My Favorite 8 Baby Products

The following are 8 of my favorite items I used for myself and Baby G.

When I found out Baby G was on the way, my favorite thing to do was peruse the usual baby gear websites, other blogs, etc to find the best items for my munchkin. Well, until you have that bundle of joy in your hands, you have no idea! At least I didn’t anyway. The following are 8 of my favorite items I used for myself and Baby G.

Boobs & Pumps

1. Breast Pumps. My experience with breast feeding was unfortunately short lived when my little G was born… approximately 4 months. Not sure why the milk dried up as I tried everything to keep it going, but I gave her all I could during those 4 months anyway!

I used the Medela Breast Pump, which my insurance company graciously provided to me for free. Just the basic pump and a few bottles; it didn’t come with the fancy tote bag you see on the link here or some baby websites, but that’s fine. If I needed to travel with it, a large purse or tote bag worked just fine. The pump is amazing with varying levels of suction and speed with easy to clean parts. Check with your insurance company as most will provide one to you for free!

2. Breast pads vs. Breast Shields. Breast pads are for when your milk comes in to prevent it from leaking into your bra and shirt. DON’T BUY THESE! I mean, you can if you want to of course, but think of it this way- sore, leaky nipple dries and sticks to the pad; then it’s like ripping off a band aid when you try to feed your baby again! A good friend told me about the Medela Softshell Breast Shields. These are a MUST HAVE item! Yes, you may feel like Madonna putting these into your bra, but the nipples will air dry and heal more quickly and make breast feeding easier. I wore these night and day. If you wear slightly thicker or padded bras, no one will ever know you have them in.

**A side note to the whole breastfeeding thing; an item I did not prefer: Lanolin (for treating sore nipples during breastfeeding)- bought it based on advice and multiple blog sites, only used it but one time. It was too waxy. The product says it’s safe for baby, but I felt weird not wiping it off prior to G breastfeeding.**

Baby Bottles

3. I used the yellow Medela bottles that are compatible with the Medela pump because G was only drinking a few ounces at first.

4. Then we got the Dr. Brown’s bottles. They have two additional parts to the bottle, which is more to clean, but definitely is worth it. They prevent extra air from getting in as she’s drinking as well as preventing the inversion of the bottle’s nipple. She’s never had an issue with gas or colic!

Ointments

A&D Ointment

There are so many different creams, pastes and ointments out there to choose from! And it’s so hard to choose, but here are few from my experience.

5. A&D Ointment– great for preventing diaper rash. I use the A&D every day with every diaper to stay ahead of any rash. G just turned 17 months old and we still use it everyday!

6. Desitin Cream– great for treating diaper rash. Although we’ve had to use it maybe one or 2 times, it works like a charm. A little difficult to wipe off between diaper changes, but still effective.

7. NoseFrida- Best product to remove mucus from your little one’s stuffy nose and it works so well! Listen, don’t be afraid like I was…you won’t suck up anything into your mouth! There is a little sponge there to save you. Plus it comes with a bunch of placement sponges if your child is extra snotty.

Diapers

8. Pampers Swaddlers– the best disposable diaper. And now that G is walking, we are using the Pampers Cruisers. I have tried other brands as well. Huggies Pull-Ups are a definite MUST when potty training starts! These are great because they also open at the sides for easy removal. When first starting out with your newborn though, usually you will need size 1‘s. The size 2‘s, while the most popular size in diapering, will be too big for your little one…unless you have a 10-lber!

These are some of the items that worked for us, but remember, every baby is different. Every mom and dad is different, so if you have a question about a product, check with the manufacturer or your pediatrician prior to use. I’d love to hear your stories and see which products are YOUR favorites!