My Top Nine Baby Must Haves
What I couldn't have survived the first four months of motherhood without. These are all products that I purchased myself and have used for several months.
1.) Baby Delight Alpine Deluxe Portable Bouncer
I researched and researched, trying to find the perfect bouncer, and I think I may have. The material is organic cotton and removable, making it super easy to clean. The bouncer itself can be adjusted to sit higher or lower. It's really the only way I've been able to set my baby down during the day. She absolutely loves it. Another perk is that it folds up almost completely flat, making it easy to store, but also easy to take along if you're leaving the house.
2.) Solly Wrap
Again, organic cotton and an easy-to-clean item. Once you get the hang of wrapping it, you'll be able to strap your baby to your chest easily and quickly. It can also be folded up small, which makes it easy to take along when you're leaving the house. My baby absolutely loved being so cozy and snug against my chest. I also found it to be light enough that neither of us got too warm while I was wearing my baby.
3.) Zicoto Portable Changing Pads
Aside from simply liking the look of them, they fold up so small, and they're so easy to clean. I keep one in my diaper bag and use it anytime I'm changing her outside of the house. I keep my other one next to my bed for those middle-of-the-night changes. To clean it, I just spray it and wipe it down with a paper towel.
4.) Gulicola Bottles
These glass bottles are toxin-free and heat-resistant. I can also speak to their durability, because I've dropped them more times than I care to admit and haven't broken one yet. The nipple was designed to encourage a latch that mimics the latch during breastfeeding. I've also used Dr. Browns, and I don't mind them. But you can't beat the four pieces that the Gulicola Bottles come with. They're so much quicker and easier to clean than Dr. Browns bottles. My doula was the one who recommended I try the Gulicola bottles, and I really can't say enough good about them. I have zero complaints about these bottles.
5. Baby Delight Beside Me Dreamer Bassinet
Truly the bassinet of my dreams! I love the look of it next to my bed. It's organic cotton and comes with a breathable mattress. It folds up small enough that we were able to pack it up and bring it with us on vacation. The breathable mesh gives me peace of mind when my baby insists on sleeping with her face smushed up against the edge of the bassinet. But my favorite part is that you can unzip the side of the bassinet. It definitely makes it easier to grab your baby out, but I also like being able to keep my hand on my baby's chest while we sleep. It also gives me peace of mind when my baby ends up in my bed. I position her so that if she were to roll out of bed, she'll just roll right into her bassinet. I also like the size of it because it's not huge and bulky, but it definitely has extra space for your baby to grow into. I didn't want a bassinet that my baby would outgrow by the time she's six months old, and this bassinet checked that box. Zero complaints. It's absolutely perfect!
6.) Foldable Bamboo Drying Rack
Throughout all of my research, I saw a lot of people using the green grass-like plastic drying rack, but I really didn't like the idea of drying my bottles and pump parts in plastic. It seemed counteractive to all my nontoxic swaps, not to mention a breeding ground for mold. So, I searched and searched and finally came across this one. First of all, it folds up so small and compact. It's also sleek and looks nice on my counter. But more importantly, it's incredibly easy to clean, doesn't have all the nooks and crannies for dirt to get stuck and mold to grow, and it fits so much. Once again, zero complaints.
7.) Momcozy Baby Nail File Electric
I was super intimidated by the idea of cutting my baby's nails. I was terrified that I was going to hurt her. With this file, it's literally impossible to hurt your baby because it stops filing the second it hits skin. Even if it does hit skin, it's gentle enough that it's not going to hurt. I've tested it on myself many times. I've charged it once in four months, so the battery life is great. It's small and easy to store and toss in a bag and bring on the go. It also has different grits, so it grows with your baby.
8.) Any Tubby Todd Product
I purchased a variety of different soaps and lotions before my baby was born, and none of them hold a candle to Tubby Todd. When my baby started to get pretty bad baby acne, I researched different remedies. Literally nothing worked except for this ointment. It didn't take long either. In a matter of days, her acne was completely gone. On top of that, their products are made with incredibly clean ingredients.
9.) Boppy Cozy Cabana Portable Bassinet
This last one is more geared towards summer babies, but that doesn't mean you wouldn't be able to find a use for it in the winter. My portable bassinet - quite possibly the one thing I couldn't leave my house with over the summer. We took it everywhere: the beach, the boat, campfires, cookouts, any outdoor activity that we attended; we brought this with us. It has a UPF cover to protect your baby from the sun. Mesh siding so your baby can get a breeze. It folds up so small, it's so light, and you can set it up and break it down in about 15 seconds. My baby doesn't nap well unless I'm holding her, but I'd lay her down outside in this, and she'd nap for hours. It was an absolute necessity over the summer. My one complaint is it's on the smaller side. My baby is 4 1/2 months old now, and I don't think she'll be able to use it much longer.