The List

Whether you’re adding this to a registry or buying these things yourself, everything here is highly recommended. I wish there was a guide like this when I was shopping around. If it’s not on here, you don’t need it! Everything listed is a personal recommendation that came with tons of research as self exploration. I hope you get some relief from this in preparation for your big day. Purchasing with the links on this page helps support more moms like you.

Preg & Prep

 

Read The Magic Years. This book will help you gain perspective of your what your child goes through from birth. When stages got tough this was always a lovely reminder to take a deep breath.

Another great book is Twelve Hours Sleep by Twelve Weeks. I followed this to the T and it worked. I nursed the first couple months so it helped put us on a schedule.

There is an app I suggest for Leaps called The Wonder Weeks. It was always on point when it came to her developmental stages.

I also recommend the BabyConnect app to store all your baby’s medical stats.

Frida post-partum kit, it’s all you will need. I did end up with stage 2 tearing so I needed to buy more Frida disposable underwear and icepacks.

  • *Side notes: take everything they give you in that hospital! Especially the nose sucker.

  • Take your breast pump with you in prep for labor! Your milk might not come in right away. This helps tremendously.

Breast pump.

I recommend the Spectra S1 with the battery its a bit more but you might need it sometimes. charge it up and bring it to the hospital with you. The flange size matters so feel free to explore prior. Most insurance companies do give you the Spectra S2.

  • Elvie pump for on the go. This was one of the best things I did for myself.

  • Only use organic coconut oil as your nipple cream. It worked batter and faster than any brand being sold on the market.

  • I wasn’t going to put supplements on here but this legendary milk’s liquid gold helped my supply tremendously.

Mom tip! Get this mini fridge for your bedroom if you plan on pumping through the nights. One of the most convenient things you will do for yourself.

Nursing Pillow. I bought 3 different brands and The Boppy by far was the most comfortable. It was great during pregnancy and just right for nursing. Tons of uses. They have an organic cotton cover that was the softest of them all.

Lastly, get Moms on Call! This was the ultimate best thing ever. It presents you with “typical days”, a schedule you should be on from when your baby is born. Get the whole set. Perfect guidebook with or without a nanny/ nurse. I guarantee you can do it all yourself. Don’t fear, moms on call is here.

Infant car seat. Hands down the Nuna Pipa. Unlike the Pipa Light, you don’t need the base if changing cars. As for the car mirror, this one from Skip Hop Baby did the job.

 

0-1 Month

This section will consist of a seemingly overwhelming amount of stuff but it slows down after this. I promise.

 

Infant lounger. Not necessary but makes for some pretty cute photos, the Snuggle Me Organic is so super soft and beautiful. Cushion here and Cover here. Dock-a tot is also a popular choice.

Pajamas. The Simply Magnetic Me hands down are the easiest to use. So many companies fabrics shrink and this was the only consistent brand. I used the footed onesies until she was 7 months and switched over to the coveralls. You can get them in bundles of 8, a good number for rotation.

Swaddle. For the first couple weeks you might be using a classic swaddle cloth. Little Unicorn had the softest muslin of them all. There are a lot of fun patterns to choose from as well. You won’t need more than 3 really.

Coterie diapers! Get the subscription. All white everything. you won't need any other diapers. I tried a dozen different types just to reassure myself that what I was spending on these was worth it and oh boy it was! I also followed this guide for the amount of diapers I needed.

Wipes. The coterie wipes are fantastic for on the go since they come out one by one without getting stuck to the rest of the pile. For the house I recommend the big Kirkland Costco packs or the big box of Paren’t Choice from Walmart. You’'ll just need an endless supply for the next few years. Both options are great.

Baby wipes dispenser. If you want to put your wipes in a nice container for your changing table I recommend the Ubbi. I hated the sound of the wipes crackling out of the bags so the only benefit to have this one here is the soft close lid.

Wipe warmer. Many moms skip this step but I enjoyed using it for 6 months. If you do choose to have one, this is the warmest they make on the market. It has a bit of maintenance but totally worth it.

  • Travel wipe cases. SKIP THEM ALL. Waste of time and $. Just grab a bag and toss it in your stroller or diaper bag.


Diaper Genie diaper by Playtex. I know, why the old school basic plastic one.. right? IT’S SIMPLY THE BEST. The least amount of poopy smells. I recommend after about 7 months old to always reset the pail and toss a poo diaper portion to keep things fresh. You can get the refills from targets up and up brand, $10 cheaper then the name brand if you want to save a little extra here. For the first year I used 5 eight packs of these.

Diaper rash cream applicator. Get at least two of the Baby Bum Brush, one for the changing table and one for the diaper bag. Best purchase ever. Made by moms. You can also use wooden tongue depressors, use and toss.

Changing pad liners. Just place these Peekaboo liners on your table, keep it there until it gets dirty then you’re off to the next one instead of getting the linens all messy. I didn't need more than 3 of these packs to last me the entire year. Worked also great for on the go changes.

Frida essentials baby kit, nail clippers, thermo, the whole 9.

Bottle feeding (breast milk and/ or formula)? Skip the million and one options and get the Dr. Browns with the anti colic green vents. I used glass. You decide what works for you. I recommend skipping the smaller sizes and just going for the 9oz. I used as storage in fridge so at least 9-12 bottles is what I recommend. If your breastfeeding use the size P nipple for a month or so at least. then move to size 1 and so on. keep up with the nipple sizes. Oh and get the travel lids for on the go or if your storing milk in the fridge.

Formula Dispenser. Baby Brezza is the absolute best thing you are going to buy. The maintenance isn’t as bad as the reviews make it seem. follow steps to adjust setting to your formula type, set how many oz you need and push start.

Kettle. We simply boiled our sink water and this is what she used instead of the nursery water.

Bottle Warmer. For the house get The Kiinde and for on the go the Baby’s Brew here is an absolute must have! My baby wouldn’t touch her milk if it wasn’t the right temp. It was a social lifesaver.

Breast milk storage bags that didn’t fall over while pouring in the milk were tough to find. I recommend storing in 4 ounce increments only if you plan on freezing. Makes calculating the milk so much easier. I used Ardo brand. They were the thickest and most stable ones I found.

Formula storage for on the go Tommee Tippee formula dispenser single count. Super easy to clean, transport and pour!

UV Sterilizer. Wabi baby. fits a lot of stuff. Super easy to use. We loved it.

Bouncer Babybjorn. This was her spot for the first 2-3 months. Easy to wash, dries quickly. She also enjoyed the playful attachment you can add on. Simply the bomb.com

Strollers! This was a tough one. Reality is you’ll most likely need two. The big one for house and walking around in your neighborhood and then there is the one you leave in your car and travel with.

If your a jogger or runner, get the Thule Performance Jogging stroller.

If you want a classic single standard that can be used as a single or future double, I recommend The Wave by Silver Cross. Its super sexy and luxe. Comes with the bassinet and tandem seat.

For the stroller you are going to throw in the back of your car, folds and opens without effort and at 13 pounds, I recommend the Joolz Aer. The bumper bar and extended leg rest is sold separately. The car seat adapter is also totally worth it for the first few months. To add, there are many options in this size type stroller but what makes this one stand out as well is the height if the stroller bar. It’s at a comfortable level unlike others that are too low straining the back.

Now if you want a stroller that weighs the same and serves the same purpose without getting all of the attachments, the Silver Cross Jet is what you need. It’s a bit tougher to open and close but still super light weight and easy to manage.

Lastly, for an overall not too big, not too small and slick kind of stroller, this Cybex Priam is the way to go. So smooth and has a decent sized carriage. It’s sizable enough to be your only stroller. The Nuna Mixx is also versatile enough to be your only stroller.

Diaper bag. Oh boy did I have a dozen different bags. This basic Halova one from amazon ended up being my ultimate go-to comfortable every single day diaper bag. It’s got everything you need to stay organized on the go.

Swing Chair. The Ingenuity DreamComfort Cradle is a nice addition for your baby to relax in. Useful until about 6 months.

Swaddle/ baby blanket. Dreamland baby weighted sleep swaddle for the win. Worked wonderfully since we brought her home from the hospital. At 3 months she was breaking out of 6 different top swaddle brands so it was time to end our relationship with them. She slept in just a footed onesie at 4 months on.

Crib Sheets. Pehr has such a beautiful selection. I would get 3 for a decent rotation. Check out the baby clothes while you are on their site. The clothing does run a bit small but so adorable!

Mattress protector. I got 2 of the Naturepedic organic waterproof. Helpful to have an extra for rotation.

Crib mattress. Naturepedic Organic Lightweight crib mattress. You’ll be picking that thing out often so I went for a lightweight option. It is double sided for infant and toddler stage.

Lamp. This night light is amazing. double tap feature and press and hold to adjust brightness. Couldn’t be any simpler.

White noise machine. LectroFan is a great classic. You won’t need to look elsewhere.

Baby Monitor and room camera. I tried a couple baby moniters and I did like the Infant Optics DX-8 Pro the best. You can also add cameras to the same monitor in a play room for example. Google nest indoor cam is great way to see the entire room from above and records motion.

Pacifier. Bibs brand. We all know that all babies are different. I tried 10 different kinds with my LO and she took to the classic style of this brand the best. She refused anything else afterwards. It also comes in dozens of different color ways which is fun.

Bath time! I used Stokke Flexi bath bundle until she started pulling herself up on it around 8 months then we moved to the big girl bath. This one folds for easy storage.

Washcloths. These organic bamboo fiber cloths are super soft and wash really well.

 

1-3 Months

 

Play mat. Your baby can do it all on this mat. It’s hypoallergenic, waterproof and ultra-soft. Great purchase!

Love Every subscription kit. People will also send you gifts whether you like it or not. Honestly, babies really don’t need much and repetition is extremely helpful for their development. You will receive a kit every 2 months in coordination with your baby’s developmental stages. It is all you will need. First kit comes with the play gym in photo below so you are all set for tummy time.

3-6 Months

 

High chair. Around this time your baby might be trying to sit and you’d want to put your high chair together. The Tripp Trapp high chair from Stokke is beautiful, sturdy and minimalist. You can also get the storage attachment here.

Side note. For families homes I got them the Ikea high chair. F or on the go the Inglesina is amazing.

Vinyl floor mat. You might not need this unless your high chair is placed on a carpet. Made the area easy to keep clean.

Sippy cups. Stages of cups get introduced around 4-5 months. These pediatric speech-language pathologists put this guide together that will help you ease into this process.


Spoons. First essentials by NUK infant spoons are hands down the best out there. Once you start feeding the puree, these guys are it.

Plates and bowls and bibs. Mushie brand has such top quality products and a minimalist look that I couldn’t get enough of.


Baby food machine. I didn't think I needed this but I’m sure glad I got it! We simply don’t use the microwave so if you have the counter space I suggest getting this BabyMoov classic. I started purees at 4 months with this books 3 month guide to preparing puree. This station does it all.

 

6-12 Months

 
 

Baby proofing. You baby is starting to be more active and now it’s the perfect time. Used by professional baby proofers. Thank you Amazon.

Outdoor blanket. Moms asked me all the time where I got this from. This blanket from Little Unicorn cleans off and folds easily. highly recommended for on the go.

For an excellent selection of clothing, toys and books, a couple sites I enjoyed shopping at are The Tot and Maisonette.

Hope this helps you along your journey. xo