Our Favorite Baby Products and Newborn Gift Guide
Between baby showers and upcoming holidays, we thought we would put together a list of our favorite baby products we use–and love– with newborns. You can consider us experts as we support A LOT of newborns each year!
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Newborn Clothing Favorites!
One of the best parts of being a Postpartum Doula is the chance for baby snuggles! We think these products are not only cute and snuggly but are also durable and practical. All products have been “test driven” by doulas on our team and come highly recommended!
Velcro Swaddles: At least 3
Bamboo Newborn Sleepers: At least 2
Love2Dream Arms Up Swaddle: One to start (you can get more if baby loves this style)
Sleeping Gowns: At least 2
Zipper Sleep and Play Outfits: At least 3
Short Sleeve Onesies (good for all seasons): At least 5
Baby Bath Favorites!
Of all of the baby products on the market, bath products can definitely be the “bulkiest” to store. Check out our suggestions including the bath pillow poof! It can be stored flat in a cupboard unlike many other products. It’s also portable for traveling too. And since you can’t smell products on Amazon, trust us when we say the Shea Moisture Baby Shampoo smells INCREDIBLE!
Hooded Towels: You could get by with only one in the first weeks since baby will only have 1-2 baths per week
Baby Wash Rags: Tons! We use these for bath time (at least two per bath) plus daily baby face/neck/hand washes, cleaning up diaper messes, to line the diaper changing pads, absorbing leaking breastmilk……..
Bath Kneeler/Organizer: You may not use this in the first weeks, but eventually you will be kneeling over the bathtub and this product will definitely come in handy to prevent sore knees and elbows!
Newborn Sleep Favorites!
When it comes to newborn sleep, safety is the MOST important thing to consider. Be sure your baby is only sleeping in a safe sleep approved surface like a crib, bassinet, or pack n play. In those first few weeks/months, they will likely be room sharing with you. Having them close in a side car style bassinet comes in very handy for those frequent middle of the night feedings.
Another product you might want to research is a red light lamp or night light. Red light has been shown to be gentler for babies and parents, and it won’t interrupt sleep like white or blue light would. We just love the lights that you can touch to turn on too!
Finally, baby monitors. If your baby monitor uses wifi, there’s a chance it can be hacked by strangers. Any wifi monitor has the potential for hackers. This is another product area we encourage you to research ahead of time.
Halo Beside Bassinet or Maxi Cosi Bedside Bassinet
Red Light Night Light (With other color options) or Touch Night Light (or both!)
Breastfeeding Favorites!
Some of these products are nice to have on hand in the early weeks of breastfeeding like the Haakaa lady bugs and nursing pads. We also love the Silverettes as a way to help prevent or treat nipple pain. Just a friendly reminder from your postpartum doulas that if you are having breastfeeding issues, contact your local IBCLC asap!
Haakaa Pump and Lady Bug Milk Collectors
Bamboobies Starter Set (We LOVE this brand!)
Silverettes (A splurge but will last forever–literally!)
Infant Feeding Favorites!
Whatever your method you choose for feeding your baby, we are here to cheer you on! For newborns, we highly recommend the Dr. Brown’s bottles with Preemie nipples. Preemie nipples (even if your baby isn’t a preemie) can help prevent excess gas, spit up, and over feeding. If you are breastfeeding, it also makes the transition from bottle to breast easier. Another pro-tip if you’re breastfeeding: avoid angled artificial nipples in pacifiers and bottles!
Pacifiers: Only buy a few to start in case baby has a preference–or doesn’t want one at all! Once you find the preferred style, buy in bulk!
Preemie Nipples–even if your baby is full term. These are great to have on hand in case you bottle feed in the first weeks/month.
Dr. Brown Bottles: Only buy one or two of these until you know baby’s preference.
Burp Cloths: Lots! Pro tip: Buy colored burp cloths–they hide stains better than white ones!
Drying Rack: I love this style because it frees up counter space. My least favorite drying rack? Grass! (Grass is great but it takes up counter space AND it gets mildew quickly under the grass).
Baby Diaper Changing Favorites!
We highly encourage families to have multiple diaper changing areas for their baby in those first few weeks. Have a basket full of diapers, wipes, creams, etc. in the living room, nursery, and master bedroom so you’re ready anytime poop happens! We think one of the best inventions in this century is the diaper cream spatula. It keeps that thick diaper cream off of your fingers and not under your fingernails!
