Are you a first time mom or dad? Expecting your second and wanting to make sure you have all your bases covered? As a new mom, I was so thankful for all of the product recommendations from my friends and family that are parents. But it would’ve been so nice to have all of the best baby products for newborns and new parents all in one place! I am by no means an expert, but I am two months into this whole parenting thing, and can definitely tell you where you need to put your resources to get things started right.
Unlike other blogs, I’ve taken this article a step further and given you some recommendations for household and personal products you’ll want to add to your shopping list as you finish your nesting. The best baby products of 2019 are all right here.
I’ve got the must haves for postpartum recovery, surviving diapers, breastfeeding, and juggling parenthood with the rest of life. Hopefully you will find a few go-to’s for your own journey here.
Best Baby Products for Newborns and Diapering
Here is what I have found when it comes to diapering a newborn baby! We started with disposables and have now made the switch completely to cloth diapering with cloth wipes. Not only has it cut back on waste, but it’s been enormously cheaper and better on our Baby’s skin. She has had no diaper rashes since Week Two.
Without further ado, here are the best baby products for newborns in both disposables and cloth diapers.
1. Seventh Generation Diapers
All organic disposables that are safe for your newborns bum? Yes, please. If you want to see more options for organic diapers check out our product roundup.
2. Seventh Generation Wipes
These are seriously the softest disposable wipes ever and will be gentle on the skin during changes. We still use them on the go, so that we don’t have to mess with cloth wipes when we’re doing quick changes sometimes without a sink around.
3. Earth Mama Diaper Balm
Some diaper rash is to be expected no matter what, but it doesn’t have to be bad. This Diaper Balm has been great for diaper rash, helped our baby girl’s umbilical cord heal, and more.
4. Rumparooz Newborn AIOs
These were the only cloth diapers in our stash that fit as soon as baby was born. The covers and prefolds, and other pocket diapers were just too big. They are easy to use and have a button down to avoid the healing belly button.
5. Rumparooz Newborn Covers
Well worth the investment, these covers fit our baby super well now, and have since she was about 3-4 weeks.
6. OsoCozy Cotton Prefolds
Couple these with the covers for great absorbency.
7. Marley Monsters Cloth Wipes
Another way to live more sustainably, cheaper, and protect your baby’s sensitive skin is by using cloth wipes. These are made by a great small business (that is local for us!) and are available on Etsy and their website. They also make many other zero waste products for you and your baby.
8. Blue Snail Organic Changing Pad Liners
Even if you have a changing table, I suggest keeping these in your room for night changes- or if you have a two story home, keep some on whatever floor your nursery isn’t to create a portable changing station for convenience.
Best Baby Products for Newborns Nursing
The other big part of having a newborn is nursing, if you plan on breastfeeding here are the best products for newborns to make nursing easier.
9. Bamboobies Thin Nursing Pads
These nursing pads are great for daytime and thinner clothes. If you have oversupply or a lot of let down, go for their original option.
10. Organic Bamboo Nursing Pads
Affordable and easy to clean, these nursing pads hold a lot of milk and are good for overnight use or collecting letdown.
11. Hakka Pump
Use the Hakka pump to collect the let down from your opposite breast while you feed your baby to start an early backup supply- or to donate to a baby in need.
12. Nipple Balm or Butter
Protect the nipple! Breastfeeding is uncomfortable for the first few weeks. Be kind to yourself and use nipple balm after each feeding to help heal your skin.
13. Medela Soothing Gel Pads
Fast and cool relief. These were gifted to me by more than one Mama, and I appreciated them so much.
14. Nursing Pajamas
Ain’t nobody got time to take their shirt all the way off at night. Get a sleeping bra or some nursing pajamas to make nighttime and early morning feedings easier.
15. Nursing Hoodie Latched Mama
Comfort meets style and practicality! I love my Latched Mama petal hoodie, it’s so comfortable, high quality, and easy to nurse in.
16. Spectra Pump
When you start pumping, make sure you have the best! A lot of insurance companies cover the Spectra 1 or 2. It is hospital grade and featured in our article about breast pumps.
17. Nuk Simply Natural Bottles
ComoTomo bottles were suggested to me and we have used them, but our baby girl prefers the Nuk Simply Natural bottles which are almost half the price and great for breastfeeding babies! At two weeks she only gets bottles a few times a week right now.
18. Boppy Nursing Pillow
This one just barely made the list in time- because it didn’t quite work for baby and I until the two month mark- however it’s worth a try for you early on. I am short waisted and was very engorged for the first 6 weeks. Once my milk supply regulated, and my baby got stronger, the Boppy became a more regular part of our nursing at home. Now it’s one of my most favorite things.
Equipment & Supplies for New Parents
19. Baby Lounger (LeachCo)
Perfect for around the house, having a place to set baby while you clean, cook, or even take a quick shower is a game changer.
20. Travel System
Don’t mess with both- travel systems are easy to use and add so so much convenience to being on the go.
21. Car Seat Mirror
I didn’t buy one of these until after my first road trip with Baby, and after panicking constantly that I couldn’t see her. Learn from my mistake and get one on your list now.
22. Seventh Generation Cleaning Products and Detergents
If you’re doing cloth diapering and want to support a company that is doing it’s best to make clean products that are safe for your baby and for our water, look into seventh generation cleaning products such as the Ultra Power Plus laundry detergent for Cloth Diapers, or the unscented dish soap for cleaning bottles.
23. Wool Dryer Balls
In the same lane, ditch the fabric softener or sheets and buy some organic wool dryer balls to use on your clothes and baby laundry.
After the Birth: Best Postpartum Products
This section is mostly only applicable to those who are carrying and birthing their own babies, but it’s important to remember that in order to care for your newborn you have to prioritize your own wellness.
Postpartum healing and care should be a huge priority, but it tends to play second fiddle to the best baby products for newborns when it comes to prioritizing purchases.
Here is a short list of things that I used, some were recommended by friends and family, others I discovered based on issues I dealt with personally after my vaginal birth. If you have things your recommend for a C-Section recovery submit them through our contact form and I will put together another list to add to this post.
24. Earth Mama Sitz Bath
This Herbal Sitz bath “tea” is amazing. Simply brew it in boiling water, and place the pack in the fridge for a cool pack to help you heal. Use the brewed “tea” in a sitz bath- or use it to make pad-sicles. You might be able to get a sitz bath to take home if you do a hospital birth. If you need to buy one, check at your local pharmacy.
25. Earth Mama Perineal Spray
I used an entire bottle of this during my healing process. It’s great for short term relief, especially if you don’t want to do too much poking around down there. However, if it’s comfortable- use the balm they make instead.
26. Reusable Ice Pack Pads
I’ve linked the ice pack pads I used, they can be put in the freezer or fridge for instant relief. I also bought the washable covers for them for ease of use.
27. Depends Diapers
Don’t underestimate the convenience of wearing an adult diaper- especially at night or when you have to leave for doctors appointments. Oxygen is great for healing though, so stick with the mesh panties and pads during the day.
28. Extra Peri Bottle
This is another thing you should get from the hospital or birthing center when you have your baby. I suggest buying an extra one to keep in your spare bathroom or shower.
29. Cloth Pads
You’ll get tired of wearing panty liners and pads, and so will your skin. These Alvababy Cloth Pads are perfect for more gentle protection. They are a little bulky, so dress accordingly.
30. Blanqi Postpartum Compression Leggings
Trust me, you’ll want to stay away from the jeans for awhile, and it won’t take long before your maternity clothes don’t fit anymore. I wore these home from the hospital and almost everyday for the first month (that was when I wasn’t wearing pajamas).
Self Care and Beyond
31. Hand Lotion
Between feeding your baby, diaper changes, and washing pacifiers- your skin is going to dry out from how often you wash your hands. Keep hand lotion at all the sinks and in your diaper bag.
32. Dry Shampoo
Showers don’t always happen- keep dry shampoo handy. An extra travel sized bottle in the car or diaper bag can help you feel fresh and human again!
33. Makeup for your car
Same with the dry shampoo- this can be especially handy if your partner is driving. Don’t worry about trying to do makeup while you’re getting out the door. Keep some blush and mascara in the car!
34. Grub Hub
Food Delivery was a life saver in our first month. Sometimes freezer meals get old! This is a creative gift you can ask for at the baby shower, or if someone asks how they can help from a distance this is the way!
35. Meal Kits (Hello Fresh)
Ready to get back to cooking? Skip the meal planning and try a meal kit delivery program a few times a week. Even if temporarily it can help you eat healthier and give you some new dinner ideas for the future.
36. Grocery Pickup
Don’t spend what free time you have wandering the grocery aisles for your staples. Grocery stores all over now offer grocery pick-up. Shop online, and pickup in store.