Baby Essentials

The impending arrival of a little one causes us to reflect on our consumer habits and impact on our community and planet. We try our best to curate brands that have an environmentally sustainable approach.

We’re also excited to direct you to our partners at Loop if you’re based in the Bay Area - where you can rent many of the products mentioned here. Mention Akin and you’ll receive a discount on your membership.

Below we’ve included some of our favorite items (and why).

Gear

Featured

Nest Cam

We love the nest cam, especially that you can check in on your babe from your phone (from anywhere!). Also: can reuse after you don’t need for baby anymore.

Clek Liing

We love Clek because of their safety standards (they’re based in Canada - so their regulations are a bit more intense than here in the US. We also love their toddler carseat - the Foonf.

BabyBjorn Bouncer

Sometimes you just need a safe place to put your babe when you’re cooking, showering, doing laundry etc. while they’re awake so they can get in on the action. This bouncer is it! We also really like the Coco Go from Bloom.

Babyzen Yoyo

We LOVE this stroller. Ok, yes, it’s small, but trust us. Especially if you live in a city, it’s incredible for everyday errands, coffee runs, etc. As long as your plan doesn’t include a hike, you’re good. Oh, and it fits in the overhead compartment of an airplane! Check out the Bugaboo Ant too (this one you can flip forward and rear facing, which we really like. Full size options (if you’re looking for something that converts to a double stroller) include Joolz (Geo2). If you want to go traditional, you can’t go wrong with UppaBaby Vista.

Askr & Embla Sleepod

The next two items are tied as favorite sensory loungers (you probably don’t need both). Sleepod is a multi-use baby sleeper and lounger, developed together with midwives and doulas. Perfect for co-sleeping, napping, supervised tummy time and lounging around the house.

Snuggle Me Organic

The Snuggle Me is designed to curve around baby's back while pulling in around them to hug. This hugging sensation is comforting and highly effective at calming baby. Use your Snuggle Me for lounging, supervised rest, tummy time and more.

Baby Bjorn Carrier Mini

There are a lot of carriers out there, this one was our fave. We’d suggest you go try a few (Stokke, Ergo, etc) to see which works best for your body.

Baby Bjorn Travel Crib

You probably need a travel crib if you’re planning on, well, you know, traveling - though most hotels now have cribs on request. We love this Baby Bjorn one. Doubles as a safe play ‘space’ if you want to use it that way.

sleep

Featured

Mini Crib

We really enjoyed using a mini crib for the first 6 mo. It’s great for small spaces, you can even wheel it around room to room! This is of course totally up to your personal preferences. You just need a place for your baby to sleep (likely in your room). Whether you go for the SNOO (you can rent them now!), a simple moses basket, or cosleeping, you just need a place for baby to sleep these first few months!

Crib

This one’s pretty self-explanatory, but looking for one that is Green-Guard certified was our priority (this means it’s been screened for 360 VOCs and over 10,000 chemicals and tested to be lead and phthalate safe).

Naturepedic 2-Sided Mattress

After doing our research (and especially since our babies do so. much. sleeping.), we decided on this one. Here’s a great article on choosing a mattress.

White Noise Machine

We love this little white noise machine - it’s portable, and has a bunch of different noise settings - from white noise to rain to wind.

Naturebaby Sleep Gown

Sleeping gowns are amazing, especially for the first few months where you’re doing a lot of diaper changes at night. They make it so much faster and easier. We love Naturebaby too, would highly recommend - especially their wool bodysuits.

Roux Kids Swaddle

You can use your swaddles for so many things - from actually swaddling, to a nursing cover, covering your stroller when baby is sleeping, etc. We’d suggest getting the largest you can find. Get 2-3 to start. We love these from Roux. And pretty much everything else from them, too.

Ollie Swaddle

This swaddle is great if your newborn can wrangle his/her way out of the regular swaddle or you don’t feel like wrapping the swaddle.

Woolino Sleep Sack

This is really our most used item. Night sleep, naps, etc. from 2 mo - 2 yrs, this serves as baby’s blanket. It’s merino wool, so temperature regulates.

Woolino Footie Pajamas

We started using these when baby started sleeping longer stretches. Since they’re made of merino wool, they temperature regulate. We’d suggest getting 2 of each size (3-6), (6-9).

Bath time

Featured

Puj Tub

So we never found a tub we were obsessed with, but this one is great because it fits in most bathroom sinks.

Stokke Flexibath

This is also a good option to put on your countertop or in the regular bathtub. There’s an infant insert for this one too.

Washcloths

You just need something simple!

Hooded Towel

You can totally skip the baby bathrobes, save these for baby’s first birthday! Hooded towels are great to cover baby’s head.

Bath Toy

You don’t really need many bath toys at the beginning, but we love this one, can also use to rinse off shampoo/wash.

Brush and Comb Set

Every babe eventually needs a brush and comb set, we love this wooden one.

Babo Botanicals Shampoo & Wash

Another Babo product. This one is for sensitive skin (unscented), but the regular one smells amazing.

Baby Oil (for massage)

Motherlove is another great line for baby products. They make a great nipple balm, diaper cream, and baby oil. This massage oil smells great - and makes for some relaxing massage after bath time.

changing

Featured

Ubbi Diaper Pail

You really don’t want your nursery to smell like dirty diapers, so we’d highly recommend some sort of diaper pail.

Liewood Wipes Dispenser

This is definitely a ‘nice to have’, not a necessity. You can put your wipes in here for easy access (you won’t end up with dried out wipes).

Coterie Diapers

Coterie is a new diaper company, and you can rest assured there aren’t any harmful chemicals in these guys. Online ordering is really easy, and they send you text messages so you can reorder when you need them. The wipes are also so incredibly soft and work really well. We also love Parasol.

Pampers Pure Diapers

If you’re looking for a less expensive option (and one you can find at most grocery stores, we like Pampers Pure).

Hatch Changing Mat

This changing pad is another ‘nice to have’ not a ‘need to have’. It’s great because it’s also a scale & has a great app for diaper changes and feedings. In the early days you can tell how much your baby is eating, how much weight they’re gaining, etc. If you’re looking for something simple, try Summer Infant or organic cotton version, Naturepedic.

Gathre Changing Mat

This mat is thin, easy to tote around, and easy to clean. Gathre was launched by two young moms. They started with these great mats, and they’ve now have expanded so much further (think yoga mats & floor cushions).

Babo Botanicals Diaper Balm

LOVE the Babo Botanicals line. You’ll want to have some sort of diaper cream on hand, we opted for a clean version.

Motherlove Diaper Balm

Here’s another diaper balm we like. Hint: You can actually also use it on your nipples (can help with thrush).

feeding

Featured

Stokke Tripp Trapp

There are so many highchairs out there, it can be hard to decide. We’ve loved this one over the years, and can also turn into a chair when your babe grows out of it.

Gathre Highchair Mat

This mat is really cute, easy to clean and functional. You can use it as a highchair mat - we’ve even brought it to the park to use as a blanket on the grass.

Baby Quoddle Bottles

Every baby is SO different and you're never going to know what bottle/nipple they prefer til you try. Get a few different kinds to start and then you can invest in more once you know.

Spectra S1 Pump

Usually, your insurance will pay for (most) of your pump. We used Aeroflow for this. Basically, they coordinate with your insurance company so you don't have to! The S1 is great because you can charge it (portable) so you can bring it in the car/plane/whatever.

Elvie Pump

This pump is great because it's small, silent and fits discreetly in your bra so you can literally pump anywhere. The only problem is that it’s not covered by insurance. They do accept HSA/FSA funds, though.

Thinkbaby Sippy Cup

Out of all the sippy cups, this one has been our favorite for transitioning from a bottle. Easy to use, clean, and doesn’t really spill. Also BPA free. We like the stainless steel ones.

Hakaa Handheld Pump

Designed to be used while you are breastfeeding, you can use this handheld pump while you are feeding on the other side, and it will collect your milk.

Nook Breastfeeding Pillow

Breastfeeding pillows are really dependent on your body, so go test some out. We loved Nook, because it’s organic, and also the most attractive of the bunch, but the breast friend is what most lactation consultants recommend.

Boon Drying Rack

A great staple to use as a drying spot for bottles, cups, pump parts, etc.

OXO Bottle Brush

Great for cleaning inside of bottles and cups that are hard to hand wash.

OXO Travel Bottle Brush

A smaller size to take on the go.

Bibs Pacifier

There are so many pacifiers out there, and you’ll probably need to try out a bunch to see what your baby likes (if any!). These ones are made from 100% natural latex and are BPA and pthalate free.

Baby Led Feeding Book

EZPZ Happy Mat

These plates are great. Made of silicone - they’re super easy to clean and great for first foods into toddlerhood. They’re great to bring on the go too.

EZPZ Bowl

Same thing, but a bowl version.

Beaba Spoons

Love these spoons for first foods, and to get baby used to holding a spoon.

Bumkins Baby Fork and Spoon Set

This set is great for a more functional fork and spoon set, great for toddlers.

Modern Twist Bib

Bibs are so tricky. Babies love to rip them off, and not many do a great job of catching

Modern Twist Snack Bowl

Made out of silicone - a great container for snacks on the go.

Playtime

Featured

Lovevery Play Mat

Developed by child development experts, this play mat comes with a little booklet so you can learn more about what’s happening in your baby’s development each month, and suggestions for play. And, you won’t even mind having it in your living room.

Woolino Sheepskin

Great for a soft surface for lounging, and then can use it as a rug or over a chair later on.

Wee Gallery - Art Cards

Research has shown that the retina of a newborn baby isn't fully developed and that simple, high contrast, black and white images are a great way to help develop their eyesight.

Bunny Rattle

Rattles helps to strengthen the grasping reflex as well as helping baby make the connection between the sound and the motion of his or her hand.

Clothing basics

Featured

Short Sleeve Bodysuits

Short sleeve bodysuits are an essential under everything - we love these affordable organic cotton ones from Moon and Back.

Kimono Bodysuits

Kimonos are great because they have side snaps - don’t have to pull over baby’s head.

Kimono Long Sleeves

These are especially great to get at the beginning (so they aren’t covering the cord!)

Organic Cotton Socks

Organic Cotton Pants

Slippers

Babies don’t really need shoes, but how cute are these?

Kyte Baby Hats

Reasonably priced organic cotton baby hats - yes please.

Favorite Clothing - Brands/Curated Stores

Baby Products

Rudy Jude

Nature Baby

Quincy Mae

Smallable

Roux Kids

Gray Label

More Product Guides

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Baby Essentials

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Preparing for Life After Birth

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Pregnancy Products — The Short List

There are so many products out there targeted at pregnant women - figuring out what you need can feel really overwhelming. Here’s a quick list of what we found helpful (and why).

Getting Dressed

Here’s a quick list of brands that nail ‘pregnancy chic’, and we’ve also shared some others that aren’t technically maternity but we think work well during these months and afterwards. featured line and photo :: DÔEN.

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Fourth Trimester, Product GuideCaroline BennettJuly 9, 2019Wellness, Products

Baby Essentials

Gear

sleep

Bath time

changing

feeding

Playtime

Clothing basics

Favorite Clothing - Brands/Curated Stores

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