Based on my survey of local moms all over Fairfield County, here are the must-have baby products for expectant moms.
Dockatot
I used this with my twins, and it really kept its promise to be the ultimate docking station. My kids slept comfortably in stage one until about 10 months. I think the shallow borders kept them feeling snug, safe, and secure.
Price: $$ ($175-$210)
Owlet
After having some serious postpartum anxiety, this was the ONLY product that brought back sanity and peace of mind for me. It is a little sock that you put on your child’s feet at naptime/bedtime, and it monitors their heart rate and oxygen rate. If it falls under a certain number an alarm will go off. In the 15 months that we used it, there were only 2 false alarms (heart attack city, but the product was still worth it).
Price: $$-$$$ (you can save money by buying a refurbished one. A refurbished one will cost you $200, while a brand new sock will cost you $300).
Snoo
For the second time parents that are looking for a Rock & Play alternative, this is it. The Snoo will rock your baby and help keep the baby asleep through the night. The company has stated that if this is your choice of bassinet for your child, it needs to be used in the first couple weeks of life. Starting it later may not give you the same sleep results.
Price: $$$-$$$$ (you can rent the Snoo for $129 a month, but if you buy one, it will cost you a steep $1,400)
Babebay Head Pillow
Our first child ended up needing to wear a helmet due to a significant flat spot, so when we had our twins, I knew I would do everything in my power to help keep their head shapes the best I could. This pillow gave me the comfort needed when sleeping to know that their heads were nestled and not getting flat spots from sleeping in the same position for too long.
Price: $ (pillow will cost you $20 or less)
Hatch Noise Machine
This sound machine does it all! It also can transition from baby needs to adolescence into adulthood! More than 30 non-looping sounds including Spring Rain, Mountain Waterfall, Morning Birds, Meditative Flute, Calm Ocean, Fan, White Noise, Soft Pink Noise, and more!
Price: $$ (this noise machine will set you back about $130)
Stokke Flexi Bath
A foldable and lightweight baby bath. Such a space saver! Newborn support gives additional comfort to your baby or infant. It also can be used for a bit, as it’s good for newborns till age 4.
Price: $ (bath costs $64)
Baby Bum Brush
A silicone butt paste spreader, which leaves the mess of diaper changing to a minimum!
Price: $ (cost is $7)
Baby Bjorn Bouncer
The ergonomic baby bouncer that rocks naturally without batteries! Your baby can rest and play safely and comfortably, while you get a chance to take the few minutes needed to do other things.
Price: $$-$$$ (bouncers range from $200-$300)
Baby Barezza
Think of a Keurig machine, but for baby formula! This little gem will help to cut down the work needed for those middle of the night feedings.
Price: $$ (machine is $200)
Love to Dream Swaddle
This swaddle got the most love from our mamas! Unlike traditional swaddles that keep a baby’s arms by their side or across their chest, the unique arms up design has wings that allow a baby to sleep in a natural arms up position. This means your baby can easily touch their face & suck on their hands & fingers, which help to self-soothe.
Price: $ (newborn swaddles start at $30)
Merlin Sleep Sack
This sleep sack is out of this world, and your baby will look like a little astronaut wearing it! It’s like wearing a weighted blanket and helps your baby not get startled out of their sleep.
Price: $ (costs about $45)
Milk Snob Seat Cover
With coronavirus still raging through the world, our number one priority is keeping our little ones safe. This cover keeps the outside elements away from your baby, it can also be used as a cover for nursing, shopping carts, high chairs, infant swings, and more.
Price: $ ($36-$40)
The Doona
This is probably one of the coolest new things out there for new parents. This item can go from car seat to stroller in seconds! It is a unique all-in-one system that combines a car seat and stroller into one form factor. That means no inserting of adapters or carrying two bulky pieces of equipment when you need both a car seat and stroller for an outing!
Price: $$$ (starts at $500)