As I first-time parent, I vividly remember adding everything and anything to my baby registry only to realize after birthing my son that I'd forgotten the baby gear that I actually needed. If I'm being honest, no one can really prepare you for parenthood and convey the importance of things that you'll actually use and what's just nice to have. Cut to over four years later, I now have two little boys and, in addition to co-founding Little Shadows, I also test and review baby gear for a variety of publications, including Forbes Vetted. Suffice it to say, I certainly know far more than I did when I made my first baby registry. With that in mind, I'd love to share seven things I used with my babies that were absolute game-changers. (And right now they happen to be on sale for Amazon Prime Day!) Remember, every baby is different, as are every family's needs and budgets. This is just what worked for us. If you're interested in learning more about mine and Lindsay's parenting favorites you can check out all of our picks here or, if you have any questions, feel free to email me at lex@shoplittleshadows.com.
Why you can trust my baby gear picks:
I'm a mom of two with a 4-year-old and almost 1-year-old
I've worked over the last seven-plus years writing shopping and review content, previously as an entertainment and lifestyle editor at PureWow and more recently as a freelance writer, testing baby gear, maternity clothing and more
In my work, I've had the pleasure of interviewing and working with a variety of baby gear and safety experts to provide the safest options in accordance with the most up-to-date feedback from the American Association of Pediatrics
Without further ado, here are my baby gear essentials.
Baby Gear Items I Love:
The 7 Baby Gear Essentials You Need In Your Nursery
1. The Nanit Baby Monitor
- Provides Peace of Mind:
- User Friendly:
- Split-Screen Capability:
I've loved the Nanit baby monitor for both of my kids because it's convenient, easy to use, works with my phone and is well made. I've used the same monitor for both boys (who have a 3 years, 4-months age gap) and it's lasted that whole time. The breathing band specifically has provided me with a lot of peace and mind because it tracks their heartbeat, which I found to be especially soothing to my anxiety when my babies started sleeping in their own rooms. I appreciate that the app allows you to use a split screen so you can watch multiple kids at once and the monitor can also be used as a nightlight and sound machine. Plus, with an insights account, it can help you keep track of their sleep and wake times to help improve their schedule or maintain appropriate wake windows.
This Set Includes:
- Monitor
- Wall Mount
- Breathing Band
- Sound + Light Audio Monitor
2. SwaddleMe Swaddles
- Convenient: These are among the easiest swaddles to use
- 100% Cotton: Breathable, durable and easy to wash
- Sleep-Deprivation Proof: Easy to use, even in the middle of the night
While I also like the Happiest Baby swaddles, I found the SwaddleMe swaddles to be convenient, durable and dependable, especially at such a low cost point. I got this set from a friend as a hand-me-down and they're still in great shape after I used them with both boys.
This Set Includes:
- 3 velcro-closure swaddles
3. Babyletto x Nursery Works Sunday Recliner
- Comfortable: This chair is so comfortable, chic and quality
- Wide Seat: Accomodates various body types, heights and allows toddler to sit next to you
- Versatile: Reclines, rocks, includes USB charger
I used a traditional rocking chair when my eldest son was a baby and thankfully added this recliner/glider to my younger son's nursery this time around. Not only is it exceptionally comfortable, but it made feeds and cuddles so much more seamless. I specifically love this iteration of the much-beloved Babyletto recliner because it has a wide enough seat so that my older son can sit next to me while we read books or while I feed his brother.
This Includes:
- Sunday recliner and glider
4. Safety Innovations Self-Closing Outlet Covers
- Expert-Approved: These came recommended by a professional baby-proofer
- Self-Closing: The plate closes when not in use
- Accessible: Adults can plug something in when needed without needing to remove the safety outlet
We recently moved and I had a baby-proofing expert come and survey our home. He suggested these outlet covers because they keep outlets closed but an adult can easily plus something in without needing to remove anything. This is especially helpful because you'll never have to wonder if you put the plate cover back on after using an outlet. This has been one of my favorite new baby gear additions.
This Set Includes:
- 6 self-closing outlet covers
5. Burt's Bees Sheets
- Organic Cotton: These are organic cotton and GOTS-certified
- Various Prints & Colors: Something for every taste and nursery aesthetic
- Affordable: Even though they're organic and GOTS-certified, these are still budget-friendly
These have been my go-to baby sheets with both kids because they have colors and prints that match every nursery, they're organic cotton and they're very budget-friendly without exposing babies to harsh chemicals or materials. And as much as I love the idea of splurging on sheets, crib sheets tend to fall victim to blow-outs, spit-up and all sorts of other messes, so I've stuck with more affordable options.
This Includes:
- Burt's Bees organic cotton crib sheets, which fit most crib mattresses
6. Hatch Rest & Hatch Go Noise Machines
- User-Friedly: Simple to use and can be operated via app or by touch
- App Compatible: The Rest connects to the Hatch app so you can set timers, create schedules and change colors and sounds
- Versatile: A sound machine, night light and red light/green light for older children
I've used the Hatch Rest with both of my kids. I love that you can change the color and sound on the app, set a schedule (mine turns on at 6:45 pm and off at 7 am) and even turn it on or off by touching the top (however this option can be removed if you put it on toddler lock). I love that with my baby I can simply turn it on with a touch when my baby wakes in the middle of the night and that in my older son's room it serves as a red light/green light alarm so he knows when it's time to sleep (red light) and when it's ok to come out of his room in the morning (green light). The Hatch Go has been great for on-the-go naps with my youngest, who gets carted to birthday parties and soccer practice for my eldest during nap time. It has a long-lasting battery and is very easy to use.
This Set Includes:
- Hatch Rest Nightlight and Sounch Machine
- Hatch Rest Go for On-The-Go sleep
7. HonestBaby Organic Cotton Onesies
- Organic & GOTS-Certified: Made from organic cotton and made in sustainable, non-toxic manufacturing facilities, without the use of synthetic pesticides, PVC and heavy metal phthalate dyes
- Affordable: Just $5 per onesie
- Reduces Mental Load: Buying in a multi-colored ten-pack allows you to skip adding cute onesies to your cart one by one, saving you time and effort
It's no secret that babies go through a good deal of outfits daily (hello, blowouts and messy lunches). I love these onesie ten-packs because they're handy, soft, organic, GOTS-certified and affordable. The neck design allows them to be pulled on and off easily and the snaps are easy to connect. It's also helpful that they come in packs with all white, neutrals or colors, so you don't have to hand-select ten onesies and add to cart.
This Set Includes:
- 10 onesies
- You can select different sizes and color options
Conclusion
Purchasing items for your baby and your nursery is such a personal choice. And while everyone will have advice on what works or what is essential, your intuition and your knowledge of your baby is your greatest asset. What works for one family, may not work for another in terms of use-case, available space and budget. So, as you're shopping for your baby, consider your lifestyle, home and bank account before making any major decisions. I hope that my seven selections were helpful in providing context and hopefully make your life with your baby a little bit easier and more enjoyable.
Think about your lifestyle, space and budget before investing in baby gear
What works for one family may not be the best option for another
You know yourself and your baby best. Even as a new parent, rely upon your intuition to guide you
If you're interested in learning more about our favorite baby items, you can check out more in our store
