my essential, everyday baby products as a new mama

Sound / Light Machine: I was told to register for this sound machine by recommendation of some other mom friends but I didn’t realize how much I would love this one until we had baby H. We use this sound machine for every nap and overnight while he sleeps. It’s not only adorable looking — it’s everything you need in one! It has so many different sounds to choose from (my favorites are the standard white noise and the wash machine noise) as well as different lights for middle of the night feedings etc.

It’s easily programmable and adjustable from your phone. I have presets saved so all I have to do is touch the top of the sound machine and it will switch through my favorites until I land on the one I want. The brightness for the light and the sound for the noise are easily adjustable which is so handy — all from your phone! (I can even turn the white noise on if I’m outside watering my plants and my husband is putting the baby down. ;) If you’re looking for a sound machine, look no further!

Haaka LadyBugs: If you plan on breastfeeding, these will be your best friends. I tried the original Haaka and it did not stay on me like I wished it would. These ladybugs are amazing because they are slim and can suction right to your breast in your bra, so its not as easy for baby to kick it off or fall off. I used this every time I fed on the opposite side to catch the let down. I saved so much milk!

Organic Baby Lounger: She may be spendy, but she is worth it! (Especially if you can get some friends or family to go in on it for your registry.) Hunter took supervised naps in this lounger in his crib or right next to me on the couch. It was also a great place to leave him on the floor while I used the bathroom or something! The shape makes babies feel like they are being held and hugged so it is so comforting.

Tubby Todd Products: (Use this link for 10% off all products.) The holy grail. We are a big fan of Tubby Todd’s body/hair wash, lotion, and all over ointment. At first, I didn’t think it was worth it because a bottle of Johnson and Johnson’s is just a handful of dollars, but I have to tell you — I’m a big TT believer now.

We’ve been using their products for three months now and we’re never turning back. Every product is made out of clean ingredients so it’s safe for the most sensitive baby skin. It’s a miracle worker on clearing baby acne, moisturizing the skin, and not leading to any rashes that the little sensitive babies can often get.

We use the All Over Ointment on H’s face everyday to keep acne at bay. It also clears cradle cap and is an awesom diaper rash cream too! If I could recommend any products, try the All Over Ointment, Lavender Rosemary Wash, and Everyday Lotion.

Lalabu Baby Carrier (use code TARA25 for 25% off): I had such a hard time finding a baby carrier I liked. They were either too hard and uncomfortable for me and baby or they were too soft and I felt like baby was going to fall out from lack of support! Then, I found the Lalabu and I am never turning back. (I want one in every color lol!)

It is the perfect amount of structured so that you feel confident going hands free with baby and also soft that it’s comfortable to wear and baby is close like a wrap-style. It’s very easy to put on once you get the hang of it (PSA: every baby carrier ha a learning curve so it may just take some time to get used to how it’s placed). And it’s just STUNNING. I’ve used it on walks, vacuuming around the house, naps when baby is feeling extra clingy etc.

Ring Sling (use code TARASUN10 for 10% off): Now, this is my go-to for a quick jaunt around the house or out to run an errand. I love the Lalabu carrier for longer periods of time, but a ring sling is essential in my opinion and the fastest option once you get the hang of it! These are my favorites and you can save 10% using code TARASUN10.

Weighted Sleep Sack: I thank God and our gentle sleep training for Hunter’s awesome sleep habits but I also have this weighted sleep sack to thank! It’s gentle weight keeps baby calm in general but also from startling mid sleep. It’s roomy enough for them to kick around and not too heavy where they’re restricted — totally rollable! Hunter loves his.

(Do your research and use your discretion on whether you’d want to use a weighted sleep sack. I know there are big opinions out there, but this company has complied and communicated with the AAP’s safe sleep guidelines.)

Baby Monitor: This was the item that my husband was the most excited about lol! After doing his research, he was pleasantly surprised by its features for its price. The screen is huge, but not so big that you can’t tote it around the house with you to watch baby or so big that you wouldn’t want to travel with it. It has white noise and lullabies bulit into the machine which is handy if you don’t have a sound machine, and a great wide scope to see the whole room.

Something else we like is that the display will go dark when the machine does not detect any sound from baby. You can easily check on baby by clicking the main button, but for those overnight moments, its nice not to have the bright screen always lit. The side lights up in green if it detects a small noise and then gradually up to red if baby is really crying. It’s nice to see the colors even when the display isn’t on. The battery is awesome too!

Newton Mattress: Mom’s and dad’s can rest easy with the Newton breathable mattress. This mattress is 100% breathable and 100% washable. It comes with a cover that is as equally breathable and completely washable. I have thrown the cover in the wash a few times after some blowouts and it’s so handy. The “core” or mattress is also washable — you can stick it in your shower and rinse it through.

It gives me so much peace of mind knowing that if Hunter were to roll on his face or start preferring to sleep on his tummy, that he would be able to breathe! Again, this is something I’m so glad we prioritized.

These Sleepers: Amazon coming in clutch once again! When I got pregnant, my mom found these online. Now, I have a bunch for Hunter and have gifted my soon-to-be-mama friends this brand. The thickness, texture, and quality of these sleepers are amazing. They’re warm but not too thick where you’re afraid the baby will overheat. Plus, their patterns are super neutral and aesthetic. ;)

Diaper Bag: As silly as this sounds, it was important to me to find a diaper bag that was as functional as it was beautiful. This one has met those expectations and more! I have the black bag and it’s perfect. (Also not too girly where the guys won’t tote it around haha!) It has two outside pockets for your own water bottle, baby’s bottle, or even an extra swaddle or random item. The inside has two insulated compartments for baby’s bottle or whatever you’d like as well as a pouch pocket, small accessory pocket, and huge main compartment.

Bumbo Changing Pad: So easy to wipe down and fairly compact as far as changing pads go! This one is soft and not too uncomfortable for baby to lay down on while you change them!

Best Nursing Bras: When I tell you that these are the comfiest bras, and not only for nursing… wow! I was recommended these by a fellow mom friend and I still wear them , even 10 months postpartum. They are easy to nurse in, soft and comfortable, and give you a light-medium coverage.

Nail File: To be honest, I was so nervous about cutting baby H’s skin and fingertips when trimming his nails! Then, a friend recommended this nail buffer/file and it has been a lifesaver. It’s a battery operated file that comes with a few different buffers. The beauty of it is that if you knick the baby’s finger or skin, it won’t hurt them at all! I keep one at home and one in my diaper bag.

Mamas! Do you have any baby / new mama product recommendations? Comment them below and help a fellow mom out!