Baby Products You Actually Need (& What You Can Live Without)

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Baby products that you need, and the ones that you don't
Wellness Mama » Blog » Motherhood » Baby Products You Actually Need (& What You Can Live Without)

I remember being pregnant with my first baby and going to the store to register for baby products. I was like a kid in a candy store, convinced that I needed every cute outfit, innovative gadget, and award-winning baby products. I registered for dozens of items, and in hindsight, I’m so glad that I never got most of them!

I sometimes wish I could go back to my first-time-mom self in that store with the knowledge of a mom of six, and give myself a cheat sheet of items I would actually need and use. Since I can’t, I’m sharing that list here, as I wish someone had given me this list all those years ago.

What to Buy for Baby (& Baby Products to Skip)

Be warned before you go into any baby store in a highly pregnant state … there are hundreds of baby items and your nesting emotions will try to convince you that you need to buy them all. Don’t get sucked in!

Yes, every baby item is cute (just like every baby!) and there are so many cool things that didn’t exist when we were kids. Seriously though, you’ll end up using many of them just once or twice (or not at all) before baby outgrows them.

Every mom’s favorite baby products will vary (even depends on the baby sometimes), but here’s what I learned along the way: you need less than you think! After baby comes, all of that extra stuff just becomes what you trip over while walking through the house in a sleep-deprived state.

Overrated Baby Gear: What You Don’t Need

Looking back I honestly could have skipped many baby products and wish I had saved the money! These are the items that I “had-to-have” with my first baby that just didn’t prove that useful:

  • Changing Table: It surprised me that once baby came I didn’t use this for very long. Instead, I kept basic diaper-changing supplies in a small basket with a handle that I could carry around the house (and eventually have older kids bring to me) so I could change baby wherever it was convenient. If you are short on space like we were, I’d suggest just getting a changing table cushion topper and putting in on top of a short dresser or other piece of furniture you already have to save space.
  • Wipe Warmer: Some people love the wipe warmer … it just wasn’t something I ended up using since I didn’t stay in one place to change diapers. My kids never seemed to mind the temperature of wipes straight from the package either.
  • Diaper Waste Pail: Before we switched to cloth diapers we used an expensive diaper waste pail but it was a pain to use and actually made things smell worse. Our solution? Diapers went in the kitchen trash, which is pretty small and we took out daily anyway. This cut down on the smell and simplified things.
  • Nursing Pillow: I’m sure they can be awesome and many moms love them, but I personally could never get in a comfortable position using them and always ended up using a regular bed pillow or throw pillow instead.
  • Crib Bedding: I know, I know … it is so cute and there are so many fun options. Honestly, I got sucked in and spent way too much money on a fancy bedding set with my first. Then I came to find out that apparently bumper pads are really assassins that will kill your baby in his sleep, blankets aren’t recommended for baby (and neither are pillows), and oh, yeah… my baby hated his crib anyway! Plus, the set I picked out wasn’t gender neutral and when we had a girl next, the bedding didn’t really fit. Stick to a neutral-color organic crib sheet instead. It’s cheaper and much more versatile.
  • Diaper Bag: What? No diaper bag? Of course you need something to carry the baby gear in, but the easiest thing I’ve found is to just add baby items to my purse. For longer outings, carry a basic backpack that doubles as my purse and diaper bag. (Bonus of this method: my husband doesn’t mind carrying it.)
  • Baby Bathtub: I’m guilty of purchasing several of these over the years because they seem like such a great idea, but it turns out that there is an easier and cheaper option that works better. It is this novel invention called: the sink. While baby bathtubs are cute, I’ve always found it easier to bathe baby in the sink or the shower with me.
  • Bumbo Seat: These things are supposed to be great (though I’ve seen several stories of babies being injured or killed if the seat isn’t used correctly), but by the time my kids were big enough to sit in them they weren’t fans of being restrained. Over the years, I’ve learned to avoid items that can only be used for a short time and the Bumbo seat definitely makes this list. Other items on this list include things like walkers, bouncers, jumpers, etc.
  • Baby Food Makers: Since my first baby, I’ve moved away from buying or making pureed “baby food” and now stick to soft diced first foods that encourage baby to feed himself. Turns out, babies don’t need watered-down foods pureed in a high-tech specialized baby food maker. If you do want to puree, try the blender or get an inexpensive immersion blender that can be used in dozens of other ways in your kitchen.
  • Designer Hospital Gown: This is the item I laugh at myself about the most. To be fair, I have friends who have gorgeous magazine-worthy pictures with their designer gown and full makeup … in labor. Unfortunately, I am not that kind of laboring mom. I’m more of the stark-naked-messy-hair-look-like-I’m-half-dead-after-24-hours-of-labor type and my designer hospital gown quickly became a really expensive pillow covering when I could no longer stand to have it on me. Regular hospital gowns are ugly, but you won’t feel bad if you get bodily fluids on them (and you don’t have to wash them!).
  • Anything Plastic: I wish I’d known a decade ago what I know now about plastic products as I’ve now gotten rid of almost all of the plastic in our house. Now I know to seek out toys, bottles, spoons, etc. that aren’t plastic. Bonus: wood toys are a lot easier on the eyes when they’re laying around the house!

Best Baby Products (You Actually Need)

The list of most-used items will vary from mom to mom, but these are the ones that I wish I’d known to get with my first and that I still use today. All of these items can be used for several ages and stages and have held up really well through multiple babies.

The Essential Baby Gear

When it comes right down to it, a baby doesn’t need a lot (except their mama!). Here are some basics every baby needs. (Mom needs some essentials too for postpartum recovery … see the recommendations at the bottom of this post.)

  • A Car Seat: This goes without saying (they won’t let you leave the hospital without it), but a high quality car seat is worth the investment and one of our top priorities from a safety perspective. We chose this car seat for its high safety ratings (and because you can fit three of them across the back of most cars). It works for baby from newborn until booster seat and has been extremely durable.
  • A Capsule Wardrobe of Organic Baby Clothes: Instead of buying dozens of cute baby clothes (that babies wear about once before they outgrow them), I wish I’d known with my first what I do now: buy a few high-quality organic staple pieces in each size. This way, not only was I able to buy higher quality baby clothes that last longer and are more durable, but I ended up spending less on clothes and was much less overwhelmed with the mountain of baby laundry.
  • Muslin Swaddling Blankets: I wish I’d found these lightweight all-purpose blankets with my first baby. They are lightweight and big enough to be a great swaddling blanket, nursing cover, and burp cloth for a baby with reflux. They are cute and very functional.
  • Organic Burp Cloths: Some people might say this falls under the “unnecessary” category, but let’s face it … motherhood is messy. I prefer to have a stack of good burp cloths on hand to try and save at least a few of my shirts from the laundry. Of course, you could also opt for few extra muslin blankets.
  • Eco-Friendly Diapers: Diapers are obviously on the list of essentials. We made the decision to cloth diaper to save money, but also because this was a safer option for baby. It really isn’t much more work and we have had far fewer leaks than with regular diapers. Bum Genius cloth diapers are adjustable to fit from newborn to potty training and resell for a good price when you are done. I also kept some earth-friendly disposable diapers on hand for convenience when out and about.
  • A Natural Crib: There are a lot of crib options. After a lot. of research, we settled on the Babyletto crib that is Greenguard Gold Certified and screened for 360 VOCs and over 10,000 chemicals and tested to be Lead and phthalate safe. It also has a non-toxic finish and is beautiful!
  • Organic Crib Mattress and Bedding: One of the questions I am most frequently asked is about organic mattresses for babies and children. This is the crib mattress we use and love. I feel so strongly about an organic mattress being a worthwhile investment from a health perspective that I’m putting it on my list of essentials for baby.
  • Organic Crib Bedding: No, I don’t mean bumpers and quilts. Take the money you save skipping those and get the bedding you really need. Don’t cover your new organic mattress in plastic … go for an an organic fitted crib sheet and organic crib mattress pad.
  • A Good Stroller: For older babies, we most often just use a lightweight umbrella stroller, but especially when I had a baby and a young toddler at the same time, a high quality double stroller was really helpful. Now, with only one toddler, this lightweight umbrella stroller is the one I take everywhere.

Handy Extras

Although I don’t like to buy things that last only for a short time, these were invaluable in those early baby days (and if helps Mom sleep, it’s worth it!).

  • A Baby Bouncer: For the most part, we avoid baby items that only work for a short time (bassinet, bumbo, swing, etc.) but the one that my husband swears by is a simple baby bouncer that actually bounces. My theory is that this small bouncing movement mimics my movements while pregnant and this is my hubby’s best trick for getting the baby to sleep so I can shower or run errands once in a while.
  • Baby Swing: I remember well the sweet early days of my first baby. We would cozy up together in our apartment and snuggle and stare all day at one another. Bliss! Then another baby came. And another … and another! I discovered quickly I needed another way to rock the baby. A good baby swing was a lifesaver, keeping the new baby happy and content while I fed and played with the others! This one gets rave reviews for having multiple motions that mimic how a parent would rock their baby (not just up and down or side to side).
  • Baby Carrier: Another way to free up hands but still hold baby. After a lot of research, I saved up for the Ergo baby carrier and I wish I’d purchased it sooner. It removed the need for a bouncer, stroller, etc. and I especially like that it supports baby’s hips correctly to help prevent hip-related problems. Be sure to get the newborn insert as well if you plan to use it for a newborn. I also like the Moby Wrap as a carrier for new babies as it cradles them carefully and with proper hip position. I used this almost every day the first few months.
  • Organic Swaddle: My babies never liked to be swaddled and would only let me swaddle them in muslin blankets for a few minutes at a time, but some of my mom friends swear by them! Swaddle sacks are great for helping baby sleep longer (and that makes everyone happy!). Just be sure to swaddle your baby safely.
  • Cozy Baby Blanket: If you are looking for a perfect Baby Shower gift, I was recently introduced to AU Baby and their 100% plant dyed merino wool baby blankets. It’s not only super soft and cozy, it’s also a performance fiber with a very low ecological impact. Because wool is composed of the same protein as our own skin, it’s non-allergenic and super gentle on baby’s skin. Use code WELLNESSMAMA for 15% off.
  • Snot Sucker: If this thing existed a decade ago, no one told me about it. A veteran mom friend gave me one of these as a baby gift and while I thankfully don’t have to use it often, it is tremendously helpful when it is needed! Basically, it is a device that let’s you get the snot out of baby’s nose so he can breathe. It sounds strange, but it works really well. This is the one I have and I like that it doesn’t require filters and is softer silicone (unlike some other brands).

For Feeding

Breast feeding simplifies this category, but you’ll certainly need to have a few items as baby grows:

  • Ready, Set, Food!: I really wish this had been around when I had my little ones. In my opinion, it’s the most important feeding tool you can have because because it can help reduce the risk of developing a food allergy by up to 80%. It’s a simple supplement (with a very clean ingredient list) that you add to baby’s bottle (expressed breastmilk or formula) and is based on some very solid research. Read more about it here.
  • Breastmilk Storage: Many breastfeeding moms need to pump milk for time away from baby whether for work or for a date night. While the common breastmilk storage bags are flexible for freezer storage, I just don’t like the idea of my baby’s milk sitting in plastic for months. These silicone trays are freezer-friendly and the frozen milk is easy to remove and defrost quickly for bottle feeding.
  • Breast Pump: I don’t pump the first six months, but when baby is older and I am able to get away, I pump so that I can keep nursing longer. I like this one because it is very compact, travels easily and is hands free.
  • Glass Baby Bottle: The first solid food our babies get is always bone broth (more on that here). My favorite way to feed them bone broth is through a bottle, as they are already used to the sucking motion from breastfeeding. Since children are especially susceptible to the dangers of plastic, I use safe and eco-friendly glass bottles. Don’t worry about giving glass to a baby, the bottles come with a protective covering!
  • Wooden High Chair: We bought a wooden high chair after our third baby and it’s one item I wish we had from the beginning! Typical high chairs are made of harmful plastic, and I don’t want my baby’s food touching it. And let’s be real … most of them are ugly. Wooden high chairs are sturdy, easy to clean, and aesthetically pleasing.
  • Waterproof Bibs: Things can get messy when you take a baby-led weaning approach to solid food! Rather than adding to the laundry pile after every meal, stock up on bibs that actually work. These bibs are waterproof (which is especially helpful when feeding babies bone broth) and larger than traditional ones to really contain the mess.
  • Serenity Kids Baby Food: Serenity Kids was created when new parents found there was a significant lack of nutritional baby food on the store shelves or available online. Babies need protein and healthy fats to grow their brains and bodies and Serenity Kids includes these important macronutrients that were not found in traditional baby food. All of their baby food pouches are made from pasture raised meats, high-quality organic vegetables and contains the most nutrition per bite for your little one.

For Bathing

Nothing better than a cute baby in the bathtub! I have made many of my own baby care products over the years but there is some gear that makes bath time more fun:

  • Baby Wash: I like to make my own baby wash, but sometimes I run out of time for my DIY version and need a backup. In those instances, there are a few natural store-bought baby washes I use. Shea Moisture is my favorite (although recently bought by Unilever, I have not yet seen a shift in ingredients or quality). I also love the products from the MadeOf brand.
  • Baby Lotion: Another must-have from Shea Moisture is their baby lotion. I personally love their chamomile and argan oil lotion. You know that delicious new baby smell? It really is like they bottled it in this baby lotion! Of course, if you prefer homemade, my basic lotion recipe is gentle enough to use on little ones.
  • Sea Wool Bath Sponge: You know those tiny, colorful washcloths for babies? You don’t really need them. I think a natural sea wool bath sponge is just as gentle and it doesn’t create more unnecessary laundry.
  • Wooden Brush and Comb: I’ve gone through a lot of baby brushes and combs over the years and these are my favorite. The wood is sturdy so I can throw it in my diaper bag, and the goat bristles are great for preventing cradle cap.
  • Homemade Baby Products: Many baby products contain ingredients I wouldn’t use myself and most certainly wouldn’t use on a new baby! Here are the recipes I use.

For Mama (Last but Not Least!)

Mom has needs too, especially post-partum. Here’s what I wouldn’t have been without:

  • Mama Bottom Spray: Moms, don’t skip this self-care step! Mama bottom spray can bring relief and quicken healing after a vaginal delivery. I used this homemade recipe several times a day for up to the first six weeks after delivery, or this is a great ready-made option.
  • Sitz Bath Soak: Taking frequent sitz baths post-delivery is essential for proper healing and to avoid infection. It may seem like a tedious task when you have a newborn to care for and milk coming in, but it’s so important to take the time to relax and recover for your own health. You can make your own or use a store-bought option with good ingredients.
  • Nipple Cream: With ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and olive oil, this nipple cream is wonderful for dry skin and stretch marks. It’s also my favorite nipple cream! Apply it to sore or cracked nipples after a nursing session, and simply wipe off any excess before nursing again.
  • Reusable Nursing Pads: After baby is born, it can take several weeks for breastmilk to regulate. This means your milk may let down before you’re ready to nurse your baby. These reusable nursing pads are absorbent, eco-friendly, and they won’t irritate your likely already-tender nipples.
  • Chlorine-Free Maxi Pads: During regular cycles, I prefer using a menstrual cup for my feminine care needs. Since that’s obviously not an option during postpartum healing, gentle pads are the way to go. Be sure to get some that are chlorine-free like these. They won’t irritate you and will allow you at least a few hours of rest in between changes.
  • An Instant Pot: Not a specific baby item, but an awesome kitchen device that shortens cooking time and makes cooking nourishing, healthy food quick and easy. I reviewed it here, but this electric pressure cooker allows you to prepare and cook food in a short amount of time (like stews and roasts in under an hour) which is a major plus when you don’t have free hands thanks to a newborn.

Bottom Line

Doing your research and having the right baby products is certainly helpful when the time comes, but it isn’t everything. Babies have a way of turning your life (and your nesting plans) upside down (but in the best way). Enjoy those new baby snuggles and don’t forget to put self-care at the top of your list of things to do … before and after pregnancy!

What baby items do you use and recommend? Share in the comments below!

15 Baby Products You Actually Need- and ones you dont

Katie Wells Avatar

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

142 responses to “Baby Products You Actually Need (& What You Can Live Without)”

  1. Anya Avatar

    Hi! It may not be a baby product but I still can’t find a powerful shower cleaning solution that can replace bleach. Please help! Also, what kind of laundry detergent you use? I’m still exploring and considering making my own but still not sure if it’s a good idea.

  2. Blanca Avatar

    Hi Katie , What kind of soap and lotion do you use for your baby?. I have my three months old baby boy and want to know.

      1. Anya Avatar

        Awesome! Thanks! Any cleaning solution for mold and soap scum in the shower? The natural ones I used to use scored low on EWG website so I’m trying to find a new one.

        1. Wellness Mama Avatar
  3. Kathy Avatar

    I found the washer and dryer make a great changing table and dirty clothes go straight in the washer. Agreed on no need to spend money on a changing table!

  4. Katy Avatar

    Coconut oil for head to toe and dr. Bronnors baby soap for everything from shampoo to bottles to laundry.

  5. Anne Avatar

    Hi, my husband is 6’5″ and about 240 lbs. do you know of a baby carrier that would fit him? Thanks! The ergo any will be perfect for me!

    1. Michelle Avatar
      Michelle

      You may be able to fine a local baby-wearing group in your area that does a lending library to see what would work for him. A ring sling may be best because he can adjust it accordingly.

  6. Blanca Avatar

    Did you find any baby carriers without fire retardants. I want to buy one. Also, for car seats there are two brands that don’t have much fire retardant like britax and clek. Did you check on those Katie?

    1. Wellness Mama Avatar

      I was able to verify that Ergo carriers are free of flame retardants: “All ERGObaby carriers are free of any flame retardants on the carrier as well as the foam in the padding as we have recently retested our products. The are no chemicals found on the carriers.” (response from company)

  7. Dana Avatar

    Hi wellness mama, I’m looking into trying the 360 ergo carrier whereit faces baby out. But want to make sure that won’t overstimulate him or anything.. Not sure if that would or if there would be any reasoning to only have them facing inward?

    1. Alissa Avatar

      Hi Dana, I’m not Katie, so I hope you don’t mind if i jump in. Outward facing really depends on the personality and age of your baby. Of course you wouldn’t outward face a newborn, but by 6 months most babies like (and some would argue, need) more stimulation. You might find this post interesting: https://www.kitchenstewardship.com/5-unpopular-reasons-babywearing/
      The 360 was just coming out when I was researching carriers, and I was wary of it. It has since gotten really popular and I have seen so many contented bubs in it. We ended up going with the Manduca, which I still love and recommend, but I can’t help wonder if my now-toddler would be more content in the front, forward facing.

  8. Julia W Avatar
    Julia W

    Is there any reason to be concerned about the polyester filling inwaterproof mattress pads? I’d rather avoid plastic all together by I’ve found it practically impossible to find any without, polyester batting including organic ones.

  9. Joanne Smith Avatar
    Joanne Smith

    Hi Wellness Mama, have you actually used the Fisher Price Luminosity bouncer yet? Thoughts?
    Also, I am slightly concerned about safety specifications – they are American standards, would the same apply in Australia?
    Many thanks!!

    1. Wellness Mama Avatar

      I have used it and really like it. I’m not aware of the various safety standards in Australia; if you’re concerned, I would compare with some other similar bouncers that meet the safety standards there 🙂

  10. Corinna Avatar

    How do you get people *cough*grandparents*cough* to stop buying you baby crap/kids stuff that you don’t want? Lol even when i registered i got nothing on my list and a bunch of stuff i didn’t want/have any use for and ended up just giving it away almost immediately. Lol

  11. Salem Avatar

    Great list. There are several items of the “must haves” that I emphatically agree. None more than the Intellibed. Yes, they are expensive, but worth every penny. I struggled with chronic and sometimes debilitating back pain since I was 12. During my first 2 pregnancies, I mostly slept on the couch (and still had back pain issues) and it wasn’t great for my marriage. When I found out I was pregnant with my 3rd, I insisted we get a good bed and went straight to the Intellibed store. We’ve never even slightly regretted our purchase. The only downside is that it is now a bit of a struggle to sleep anywhere else. Anyone with back, neck, or joint pain, should try an Intellibed. I’m not a huge fan of their pillows, but the beds are the best (and I’ve tried MANY types of beds).

  12. Alissa Avatar

    I’m with you in the no need for a baby bath… So much easier to take them in the shower!

    Do you use a highchair? Or do you have a weaning table?

    1. Kathleen Avatar
      Kathleen

      Alissa, can you tell me exactly how you bathe the baby in the shower? I would really like to do this, but have no idea how. Do you mean that you use the high chair in the shower?

      1. Alissa Avatar

        Hi Kathleen, thanks for asking. No, I’ve never used a highchair in the shower but I guess that could work. I just held bubs in my arms and made sure I had a washcloth ready, and a towel laid out to wrap him in afterwards. We have a very big shower, the hot water heats up instantly, and the bathroom is attached to our bedroom, where the change table is. I will admit though that is is much easier to have someone (daddy) to hand the baby to so you can finish showering, especially initially. Now that our baby is a toddler, he will sit and play on the bottom of the shower while I wash. The best age was 10-12 months when he would cuddle in and make little contented sighs while the water splashed over his back. So precious!
        Hope that helps, let me know if you have more questions. All the best!

  13. Alyssa Avatar

    What do you think about baby monitors? Our 4.5 month old just started sleeping in the crib. Our rooms our very close so I can mostly hear her. I’m worried about the radiation and I’m also a minimalist; however, I care very deeply of course about her safety. We don’t use bumpers or pillows. Just a tucked in blanket. Thank you wellness mama! God has used you to change our life.

  14. Emily Avatar

    I think I might have lost my mind with out my wind-up swing. I could get a quick shower or little cat naps on fussy baby nights. My kids both loved the baby bouncer but it didn’t give them enough motion when there was no one to bounce them for me to catch a break.

  15. Crystal Avatar

    How do you handle the plastic? Toys from us are almost always wood or fabric, but relatives don’t understand or care. After Christmas and 3 Jan/Feb birthdays my house is filled with plastic toys. I appreciate the thought and don’t want to offend anybody. For my youngest’s 1st birthday we’re donating all gifts to a children’s hospital, but I don’t see that working for every birthday or gift giving holiday.

  16. Sarah Avatar

    Something that worked great for us were cotton based disposable wipes. After using them once, on a urine only change, we would wash them in the machine. Then they become great liners for the cloth diapers!

    1. Kayla Avatar

      Ooh! I’ve washed a disposable wipe with the cloth diapers just so it’s not stinking up the trash– love this idea to reuse them! I don’t use them much, but when I do, I will do this.

  17. Elena Avatar

    Well, every parent and every baby is different. You just got to do whats right for you and your baby. I tried co-sleeping with my baby and it did not work. My husband moves around a lot and makes a lot of noise when he sleeps (he’s a bear!) And my poor daughter didn’t sleep good until we put her in her own room in a crib with thin bumpers (shocking, yes I know!). She sleeps 13 hours a night and takes 2 hour naps. I am totally happy with that despite if some people think I’m doing it wrong.

  18. Elizabeth Avatar

    I love nursing necklaces. I wear it all day everyday never at night as I co-sleep with my babies. But, I got my nursing necklaces from freja toys on etsy. I had to go to the DMV last month. I was waiting for almost three hours and my baby played and chewed on the nursing necklace for most of the time! He eventually fell asleep but it kept his interest for the whole time he was awake:)

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