I just learned this recently but apparently the newborn stage is considered your fourth trimester. As a new mom, I think I went through more items than someone who has done this before. I wanted to test out everything, save money where I could and truly find what I felt would be best for my son. The fourth trimester has been filled with a lot of trial and error! As we approach the end, I have found what works for us.

Initially, I based my knowledge off of the “top 10” lists, not realizing that just because it is the best doesn’t mean it is the best for us. But as a parent you naturally want the safest, best and most well researched products. I quickly learned that although safety is our utmost priority that is it okay to stray away from the most popular items out there. Also, just because something you prefer cost more doesn’t mean you need ALL the items, you can spend the money on the things that matter most to your family and have less things. I just knew I didn’t want to end up with a bunch of items with short lifespans that made little impact. I’m not a big fan of things without true purpose and I have never cared about “name brands” or luxurious things. I want things that work and serve our family intentionally. I also love supporting businesses whose morals match up with mine.

This will be quite long…and I’m sure with time it will surely grow but for now, here are our favorites per category:

Diapers: Honest Company

We have enough laundry in this house and this is the ONLY diaper that stands a chance against Jax’s bottom. To be “honest”, I was happy they won. It is so easy for me to sign up for their bundle deal and have it shipped to my door. I can choose multiple sizes at once, their patterns are literally the cutest and the bundle deal includes a four pack of wipes. They often have promo codes for their site but if you wanted to go to a store, Target often has sales and coupons for the diapers there. Target has free two-day shipping now too, as does Amazon who also has them I believe. Win win.

Wipes: Honest Company, Water Wipes and Seventh Generation

Honestly all work equally as well and are all affordable. My logic is if I can’t use a baby wipe on my face to remove makeup without causing irritation then I’m most definitely NOT using it on my child’s bottom. These three companies are so gentle, I can even use them to remove eye make-up. Other brands who offer “natural versions” still burn or make my face get red so they were instantly eliminated.

Hand sanitizer: Honest Company and Babyganics

• Honest “free and clear” travel spray sanitizer – it is great for on the go or spritzing surfaces that baby comes into contact with.
• Babyganics alcohol free “fragrance free” foaming sanitizer is non-dying and great to have around the house for quick easy use.

Baby Dish Soap: Honest Company and Dapple

I prefer fragrance free kind for both but they get the job done, are gentle and most importantly, natural/chemical free.

*We love Honest Co.’s fragrance free baby laundry detergent, fabric softener and baby stain removal as well!

Diaper Rash Paste/Spray: Boudreaux’s and California Baby

• Boudreaux’s butt paste original and extra strength are both great. I have a large tub for at home and a small tube for travel. It goes on smooth, doesn’t irritate and takes care of any diaper irritation quickly!
• California baby diaper area wash – The scent of this alone makes this stuff AMAZING but it also is super helpful during diaper changes. Sometimes I spritz this on Jax’s bottom prior to wiping and helps not only make his bottom smell fresh but makes cleaning it a breeze with no irritation.

*We also use California baby for Jax’s shampoo/body wash. So far we love it!

Pacifiers: Bibs, Ecopiggy  and Natursutten

We wanted pacifiers that were naturally made and safe for Jax, while being classified as “breastfeeding friendly”. We prefer the round base and rounded nipple because feel like those most mimic the breast. We use all three interchangeably and have no complaints.

Since Jax was a preemie he used a pacifier in hospital to develop sucking motion prior to ever eating via breast or bottle. He has never had any form of nipple confusion and latches perfectly but I know some say this can happen so be cautious as every baby is different.

Oh, and don’t forget a cute pacifier clip – these are our favorite.

Breast Pump: Spectra and any silicone pump

• Spectra, without a doubt, is an amazing pump. I hate pumping but literally this pump has so many modes you’re able to find what works best for you and guaranteed (well nothing is 100%) to get a letdown. Best part is the S2 is 100% covered via almost all insurance companies and the S1 (wireless) is available at an up-charge I believe. In my opinion, S2 is great since I’m never far from an outlet but I bought a car adapter so I can always pump on the go.
• If you hate pumping as much as I do then the next best thing is a silicone pump. These things are magical and it truly doesn’t matter which one you get (they’re all the same). You literally suction the little silicone device to the other breast while your baby latches on the other side and magically watch the pump fill with milk. No work required. Then if your baby nurses from both sides, simply switch and repeat. At the end your baby is not only fed and satisfied but you have a few ounces of milk to stash!
• I also have a Medela Manual pump, it isn’t my favorite because it takes a lot more effort to manually pump but it does work great and nice to have for emergencies.

Bottles: Kiinde Twist “Bottles”

These are great. Better than great. The bags can be used for breast milk, formula and food once baby is able to eat. The starter kit comes with bags, ALL attachments (to directly pump into bags or attach any preferred nipple), different flow Kiinde nipples, Foodi starter kit/silicone spoon attachment, milk storage organizer and a warmer. Maybe more but that is just off the top of my head. They eliminate most air to prevent a gassy baby and the nipple mimics the breast better than most other brands. Honestly, watch the video’s, they’re amazing. Did I mention you don’t need to wash a bottle out? So easy and convenient.

Oh, and it is on sale via amazon for 27% off. You’re welcome!

Lounging: Snuggle Me Organics

These little devices are pure magic. They’re super cozy, naturally made with organic stuffing and mimic being held. If you have a fussy baby or just a baby who loves being loved, these are brilliant. They often have sales via Amazon, special offer codes via the actual companies website, giveaways via their website/Facebook/instagram or you can by an “imperfect” returned product from their website literally dirt cheap. The “Imperfects” are slightly flawed or like-new items sold at a discount and restocked on Thursdays. They’re first come first serve and sell out SO quick but for the price, it is worth pulling an all nighter for.

*For bedtime we have this bassinet – I like that it has a mobile, sound machine, night light, star light projector and vibration or rocking function.

Swaddles: Any stretchy ones!

I found the stretchy ones work best to keep baby contained! Snuggle Me Organics offers a great one as does Carter’s. Just be careful not to do it too tight at bottom. I’ve read some articles that say it can be bad for their little hips. I also LOVE the swaddleme brand if you want something Houdini proof! Regular non-stretchy ones are also nice. I use them to protect baby from sun or for something more lightweight.

Clothes: Carter’s and Cloud Island at Target

Carter’s is super affordable. They even have the sleep sack blankets that Halo make for way cheaper. Their sleep gowns are my favorite for 3am diaper changes too. They always have sales and promo deals.

Cloud Island at Target is a little pricier but they have jammies that once zipped open from the bottom so less invasive for diaper changes and they are footed and have fold over mitts attached! So easy.

We also love bandana bibs. We get them from Amazon. Super cheap and find they work better for spit up and drool than the basic shape. Also, good ol’ plain burp cloths never hurt.

Booties/Mitts: Goumikids

These are pure magic and won’t fall of. Jax can Houdini out of most things but these stay put! Oh, and they’re organic so we all know that makes me happy.

Toys: Lovevery, Manhattan Toys, Slumberkins and Melissa & Doug

These are by far my favorite. I believe in intentional things. All of these companies offer cute products that are all meaningful and aid with development. In my opinion, the world today over stimulates children. I’m all for the wooden, hand crafted, and purposeful items rather than what is at your average store. A lot of this stuff is available via Amazon as well so convenient and you can get them at a discounted price occasionally. This is when I justify purchases with quality over quantity.

• Lovevery offers a play gym and subscription boxes. The company is slightly more expensive but is so worth every penny. The “playbooks” alone are amazing. Jax loves the play gym so much. I promise, look into this company, you won’t regret it.
• Slumberkins are literally the most adorable “not stuffed” animals out there. Each one is uniquely made with an intentional  story to assist with promoting positive attribute in our children. These easily replace any stuffed animal. The best part is you can pick the creatures you like the best but order the books separately if you wish to have each of the stories. The topics this brand covers so far includes relaxation, self-esteem, mindfulness, transition/change, conflict resolution, blended families, growth mindset, authenticity and stress relief. The creatures are somewhat pricy but the books are reasonably priced and have a wonderful purpose.
• Manhattan Toy Company offer Wimmer-Ferguson brand toys. This is a highly research based toy brand that is highly known for infant visual development. They’re amazing. Aside from this brand they also offer really nice wooden toys, teethers and rattles. The website offers a 20% discount on your first order but you can also find their items on Amazon.
• Melissa & Doug is an amazing company whose toys encourage free play, creativity, imagination, discovery and assists with learning/development. The toys are beautifully crafted and I love that they are wooden which is classic. They also have “soft toys” too which are great. The geometric stacker and sorting cube are two of my favorite items but they have so many great items but I’ll save them for another time. You can find this brand on Amazon, in stores and their website also has occasional promotional deals.

Wrap/Sling: Solly and Wildbird

These two are my favorite brands but you can find a cheaper one via Amazon that surely does the job. They both make life with a newborn/infant sooooo much easier. I am able to do everything I did pre-baby thanks to these. The wrap is also said to aid with digestion, helps to get baby in deep sleep before transferring to bassinet and makes grocery shopping the easiest.

Organization: Simplified Planner

Not sure how I would remember to do anything without this. Literally the best humans and company, ever. The link gives you 10$ off your purchase. They have a ton of stuff aside from planners which make life easier. Emily Ley, they owner, also wrote two books which are great. But they have the cutest accessories, baby books, home organization, etc..

Other things that I love is my Honest Co. vitamins that I have continued to take since I am nursing, a nursing clip night light for middle of the night feeds/diaper changes, my ninja coffee maker (LOL) and our Fisher Price auto rock & play which makes showers, bubble baths and self-care time so easy. The rock & play sleeper is nice because it is light so you can take it around the house. We try not to let Jax spend too much time in it though because we read about how it can cause baby head to become flat and baby should technically be sleeping on a flat surface. The Fisher Price swing we have is also convenient during dinner time so we don’t have to hold him. But much heavier so we leave it in one room. Another great baby occupier is the Fisher Price Sit Me Up – once your baby has head control this is lovely.

Well that was incredibly long but each item on that list gets used almost daily and without a doubt, weekly. I’m sure there are so many more things that I love but these are all the items I would use over and over again.

XOXOX – Tiff