15 Perfect Baby Things for New Parents

Gifts and Objects

Don’t care about baby gear? Here are some awesome photos of an abandoned Police Department in Detroit.

Still reading? Hello! Oh man, it’s an awesome time to be a parent. Maternity clothes come in options besides “kitten print,” men no longer have to carry pink quilted diaper bags around, and babies are so much cuter than they used to be, am I right?

As you may know, I spend some time looking at cool kids’ stuff, and there’s a lot of it out there right now. But it can be tough to separate the cool-looking gear from the genuinely useful stuff.

These are the things we used every day when Hank was first born; all of it was indispensable for us. Ladies and gentlemen, start your registries:


1. Skiphop Expo Canvas ($64) or the Spark ($30) Diaper Bag

Diaper bags that could double as laptop bags when you’re done with diapers. We had the canvas one, but we graduated to the less expensive Skiphop they make for Target, which I prefer.

Pluses:

– They clip onto your stroller easily
-The more expensive one has an expando-zip around the bottom that’s useful for travel
-Comes with a changing pad (and sometimes a wipes case)
-The Target version has a tote strap that’s always attached, so you can just throw it over your shoulder when you detach it from the stroller, instead of having to reattach the messenger strap
-Ludicrously durable and washable.

One caveat:

Our messenger strap kept spontaneously unhooking, though we had been abusing it daily for a year by that point.

2. Refillable Baby Wipes Holder ($2)

I love the transparent one that came with our Skiphop, because it’s easy to see when the wipes are running low. Too often I’m on the floor of a changing-table-free San Francisco public restroom, with a poop-covered toddler, and then realize the attractive, translucent wipes case only has one wipe. Huzzah!

I can’t find a clear one anywhere online. (Can you?) You can also just get the Huggies version they sell at the drugstore, but you’ve been warned.


3. Nursing Cover by Baby Au Lait ($35)

I was one of those nursing women who felt like everyone in the room was staring at me and judging my technique. Also my post-natal fashion sense. This cover made it possible for me to nurse in public. It’s a lightweight cotton swath with an adjustable strap that goes around your neck. There’s a U-shaped piece of boning in the front that lets you look directly down at your baby but doesn’t give pervos a peek. Killer.

There’s also some absorbent material sewn into the corner so you can catch drips easily. I’d avoid the solid-colored versions, because breast milk stains like a mother. I don’t know why this surprised me, but it did.

4. My Breast Friend Breast Feeding Pillow

Excellent nursing pillow, cringe-worthy name.

The pillow buckles around your waist for stability, and it’s structural enough that you can carry a newborn around on it if you need to grab something in the middle of nursing. It has built-in “pillows” that prop the baby’s head too. No irritating, cutesy pattern, just unbleached cotton, though it does come in other colors. I have a long torso, so I used this with a Boppie pillow underneath.

5. The First Years Close and Secure Sleeper

This is where Hank slept for the first few months of his life, when I was freaked about rolling over on him. The mesh on the sides pushes down, so you can nurse without taking the baby out of it, and even fall asleep while you nurse. Also, it has a tiny, push-button night light on top. We kept ours on the couch most of the time, and when we traveled, Hank still had a familiar place to sleep. Folds up into a little suitcase for easier transport.

6. Kolcraft Universal Infant Car Seat Carrier ($49)

We had the Graco carseat, and had a great experience with this stroller until the mesh basket broke (most likely because we used to it carry gallons of milk and bricks of lead). We replaced it with the Snap and Go that’s made for the Graco carseat, thinking it would be better. Instead was an absolute disaster. I’m pissed just thinking about it. It was so difficult to maneuver that I wanted to smash with a sledgehammer. We finally gave up and bought another Kolcraft.

I adore the Kolcraft and wish there were a better toddler version. Super lightweight, simple to fold with one hand, travels brilliantly, doesn’t wake the baby when you transfer her, and doesn’t take up too much space when you park it next to the table at a restaurant.

7. Little Giraffe Satin-Chenille Baby Blanket

This blanket is so soft it almost feels unctuous, like it’s leaving an oily residue behind. Sounds gross, but I assure you it’s devine. Hank would fall asleep immediately whenever we wrapped him up in this, and it’s his blankie now. We ruined our first one by putting it in the dryer, so remember to tumble or air dry, because these suckers are expensive.

8. American Apparel Baby Clothes

Durable basics for little ones. Best of all, they come in tons of colors that don’t fade much, even when you wash and dry them a zillion times. If I had it to do over, I’d buy Hank a bunch of Karate Pants and onesies in crazy colors, then accessorize with socks, hats, and hoodies.

9. Even Flo Glass Bottles ($11 for six)

Apparently plastic is killing us all slowly. Still, there seems to be a lot of hand-wringing over glass bottles breaking. We haven’t had that problem, but we try not to fling them against stone floors. Glass bottles were hard to find when Hank was born, but now they’re everywhere, so look around for a style that apeals to you. I like these for the nostalgic look, and because I’m pretty sure they’re not killing the baby slowly.

Also, I remove the lids and heat them in the microwave without incident. I know this makes me a terrible person, and I’ll just have to learn to live with myself.

10. Kangaroo Corner Adjustable Fleece Pouch ($62)

We called this the man womb. We’d put Hank in, and he was asleep until we took him out. The fleece version is warmer than the cotton one of course, but it also provides sound insulation. As a bonus, it keeps strangers from trying to touch your newborn with their presumably filthy stranger hands.

Blissful, especially if your baby has trouble sleeping.

11. Happiest Baby on the Block DVD ($18)

We read the book, but the DVD is quicker and just as informative. It teaches you the five steps you need to know to calm a screeching baby. Please get a copy before the baby comes along, it will save on therapy bills for the whole family. I’ve used the advice to successfully soothe dozens of cranky babies.

12. Glamour Mom Tank Tops ($40)

These make it possible to nurse without revealing anything at all. They look like regular tank tops, but the front unhooks like a nursing bra–utterly genius. Invest in one to wear under whatever else you have on, and your wardrobe expands exponentially.

13. Kiddopotamus Swaddling Blankets (about $10)

I had trouble swaddling effectively on fifteen minutes of sleep. These fixed that problem immediately because they have velcro closures and are shaped for swaddling. You just pop the baby in, and tuck the velcro closures in tight.

14. Medela Swing Breast Pump ($125)

I rented a hospital pump, and it wasn’t any more effective than this little thing. It’s about the size of a cereal bowl, and it hangs around your neck from a lanyard.

My entire pump set up fit in a cosmetics bag, and it was so awesome that I have to tell you about it. Ready? OK:

An excellent dopp kit from Flight 001 ($32)
Medela Swing Pump with tubing
A couple small glass bottles with lids
Pump sanitizing wipes ($9)
A tube of Lanisoh cream ($7)
-A tiny container of hand sanitizer
-A small ice pack

If you’re looking for a shower gift for a mom who plans to nurse, consider going in with some friends and making her a nursing kit. It’s crazy useful, and it will make her feel sane when the rest of the house is in total disarray.

15. Flip Video Camera ($130)

This wasn’t around until recently, but we use ours all the time, and I wish we’d had it when Hank was teeny-tiny. So easy to operate, even when you’ve only had two hours of sleep. Also, you’re not gonna want to miss the first time your kid poops in the bathtub.

That’s it! Now it’s your turn to tell me about the stuff that makes parenting easier for you. Do it! The comments await.

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70 thoughts on “15 Perfect Baby Things for New Parents”

  1. As a mom of twins I will share a few items I found useful.

    1. EZ 2 Nurse pillow. This was great for the learning how to tandem nurse.

    2. Skip Hop Duo Double diaper bag. Big enough to carry all the gear and stylish enough that we will be able to use it for years to come.

    3. Mountain Buggy Urban Double stroller. We were gifted this great stroller and we bought the bassinets to go with it. I love this stroller! Alternatively the double snap’n’go is pretty awesome too. It works with Graco and Peg Perego carseats. You just snap in the carseats so you don’t have to wake up a sleeping baby.

    4. Vibrating chairs. These were a life saver for those times when I couldn’t pick up both babies.

    5. Arm’s Reach Co-sleeper. This attached to our bed allowing the babies to sleep beside me. I could not imagine having to get up and go to another room to nurse the babies.

    6. I’m joining in with all the others and recommending the Ergo carrier. I can put a baby on my back and still hold the other baby.

    7. Having friends and family show up with ready to eat meals. Seriously. There was no time to make meals and having people show up with food was so wonderful! It doesn’t have to be fancy, just bring dinner and throw in a load of laundry while the new parents eat.

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  2. The part that made parenting easier for me was when my children became old enough to feed and wash themselves. But that’s probably not what you had in mind when you asked. Am I right?

    Also? Why were maternity clothes so I Love Lucy-ish when I was pregnant? And now I’d probably buy the new maternity clothes to wear even though I’m not pregant, they’re that cute. No fair.

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  3. not a parent yet, nor anytime soon, but definitely bookmarking this for future baby showers. thanks!

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  5. Dear Mr. Mason:

    I read and enjoy your wife’s website quite a bit. She’s a great and creative writer, and you definitely married well.

    I’m not sure if you follow your wife’s blogging closely, but on the off chance that you don’t, I felt it incumbent upon me as a fellow dude to call one small item in the otherwise excellent post above to your attention: “If I had it to do over, I’d buy Hank a bunch of Karate Pants and onesies in crazy colors, then accessorize with socks, hats, and hoodies.”

    As the husband of a mother of a son, I’m just here to tell you that moms love to do this sort of stuff to their boys, and if you’re not careful, one day a little Ziggy Stardust will walk out the door to greet you. Now, I’m not suggesting that you need to butch up your son, or that you should take him to a strip club or to Hooters. (Of course, I’m not saying *not* to take him to Hooters.) I’m only saying: semper vigilans.

    A Friend

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  6. The snack and play travel tray:
    http://www.familytravelgear.com/page/FTG/PROD/car-snack-play-travel-tray

    We took a 20-hour road trip to Florida a couple months ago (with a 3 year old and an 18 month old, god help us) and this was INDISPENSABLE. It’s also been great for much shorter jaunts around town. I love that it is soft and collapsible; not only is it easier to transport, but it’s safer if there should be an accident. Yet the foam sides hold up admirably and make a great surface for the kids to play on, eat on, etc. The fact that they clip on from either side is wonderful, and the pockets are big enough to hold drinks and toys and easy enough for my three year old to access. Finally, they were easy to clean, and even helped to keep the car clean on the trip.

    My husband and I both loved these.

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  7. One more thing – I see someone mentioned “music you both enjoy” as an essential. To that end, I strongly recommend The Jimmies: http://www.gimmejimmies.com/
    Catchy tunes for kids that adults will appreciate for their musical style. We love their CD. Even my husband’s father loves their music.

    If you go the website, you can preview their songs to see if it’s your style. It’s good stuff!

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  9. Tonight I thought of something else. My hand emersion blender. We tried to make baby food in the counter blender, but the the emersion blender is SO MUCH BETTER. Easier, less cleanup, less waste, smoother baby food. Definately worth the investment.

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  10. Loved your list! Especially the Bebe Au Lait nursing cover and the Close and Secure Sleeper (can’t wait to try both of those products when baby #2 comes along!)…

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  11. A pilates ball!
    Bouncing + holding baby = calm baby
    Great for playing with baby too (roll them on their bellies on the ball; it strengthens their neck and sense of balance) And good for slowly getting back into shape at home too.

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  13. Judging your technique? That never occurred to me! I can honestly say that I have never critiqued another mother’s nursing technique, and I’m relatively confident no one’s been holding up any number cards for me either. The pervs might be getting a look, but the biggest hazard I’ve encountered is the “sudden look away” which is understandable but can be disconcerting in conversation.

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  14. I am on my third daughter and currently have 2 in diapers. I couldn’t live without my Baby Bjorn, but also my diaper caddy http://sarabearbaskets.com
    I have diapers for both girls in it and can lift it with one finger, which is often all I have. It, unlike so much other gear, can be tucked in a corner and not scream The Kids Are Taking Over The House!

    Must go check out the Ergo carrier. And for nursing, I tuck a flour sack cloth in my bag, works for quick changes, spit up, privacy and shielding new noggins from the sun. Dirt cheap too! Having a few in a drawer at home also work as great gift basket liners for unexpected last minute gift-giving demands.

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  20. –I’ll be the 56th person to say I couldn’t live without my Miracle Blanket. My son is 3 months old and was very colicy. This blanket saved our lives. For our next baby I’m also going to try the Woombie–the concept seems pretty cool: http://www.thewoombie.com

    –I totally agree with you about the SkipHop bag and the Swing breastpump.

    –Medela breast milk bags. The best out there. They attach to any breast pump and stand alone when full. Love!

    –The Snoogle body pillow! I swear I wouldn’t have made it through my pregnancy (including bed rest!) without this thing. I still use it–helpful when nursing at night as well.

    –Tiny Love Music Deluxe PlayMat. Our son loves this thing–the toys are cute and the music isn’t annoying.

    Oh and The Boppy sucks. I’m going to use My Breast Friend next time even though the name makes me want to cringe.

    Yeah for fun baby stuff!

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