Shop

Everything I recommend, in one place. These are products I've actually used. The IKEA crib doesn't pay me anything - it's just better than the $700 one.

Affiliate Disclosure

Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you buy something through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I've actually used and believe in. See full disclosure.

Trying to Conceive

FertilAid + Ovaboost

FertilAid + Ovaboost

A friend's egg count went from 2 to 12 after a year of these supplements. There's a men's version too.

Pregnancy Tests Bulk

Pregnancy Tests (Bulk)

Buy in bulk on Amazon. CVS is a rip off! Use with the Flo app for best results.

Grassfed Beef Liver Capsules

Grassfed Beef Liver Capsules

Heralded as a super supplement during pregnancy and pre-pregnancy.

Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA

Prenatal DHA

Important to use a brand that tests/filters for mercury.

Pregnancy

MegaFood Liquid Prenatal Vitamins

Prenatal Vitamins (Liquid)

Life saver. First trimester nausea makes pills hard. This doesn't taste bad (shake well!). Continue through pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA

Prenatal DHA

Important for baby's brain development. Make sure the brand tests/filters for mercury.

NOW Choline Supplement

Choline

Any brand will do. One of the supplements that statistically makes a difference in development.

Queen Rose Pregnancy Pillow

Pregnancy Pillow

Non-negotiable. Sleeping will be HARD. This helps.

Gin Gins Ginger Chews

Ginger Chews

For nausea. A LIFE SAVER.

Moon Juice Magnesi-Om

Magic Magnesium Drink

For pregnancy insomnia. Take in the middle of the night - works wonders and is great for baby. Buy direct or from Erewhon.

Belly Band for Pregnancy

Belly Band

So you can keep wearing your jeans. Do NOT buy pregnancy jeans - just buy these.

Nursery Setup

IKEA SNIGLAR Crib

IKEA Crib (SNIGLAR)

I was going to spend >$700 on a crib, only to find I like this IKEA one better. Converts to regular bed. Just bought our second one for baby #2.

Why: Same features as expensive cribs, fraction of the price

Nanit Pro Baby Monitor

Nanit Baby Monitor

Does breath monitoring. If you have a second child, you can add two cameras on the same plan/screen.

UPPAbaby Vista V2 Stroller

UPPAbaby Vista Stroller

Friends recommended because you can upgrade to fit two kids (weight limit 30lb). Easy, off-road capable. Car seat plugs straight in. Get the bassinet too.

Nuna RAVA Car Seat

Nuna RAVA Car Seat

Convertible up to 65lb front facing, merino wool, great safety ratings. Bought after Forest outgrew the infant seat.

Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair

Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair

Comes in different colors. Add snack tray. Adapts into regular chairs later. Not ugly.

Ergobaby Omni 360 Baby Carrier

Ergobaby Omni 360 Baby Carrier

Most expensive but arguably the nicest on the market. Adjustable for newborns to 45lb toddler. MVP.

Wood Changing Table Topper

Wood Changing Table Topper

So hard to find a good looking one. Put on top of a regular dresser, disappear it when no longer needed. Don't forget the changing pad.

Sleep

Nested Bean Weighted Swaddle

Nested Bean Weighted Swaddle

Controversial - but a friend recommended. Forest slept great! Personal risk decision - talk to your pediatrician.

Controversial

IKEA Blackout Curtains

IKEA Blackout Curtains

Amazon ones offgassed badly - returned them. IKEA ones much better. Still let them air out before baby arrives.

Travel White Noise Machine

Travel White Noise Machine

Does different nature noises too. Travel-friendly.

Woolino Baby Blanket

Woolino Baby Blanket

Best baby blanket on the market. All natural merino wool. The only baby blanket you need. HAND WASH OR DELICATE WASH. DO NOT TUMBLE DRY.

Aden + Anais Swaddles

Aden + Anais Swaddles

90% of babies LOVE being swaddled. These are easy to use.

Love to Dream Swaddle UP

Love to Dream Swaddle UP

For the 10% who DON'T like being swaddled. Our second child would freak out if swaddled - these worked great instead.

WubbaNub Giraffe Pacifier

WubbaNub Pacifier

Pacifiers help babies self-soothe and are associated with reduced SIDS. The giraffe one became Forest's lovey. Good that it comes apart easily - made going paci-free easier.

Feeding

Evenflo Glass Baby Bottles

Evenflo Glass Baby Bottles

Great for first 6 months. Use correct nipples (preemie/newborn/size 2). Dishwasher safe.

Boon NURSH Bottle + Pouch System

Boon NURSH Bottle + Pouch System

A clinical child psychologist friend recommended. Life saver. Don't heat the plastic - they have a heater that prevents overheating. Pouches work for food purees too.

Baby Brezza Formula Pro

Baby Brezza Formula Pro

Initially thought it was a waste of counter space. Quickly became a believer. Makes perfect temperature. MVP.

HiPP Organic Dutch Formula

HiPP Organic Dutch Formula

Supposed to be the best on the market. They also have a goat milk version for lactose sensitivity. Formula is more calorie dense.

Neocate Syneo Formula

Neocate Syneo Formula (Dairy + Soy Free)

For dairy and soy allergies (often go hand in hand). Cove had strong allergies. This is pea protein/amino acid based - the only one that worked. Changed our lives.

BEABA Babycook Baby Food Maker

BEABA Babycook

Baby food steamer/blender. Make your own baby food easily. Just blend whatever you're eating. Doesn't take up much counter space.

Diapering

Millie Moon Diapers

Millie Moon Diapers

Started with Honest (fine, eco-friendly), ended up switching to these. So much softer and absorbent. Night time ones recommended.

Huggies Natural Care Wipes

Huggies Natural Care Wipes

Mostly just water. We like these.

Diaper Genie

Diaper Genie

Closest you'll get to scent-free disposal. Set up specialty bags on recurring order.

BabyBum Diaper Cream Brush

BabyBum Diaper Cream Brush

Chef's kiss. A must.

Desitin Diaper Cream

Desitin Diaper Cream

Lots of people swear by Butt Paste, but we had way better results with Desitin.

Postpartum Recovery

Elvie Breast Pump

Elvie Breast Pump

Tried Willow (heavy, bulky, loud - NOT recommended) and Spectra (fine but cumbersome). Elvie is #1. Lightweight, not super loud, easy. I pumped in my car between meetings for 3 months with these.

Elvie Curve Manual Pump

Elvie Curve Manual Pump

Keep in car for emergencies. Use while breastfeeding on the other breast. You never want to be caught without release when engorged. Better than the Haaka (cumbersome, awkward shape).

Frida Mom Peri Bottle

Frida Mom Peri Bottle

Vaginal birth: you'll need this to spray instead of wipe for a few weeks. Keep one in each bathroom.

Tucks Medicated Cooling Pads

Tucks Medicated Cooling Pads

Vaginal birth: spread these like deli meat onto your diaper. Hospital gives some, have more ready at home.

Always Discreet Adult Diapers

Adult Disposable Diapers

Humiliating but SO much better than pads. Our doula got us on this. Get the mesh underwear to go over them.

Kindred Bravely Nursing and Pumping Bra

2-in-1 Breastfeeding + Pumping Bra

2-in-1 breastfeeding + pumping bra. Don't waste time changing between bras. Wireless. Tried a bunch - this was my fave.

Baby Pharmacy

iProven Laser Thermometer

Laser Thermometer

Fast and easy. No contact needed.

Boiron Camilia Teething Relief

Camilia Natural Pain Relief

First course of action against teething. Great results. Only move to Tylenol if this doesn't do the trick.

Infant Tylenol

Infant Tylenol

Have this on hand for the worst teething days. Can alternate with Infant Motrin.

NoseFrida Snot Sucker

NoseFrida Snot Sucker

Yes, you suck the snot out. It works. Others swear by electric versions too.

SpoonfulOne Allergy Powders

SpoonfulOne Allergy Powders

Start in breastmilk/formula at 4 months to introduce allergens early.

Babyganics Sunscreen SPF 50

Babyganics Sunscreen

Zinc-based, not too annoying to apply, doesn't sting eyes. We use a makeup sponge for ease.

Gear (6+ Months)

BabyBjorn Bouncer

BabyBjorn Bouncer

You + baby will appreciate this. Easily washable. Somewhere safe to stick baby for 5 mins.

Guava Lotus Travel Crib

Guava Lotus Travel Crib

Need one of these! Safe place for crawling baby, then on-the-go crib. Originally bought Graco - WAY too heavy. This one is better.

Retractable Baby Gate

Retractable Baby Gate

Least offensive looking option I could find. Not bulky when not latched. Takes getting used to.

Balance Bike

Balance Bike

Least offensive balance bike. Actually looks nice.

IKEA FLISAT Craft Table

IKEA FLISAT Craft Table

Hidden bins, well made, inexpensive. Many cute versions exist but this one wins.

Lovevery Toy Subscription

Lovevery Toy Subscription

Montessori-based developmental toys. Well made, thoughtful. Watch their videos for each product. Tip: Baby was a potato first 6 months - we started at 5-6mo package.

Books (Kids Will Request These 10,000 Times)

Make sure you like them. We donate books that rub us the wrong way - it can get in the way of maintaining patience.

The Wonderful Things You Will Be

Beautifully illustrated. Made me cry the first couple times. Her very best book.

The Questioneers Series

We're obsessed. Kids with passions they explore. Brilliant stories, great for workbooks later.

Eric Carle Books

Classics! We love the ones with added textures and pop outs.

The Rabbit Listened

Very sweet. Talks about big emotions.

Make Your Own Board Book

Sister-in-law made us the sweetest family album board book for Forest's first birthday.