With so many baby products on the market, how do you decide what you actually need for your little one? Introducing The Local Moms Network Baby Guide – a trustworthy resource created by experienced moms, for moms.
Whether you’re a first-time parent or a seasoned pro, The Local Moms Network Baby Guide takes the guesswork out of building your baby registry. You’ll find mom-tested and baby-approved recommendations for everything from nursery necessities to feeding your baby.
Almost a decade ago, Asya Geller of Greenwich Moms started this guide to share her favorite baby essentials with friends. Since then, it’s been updated and perfected by moms across our network. Refer to it, make your picks, and get ready to welcome your bundle of joy with confidence. Then be sure to pass it along to the next mama-to-be!
This story originally appeared on The Local Moms Network.
Diapers. They’re not glamorous, but they may just be the only item a parent truly needs when the baby is born. These products make it as painless as possible.
Diapers
- Coterie (Arguably the most important item on this list, they’re incredibly absorbent, soft-as-cashmere and basically blow-out proof! Use code TLMNGuide2024 for 20% off first-time orders!)
- Pampers
- Kirkland Signature Diapers
Wipes
- Coterie (You can’t have diapers without wipes and Coterie’s wipes are our top pick! Made with 99% purified water, these strong soft wipes are 30% larger than your average wipe, which means one wipe goes a long way. Plus, they are hypoallergenic and made from biodegradable fibers!)
- Water Wipes
- Kirkland Signature Baby Wipes
- La Petite Creme French Diapering Lotion, Balm and Pads
Changing Pad Liners
Changing Pad and Covers
Diaper Pail, Bag refills, and Deodorizers
Diaper Cream
Portable Diaper Changing Pad
Whether you’re nursing, pumping or formula feeding, the accessories that accompany feeding your baby can be confusing! Here are some of the must haves to make life a little easier.
Nursing Pillow
Nursing Cover
Breast Pump and Replacement Parts (check with your health insurance provider for information on free pumps!)
- Spectra S1 or S2
- Elvie Hands Wearable Pump
- Replacement Spectra Parts
- Willow Go Wearable Pump
- Haakaa Manual Breast Pump
Breast Milk Storage Bags
Burp Cloths
Bottle Brushes
Bottle Soap
- Dapple Dish Soap
- Seventh Generation (clean, plant based, can use for all dishes)
- Babyganics
Bottles
Bottle Drying Rack
Bottle Accessories
While starting solid foods may not be a priority when your baby is first born, you’ll need to introduce them around 4-6 months. To prepare, consider these helpful items.
High Chairs
- Stokke Tripp Trapp with tray
- Inglesina Fast Table Chair
- Lalo The Chair Convertible 3-in-1 High Chair
Bibs
Plates/Bowls/Utensils/Cups
- EZPZ Plate
- EZPZ Bowl
- EZPZ Cup
- NumNum Starter Spoons
- Self Feeding Spoon and Fork
- Munchkin Straw Cup
- Munchkin Snack Bowl
- Austin Baby Co Placemat
Baby Food Prep
People love to tell expecting parents to sleep when the baby sleeps, but that’s a lot easier said than done! Below you’ll find our favorite sleep products from necessities like bassinets and crib sheets, to helpful accessories like white noise machines.
Bassinets/Mattress Covers/Sheets
Swaddles
Sleep Sacks (Check for different weights and sizes)
Crib Mattress
Crib Sheets
Portable Crib and sheets
Sound Machine
Baby Monitor
Whether you’re heading to the grocery store, a weekend at the grandparents, or on a two-week vacation, traveling with baby can be exhausting. Here are the items that make transporting your bundle of joy a breeze.
Stroller (and corresponding travel bag)
- Uppababy – Vista, Cruz, or Minu
- Uppababy Stroller Travel Bag
- Zoe Double Stroller
- Baby Trend Snap-N-Go EX Universal Infant Car Seat Carrier
- Bugaboo Donkey
- Babyzen yoyo
Car Seat
Wagon
Stroller Accessories
- Stroller Fan
- Snack Tray – stroller specific
- Cup holder – stroller specific
Stroller Caddy
Stroller Mittens
Stroller Sleeping Bag
Baby Carrier
Mirror for Car Seat (one for each car)
Diaper Bag
Bathing your baby can be great bonding time. Here are our favorite products to keep your baby comfortable and clean.
Bathtub
Towels
- Pottery Barn Hooded Towels
- Weezie Baby Hooded Towel
- Burt’s Bees Baby Bath Bundle- Hooded Towel, Washcloths & Robe
Baby Soap and Moisturizer
Our favorite products to help keep our babies safe and healthy.
Humidifier
Snot Sucker
Nail File
Medicine
Laundry Detergent and Stain Remover
Sunscreen
Oral Care
Thermometer
From lounging to playing, leisure time with baby is the best!
Baby Containers
Jumper
Play Mats/Gyms
Toys
While teeny tiny baby clothes are adorable, they’re oftentimes unrealistic. Focus on getting the essentials to keep your newborn comfortable during those first few months.
White Long-Sleeved Onesies
Zipper PJs
Don’t forget about caring for yourself, mom. After your baby is born, be sure to take some time for self-care. You deserve it!
Breast Care
- Frida Mom Breast Care
- Lansinoh Breast Therapy Packs – Hot and Cold
- Bodily Nursing Bras
- Larken Hands Free Pumping Bra
- Kindred Bravely Nursing and Hands-Free Pumping Bra
- Lansinoh Breast Pads
- Blanqui Breast Pads
- Earth Mama Nipple Butter
Down There Care
