Crib

There are multi-stage cribs that transform into beds, modern cribs with acrylic side panels, and classic wooden cribs. There really isn’t a right or wrong choice here! Go with what works for you and your aesthetic! If you opt for a second-hand crib, be sure to test for lead paint, as some older models may still have toxic paint. 

- SKIP IT! -Crib bumpers, liners, and mesh

A safe sleep environment is an empty crib or bassinet with an appropriate mattress and fitted sheet. Nothing else should be added to the crib or bassinet, including crib bumpers, mesh liners, padding, baby braids, pillows, blankets or stuffed animals. 

Crib Mattress

There are several new organic and eco-friendly crib mattresses on the market, however I don’t make any specific brand recommendations for mattresses, as long as they follow the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) guidelines for safe sleep. If you choose a mattress that is double-sided, make sure that you have the infant side facing up when you install it initially. The other side (often labeled toddler) is meant for older children and is more plush, which is unsafe for newborns and infants! 

- SKIP IT! -Dock-A-Tots and Other Loungers.

These loungers are NOT safe for sleep, despite what you may see on social media. Babies should never be left unattended in loungers, and should never be put to sleep in them. Because they are only recommended for supervised awake periods, there are cheaper, more useful options available. Better safe than tragedy when it comes to your baby!

Crib Sheet

At least 3 single, tight-fitting sheets. Certainly don’t need to change the crib sheet every night, but handy to have a couple extras for those messier times! If you decide to use the Nanit monitor, be sure you only choose solid color sheets (recommend light colors over dark). Patterned sheets interfere with the Nanit’s sensor technology and can cause false alarms. 

Bassinet

Optional if you would like to room-share in your bedroom. My favorite brands are: 

• Bugaboo Stardust
  Multi-Use playpen and bassinet. Easy to use and store! (less than 3 seconds to set up and take down!) One of my all-time favorite products ever. I also recommend the Stardust as a playpen, even as your child grows. The convenience and ease of use is unmatched! ○ Halo Bassinest: Their series has different levels from Essentia to Luxe Plus, however I recommend NOT using the “soothing center” settings, as they do not align with my recommended sleep practices. The Halo base is heavy and sturdy because it stands alone and swivels on the base. While you can move it from room to room if needed, it requires some heavy lifting.

• BabyBjorn Cradle Bassinet
  This is a traditional style bassinet. A classic favorite. This is a lightweight option! 

- SKIP IT! -Snoo Bassinet

Many of my colleagues agree that the Snoo is not worth it. I never recommend motion bassinets, as they can build bad sleep habits that can be hard to break once your baby outgrows the bassinet. Lactation professionals also warn that motion sleepers may interfere with the on-demand feeding required to build and maintain the breastfeeding dyad. Some babies don’t even like the motion and will not sleep at all! The $1500+ price tag is not worth it.

Black Out Curtains

Black out curtains foster a dark sleep environment. I recommend choosing one of the two options: 

• Traditional black out curtains: whatever your favorite brand is; will require standard installation with curtain rods or similar. 

• Portable black out curtains: portable curtains made with suction cups are a much less invasive installation option; also great for traveling or temporary housing.

• For travel or temporary use: black out tent/sleep pod like the SlumberPod.

• This blackout tent is a great tool for hotel travel or in other temporary places (like family gatherings outside your home) where hanging curtains for light control is not an option. Simply place your playpen or bassinet inside the tent and you’re good to go! The tent is breathable and safe for sleeping inside. 

White Noise

White noise is essential to building your sleep environment; a solid white noise machine can create a bubble of restful sound that protects sleep from disruption. Recommended for everyone in your family! Many white noise machines offer additional sound settings. However, I recommend only using the white, pink, or brown noise settings. Nature sounds, Rainstorms, and lullaby music may fade in and out or loop, and these disruptions in the sound may rouse your baby out of their sleep pattern. 

• LectroFan
  The OG of white noise. I personally own the original LectroFan unit and the LectroFan Alpha portable unit. Provides continuous noise, without disruptive looping or timers. The Alpha portable unit is great for traveling or on-the-go naps. 

• Hatch Rest
  All-in-one noise machine, nursery light, and “time-to-rise” timer. This is a fan favorite, as it can be easily programmed with your smartphone. I recommend setting the light to red and keeping it dimmed to support a healthy sleep environment. 

Glider or Rocking Chair

Your choice; whether you choose a glider or rocking chair or a stationary option like a futon or small couch, I recommend having a comfortable place to sit with your baby in the nursery. When choosing furniture for your nursery, take it for a test drive. How does it feel to sit in the chair? Can you comfortably lean back, put your legs up, sit cross-legged, etc for at least 20 minutes? While some chairs look cute, they are functionally uncomfortable—for example, round chairs with low backs. You want furniture that you can use to comfortably feed your baby, sit and read books, and provide comfort in the middle of the night for a restless baby. As someone who spends a lot of time in nurseries, I like a rocking glider chair with a full back that has the option to recline, either manually with a lever or automatically with electric power. Newer power recliner chairs even have USB ports and cupholders! (Great for those long snuggle sessions to have your water handy and plug your phone in!) 

- SKIP IT! -MamaRoo and Other Baby Swings

I typically recommend that new parents wait to purchase large and expensive baby items like this. If you have someone that you can borrow large items from to test out, this is the best way! Oftentimes, babies do not even like the swings, bouncers, or other large items that parents are told are “essential!” (Can’t tell you how many of my clients have spent hundreds of dollars on large equipment, only for their baby to scream bloody murder the whole time they are in it!) Better to borrow if you can if you want to see if your baby enjoys it before committing to purchasing it (or get second-hand for cheaper)! 

Swaddles/Sleep Sacks

A good swaddle can make or break a great sleep routine! Blankets will be easier to adapt to the specific size of your baby, whereas swaddles and sacks will have generic sizing that may not be “perfect fit” to your baby. These are my favorites:

• Copper Pearl Knit Blanket
  Similar to the muslin blankets, just a stretchier material. 

• Muslin Blanket
  The classic tool; variety of patterns; multi-use as a traditional blanket, burp cloth, etc. Also great for double-swaddling when needed. A bit of a learning curve to new parents, but I can teach you how to get a tight swaddle! 

• Halo SleepSack Swaddle
  Hybrid swaddle, easy to use zippers and velcro. Multi-use as a newborn swaddle sack and one or two arms out infant transition sack. 

• Love to Dream Swaddles
  They have a newborn swaddle sack and a “transitions” swaddle sack. Easiest to use with only a zipper-front. The only con I prepare parents for is that you cannot get a tight swaddle using this sack. 

- SKIP IT! -

SwaddleMe sleep sacks.

These loose velcro sacks are hard to size appropriately to most babies, and they do not hold up over time in the laundry.

Bottles

I feel that overall, Dr. Brown’s offers a consistency that is unmatched. They offer the widest range of nipple flow, glass and plastic bottle options, as well as skinny and wide mouth options, although I do not recommend the wide mouth. 

When it comes to bottles, the nipple shape is the most important factor. Look for nipples that are mountain shaped--wide at the bottom and taper to a point. Bottles that are marketed at “breast-shaped” are generally NOT good for feeding.

- SKIP IT! -BabyBrezza

If you opt for formula, skip the Brezza and batch prep your formula by hand instead. The CDC and WHO both have safe formula prep guidelines that include heating your clean water source to 158 degrees Fahrenheit in order to sterilize the formula. The Brezza cannot heat the water in this manner, so it does not meet the standard for safe forumula prep. There have also been many incidents and recalls by Brezza due to malfunctions in the dispensing equipment. 

- SKIP IT! -Bottle Warmers

Skip the expensive bottle warmers that usually don’t work anyway. Get a microwave safe measuring cup instead! Fill it with water, zap it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes to boil the water, then toss your bottle in to warm! So much faster than the timed warmers! 

- SKIP IT! -Wearable/Portable Breastpumps

If pumping, I recommend a traditional, “hospital grade” breast pump. Unfortunately, the wearable pumps do not offer a lot of flexibility on the fit of the flanges, and can be hard to appropriately size. Unless you truly need a hands-free pump for your day-to-day, then skip the portable option and stick with the traditional pump! 

Diapers and Wipes

Not all diapers are created equal, but leaks and blowouts are inevitable with any brand. Most brands these days have a wetness indicator line. Some of the larger mainstream brands are made with some synthetics which may be harsh for some babies’ sensitive skin. If clean ingredients are important to you, then choose an organic brand of diapers, like Coterie or Honest Brand. Cloth diapers are an option at any age! 

Like diapers, not all wipes are created equal, but most will get the job done. Some brands offer a more cloth-like feel, while others offer minimal, clean ingredients. It should be noted that while Water Wipes are very popular and offer the 99% water clean ingredient, the 1% natural citrus antibacterial preservative can cause diaper rash in some babies with sensitive skin. If Water Wipes interest you, I recommend ordering a small set to try with your baby. If you see any redness or rash after some trial runs, consider using a different brand to reduce diaper rash incidence! 

- SKIP IT! -Diaper Wipe Warmers

Most warmers don’t actually warm the wipes or they overheat and dry them out. Wipes can be hard to pull out of the lids, and some brands even say not to leave them plugged in for long periods of time!

Diaper Creams

I often get asked what diaper creams I recommend. The answer is heavily dependent on your preferences and your baby. There are several organic and natural options, as well as more traditional creams. If your baby has sensitive skin, that can also affect my recommendation. For this reason, I encourage you to get small “sample” sizes of different creams so that you can try them out to see which one you like best!

I recommend having a “medicated” cream on hand for rashes and a lighter moisturizing balm for redness and everyday use. Brands like Desitin are great for healing diaper rashes, but they can be harsh for every day use on baby’s sensitive bottom.

Earth Mama brand has a wonderful balm that is perfect for every day use. (Consider adding the Bumco Baby Bum “spatula” to your registry! I love this handy tool for mess-free diaper cream application!) 

Diaper Pail

• Ubbi Diaper Pail is my favorite. The steel shell is easy to clean and traps odors better than plastic pails. You also do not need to use special bags with the Ubbi pail, regular tall kitchen trash bags fit just fine. Ubbi Pails also work great with cloth diaper wet bags!

• The Munchkin brand is similar to the classic Diaper Genie, but in my opinion, the Munchkin is much easier to use when changing the bags. 

- SKIP IT! -Changing Tables

No need to buy a separate piece of furniture just for diaper changes. I recommend getting a sturdy dresser and securing the changing mat directly to the top of the dresser. Not only will this give you plenty of space on top to have a stock of diaper changing supplies, but you can use the dresser drawers to store all your baby essentials! 

- SKIP IT! -Wubbanub Animal Pacifiers

While I do recommend the soothie style pacifiers, please skip the wubbanubs with the animals/characters. They are often too heavy for newborns to confidently suck, and because they are considered stuffed animals, they are not safe for use during sleep. 

Easy Outfits

I generally don’t recommend buying a lot of outfits for babies; you’ll most likely rotate through the same 10 outfits, so purchasing more than a handful of items is not necessary. In the beginning, I suggest opting for onesies and pajamas that are easy to slip on and off for diaper changes, and are plain cotton or other lightweight material. Onesies and outfits that have glitter, are heavily ornamented, or made of odd materials are not good for daily wear, even if they are super cute for pictures! I recommend having a few of the following options: 

• MagneticMe Brand: This brand offers a wide range of outfits, including footed pajamas, that are butter soft and the closures are magnets, which make dressing baby and undressing for diaper changes super easy and fast! No need to count/align buttons or snaps at 3 am! 

• Knotted Sleepers: These outfits come in long and short sleeve options and are open at the bottom with long material that ties in a knot instead of snapping closed with buttons. Wide range of brands to choose from. 

Long-leeve and short-sleeve onesies

It’s best to have a couple sets of both long and short sleeve onesies. I usually recommend having at least one or two onesies in each size--preemie (P), newborn (NB), newborn+ (0-3 month)--since it is often hard to predict just how big baby will be when they arrive! Wide variety of brands to choose from. 

Footed pajamas/rompers

I always recommend having at least 3 footed pajamas or rompers on hand. The longer footed pants are much easier to navigate than separate pants and/or socks. I recommend zippered options over snaps, but button snaps are still easier to use than the traditional threaded button fasteners. (I honestly don’t even know why they still make baby outfits with these closures!) 

Breastpump

Your insurance should cover at least one “hospital grade” breast pump. Additional parts and supplies may not be covered. 

- SKIP IT! -Wearable/Portable Breastpumps

If pumping, I recommend a traditional, “hospital grade” breast pump. Unfortunately, the wearable pumps do not offer a lot of flexibility on the fit of the flanges, and can be hard to appropriately size. Unless you truly need a hands-free pump for your day-to-day, then skip the portable option and stick with the traditional pump! 

Carseat

Some insurances will cover the cost of certain carseats! Check with your insurance provider to see if you qualify! 

IBCLC Support

If you are breastfeeding, pumping, or bottle feeding your baby, then you should consult with an IBCLC at least once during the first few weeks. Insurance usually covers at least one consultation with a qualified International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. An IBCLC can help you with breastfeeding, pumping, bottle feeding, assist with weighted feeds, function assessments, and feeding/pumping scheduling. They can also provide guidance for any breastfeeding pain, supply concerns, and other feeding related issues. Even if your baby is gaining weight and you are not experiencing any pain or other issues, and IBCLC may be able to provide additional support you never knew you needed! I encourage all new parents to take advantage of their services! 

Plan A Meal Train

The first few weeks after baby arrives are a whirlwind! You barely have time to eat, let alone think about grocery shopping, cooking, or ordering meals. Having meals delivered by your friends and family will ease the burden of caring for yourselves so you can care for that new tiny human! 

Household Support

I love when new parents feel supported by their friends and family! The best way for loved ones to help care for new parents and their baby/ies is by offering a helping hand. Offering to do a load of laundry, fill and run the dishwasher, go grocery shopping, take care of pets, etc are all ways that friends and family can offer support and the great thing is, none of those tasks require spending money! (If Acts of Service is your Love Language, this one is for you!) 

Postpartum Kits

Supporting the birthing parent’s recovery is just as important as making sure baby has all their things. FridaMom has pre-boxed kits you can order, or people can DIY their own kits with soothing bath items, recovery support items, and lots of goodies and treats! 

Support Person. (AKA ME!)

Did you know that most postpartum doulas, newborn care specialists, and other caregivers will offer gift certificates for their services? Ask your friends and family to donate to a support person fund! Having a tiny human and/or postpartum professional in your home to support you when you need it is such an invaluable service. Don’t get me wrong, grandparents and best friends are great for visiting! But having a trusted caregiver to provide support and peace of mind at 3 am when you’re running on empty is worth every penny! 

Books!

Start your own library and spark a love of language and reading from day 1! Even the simplest of board books will entertain children through preschool age, so you can never have too many books available! 

Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Stain Remover

This product might be marketed to treat messy toddler food stains, but it also works wonders on blowout poo stains, spit up stains, and breastmilk stains on all kinds of fabrics and kid and adult clothing too! 

Lovevery Kit Subscription.

Technically, this is baby stuff... But! Their playkits are boxed according to age and developmental stage of your child, and will grow with them for years to come! Montessori style playkits shipped directly to your door every few months, that provide curated toys and activities for every chapter of your child’s journey. (Their playmat is not the best though…you can skip that one!)