Baby #2 is on the way!
Well, here I am already starting the third trimester of my second pregnancy! It seems a little late to be sharing it, but for those of you who don’t follow me on Instagram, you may not have heard that we are expecting our second child in July! Possibly because my first trimester was spent under wraps, in the winter (and quite nauseous) and the second trimester was largely in quarantine due to the coronavirus pandemic—or maybe because I’ve been focused on a lively toddler this time ‘round—this pregnancy seems to have gone by surprisingly quickly.
Gearing up for baby
So as we gear up (literally) for the arrival of Baby #2, I’m reminded of the overwhelming feeling of what it was like to acquire everything we needed when pregnant with Lucy. It felt like there was so much that we (supposedly) needed for a baby—and there were countless options to choose from for each item. This time, we already have much of what we need, but there are some items we have to buy (a double stroller) or purchase a second time (another crib). Remembering the overwhelm of registering for our first child, and having been asked by many about our baby registry picks, I figured I would share them here, where all can benefit from them. It’s a good time to share our favorite baby items, as it hasn’t been long since I had my first baby and I’m pregnant again, pouring over the world of baby products. I remember well what we used, loved, and wished we’d had, but I’ve removed any items from this list that we didn’t need and updated ones we didn’t love.
Be mindful of whose recommendations you follow
All that being said, what one family needs is different than others depending on their style, priorities, and budget. Our product picks point to our parenting priorities of simplicity, sleep, and clean living. Babies do require a lot of stuff, so our baby registry reflects an effort to keep the amount of extra “things” we acquire to a minimum. You’ll quickly find that I do opt for more than the bare necessities when it comes to sleep; I believe sleep for the whole family helps us to be our best selves, so it’s something I’m willing to invest in. Even more now since having Lucy, I care about choosing non-toxic or “clean” options for my kiddos—not just for products they put on their bodies (like soap and lotion) but also for items in their environment where they spend a lot of time (like a crib and mattress). While I’m certainly not an expert on clean living, I do try to make it a priority for our family—because I’ve seen the effects first-hand of doing so.
Look for upcoming posts all about my favorite parenting resources (books, online classes, etc.) and one just for mamas, all about postpartum and breastfeeding essentials—not something to be overlooked!
(*) = Most loved/MVP (+) = Change or addition since having Lucy
Sleep
Sound machine: Yogasleep Portable White Noise Machine(*) This is the number one product recommendation I give to new mamas. A sound machine is a must (actually). It drowns out other noise in the home and reminds the baby of the womb, where the ambient noise is as loud as a vacuum cleaner! Silence is unfamiliar to them. This one is rechargeable and portable, so you can easily take it on trips, use it in the car, or on the go (we put it on a low setting at church when Lucy was a newborn!).
Taking Cara Babies online newborn sleep class(*) While this is more of a resource than a baby product (full post on parenting resources to come) I’m including it because I think it was that helpful for us. This is not sleep training—it is a no-cry approach to helping you lay a strong foundation for baby sleep. The class helped us learn the difference between Lucy’s sleep and feeding cues, thus helping us get to know her better and be better, more attuned parents to her. I’ve gifted it to other new mamas because I was such a fan of the class (and of sleep for the whole family!).
Swaddles: SwaddleMe Original velcro swaddles & HALO Sleepsack Swaddle - We had way more luck keeping Lucy swaddled in these easy-to-use, self-closing swaddles versus using a regular muslin/cotton blanket (often still called a “swaddle”—though those are nice to use as true blankets or even burp cloths). I recommend any self-enclosing swaddle for sleep until the baby can roll (about three months). The Ollie Swaddle allows you to keep the baby swaddled during middle of the night diaper changes, it’s just a more expensive option.
Merlin's Magic Sleep Suit(*) This was highly recommended by several friends, and I can see why! The sleep suit looks hilarious but is a great transitional sleep tool for babies once they can roll over (i.e. can’t be swaddled) because it keeps them from rolling onto their bellies and getting frustrated because they’re getting stuck there.
Sleep sacks: Halo and Aden + Anais are the ones we’ve used (the Halo swaddle above can also be used as a sleep sack), but I think any sleep sack will do once they graduate from the Merlin Suit (or swaddle). Like the swaddle and sleep suit, it helps cue babies that it’s time to sleep, and safely keeps them warm since you can’t use blankets in the crib the first year.
Pacifiers: Bibs(+) Lucy used Avent Soothies but I’m switching to Bibs for this baby because they are safer (non-toxic) and I want something that’s in their mouth so often to be safe.
Monitor: Infant Optics - You can add multiple cameras to the system so we only have to buy a camera rather than a whole additional monitor for the new baby. (You don’t need a camera monitor; an audio monitor does the job! We were gifted this one.)
Owlet Smart Sock Monitor - This is definitely not a necessity; it’s a pulse-oximeter that straps to the baby’s foot while sleeping and will alarm if the levels dip (thus aimed to prevent SIDS or other tragedies). We splurged on this (although we got a huge discount on Black Friday!) because it gave us the peace of mind we needed to sleep.
Feeding
Nursing Pillow: Brest Friend Nursing Pillow(*) If you plan to breastfeed, I highly recommend registering for this nursing “pillow” (it’s more like a shelf that attaches to you!) rather than the Boppy (which I had originally and it just didn’t provide much support—I was better off with a few pillows). After a ton of back pain and frustration, I decided to get the Brest Friend, which buckles around your torso and is much more firm than the Boppy, so it really helps hold up the baby so your back and arms don’t get so tired.
Nursing necessities: I have a full forthcoming post about this! Definitely check back if you plan to breastfeed because there are a lot of essentials that will make you more comfortable and make your life a lot easier as a nursing mom.
Bottles: Lucy didn’t take a bottle for the first couple months but ended up using Dr. Brown’s. For this reason I would actually get bottles from different brands (borrow from friends! use freebies from registry gift boxes, or buy a sample pack) since you don’t know which brand of bottle/nipple your baby will prefer. Then buy more of your baby’s preferred brand later.
Pump: Spectra S2- Several friends told me they used the Medela pump with their first child and Spectra with their second and they much preferred the Spectra, so that was reason enough for me. **Most insurances cover breast pumps, and Byram Healthcares’s website(*) couldn’t make it any easier to order yours through your insurance!**
High chair: IKEA Antilop(*) I cannot recommend this enough! For $20 you get a simple, easy-to clean, and non-toxic high chair (and without all the baby designs that ruin the aesthetic of your dining space, ha!). One of the best baby finds out there.
Bibs: We used the IKEA Kladdig smocks for the first 6+ months since babies are such messy eaters. This reduced the amount of laundry we had to do significantly! Once she got older we switched to Nightingale silicone bibs with a food catcher that are easy to wipe clean.
Food splat mat: A mat to put under your baby’s high chair saves you from having to vacuum all the time and saves your floor/rug from spills. We use this one from Alnoor but if I could go back I’d get one that’s easier to wipe clean—like this plastic one from Nuby, or if I could splurge I’d love to get this leather one from Gathre, which can be used as a play mat, beach towel, or picnic blanket.
On-the-go
Jogger: Bob Rambler Jogging Stroller(*) This is actually the only stroller we bought for Lucy—no umbrella stroller or “regular” stroller. If you plan to run or jog with your baby in tow, it’s hard to beat the Bob, and I would argue that (like us) this is the only stroller you’ll need. Sure, it’s not the most compact or convenient, but it still fits in your trunk and certainly does the job on errands, in the airport, etc. (If you take public transportation or don’t have a car, however, you might find a more compact stroller is preferable.) Just make sure you get the appropriate car seat adaptor for the newborn stage!
Stroller: City Select (convertible) stroller(+) As I said, we only had a jogger with Lucy, which I’m glad about since now we need a double stroller. I want one that can easily still fit through doorways on errands, so a convertible stroller (rather than a side-by-side double) is definitely a must for me this time. If you plan to get a “normal” stroller for your first, this is a great option because—although it’s pricier than most single strollers—it grows with your family to fit up to three kids (with second seat and glider board add-ons). While we haven’t purchased it yet, this one has great reviews (online and from friends), plus I love that it allows you to convert it to whatever configuration your season of life (or time of day) requires (just don’t forget the appropriate car seat adaptor).
Car seat: Graco SnugRide SnugLock 30 - Once you put the car seat base into the car, the car seat itself easily clicks into the base every time—so easy! Plus you can buy Graco car seat adapters for most strollers so that you can take the baby in the stroller from day one (so nice for going right from car to stroller without waking them—it just clicks right in!). We also bought a second base off Facebook marketplace so that we could easily take the car seat in either of our cars. Most babies fit an infant car seat for the first year, and then you upgrade them to a more upright car seat that grows with them.
Carrier: Ergobaby Omni 360 and Solly Baby Wrap - Both carriers work for newborns and babies up to 25lbs (about the first year) and accommodate forward and backward-facing, so only one is necessary. I liked the Solly wrap for Lucy when she was a newborn and the Ergo for 3+ months, and I plan to do the same with this baby. But at least one carrier that can hold a baby the entire first year is a must! (Of note: the Ergo 360 allows you to wear the baby on your back, too.)
Portable Crib: Graco Pack ‘n’ Play - Good to have for travel (you can check these for free on most airlines) and for guests with babies or toddlers who visit you. Also has bassinet insert so can be used as bassinet early on (see “Nursery” section below).
Sunblock: Babo Botanicals - If you know me personally, you know I’m a freak about wearing sunblock (I get it from my mama!). But protecting that sensitive new baby skin is more important than ever! (You can bet I’m thinking about this since I’m having a July baby.) Thankfully this sunblock is completely non-toxic (it scored “0” on the Think Dirty app) and comes in a spray, cream, and stick so it’s easy to apply to kiddos (but Anthony and I use it, too).
Car Mirror: Britax Backseat Mirror - This is admittedly not a necessity, but I will say it is very helpful. Especially for parents who are driving their little one around by themselves most of the time, it’s nice to be able to look in your rearview mirror and see if your babe is sleeping, and for her to see you and know you’re still there as she gets older and more aware (since babies have to face backwards).
Diapering & Bathing
Diaper bag: Fawn Design(*) I was adamant about not having a diaper bag that looked like a diaper bag, and the option to carry it as a backpack (in addition to over the shoulder) was extra-appealing to me. Water-resistant, wipes clean, lots of pockets, super stylish, and Anthony can wear it seamlessly, too. A splurge for a diaper bag, but it was Anthony’s third anniversary (the “leather” anniversary) gift to me when we were first expecting Lucy! (They are having a 35% off sale right now too—great for Mother’s Day!)
Portable changing station: Munchkin Diaper Change Kit - Ours folds up nicely and has a place for wipes and a few diapers, but the key is a wipeable changing pad for diaper changes on-the-go. If you want something that takes up minimal room in your diaper bag, then a simple, easy-wipe changing pad is all you need (this one also functions as a liner—see below).
Diapers: Up&Up - Not totally non-toxic, like Honest diapers, but they work extremely well and are on the cheaper end of the spectrum for diapers.
Baby wipes: WaterWipes - I wanted something with minimal ingredients and definitely unscented, so water wipes were an easy choice, with only 99.9% water and a drop of fruit extract.
Changing pad: We have both the Munchkin and the Summer Infant (one upstairs and one downstairs—I highly recommend a changing station on each floor) and the Summer Infant stays in place much better and is cheaper—no-brainer! (If you don’t care about looks or having a cute changing pad cover like I did, a wipe-clean changing pad requires no cover and is easy to clean, just pricier.)
Changing pad cover: We have the Burt’s Bees and Little Unicorn covers (I liked the colors/designs), but I would definitely recommend adding waterproof changing pad liners for the newborn stage (first three months). These protect your cotton cover and keep you from having to wash it all the time when there are inevitable diaper blowouts or mid-change accidents. We used the Munchkin Waterproof Liners, but I am considering getting one from Meerkatto because it is silicone so it’s even easier to clean (just wipe, no washing needed).
Diaper pail: Ubbi - This was highly recommended by friends, but to be honest, I’ve been disappointed that it doesn’t lock in smells better, especially considering the price. I’ve heard good things about the Dekor one, so I’d probably get that if I could go back (especially considering the price difference).
Diaper cream: Honest Diaper Cream - Non-toxic and works well, but we do use Boudreaux’s Maximum Strength Butt Paste for extra bad rashes—it’s not totally clean but works in a flash!
Baby Bath: Puj Tub or Summer Infant Sponge Bath - The Puj Tub is non-toxic and fits in most sinks, so it’s easier on your back (standing versus sitting) when you’re so involved bathing a newborn. If you’re looking for a super-budget option that fits in a tub, the $9 Summer Infant sponge bath works perfectly well—it’s what we switched Lucy to when she outgrew the Puj Tub, but you could use it with a newborn, too.
Baby soap: Branch Basics Foaming Wash or Puracy Natural Baby Bubble Bath(+) We used Burt’s Bees Baby Bath with Lucy, until I recently discovered that despite being fairly safe toxin-wise, it has “natural fragrance” listed as an ingredient. Unfortunately, even “natural” fragrances are vague catchalls that are unregulated by the FDA so I avoid anything listing “fragrance” as an ingredient. Now, we use these two. Don’t get me started about my beloved, completely non-toxic, Branch Basics (you can use it from everything from laundry detergent to body wash!) but if you want something safely scented, the Puracy Bubble Bath is scented with lavender essential oil and vanilla bean (I actually use this as my body wash).
Lotion: Honest All-Purpose Balm(+) We use Honest Lavender Face + Body Lotion for Lucy, which is clean and we’ll use for the baby when s/he gets older. Even though the lavender is safely scented via essential oil, I prefer completely unscented products for newborns because they are so sensitive to scents and such. The Honest All-Purpose Balm is both clean and unscented.
Nursery
Bassinet: Graco Pack ‘n’ Play(+) With Lucy we used the infamous Rock & Play (rather than a true bassinet) for sleep until she was three months old, but those have since been recalled. With this baby, we plan to use the bassinet insert of our Graco Pack ‘n’ Play (mentioned above in “On-the-go”) and just push it up next to my side of the bed. While some people prefer to have designated bassinets for newborns, this set-up allows us to save money, have fewer products, and it’s easy for travel—win, win, win!
Crib: DaVinci Jenny Lind 3-in-1 crib(+) The crib we have for Lucy is a gently used hand-me-down, and since she still sleeps in it we have to get a second one for the baby. We picked this one because it is mostly made from real wood (less toxic than particle board), free of thousands of harmful chemicals, yet is relatively inexpensive for a crib. We opted for a crib that can convert to a toddler bed (hence the “3-in-1” name) so Lucy can sleep in it when she’s ready for that.
Crib mattress: Naturepedic organic mattress(+) Lucy’s mattress is also a hand-me-down, so we didn’t have to choose one for her. Since babies spend so much time sleeping on these (and because our bodies absorb so many toxins while we sleep) I wanted one that was organic and non-toxic. This one is the cheapest I could find that fits that category, but is still certified by Made Safe, a nonprofit company who provides certification for non-toxic products.
Sheet: Burt’s Bees - Again, for something that the babies spend so much time on, using an organic cotton crib sheet is something I value. These are so soft and are much cheaper than many organic (and non-organic) cotton brands. The “Sky Blue” is such a light color that I consider it gender neutral—I use it for Lucy and will buy more for this baby.
Professional photos: By Haley Rose
