It’s no secret that preparing to bring a new baby into your family can feel like an overwhelming (and expensive!) task. There are many wonderful baby products on the market, but there are an equal number of products that are frustrating to use, overly expensive, or just plain useless. Here, I have compiled a list of some of the best products that will help you power through the first few months. I can personally vouch for the efficacy of every product on this list!
As a note, I have provided links to my favorite brands, but there are tons of great options out there!
1. FridaBaby Postpartum Recovery Essentials Kit
Parents spend a lot of time considering all the things that their little one will need after birth, but it is equally important to consider the items that mom will need after giving birth! It is not uncommon at all to experience major aches and pains following birth, especially in the perineal area. This FridaBaby Postpartum Recovery Essentials kit is my favorite to recommend to clients because it has everything you need in one package: amazing stretchy underwear, ice pads, witch hazel liners, and healing foam for the perineum. The stretchy, comfortable underwear is ideal for use in the first days following birth. The ice pads and witch hazel liners provide soothing relief to the sensitive area, while the healing foam reduces swelling and pain. Former clients have raved about FridaBaby products, but this kit in particular is phenomenal.
2. Velcro Swaddles
Many newborns LOVE being swaddled. It’s warm and cozy (reminiscent of their old home, the womb). Parents love them too, because they may allow everyone to get a little more sleep! However, it can be difficult to master the art of the traditional swaddle, which makes Velcro swaddles an ideal choice. There’s nothing worse than trying to correctly swaddle a fussy baby, only to see him bust out of the swaddle minutes later. Do yourself a favor and try Velcro swaddles instead!
3. A White Noise Machine
A white noise machine can be one of the best investments that new parents can make! Swaddles mimic the warmth of the womb, and white noise machines mimic the sound of the womb. Most babies find the hum of a white noise machine relaxing. White noise also blocks out external sounds. In short, white noise machines can help get your baby to sleep and ensure that they stay asleep. If parents choose to co-sleep with their child or keep their bassinet close by, a white noise machine can also be a game-changer. Babies often make little noises as they sleep, which is adorable, but can certainly interfere with one’s ability to sleep soundly! A white noise machine can soothe parents just as much as it soothes their little ones.
4. The DockATot Pillow
I wish this was a sponsored post, because I have so many wonderful things to say about the DockATot pillow. Essentially, these are pillows with padded sides that ensure your baby will stay put. These pillows are ideal for keeping your baby warm and secure at nighttime or at nap time. Some babies are uncomfortable sleeping in cribs and sleep best in someone’s arms. If this is the case for your baby, try the DockATot. Your baby may feel cozier and more relaxed in the warm embrace of this wonderful pillow. Additionally, this pillow is much easier to transport than a bulky bassinet! The DockATot is definitely the most expensive recommendation on this list, but there are many wonderful and more affordable alternatives to the DockATot brand on the market!
5. Calendula cream
Calendula flowers are not only beautiful to look at but also have several amazing properties that put them at the top of my list for any type of skin care. Calendula has anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. The best part? Calendula cream is gentle enough to use on both mother and baby. Moms can use calendula cream on the perineal area or to soothe cracked or irritated nipples. Calendula can also be used to combat any type of newborn skin condition, whether it be dry skin, any type of rash, cradle cap, or even baby acne.
Is there a product that you found especially beneficial during your postpartum period? Let us know in the comments!