During prenatal appointments, our conversations inevitably turn to my opinions on which are the best baby products expecting families should purchase/register for. I love talking about anything baby related, but it’s been awhile since I’ve personally purchased baby stuff! I’ve decided to investigate the latest, greatest baby gear and share my OPINION with you! During this first post, I’m sharing my opinions on the best sleep surfaces and bottles that you might consider purchasing or adding to your registry!

Photo credit: imcountingufoz via Visualhunt.com / CC BY

 

Best Sleep Surface (Cribs, Bassinet, etc.)

If I have any more babies (which is not in the plans!), this would be the first product I’d buy. I LOVED my Arm’s Reach CoSleeper with my boys because I was able to comfort them quickly, feed them without getting out of bed, and just enjoy having them close. Studies show that babies who sleep close to their mothers are able to regulate their sleeping and breathing better, and breastfeeding is better established when baby is close. I recommend purchasing or registering for a safe baby sleep area so that baby is within arm’s reach of mom.

My top 3 picks are:

Does baby need something fancy to sleep in? Of course not.  The best place for baby to sleep is somewhere safe!

Best Baby Bottles

Photo credit: bradleypjohnson via Visualhunt.com / CC BY

Photo credit: bradleypjohnson via Visualhunt.com / CC BY

This might come as a surprise, but I don’t have a favorite bottle system to use. My oldest used any and every bottle with tried with him. My youngest was much more complicated…we tried every bottle until he finally took a very cheap kind! As a postpartum doula, I think I’ve encountered every type of bottle too. My advice for registering or purchasing bottles is to buy ONE AT A TIME. Many stores or amazon.com have the option to purchase just one or two bottles of a brand and I think this is the best way to start. That way you aren’t stuck with lots of bottles that baby doesn’t like!

If I was doing this again, I would personally purchase glass Life Factory baby bottles. First, the glass bottle is much less toxic than the plastic ones (even the BPA ones still have some concerns). Second, you can switch out the bottle/nipple top and use it as a sippy cup and eventually use as a water bottle! I purchased a 12oz glass water bottle 4 years ago and it is still the only water bottle we haven’t replaced. We all have Life Factory water bottles and they are SO durable and easy to clean. In fact, that original bottle still looks like new even though it goes through the dishwasher every night!

Does your baby need the newest or most expensive bottle? Of course not. The best baby bottle is simply a way to drink/eat while you are away or if eating from the breast is not possible.

What type of bottle did you like? Where did your baby sleep? Leave us a comment and let us know!

Watch for more product reviews soon!

(I do not receive any compensation or gifts for these product reviews. They are based solely from my own doula and motherhood experience!)