Must Have Baby Gear

So, I've been drafting this post for a bit and my hope is that when someone is searching for baby products they can come here to find out what an actual mom thinks of different baby stuff that is out there.  I included only my favorite products here and what has really worked for us and will update it as we go on this journey as new parents.  If you have anything that has worked for you, please tell us about it in the comments below so that this page can become a resource for all of the future baby mamas out there!  (Updated: October 2013)

The Breeze Play Yard by 4Moms

What is it?

I have never used a Pack n' Play but have heard they are really hard to open and close (a friend of mine even has one half closed right now sitting in her room because she can't figure out how to fully close it!).  But this play yard, by 4Moms, is totally a "breeze!"  Watch the video on their site, super easy to open and close and comes with an infant insert on top and a great carrying case. 

Why we like it:

I like it because we have hard wood floors but it easily slides around and doesn't scratch the floors and has a cushy bottom, unlike other Pack n' Plays I've seen in case Lemon falls over while sitting up!

ERGObaby Carrier

What is it?
This carrier can be used on the front or back and the baby always faces in.  I have read many articles saying that "dangling" baby carriers are not good for baby's development so I am happy we go this one instead.  I used our sling for maybe the 3 months I was home on maternity leave and then just started using this to carry Lemon around.  If I would have bought the infant insert I would have used it sooner and like it so much more than the sling, even when she was smaller.

What we like it:
Carrying your baby is just so much better than putting them in a stroller!  Lemon LOVES being in her stroller and is a very independent lady but we recently brought this bad boy back out (after not using it for a couple of months) and I am in love with it all over again.  She seems comfortable sitting in it on the front and on the back, and if your babe sits too low you can put a rolled up towel or blanket inside under their but and tie the bottom together with a ribbon if you feel their legs are out too far.  You can also tuck their legs into it (froggy style) when they are little to make them more comfortable.  I am away from Lemon all day at work but walk her every night in this and love it, I even opt for it over the stroller lately and she seems to like it too.  I hope to carry her in it until she gets too big and I can't anymore!

Leachco Prop R Shopper

What is it?

This cart cover is the most supportive and cutest that I've seen (and I'm not just bias because it's mine!).  I bought this because I loved another Leachco product so thought I'd give it a whirl and am SO happy with it.

Why we like it:

The sides are two, very cushy pillowy pieces that support your babe even if they are just learning how to sit up (we even used it in high chairs at restaurants for support).  The velcro pieces on the front attach to toys so they cant fall out, a large velcro piece goes over the cart handle in case your babe likes to chew on it, like ours does, and there are pouches in the back for toys, lists, etc.  This also folds so you can carry it and aren't stuck carrying around this huge bulky thing when you go shopping.  It is more baby pink in person and is covered in small, white dots and when I see other cart covers out and about I really do think I made the best choice in buying this one!

Balboa Baby High Chair Cover

Why we like it:

I think the patter spoke to me most and the no fuss element of this cover.  It doesn't have elastic, looks pretty trim and folds up into a little bag that you can carry into the restaurant.  I know that it is expensive having both a cart cover and high chair cover (instead of something universal) but again fashion wins and I like the style of these two on their own!

Zo-li Gummy Stick Baby Gum Massagers

What is it?

These little sticks are AWESOME and Lemon has loved them, and been gnawing on them, for months now.  The baby holds one end in their hand and the other end goes into their mouth (of course) and they chew on it (with their gums) and it is rubber so it kind of massages their gums.  Great for teething and get ready for a lot of drool!

Why we like it:

Lemon's favorite toys of all time are these sticks and a baby toothbrush.  She will hold these in her hand for an hour just chewing on them and drooling like crazy.  These work better than a pacifier, help with her dexterity and no she has never choked on them even though you'd think they would with that long end to hang on to.  We attached one to her stroller, through the hole, and she loves to eat it while she is strolling along.  But, beware, dogs love to eat these also and we've lost 3 so far to the hounds!

Cloud B Twilight Constellation Night Light Pink Ladybug

What is it?

This is a super cute night light (don't worry they make a turtle if you have a little boy) that projects stars all over your nursery in red, purple and green.  It is a serious night light - I'm talking so many stars, not just a few like some imposters out there.

Why we like it:

Ian and I turned this on one night, while I was pregnant, and laid on the floor of the nursery imagining what our baby would be like and what life would be like when she got here.  Now, I turn it on every night as I feed Lemon and it gives off just enough light so she can see what she's doing but not too much so she can also drift off to sleep.  One of the best purchases we made before baby was born!

Graco Bumper Jumper

What is it?

This is a jumper that hangs from the molding on your doorway.  It is really easy to attach, has just a big, plastic claw that clamps over the molding and it is really sturdy, I don't worry about it falling down.  It has a bumper all the way around and has two toys attached.  

Why we like it:

Lemon started using this about a month ago when we bought it off of Amazon.  She loves it and hasn't smashed her fingers or anything when using it, and the bumper keeps it from damaging your doorway.  She loves the toys and tries to reach for them and it has a tray where you can put puffs or anything else you want your baby to be able to grab and play with.  This is really easy to hang up if you have molding but if you don't, like we don't in some of our doorways, it doesn't work.  It is also at it's highest setting right now and I worry that when Lemon gets taller she won't be able to use it.  I think Ian is going to take it apart this weekend and modify it so that we don't have to clamp it, it can just hang from a toggle bolt in a doorway in the living room so we don't have to keep removing the gates in order to hang it up.  I like it but think it may not work for taller babies or doorways with no molding.

WubbaNub Pacifier

Why we like it:
A friend got us one of these, they come with many different animals, as a baby shower gift and Lemon loves it.  I think it is her favorite thing and I wish I could give it to her at bed time but am afraid she'd have it in her mouth and then suffocate on the stuffed animal part.  But, we used it everywhere else and it is just the cutest.  She cuddles the animal while sucking on the pacifier and sometimes eats the animal instead too.  We have two of these and if they weren't so expensive we'd have 2 more!

Avent Natural Bottle

Why we like it:

We tried a bunch of different bottles for Lemon and these are my favorite (Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature bottles are a close 2nd).  These are small enough for baby to learn to hold, the nipple resembles a breast but doesn't leak, there are no rings that go inside to secure it and they are easy to clean.  We haven't bought big bottles yet, Lemon only still drinks about 4-5 ounces when she has a bottle, and I just bought another one of these.  We have put it in the dishwasher and it has held up just fine, I even bought one for both the places we take her during the day, seriously love these.

Bumkins Waterproof SuperBib

Why we like it:

These bibs RULE.  They are not fabric so after each meal you can just rinse them, wring them out and hang to dry, the have a pocket to catch food so it's not as messy feeding your babe and they are easy to take on and off with two velcro settings.  They are also cheap and I am actually ordering this 3 pack today!

Beaba BabyCook Baby Food Maker

What is it?

Both a steamer and puree-er for making baby food.

Why we like it:

Lemon really wasn't a fan of pureed food but when she was I LOVED this.  I also still use it to steam her veggies so that I can cut them up into chunks, instead of pureeing them, so it is still out on our counter and in rotation.  It is really easy to use, comes with easy instructions and steams potatoes faster than doing it yourself.  It makes harder fruits/veggies softer and then has a blending option to make them into mush if your baby likes them that way.  It even comes with recipes so you can combine fruits/veggies/spices later on.

Boppy Nursing Pillow

What is it?

A nursing pillow.  You prop it around your waist and the babe lays on it, either across you or in a football hold, and the pillow supports them as they nurse.

Why we like it:

I didn't actually use this pillow much to nurse, it didn't work out for me and I found that couch pillows did the job the best.  But, we DID use this pillow to prop our newborn on the couch or in bed, for naps, and use it now to put around Lemon when she's sitting because she's still a bit shaky and can't fall over onto her hands yet.  So, this nursing pillow has a lot of uses - but for us we like it more now then we did when I used it to nurse!  

Madela Pump In Style Advance Breast Pump On-the-Go Tote

What is it?

A portable, electronic (plug in) breast pump.

Why I like it:

I use this thing every, single day and I love it.  I do think it is a bit big and bulky with a lot of it being unnecessary but it holds my shoes and sweaters at the end of the day so I don't mind it.  The bag doesn't look like a pump bag, which I like being a teacher at a high school, it has lots of pockets and is roomy for other things, and the pump works great.  I actually got extra pump parts at the hospital, when they hooked me up to their pump, so I have a bunch of extra parts/tubes which I also like, so I keep a set at school (work) and just bring home on the weekends to wash.  I do not use the cooler bag, it is too short and big, not really practical (I reuse glass jars for milk) and the battery pack seems silly to me.  I bought, on Amazon, a car charger for it and have used it in the car a couple of times, as a passenger of course, and it was super easy.  I would totally recommend this pump, I just wish it was a bit smaller.  I always think I should modify it, just take out the pump motor, make a case for it, make a belt clip and use the battery pack so I could actually move around while using it!  I also cut holes in a sports bra, instead of buying an expensive pump bra, and that works well and allows me to be hands free when I pump.

Want more info on pumping?  Julia at My Life in Transition has all of your questions answered, click here.

Prince Lionheart Warmies Wipes Warmer

What is it?

A wipe warmer for cloth wipes.

Why we like it:

Cloth wipes are AWESOME.  They are warm, they are reusable and they are soft and hypoallergenic for baby.  Lemon loves them and always makes a face when we have to use disposable wipes because they are cold.  We buy cloth wipes (on Amazon or at our local cloth diaper store, Zoolikins), mix in some drops of scented oil (for us it's Lemon), and use some wipe solution, squeeze them out, fold them up and put them in.  Some people leave the liquid in the warmer, which I find kind of dangerous, so we mix the oil and wipe solution in a bowl of hot water, put in the wipes, wring them out and then fold them to put in warmer.  They last about 4-5 days, now that's she's 7 months old, but for a newborn we would have to make them every 2-3 days.  So, get a couple of packs of wipes, I think we have about 25 that we put in there at a time.

BumGenius 4.0 One Size Cloth Diaper

What is it?

This is an all-in-one pocket one size cloth diaper.  Inside it has a pocket (you stuff it with either a small insert or larger one for a bigger baby) and then when baby pees you remove the insert, place in a wet bag (waterproof zipper bag, we got a large one on etsy to match our nursery), wash it and then let the diaper dry out for use again.  You don't need to wash the diaper part every time, the insert soaks up the pee and the diaper doesn't absorb it.  We reuse them a couple of times before washing.  Poop, however, is another story.  You remove the insert and place both the insert and diaper in the wet bag to be washed.  When your wet bag is full (we wash our diapers every 3 days and have about 12 of them) you put the diapers/inserts into the washing machine, rinse them first, then wash with a cloth diaper friendly detergent and then rinse again.  You don't dry the covers, just the inserts.  (These and the diapers below can also be found on thanksmama.com for cheap!) 

If you cloth diaper everyone always asks you about poop.  Well, up until now, Lemon has just been breast fed, with a bit of formula at night starting at 5 months (for sleeping, didn't work) and her diapers have been really managable.  Breast milk is water soluable so you don't have to rinse these or spray them off before washing, the poop just washes out.  But, now that we are feeding her some solids, this is a different story and the other day I used my diaper sprayer (see below) for the very first time.  I will let you know more about this later!

If you are interested in cloth diapering I wrote a post about our adventure, and products we have used/loved, here.

Why we like them:

These are great for small babies and big ones, the snaps and insert accommodate both.  I haven't used these on a baby bigger than Lemon yet, obvi, but Julia used them on her 2 year old and they still worked - amazing!  I really like the snap ones vs. the velcro because everything gets stuck on the velcro in the laundry and it doesn't hold up as long, so I've heard.  And even though I haven't tried many cloth diapers aside from these, the ones below, prefolds and another diaper that had the inserts actually attached - these are my favorite by far.  Super easy, super absorbent and keeps the wet away from baby.

FuzziBunz One Size Elite Cloth Diaper

What is it?

Same as above, an all in one, one size pocket diaper - just a different brand.  These have elastic on the legs and around the waist that you actually have to adjust as baby grows but can supposedly be used up until potty training too.

Why we liked it:

These used to be my favorite until recently.  The inserts they come with are microfiber and them, and the inside of the diaper is much softer than the BumGenius ones.  These come with two size inserts too, one long and one short and actually fit Lemon better than the BumGenius when she was a bit smaller.  However, now that she's over 16 pounds I have found that these leak (gasp!).  The insert is thinner than the BumGenius and so sometimes her pee leaks out the side,l where the insert isn't covering, and comes through the cover on to her clothes.  They have also leaked for poop, never for me but when Ian was home with her, and this is a major problem.  They fit better when she was smaller but now that she's bigger they are a struggle to get on but if I loosen the elastic, which I've tried, they are then too big.  I like the fabric and feel of these better but the construction doesn't really allow itself to be a one size diaper, it's more of a newborn to 16 pound baby diaper (in my book).  I wish I would have used these the whole time, up until now, and not prefolds at all because I really liked them when I started using them and they are SO much easier than prefolds.  But lately, I am not impressed.  The pocket is also hard to stick your hand in, smaller than the diapers above, so for a dad it's tough to stuff these.  

Bright Starts Entertain and Grow Saucer 

What is it?

You're looking at it, a saucer baby stands in and plays with toys.  You can attach your own toys too, there's lots of room and you can adjust the height of the saucer as your babe gets taller.

Why we like it:

Ok I have to be honest, the only reason I bought this one is because it was pink!  Ha!  My mom has one like this, she got at a yard sale, that instead of just a saucer at the bottom it bounces and she likes that one too - but it's not pink.  :)

Baby Buddy Secure-A-Toy 2 Pack

What is it?

Straps to secure toys to a car seat and stroller. 

Why we like it:

Lemon got too big for her stroller so I had to open the bottom part so her legs weren't squished and then I thought, "now all of her toys are going to fall out."  Well, not anymore.  We have 4 of these babies attached to the stroller now and her toys are secure but she can still have them and play with them as she rolls along!

Baby Einstein Sea Dreams Soother

What is it?

A toy that hooks on to the baby's crib and plays soothing music, has a soft blue light and the turtle inside moves like he's in the ocean.  The star can be pressed by baby to turn it on and it also has a remote.

Why we like it:

Again, sleeping is always an issue so we thought this would help.  We ended up having to let Lemon cry it out (more on this to come) so this is a great toy to distract her and put her peacefully to sleep.  Sometimes I even hear her turn it on herself when she's going to bed.  She either falls right to sleep, it takes a bit or she gets herself totally worked up and that's when we turn this baby on when we go in and comfort her.  She is just a party animal and doesn't like sleep, just like her daddy.  This is really cute, doesn't give off too much like and is very peaceful for baby to fall asleep too.  It also shuts off after a bit so it isn't on all night.

Boon Grass Counter top Bottle Dryer 

What is it?  

A cute place to dry all of your bottles and pump parts.  You can buy some "stem" accessories that just plop in and have branches for smaller bottle parts.  They come in different shapes like trees and flowers and there is actually a larger version of this too, called "lawn."

Why we like it:

It's cute and that's about it.  I saw it on one of my fav shows, Bethenny Ever After, and thought it was cute and a good idea so I got one.  I'm sure there are other bottle drying racks out there but are they as cute?

Motorola Video Baby Monitor 

Why we like it:

I did a lot of research on baby monitors and this was one of the best ones out there.  I actually didn't buy it on Amazon but bought it at Buy Buy Baby (who is owned by Bed, Bath and Beyond) so went online and signed up for their email list and got a 20% off coupon, so the big price tag wasn't so big after the discount.  

At first we had this bungeed to Lemon's crib but after 7 months she discovered it and so we moved it and screwed it to the wall, it has a screw part.  It was really easy to set up, is easy to charge and the video part is light and easy to carry around the house.  The sound is awesome, the picture is amazing and I like how it gives you the temperature.  It even has a microphone option on it for when Lemon is a toddler, I can press it and tell her to go to bed!  It plays music too, but we've never used that feature, and you have the option of adding more cameras to it.  I plan on keeping it in her room until she's a teenager.  That's normal, right?!

LeapFrog Learn & Groove Music Table

What is it?
A standing play table for babies.

Why we like it:

I swear Lemon opens and closes that book in the middle about a hundred times a day.  She can't get enough of this thing and I like that it has two different features - a learning one with learning songs and just a musical one with music sounds.  It drives Ian crazy, like all of her other musical toys, but she loves to pull herself up on it to stand and just press all the buttons as many times as she can.  The only drawback is that it isn't very sturdy on our thin carpet (we have hardwood floors) so we put a yoga mat underneath it (try it).   

Regalo Easy Step Walk Through Safety Gate

What is it?

This is essentially a baby gate.

Why we like it:

We have 3 of these now and love them.  We had wooden pet gates up forever, keeping our dogs corralled in the kitchen when we are not at home (we have an alarm so they can't run free), but when I was pregnant I couldn't step over them or bend over to unlatch them all the time.  So, I found this gate and we love it.  It is easy to latch, unlatch, doesn't look too menacing, matches our decor (a plus) and is secure enough to keep dogs in and baby out.  I even got one for her room so that when she is in there crawling, eventually, she can be safe and I can still see her!

Items not on Amazon:

Infant Visual Stimulation App

What is it?
If you have an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch (not sure if there's an Android version) you have to download this app!  It is $2.99 but totally worth it if you have an infant at home.

Why we like it:

This app shows black, white and red simple pictures while flashing either by itself or by you sliding your finger, all while playing soothing music.  It has saved us on long car rides when someone is sleepy, at night when someone is fussy and not taking a bottle (or the boob) and just during the day when someone needs to take a moment to relax.  The pictures repeat but not too often and the music is the same, I don't think I've heard it repeat in one sitting.  We have been playing this for Lemon since she was only a month old and used to play it at night to try to get her to sleep when she was only a couple of months.  Now she finds it soothing and we watch it every night for a couple of minutes, it is a life saver!

Safety First Posh Pod High Chair

Why we like it:

A bunch of my IG mom friends have had to get new high chairs because fabric ones may look nicer but they are hard to clean.  I like this one because the whole thing can be wiped down, the tray is easy to remove, the feet slide easily on our hardwood floors and it looks modern at a cheap price.  Oh, and it's pink!

Wal-Mart Enchanted Swivel Glider Recliner

What is it?

A sturdy swivel, recliner, rocker for a cheap price.

Why we like it:

We had a rocking chair in the nursery for the longest time because it held sentimental value.  It was the rocking chair that my mom used to rock me in when I was little so of course I bought uber expensive custom made pink rocking chair pads to put on it and used it to rock Lemon to sleep for months.  But, we quickly realized, that an old rocking chair just doesn't do the trick (and is super noisy) so we were aching (literally) for something better on our backs, and something I could recline and feed her in.  I found one I liked at an expensive baby store and then read online that the same company makes these Enchanted rockers/recliners so I ordered two (just a rocker and this one) to Wal-Mart, made them open the giant boxes so I could sit in both, and then ended up taking this one home.  It was close to $600 but so worth it and PINK!

Sharper Image Six Sound Soother

What is it?

A sound machine that can be plugged in and taken with you (with batteries).  It has 6 sounds but we only use the ocean so I have no idea how the other sounds sound.  There is a video on the Sharper Image site though and an audio of all the sounds if you want to hear before you buy.

Why we like it:

We had the HoMedics Sound Spa (and I actually had it on here) but ended up having to replace it THREE times because it would go in and out (and make creepy noises) waking Lemon up.  So, we opted for this one, a more expensive option, and we like it.  It hasn't failed us yet!

Lemon is a light sleeper, our fault probably because we kept it pretty quiet when she was sleeping as a baby.  And, when you have a baby that isn't the best sleeper you will try anything so I looked these up and this was actually the 2nd one I ordered (the first was not nearly loud enough).  When your babe has sleep issues almost every sleep expert recommends a sound machine and they say you are supposed to turn it up as loud as a vacuum cleaner.  This machine is fairly loud, has a timer setting but you don't have to use it (a plus because Lemon would wake up as a newborn if the sound went off!), and you can plug it in or use batteries.  It is small, light and sturdy and the ocean sound is very soothing and realistic.

Nap Nanny Chill

What is it?

A bed for babies to nap in (I guess).  It has been recalled so I did not link it anywhere.

Why we like(d) it:

I know this is no longer on the market but I just loved it.  Lemon slept in her nap nanny until she was over 4 months old (see my post on transitioning her out of it) and loved it.  I think it's great because it fit right in our co-sleeper but next time I would put it in bed with us, and it separates your infant from you, in case you're afraid of suffocation, but they have their own spot and can share it with you in your bed.  The reason it is recalled is because people put it in their baby's crib, when the baby could roll, and it only has a three point harness so the baby would roll out and get trapped between the nap nanny and the side of the crib, and there were recorded deaths.  The way to stop this would be only to use it when your baby is a tiny baby and can't roll, that's what we did, and I actually think it delayed Lemon rolling because she was strapped in for bed (which isn't a good thing but I wasn't afraid of her rolling out!).  I also, when I did put it in her crib, put pillows (or guitar cases, see pics!) next to her so she couldn't roll out and get trapped, she was actually at the same level as what was next to her.  I think that this could be improved  in two ways - lowering it (it is very tall) and putting a 5 point harness on it.  Maybe they will fix it and put it out again, I hope so because it really works for tiny babes.  There is nothing comfy like this out there where they can be in bed with you but also be in their own sleeper, it really was the best.  But, I do recommend transitioning a baby out of it by 3 months because after that it is kind of difficult, but still only took a couple of weeks of rough nights.

Newborn items: 

VTech Lullaby Bear Crib Projector

What is it?

A projector that plays music and nature sounds.

Why we like(d) it:

I can't believe this is only like $6 at Wal-Mart because it RULES!  The projection is super cute - bears and stars, you can see it really well in a dark room, the volume goes up and down, there is a timer and you can change the sounds to music or nature sounds.  As an infant, Lemon LOVED this because she didn't have a mobile that hung above her co-sleeper and she would fall asleep staring at this every night.  It really is the cutest.

Motherlove Nipple Cream

What is it?

Nipple cream.

Why I like(d) it:

This is an all natural nipple cream that works - soothes and prevents dryness and cracking.  I used all sorts of creams and had the worst dry, sad nipples when I started nursing (no one tells you how painful it can be!) and this stuff totally helped.  You can get it on Amazon or at a health food store - it's the best.  (My nursing post - such a journey!)

Madela Soft Shells

What is it?

Nipple shells for inverted nipples, helps them pop out more if they don't naturally when you start nursing.  I got mine in the hospital but they have them at Target.

Why I like(d) it:

I'm not sure these helped with my inverted nipple but they did help my pore sore nipples for the first few months by keeping my clothes off of them.  You put these babies in and you look like Madonna but they keep anything from rubbing on your nips, it's glorious.

Pregnancy items:

Leachco Snoogle Loop Contoured Fit Body Pillow

What is it?

A body pillow that snuggles you all the way around, front and back!

Why I like(d) it:

This pillow RULES.  I had all kinds of back pain until I got this baby and I loved it, it was the best thing ever when I was pregnant.  You put your belly on it and then you put it under your back and between your legs and you lay your head on it, it seriously was awesome.  Nothing better!  (Here is the post I wrote when I bought it.)