fabric. They are also great for catching let down while you are nursing out and about as they fit snugly in your bra.
reusable nursing pads
Here’s an important factoid: if your nipples are cracked and bleeding, stick with using disposable pads until they are healed to keep any infections at bay. Otherwise, these are the softest and most earth friendly reusable pads out there and come highly recommend by a multitude of mamas!
my brest friend
Everyone has different preferences when it comes to nursing pillows. This one is certainly the bulkiest of the bunch, but that means it’s also extra supportive and super comfortable. This tends to be the better option for plus-size bodies, but I even have petite friends who love theirs!
haakaa suction pump
These are a necessity for all breastfeeding moms, in my opinion! Suction this bad boy onto the boob not occupied by your nursing babe and watch in awe as it collects the extra “let down.” Every drop is precious and this makes it easy to catch!
nipple butter
I still recommend slathering on some lanolin or other nipple protectant when you have sore nipples, but I also recommend finding a butter than heals and nourishes the skin, too. This one is safe for baby if there are traces on the nipple and it smells like chocolate from the cocoa butter base.
sunflower lecithin
Don’t wait to experience a painful clog or god forbid mastitis, before picking up a bottle of these. Sunflower lecithin keeps your ducts moving so clogs and infections stay at bay. This is really one of those daily necessities for a nursing mama and Legendairy Milk is trustworthy with all of their products!
castor oil compress
This may seem random, but castor oil is great to have on hand to fight off clogged ducts and potential mastitis. If you’re suddenly feeling awful at 2AM, you don’t want to be caught without it. This is my favorite way to use it, in case you need it!
bathing + Grooming
Goat Milk Soap
While we know that babies don’t need much soap, when it is required it’s best to stick with the gentlest and purest you can find. This one is our absolute favorite. No added fragrances, no mysterious ingredients, and great for eczema.
frida picker
Much to Nick’s dismay, I am a picker. If I see a booger in Stevie’s nose, I’m goin for it, ha! But truthfully, this is an awesome tool for caring for baby in many ways, including getting grime out from beneath their teensy nails and scooping out visible earwax.
electric nail trimmer
Save yourself the trauma of clipping your babe’s finger tip (it happens and it’s so sad!) and just buy this guy instead. It comes with multiple attachments with various grit strengths to use as baby grows.
ubbi non-slip bathmat
Y’all, I did the research so you don’t have to. This is the best non-slip bathmat out there. I read way too many reviews to find out, so just trust me.
diapering
waterwipes
There are two ways that we clean Stevie’s tush and we’ll start here first, with Waterwipes. I like these for their extremely simple ingredient list and lack of fragrance. They are always in our diaper bag for on-the-go and are great for messy changing situations. But read on for our preferred method!
aquaphor
When we have run into diaper rash — or any other skin ailment, like drool rash, cuts, or scrapes — this simple cream heals everything up so quickly! It rates high with EWG, too.
changing pad liners
While these are meant go beneath your changing pad cover, we actually used these as makeshift changing pads throughout the house when Stevie wasn’t yet mobile. It was easy to plop on on the floor, our bed, the couch and get to changing! We still keep an extra one in our diaper bag.
Diapering Creme
This is my favorite way to clean Stevie! She, like many other babies, has super sensitive skin and even waterwipes can be a bit harsh if used repeatedly. This stuff magically cleans away all the gross, while leaving her skin hydrated and healed. You can use reusable cloths or disposable cotton pads (like Swisspers). I plan on making my own soon!
wet bag
Let’s just say, sometimes you might have an extremely gross blowout happen with no garbage can in sight. Keep a wet bag in your car and in your diaper bag and thank me later.
door organizer
Instead of setting up a full changing station in our bedroom when Stevie was a newborn, we used a shoe organizer behind our door to stash changing pads, diapers, wipes, etc. Easy peasy!
on the go
uppa baby vista
Out of all the options out there, this is the one we felt most comfortable with. It’s definitely an investment, but if you can afford to take the plunge then it’s worth it. Eventually, we found an Uppa stoller on FB marketplace and it was so amazing how easily the carseat clicked in. Truly effortless. We love this brand.
pivot mirror
Once again my friends, I did the research so you don’t have to. Trust me, all other mirrors are overpriced and lousy compared to this one. It stays in place and has 360 degree rotation so you can find the perfect angle and keep it there.
magnetic canopy
I love these canopies for how much they simplify keeping your baby covered while also giving you easy access. The magnets make the transition seamless (and silent) so you don’t have to wrestle with one of those stretchy covers!
tote diaper bag
In a world full of ugly diaper bags… This was recommended to me by a friend and I am grateful. She’s cute, she’s roomy, she’s made with coated canvas that stays miraculously clean, AND she comes with a changing mat and wipes case.
medicine cabinet
teething tincture
This is such a simple formula: glycerin or ACV, catnip, and chamomile. All safe and extremely effective for calming baby’s nervous system when they are in pain. This really helps Stevie when she is teething. We started with the glycerin base when she was younger, but now we use the ACV base which has added digestive benefits.
gas drops
It’s so hard to see your baby in pain, and sometimes all they need is a tiny bit of extra support. These gas drops made a difference when Stevie continued to struggle with her latch and gulped down too much air while nursing.
maryruth’s probiotic
This shelf-stable probiotic is a great way to help baby’s digestion and boost their immune system. The drops are much easier to administer than powdered probiotics, too!
epsom salts
A tiny bit of epsom salt goes a long way to help with constipation, digestion, or help baby recover more quickly from a cold.
nose frida
One of those weird things you find yourself doing when you become a mom: sucking snot out of your baby’s nose. But this is a savior when you baby needs to breath easier and it’s way less gross than you might think! We prefer this over a bulb because you can more easily control the amount of suction in your babe’s tiny nose.
gripe water
Hiccups are the worst! A few drops of gripe water (especially love Wellements for their glass packaging!) takes them away so baby is able to rest.
rectal thermometer
It’s really hard to take your baby’s temp rectally when they are wiggling around. This one eases worry that you might (eek) go too far!
maryruths vitamin d
Vitamin D is especially important for breastfed infants, but its smart to continue to supplement vitamin d to increase immune function!
misc. gear
muslin burp cloths
We bought two packs of these before Stevie was born and I still use at least one every single day, a year later! They are so soft, wash well, and work not just for spit up but for every little mess you can imagine… and there a lot of messes!
snuggleme organic
This is so nice to have on hand during the newborn days. A cozy place to lay baby down — that holds them snug to mimic your tender squeeze — when you need a moment to rest, to shower, to pee, whatever! It’s not meant to be used for longterm sleeping, but it really is great for lengthening those newborn daytime snoozes.
baby bjorn bouncer
For the most discerning of babies. Stevie hated swings and most other bouncers but the reviews on this one seemed to repeat over and over that babies simply loved it, even if they hated all others. So I ordered it lickity split and Stevie immediately loved it! Then I took a shower. Bless.
mootsh subscription
It’s delightful how easy it is to take photos these days with our phones, but it’s TOO easy to let them just exist in their digital form. With Mootsh, you upload ten photos every month and they are printed on beautiful archival paper! Code MARTIMARIE50 gets you 50% off your first month. It’s very very worth it!
baby k’tan carrier
There are many excellent carriers out there! I’ve used wraps, slings, and soft-structured carriers and the k’tan continues to be a favorite. It packs up super small, feels like a wrap without the hassle, and is equally comfortable with a tiny newborn or a bigger babe. Plus, there are so many ways to wear one!
moonjax teether
This was Stevie’s first teether! It’s super easy for even itty bitty babies to grip onto, helps them work on their grasping and coordination skills, and is free of dyes or icky plastic for clean chewin’. Stevie still chews on hers, especially when she’s teething!
literati book club
I can’t recommend Literati enough! For a flat fee, they send you a box filled with fun books, plus custom bookplate stickers and a beautiful illustration (frame worthy!). You choose which books you love and then send back the rest. It’s the simplest way to keep your kiddo’s bookshelf interesting. We love it.
gathre mat
This pretty leather mat (that comes in so many sizes and colors) wipes up effortlessly. Just water and a cloth, that’s it. We keep it beneath Stevie’s highchair for food messes, but it folds up small and is great for picnics, park time, etc.
books FOR parents
the birth partner
Especially now in the days of COVID, when many folks aren’t able to have more than one support person in-hospital, it’s so important for partner’s to feel prepared to support you during labor and birth. This book includes a lot of info around the physiology of birth, hands-on support, and emotional guidance.
real food for pregnancy
I love Lily Nichols’ brain! This book is easy to read, fascinating, and so heartening during pregnancy when it can feel very overwhelming to think about the “shoulds” and “should-nots” of nutrition. This book dispels common myths and encourages a whole food, nutrient rich diet to prepare you and your baby for a healthy delivery and easy recovery.
ina may’s guide
Although this book is primarily focused on home or birth center birth, it is a wealth of knowledge for any person preparing to go through labor and birth. There are lots of anecdotal birth experiences included, spanning from the 1970s to present day. Ina May’s writing helped me to experience a beautiful and empowering birth.
super nutrition
This book was recommended to us by Stevie’s chiropractor and it was an immediate hit with me. It focuses on providing evidence-based recommendations on first foods, recipes for the whole family, and a wealth of information that empowers families to think beyond conventional understandings of what baby should be eating.
so, there you have it…
I hope this list was helpful to you! I intentionally decided to leave out toys because… well, Stevie’s favorite toy for the first six months of her life was a small wooden spoon. Now, she is mostly interested in climbing on things and tearing up magazines while growling, so… But in all seriousness, we do really love the Lovevery subscription and if I buy a toy for Stevie I look for Montessori-type toys that will grow with her!
Otherwise, the only other additional thought I have for you is in regards to postpartum preparation. Please, if you do anything, set-up a meal train and distribute it far and wide so that those who care about you can help to nourish you while you transition into parenthood! Just yesterday, I Venmoed some cash to a friend in Los Angeles as part of her “meal train,” so don’t be shy about thinking outside the box! Also, buy lots and lots of pads. Big, pillowy ones! They are divine. Okay… I might as well just keep going. Here’s a postpartum section:
postpartum gear
organic cotton pads
While everything is healing-up, it’s more important than ever to make sure you aren’t introducing toxins to your nether regions. Stick with organic cotton pads and try to stay away from brands like “Always.” I loved Rael for postpartum.
postpartum tonic
I really treasured those thirty seconds when I would gulp down a serving of my Milk Moon tonic. It’s very tasty but more importantly it’s incredibly fortifying during your healing time. Building blood, regulating hormones, aiding milk production — it does a lot. Milk Moon makes a full range of herbal postpartum medicinals and all are beautifully and thoughtfully made.
herbal sitz bath
Take a washcloth, a square of scrap fabric or some cheesecloth, dump some sitz bath on it and bundle it up tightly with a rubberband. Put that in a shallow, warm bath (or an actual sitz tub) and let yourself soak for a bit. These herbs are so healing and soothing! Also great for your peri bottle spray.
frida peri bottle
If you give birth at a hospital, they will most likely send you home with a dinky little squirt bottle that is awkward as hell to maneuver while sitting on a toilet. Save yourself the trouble and buy one of these! Hot tip: brew up a little sitz bath tea and use that in the bottle for extra healing magic.
tucks pads
Sweet, sweet relief. Stock up now so you’re not sending your partner to Walgreens at 10PM. Also, no shame in just tucking one between the cheeks while you go about your business for a half hour. And no, nothing is TMI to me.
support
Please don’t feel like you need to do it all alone or that you need to suffer as you enter into parenthood. Click the heart and send me an email. Let me know how I can support you whether you just need to vent, need help finding a lactation consultant, or need mama tips. You’re not alone!
Ah, okay. Now I am really finished. But please let me know if you’re looking for suggestions for anything not on this list. I am always happy to chat and offer advice or thoughts. Sending you and your family love. As always, catch me on Instagram if you want to get in touch quickly!
XO
Marti
PS The cart in the photo is by Coco Village and has been a favorite in our house! We use it as a “library cart” most days, and it was helpful for Stevie learning to walk :)
