(Disclaimer: I have had three vaginal deliveries and have breastfed all three of my children and two refused a bottle. Feel free to drop a comment with your favorite products for C-Sections and bottle feeding! This is not a sponsored post and I did not receive any compensation or free products for this post. These are just my favorites and I want to share the love!)
Postpartum Must Haves
Frida Mom Peri Bottle
The hospital will give you a peri bottle, but this bottle is life-changing. Okay, maybe not, but it is so much easier to squirt with the extended angled neck. The description also mentions that this is great for C-Section incisions. Expert tip: fill with lukewarm water. Also, having it in the shower helps to clean the area easily.
Frida Mom Healing Foam
This cooling foam helps ease those early days post delivery. It is currently not listed online at Target, however there is a Frida Mom Hospital Bag Essentials Complete Kit and it is in there! I did not have all the products in the kit, but I imagine they are all amazing. Put this on your registry.
Breastfeeding Must Haves
Lansinoh Soothies Gel Pads
Those first few days of breastfeeding can be brutal. Cracked, sore, bloody nipples brutal. This go-round a sweet friend gifted me some of these gel pads and they saved me. They protect your cracked nipple from drying to your bra (or maybe that was just me? SO painful!). Expert tip: put in the fridge prior to using!
Haakaa Breast Pump
Okay, so this is life-changing. It suctions to your breast and gradually catches any milk expelled during let-down. I usually use this in the morning on the breast that my son isn’t nursing on. It doesn’t “pump,” so it is painless! I have filled my freezer with milk just from the Haakaa. After my second child, I used my Medela Pump in Style all. the. time. I have used the “big pump” three times in four months. I LOVE the Haakaa. A friend also mentioned she has two of these and will use them in the shower as she would let-down with the warm water. SAVE ALL THE MILK!
Up and Up Milk Storage Bags
After two plus years of solid nursing, I have used so many different types of bags. The Up and Up brand is thicker than any other milk storage bag I have used. I rarely have issues with leaks with these bags.
Nursing Nightgown (not really, but they are great for nursing!)
Call me an old lady, but I love nightgowns. I found these at Target that button all the way for easy access for nursing. I love that they aren’t maternity/nursing specific so you can wear this for years to come.
Baby Sleep Must Haves
Kyte Baby Zippered Footie
I found this footie pj for baby #3 and fell in love. These are soft bamboo, wash well and have two zippers so you can zip up or down without undressing baby during diaper changes. The newborn size was perfect for my seven-pound baby in the hospital — some sleepers are huge or bulky, but this was perfect!
Graco Sense2Snooze
I have never had a bassinet as I used a Rock N Play with my two oldest. However, with the recall, I was forced to try something new. I read about the Snoo — if you haven’t heard of this look it up — but the price tag made my jaw drop. During my search, I found this new Graco product that also uses the cry detection technology but a fraction of the cost. I am sure the Snoo is worth the money, but I just couldn’t justify spending that on a third and final baby. After four months of use, this bassinet has been great! It vibrates, rocks and has three different sounds to get baby to sleep (or put baby BACK to sleep!). It can detect baby’s cry and will adjust the speed of the rock, vibrate and switch through the sounds until baby calms down. I wish I had this for my other babies!
Outdoor Must Haves
Stroller Fan
I love this fan! I attach to the stroller, play mat or rocking chair while playing outside.
Summer Pop ‘n Sit Booster Seat
I love this little chair! It’s perfect for outdoor play and even taking to the beach. It folds up into a small bag for easy carrying and packing.
Infant-to-Toddler Rocker
I was gifted this chair for my third. This has been a great place for baby to sit and play during workouts, cooking dinner, using the bathroom, etc. It adjusts to accommodate a growing child so you can use it for a long time.
Baby Play Must Haves
4moms mamaRoo Baby Swing
This swing is amazing. It has different motions and speeds as well as sounds to help soothe baby. My second baby loved this so much! It is still one of my favorite baby products and I love that it is more compact than a traditional swing. To save some money, check consignment sales or resale sites for this item.
Baby Play Mats
My children have loved baby play mats. We have a couple that we have acquired over the years and I don’t really think it matters which one you get. We have one like this and one like this. Both have been well-loved!
Miscellaneous Must Haves
Clip On Highchair
We don’t have this particular one, but we love these! We have a large counter/island and this is much more convenient than a large highchair. We have also taken this with us on vacation! You could also use the Pop ‘n Sit chair for on the go feeding.
Britax Backseat Mirror
There are a lot of mirrors on the market. I have found I prefer ones that you can angle to help see baby. This is the one we have.
Munchkin Any Angle Weighted Straw Cup
These are my favorite trainer cups when transitioning from a bottle. The weighted straw allows them to drink from any angle.
Angelcare Baby Bath Support
I love this bath because it is sturdy and there is no fabric or mesh that needs to dry {or grow mold}.
Oball Baby Toys
My kiddos have loved Oball toys from as soon as they can grasp! They are so easy to hold, chew on and play with for their little hands.
The Dopple Subscription
Okay, this may not be a “must have,” but I have LOVED it! This is a clothing and accessories subscription that you can choose how often you receive, select your budget and choose the type of items you receive. We have gotten two boxes so far, and some of the pieces are my everyday favorites. You can also choose your price point and I have been so pleased with the brands, quality and prices. There is a $10 styling fee, but it does go toward any purchased items.
Favorite Baby Boutiques
I admit I enjoy online shopping. I love finding little online boutiques and especially love being able to support women/mom-owned businesses. Here are a few that I love:
Starry Knight Design: They have the cutest handmade leather shoes for babies and kids.
Tenth and Pine: Simple and cute onesies and tees for kiddos. My favorite is this one.
You can find a lot of these products on resale sites or consignment sales. Research for the best price!
