Now that Hayes is nine months old, I’ve learned which baby items are truly essential and which are nice-to-have. As a first-time mom, you don’t realize how helpful certain products can be until you’re using them daily. Here I’ve rounded up the baby items I use most and honestly couldn’t live without.
1. Dagne Dover Diaper Bag
For keeping daily essentials organized and ready to go, this diaper bag has been perfect. It fits everything we need, including our changing mat, and its unisex design means either Bridge or I can carry it comfortably.
2. Keekaroo Changing Table
If you haven’t experienced a major blowout yet, trust me: being able to wipe this changing table clean in seconds is a lifesaver. We also use a heatable, lavender-scented Warmie stuffed animal for extra head comfort during changes and naps.
3. Doona Stroller
The Doona stroller remains our go-to for almost every outing. It converts from car seat to stroller in seconds, eliminating the need to carry a separate car seat. We use it constantly for grocery runs, errands, and travel — it’s especially convenient for planes and quick transitions.
4. Baby Brezza Bottle Warmer
This bottle warmer has proven to be worth the investment. It heats bottles quickly and evenly, which is essential when a hungry baby needs a bottle right away.
5. Hatch Sound Machine
We love the wave setting on our sound machine and use it for every nap and bedtime in Hayes’ nursery. It’s a game changer if you have pets, live in a busy household, or worry about background noises waking your baby.
6. Baby Milestone Balloons
I use milestone balloons each month for Hayes’ photos. They make the pictures look polished and are easy to swap out as he grows. I bought mine from Etsy for a budget-friendly price and they’ve worked great for monthly updates.
7. Oilo Nursery Recliner
This nursery recliner was a splurge but has been worth every penny. As a nursing parent, you spend so much time feeding and soothing your baby; having a comfortable, supportive chair made that time far more pleasant.
8. Nanit Floor Stand Baby Camera
We rely on our baby camera for peace of mind and sleep tracking. The clarity and monitoring features are helpful for keeping an eye on Hayes and understanding his sleep patterns.
These are the baby items that have truly made life easier during the first nine months. For more of my favorite baby products, tips, and what I’ve learned so far as a mom, visit my baby category page to explore more recommendations and resources.