Third time mom - two months in - and these are the top 10 products I'm loving and cannot live without this time around!
- Joie Mint Latch Car Seat
The car seat with my other 2 kids had a bulky base. This time around I didn’t want to buy the base for both cars when my husband rarely has all the kids in his small Tesla. I found these Joie and loved how affordable it is compared to seats with a base + also purchasing the base. I wasn’t totally convinced but I saw a mom in the airport while I was pregnant who had the car seat on the stroller and decided to ask her what she thought. She sang its praises and I immediately bought the car seat. Not going to lie, it exceeded my expectations!! It’s so light weight and looks really comfy for the baby. Plus the sun shade can be expanded to completely cover the sweet babe inside! - Joie Compact Stroller
I didn’t buy the Joie stroller until after Carson was born because we already have an absurd amount of strollers, but I caved and got it. I was annoyed that the car seat isn’t compatible with other stroller but once I got it, I’m a huge fan. Again, so light. I can literally hold the baby in one arm and collapse the stroller and lift it into my trunk with the other. It’s the easiest and lightest stroller I’ve ever owned! It’s also a really smooth ride and turns very easily without feeling like you’re about to knock into everything during your awkward turn. - Baby Brezza Bottle Washer Pro
How did I ever have babies before without this thing???? It only takes 88 minutes to wash, dry and sterilize your bottles. You don’t have to pre-rinse the bottles because no matter how gunky, it will take care of it! No leftover fatty residue! I found a bottle behind my couch the other day that had probably been there for a few days. Threw it into the washer as a test and it came out just as perfectly clean as everything else! If you buy just one thing from this list, it HAS to be this! MUST MUST MUST HAVE!- Don't forget the detergent tablets!
- Over time you'll also want the descaling tablets to keep the appliance clean.
- Evenflo Wide Neck Bottles
I’ve switch bottles with each baby because I never liked what I used before. This time around, I am finally happy with what I got! The vent on the nipple definitely lets the air out which reduces gas pains later. And let’s be honest, it doesn’t have extra parts to be washed and stored. That’s the major selling point for me! - Baby Buddha Wearable Breast Pump
I feel like you have to get a new pump with each baby. Not 100% necessary but I feel like the pump starts to go out and isn't as strong. This time I searched for the best pump that did not have to be plugged into the wall so I could walk around the house while pumping, and I wanted a really strong suction to get the most milk. I wasn't necessarily looking for the kind that fits into your bra and can be worn on the go, but wasn't opposed either. Those requirements led me to the Baby Buddha wearable pump. This is still the bulky kind that you won't wear in public but I can absolutely move around the house which is a must with two other kids. What I didn't realize about this pump is the flange is silicone and only comes in one size. Your nipple isn't being stretched to kingdom come like the plastic flanges and the silicone makes it comfortable. The suction is great and really empties out the melons. Something else unexpected but I love and use all the time is a slide button that turns the suction to one side or the other only or both. I have one side that is fast and empties in about 15 minutes and the other side takes 20-25 minutes to empty. I'm able to turn the suction off the fast side and finish up on the slow side. This would also be helpful if you're feeding the baby on one side and want to pump the other at the same time.- Side note - if you're an over producer and need bigger bottles for your pump sessions, the MayMom Wide Mouth Bottles are sold on Amazon and are a perfect fit. You can absolutely buy bigger Baby Buddha bottles directly from their website, but I'm a sucker for Amazon so I searched for compatible bottles instead.
- Portable Bottle Warmer
This thing is a bit heavy and clunky like a large water bottle, but it’s been a lifesaver for on the go! No more cold bottles or looking for a restaurant to get a hot cup of water or sticking cold bags of milk between your boobs to warm up while you're out and about. Only thing I'll point out about this is the lid of my warmer is cracked after falling multiple times one day. It still latches and I haven't noticed any milk leaking out, but I think it's so bottom heavy that it falls easily and potentially could break. - Stationary Bottle Warmer
I love that this warmer has a timer you can modify. I can’t tell you how many times I forgot about bottles in the warmer with my other kids and then it would be scalding by the time I remembered. This warmer gets the bottle to the right temperature each time and I can watch the timer count down while my baby is freaking out to decide if I want to pull it early. - Activity Mat
If you are going for the aesthetic baby gear look, this isn't for you. But if you want to jam out while you're baby is having the best time, you have to get this. It's a classic and has been a mom and baby fave for years. Your new favorite song will be about a purple monkey, so just prepare yourself. - Momcozy Baby Carrier
I decided to try a new carrier this time around because the ones I used previously weren't very comfortable. I figured the 3rd baby would be worn more frequently so comfort is key. So glad I got this one! The thick belt around the bottom really seems to take the brunt of the weight and the straps are padded and comfortable. - Swaddles
My other 2 kids used cheap velcro swaddles without a problem but boy howdy Carson hated them. The style with arms up is what Carson prefers. I've used two different brands and both have been great but they do have some differences I need to call out.- Love to Dream Swaddle is best for brand new babies. The arms are tight to the head with less movement. The only con is the newborn size doesn't last very long. Carson is a small baby but it got tight on his belly and he outgrew the length pretty quickly. Depending on the size of your newborn, you may want to skip the smallest size they have to offer.
- Swaddle Designs Transitional Swaddle has been our go-to since Carson outgrew the newborn Love to Dream Swaddle. The arms aren't as tight to the head and offer move movement. When I tried this particular swaddle when he was a newborn, he was able to move too much and the startle reflex was still a bit strong, but now he does great with this one.
What are the products you can't live without? Comment below!
*all links in this post are commissionable through Amazon
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