My Top 10 Baby and Child Items

We have all seen the “Must Have” lists on different websites or from different professionals that are trying to sell us something.  I promise you, this list is different.  These products are all ones that have stood the test of time in my family, and I am sure you will find that they are a great addition to your family as well.  And who am I to give out this advice?  I am a certified doula, an experienced mother of two, and a full-time homeschooling teacher.  Believe me when I say these products are worth a try.

Nursing Pillow
In the early days of nursing, this Boppy pillow was a big help.  I used this pillow while breastfeeding my newborns up until they were about 4-6 months old.  After that, we used this to help my baby learn to sit up.  I was so sad when I finally gave this pillow to a friend with a new baby.  We were good friends by that point.  ;)
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Baby Carrier
A baby carrier is a great way to bond with your baby!  It is also a wonderful way to soothe your child while still keeping your hands free to cook dinner, play with your older children at the park, or stroll around the mall.  An Ergo is a great place to start, but there are many great options out there, so find a comparison chart online (HERE is somewhere to start) and find one that suits your needs and budget.​

Growth Chart
These charts from Eeboo, available in many different themes, are wonderful.  They are sturdy, well-made and, if I say so myself, very cute!  I have one for both of my children and plan to continue adding height stickers to the chart as they grow.  If you don’t want to display this at any point, if folds away in its keepsake box. 

Durable Bibs
These bibs from Dex Baby are, in my opinion, the BEST bibs on the market today.  I cannot tell you how many times I have had to trash bibs because they soaked through, wore out, or became stinky and/or moldy.  These have stayed in my house for YEARS, and I am still on my first set per child.  They unsnap for cleaning, can be put in the top rack of the dishwasher for deep-cleaning, and are waterproof.  I wish I had found them earlier.

Muslin Swaddling Blankets
I absolutely love (and needed) these swaddling cloths from Aden + Anais.  They are soft as a dream (and get softer every time you wash them); large enough so wiggly babies can’t un-swaddle themselves, and have super cute patterns.  Skip the receiving blankets and buy these instead!

Baby Food Freezer Trays
I made my own baby food, and used these trays from Kidco to freeze them in nice portion sizes.  I liked that these trays have the lids to keep the food more clean, but if you liked you could use regular ice cube trays as well. 

Lightweight Stroller
Once your baby is able to control their head and torso better, a lightweight stroller is a great option so you don’t have to lug out the gigantic one that fits your car seat.  I like this one from Chicco because it has fun color options, and a small basket underneath, and its front wheel suspension makes all the difference when you are traveling over rough ground.

Wet Bag
Whether you are using cloth (learn more HERE) or disposable diapers, a wet bag is a great idea to carry with you.  If you have wet or dirty diapers, clothes that saw the wrong end of the spoon, or the results of a diaper blowout, you will benefit from a wet bag.  These from Planet Wise come in many sizes and patterns. 

Toilet Seat
When the diapers eventually get replaced by underwear, a toilet seat made especially for little bodies is great.  Instead of buying a potty chair that has to be emptied whenever used, I recommend purchasing a seat that fits right on the toilet (like THIS awesome one by Baby Bjorn).  It has an adjustable dial so it fits any toilet seat, is comfortable, has a splash guard, and wipes clean.  Sounds like a win to me!

Baby Doll
Although this is probably not a “must have”, I thought this toy deserved a place on this list simply because of the amount of joy my children have had playing with it from a very young age.  This baby doll from Corolle is so sweet you will smile every time you see your child playing with it.  It has a soft, weighted body, and smells delicious.  Not to mention the quality of the manufacturing.  I have nothing bad to say about this baby doll.

Do you have anything you would add to this list?  Leave me a comment and let me know what you couldn't live without!