Products I do and don’t recommend as a first time mom
As I am approaching one month of motherhood, I have used a decent amount of baby products — both gifted and bought myself. I crafted my personal registry based on fellow friend recommendation and TikTok inspiration, and I am here to give you, my opinions.
Whether you’re expecting for the first time, looking to gift a product, or maybe a fellow mom interested in some of these items, here is my honest take.
(I will be making separate blog posts regarding carseat and stroller, pumps, and nursery organization, so stay tuned as well!)
I would like to preference, it is a privilege to have been gifted items for my baby and we do use these items regardless if we would repurchase or not. My goal is to simply help other moms / friends interested in knowing what to get for their baby!
I also recommend you always do your own research on items and brands to see if they fit the personal needs for your baby.
Bottles:
Reference: https://www.tiktok.com/@kayleerabaja?_t=8q9wEFYRlhG&_r=1)
I really recommend Kaylee's content—she is educational, provides an unbiased opinion on products and answers her comments if you have questions! I found when researching bottles, Kaylee provides great examples on what to avoid and what to look for in products.As a breastfeeding mom, my goal with bottles were to find nipples that demonstrated a natural latch, and encouraged something similar to a breast— as my milk supply was coming in, we wanted to go between breast and bottle for feedings.
After doing research myself, brands like Comotomo and Tommee Tippee, do not promote what we were looking for—despite them being two popular bottle brands.
The nipples from these two brands encourage the baby to suck only on the tip, which goes against real breastfeeding and may confuse the baby between bottle and breast..
What I was looking for in a nipple was something with a gradual slope to mimic a healthy latch (you can make a triangle with your two pointer fingers along the nipple of the bottle). This helps prevent nipple confusion between going between bottle and breast, which was something very important to me.
Lansinoh bottles: $14.91
Image and product link: https://a.co/d/362AgpU
These bottles have not caused any nipple confusion for my baby, and I'm grateful for that—the gradual slope from the nipple to the base makes them a great choice (in my opinion).
(For reference, here is a side-by-side of the two nipples. Photos from lansinoh.com and comotomo.com)Now, while these bottles I do overall recommend, despite the slow-paced nipple it comes with, I find the milk does flow fairly fast so we often have to pause the feeding to ensure he is not overeating, and actually digesting his food. While, that may turn some off from this brand of bottle, if your concern is latch with breast after bottle, I do recommend this brand.
An honorable mention;
Evenflo Premium Proflo Venting Balance Plus Wide Neck Baby, Newborn and Infant Bottles: $26.98 for 6 bottles
Image and product link: https://a.co/d/fwmNyYI
While I have not personally tried these bottles, this is another popular brand that promotes a wide base within their nipples. I do plan on ordering these bottles to review so another post is to come!
Bottle warmer:
HEYVALUE Bottle Warmer: $39.95
Image and product link: https://a.co/d/fwmNyYI
When I was looking for a bottle warmer to add to my registry, I was looking for something affordable, and one with good reviews: and this had both.
The instructions were easy to read and follow—very to the point which when I opened this bad boy up at 3 am — I very much needed simple.
We did have one hiccup when this machine did not turn on one time, but did a few minutes later when we tried again, and has worked ever since.
I am not sure if it was a fluke or a product issue so for that reason I would still recommend until further notice because otherwise this warmer has done us good!
Black and white baby toy
Black and White Baby Toys, High Contrast Baby Toys for Newborn: $5.99
Image and product link: https://a.co/d/9PXyUhE
While the concept of his product I love for tummy time, I do not recommend this item overall.
From the images on amazon, I was expecting this to be sturdy enough to stand on, on its own—which it does not. It is a soft fabric that falls once it is stood up unless supported by something on the other side.
The ‘mirror’ on one of the cards is very blurry and serves no purpose as well. Yes, for the price I’m not expecting the best quality mirror for tummy time, however it should be removed all together because it is just blurry and smudgy.
I do still have this product and mainly use it when he is on his back— to set him up for tummy time then find something to support these cards is just a hassle, so I recommend finding a better option.
Sleep gowns
Touched by Nature Unisex Baby Organic Cotton Gowns: $13.46
Image and product link: https://a.co/d/8OwWGcH
In the hospital we put baby boy in these gowns and it saved so soooo much time changing his diaper--especially during the night. Now, we keep him in these a lot during the day to keep him warm - especially when he’s not swaddled.
Our baby boy also has clubbed feed so in anticipation of his casts, these will keep him cozy as footie PJ’s will overheat him!
Love, love, love these! (Any brand of sleepers will suffice)
Mattress protector
Waterproof Bassinet Mattress Pad Cover: $23.99
Image and product link: https://a.co/d/djHhvh0
I didn’t think of buying a bassinet mattress protector until the week of my due date and I am glad I did!
With spit up, possible leaky diapers—these have saved our bassinet mattress! I love how these came with twin pack as I never have to worry about making sure to wash one before changing it out. (I have yet to switch the protector as any wetness just seeps to the sheets).
The pad is very thick which I appreciate as well because it doesn’t feel cheap. Due to its thickness, putting on the sheet is a bit hard — the sheet tends to slip up a lot but that is more of the issue with the brand of sheet than protector, in my opinion.
Sheets:
4 Pack Bassinet Sheets (19" x 33"): $24.99
Image and product link: https://a.co/d/fj6lK6f
I would not purchase these again as they barely fit my bassinet mattress with the protector on top. I would opt for investing in a better brand and softer material as well.
Changing pad covers:
PHF Baby Changing Pad Covers for Boys Girls, 2 Pack: $9.99
Image and product link: https://a.co/d/7VTEW2w
I thought I would be using changing covers for our mat and I simply do not use these. Accidents happen very frequent and changing sheets (especially the during night) is not practical.
Instead, I bought a pack of liners and lay them on the changing pad and if there is an accident (ie he pee’s on us haha) it is much more easy to throw in the wash and grab a new one.
Changing pad liners:
TILLYOU Changing Pad Liners 6PK - Waterproof Flannel Cotton, 27" x 13" - Perfect for Baby Diaper Changing Needs, White: $14.58
Image and product link: https://a.co/d/aYdtKQG
I use these liners on my changing pad at home instead of sheets and they work wonders. They’re thick, durable, and also absorbent. I especially love how many come in a pack so you never need to wait to replace a dirty one.
Bath pad:
Baby Bath Kneeler and Elbow Rest Pad Set: $37.99
Image and product link: https://a.co/d/7jXstTk
I was worried when I received this item the memory foam would collapse once I kneeled on it, but I am happy to report that has not happened!
The memory foam is thick, durable, and also comfortable to kneel and lean on when giving my boy a bath.
I also love the pockets . If my partner is attending to the dogs and I am doing bath time alone, these pockets allow me to always make sure my eyes are on the baby by holding any items I may need.
Diaper bag:
PILLANI Baby Diaper Bag Backpack: $33.99
Image and product link: https://a.co/d/aKw2FqN
When I added this bag to my registry I did it based on the amazing reviews and it does not disappoint! This bag is roomy, has a ton of storage, and even comes with a changing mat which we use whenever we go into public or to change him in the car.
My friend was so enthralled with this bag she even tested to see if the front pocket can hold 3 larger bottles and an ice pack, and it passed the test!
The quality of this bag for the price tag is also very impressive. I found that other bags on the market were more expensive with half the amount of space as well.
I want to add, my diaper bag as a first time mom is also STOCKED, and it still feels and looks lightweight!
Nursing pillow:
Momcozy Nursing Pillow: $46.99
Image and product link: https://a.co/d/daHrvdE
100000% recommend!
What sold me on this item was the fact it buckles around your waist so your baby remains close to your chest— you’re not constantly fumbling to adjust which I love. The top of the pillow serves as a back rest for your baby as well which makes them stay still and remain cozy during feeding.
It is a bit pricey as well as the additional covers, but I believe it is worth the investment.
Swaddles:
SwaddleMe by Ingenuity Compression Swaddle Pod: $21.66
Image and product link: https://a.co/d/g6G5xy0
My boy was born at 21 inches and 9.2 pounds and found that this swaddle was too small for him despite it being made for 0-2 month.
Because it was too tiny for him, the smallness of the swaddle caused his arm placement to be awkward and uncomfortable—which resulted in him being very fussy overall.
If you have a bigger baby I would opt for something better suited for them to grow into, like the Halo swaddle (ours was gifted so I do not have a link!)
Nail file:
Baby Nail Trimmer Electric Nail File: $14.99
Image and product link: https://a.co/d/1QRhWAc
My little dude is squirmy so cutting his nails with traditional mini scissors scared me. This electric file is very gentle and doesn’t knick him if it touches his skin.
I tested his product on myself and it was great and didn’t hurt (I wanted to make sure it was safe) — so I definitely recommend!
Mini fridge:
Cooluli 15L Mini Fridge: $89.99
Image and product link: https://a.co/d/0FeohTC
Okay hear me out— this was definitely a need but a want. If you have the means to splurge on a mini fridge for your bedroom I 100000% recommend.
This sits on top of my dresser and it stores my body armors and breast milk so I do not have to go downstairs after every pump or to get some electro lights. It is also a great size as it doesn’t take up a huge amount of space, while also storing just the right amount of items!
All in all
I have yet to try a handful of baby items, but look forward to reviewing them as my baby gets bigger!
I would like to repeat that what may work for my family, may not work for yours and to always do your own research! These are merely my opinion and recommendations so take that as you will!
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Want to read more lifestyle blogs?
Life with Lauren: One week of motherhood
Life with Lauren: Dealing with a postpartum body during a newborn session
