These 11 baby products helped this first time mom SO much. Find resources, nursing and feeding products, my favourite nappy bag, and more.
Our little Seth is now 1 year old. Time has flown by and God has been so good. Seth is a healthy, active (sometimes hyper!), and happy boy. He’s such a delight to us.
This past year hasn’t been easy but it simultaneously has been one of the best years of my life. If you’d like to read a bit more about it, I recently posted a blog post in which I muse on Seth’s first year and update you about our life.
As a first time mom, I couldn’t help but getting overwhelmed with the large amount of baby products out there. When we prepared for Seth’s arrival and during this past year, our aim has been to stay minimal.
Not overly minimal but we wanted to make sure that everything had a purpose and that we wouldn’t get overwhelmed with the amount of baby stuff in our house.
Where possible, we also preferred to go for a few high quality items rather than many low quality items. Often we bought second hand to achieve this.
Over time, there have been a few baby products that really stood out for me. These products have been so helpful and some of them are a joy to have. I wanted to share them with you in case you’re a first time mom (or even an ‘again’ mom) who is looking for some help or inspiration.
RESOURCES
Ok, so I am starting with some resources. I know these aren’t products per se but they helped me so much that I want to mention them first.
01. PRECIOUS LITTLE SLEEP BY ALEX DUBIEF:
This book was recommended by Nathan’s cousin and it has been such a blessing to me. Not only did it help me to understand Seth’s sleeping pattern (or sometimes lack of a pattern, or sleep in general) it also really encouraged me at desperate times.
Even though the set up of the book can be a bit confusing. It still is a treasure of information and knowledge. It gives you general information about the what and why but it also gets very specific with practical tips.
I still flip through it sometimes since the last few chapters discuss issues that occur with older babies and toddlers. Like regression and teething for example.
02. THE WHAT TO EXPECT APP:
When I was pregnant I bought the What to Expect When You’re Expecting book. I will admit that I started reading it enthusiastically but I didn’t manage to keep up with the wealth of information in there. The app, however, has been my trusted companion to even this day.
It is my go to app for baby information and was helpful for tracking breastfeeding in the first months. It gives you information about what to expect from your baby at specific ages. Daily tips about things you probably haven’t even thought about. And you can find articles about any topic.
How to bathe your baby, what your baby’s feeding schedule ideally should look like, when you can start giving your baby cows milk. You name it. You’ll be able to find it.
03. THE SOLID STARTS APP:
This app was recommended by the health visitor and I was sceptical at first. But boy am I glad I checked it out!
It is a database which will tell you when your baby is allowed to eat certain foods and how to serve them. There are very detailed photos and videos with each food items that show you exactly how to serve them.
Since Seth is a bit older now I feel more confident about how and when to serve certain foods. So I only check the app occasionally. But when Seth started weaning, I was on it all the time.
NURSING + FEEDING
04. LANSINOH WASHABLE NURSING PADS:
I started out with the disposable nursing pads because I couldn’t cope with the thought of extra laundry. But the aim was always to go for reusable nursing pads once I got into a rhythm with Seth.
These reusable pads were definitely the best ones I came across. They are thin so you barely, if at all, can see them through clothes. They are very absorbent despite the thinness and they dry very fast.
05. LANSINOH LANOLIN NIPPLE CREAM:
Lansinoh saved the day again. This cream was recommended by a friend AND the breastfeeding clinic and I completely understand why.
It soothes, isn’t super greasy (like Vaseline), and absorbs quickly. It was a lifesaver when Seth and I were still getting used to breastfeeding.
06. LIEWOOD BIBS:
With and without sleeves. The fabric ones, not the silicone ones. Up until a few months ago I used fabric bibs that weren’t waterproof and a bib with sleeves which was waterproof from Boots.
The fabric bibs had to be replaced all the time because they weren’t wipeable and spilled drinks would leak through on Seths clothes. The bibs also go mouldy when they are left for a few days in a laundry basket. The bib with sleeves from Boots ripped quite fast at the back where you fasten it and the flimsy fabric was difficult to wipe.
The Liewood bibs have none of these issues and they are cute too. They are a bit more expensive but I recommend having a look on Vinted. I bought mine second hand on there and they look like new!
07. BABY BOOSA BOWL and 08. BABY BOOSA 1ST CUP:
The suction cup on the bowl works well and the lid is helpful for when you need to (re)heat things in the microwave or want to store leftover food in the fridge. The cup is ideal for when Seth practises drinking from an open cup.
Because the cup is medium sized the silicone doesn’t tend to bend while he drinks from it. And he really like holding both handles. When he’s teething he also likes to chew on it a bit to soothe his gums.
OTHER
09. THE RUVALINO NAPPY CHANGING BACKPACK:
When I saw this backpack on someone while I was pregnant, I had to write the brand down.
I love that it is the type of nappy changing backpack that you can still use when the ‘nappy days’ are over. I will admit that the amount of compartments overwhelmed me in the beginning but after a while I got used to it.
10. CABOO LITE BABY CARRIER:
This baby carrier was a must in the first 6 months of Seths life. He loved snuggling up in it and it was a great way to move around and to go places.
11. FOLDABLE WOODEN BABY GYM:
We wanted to buy a baby gym that was aesthetically pleasing but that could also be put away easily. This is the one we went for in the end.
We didn’t go for any accompanying toys but hung some (teething) toys that we already had on it. It’s very flexible in use. We were able to use it on the floor, over a bouncer, and in the play pen. I highly recommend it!
Parenthood is a lot easier when you find good quality items that are efficient and a joy to look at. These are our top 11 baby products… I’d love to know what your favourite baby or toddler product is!
