Most moms want to know “What are the best baby products for my child?”
As a researcher I know this can be a long process which moms don’t have the time for. It involves long hours on their phone scrolling through links, reading the reviews, then identifying the best option from their viewed choices. Somehow they're still left wondering if they made the right choice?
What I want to provide is a list of products that I found helpful as mom and as a maximizer, (i.e. someone who strives to get the best out of every decision). I have done the research to know that they work. I have also identified some information on how to find these products at a discount. Hope you all enjoy!
How I found my data
Viewed multiple “Best of Lists” on various websites, such as Babylist, What to Expect, and The Bump.
Crowdsourced answers for the best products on social media as well as on local Facebook’s groups pages, such as Southbay (LA) Mommies and Southbay Mommies & Daddies which collectively has over 19k followers.
Asked family, friends, and local park moms about their suggestions.
Eat
ezpz First Food Set ($34.99)
Promoting Independence
ezpz was designed to promote independence in eating and drinking which I was all for since I had a little "Miss Independent." My daughter started using the spoon and open cup at 7 months old and was excited to start eating and drinking like a big girl. The spoon fit perfectly in her hand and promoted her fine motor skills growth. Not only is the set dishwasher safe and durable, the plate suctions to the high chair table which prevents her from throwing the plate.
Fact: ezpz’s Feeding and Special Needs Program Coordinator, Dawn Winkelmann, M.S., CCC-SLP, makes sure that their products are tested and approved for kids with special needs.
Link: ezpz
Graco DuoDiner DLX 6-in-1 High Chair ($138)
With Room to Grow
Did you know that babies need footrests in order to properly eat and support their upper body? I found out from Feeding Littles’ feeding therapists that this is important to prevent chocking as well.
We really liked ours since it had adjustable foot rest that adjusted during our daughter’s quick growth.
Tip: Look for sales at Target, Graco Baby, and Buy Buy Baby for this product.
Link: Graco DuoDiner
Wear
Swimming Hen
Clothes for Big Babies and Toddlers
So I am a bit biased since she is my friend, but I love Swimming Hen clothes for my baby! Swimming Hen is ran by Southbay local designer and teacher, Michele, who custom-makes the cutest baby and toddler clothes for both boys and girls. She makes her pants with a wide band waist which fits my big baby and allows enough room for growth. I haven’t found another pant that I like for my daughter who is in the 98th percentile for height and weight. These pants work for big and tall babies and all other sizes.
Tip: Contact Michele for custom made orders
Link: Swimming Hen
See Kai Run ($29.99)
Made for Wide Feet
My daughter not only has giant feet, but they are also wide (Thank you husband). At 13 months old she wore a size 6. When I was purchasing her first pair of shoes, I had to keep this in mind as well as making her first shoe-wearing experience a positive one. I’ve heard a lot of stories about babies who refused to start wearing shoes and I did not want this same battle to happen. I figured once she got used to wearing shoes, we can purchase more affordable options. I read many positive reviews about how See Kai Run’s shoes are ergonomical and loved the cushion of the shoe. My daughter loved these right away, did not protest them, and now at 15 months old we just can’t keep up while she runs away in them!
Fact: Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
Link: See Kai Run
Sleep
Love to Dream - Swaddle Up Sleep Sack ($29.95)
Babies Who Like a Little Wiggle Room
Although we read in Taking Cara Babies, babies love the sensation of being swaddled with their hands down, our daughter was a self-soother and would suck on her hands at night. We tried to swaddle her with a muslin blanket and she would break out of it. Next, we tried the Halo Sleep Sack and she would twist and turn her body to try to get out of it. The one thing that worked was the Love to Dream - Swaddle Up Sleep Sack where she could self-soothe in the sack with her hands being accessible.
Tip: We got our first Swaddle Up Sleep Sack used, but in great condition on Facebook Marketplace.
Link: Love to Dream
Taking Cara Babies Instagram and Courses ($39)
Great Place to Start
I had no clue where to start when it came to learning about baby sleep, especially since our daughter did not follow any of those rules. We found that Taking Cara Babies’ Instagram was a great place to start when it came to learning about typical baby sleep patterns. It served as a great reference point from which we made adjustments based off of our daughter’s sleep needs. When it came down to it, and still holds true to today, she just doesn’t like to sleep! The world is too interesting for out little one, but we were happy to have Taking Cara Babies' and to have purchased "Navigating Months 3 & 4" to help guide our process.
Tip: Taking Cara of Babies Instagram and website has tons of great articles and tips that are free and help gives new parents an introduction to infant sleep.
Link: Taking Cara Babies
Mom
Herschel Hip Pack ($27.99)
Functional Fashion
So I wear this purely for function and can’t believe I didn’t carry one since she was born. As a Monday-through-Friday park mom, this has been a lifesaver for times my daughter doesn’t want to wear her hat, keep her toy…the list keeps going.
Tip: There's plenty of styles and colors to choose from.
Link: Herschel Supply Company
Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket II 7/8 Tight ($69.99)
Pockets for All
Okay, I am a huge Athleta fan for many reasons—not only do they give back to the community and have sustainable and quality products—they make pants for real bodies! These pants fit a mom’s body perfectly and most importantly they have pockets!
Tip: They have free yoga and fitness classes every month. Check in with your local store for details.
Link: Athleta
Two Guns Espresso- El Segundo
Flat White to Caffeinate my Day
So drinking coffee is synonymous with motherhood (at least it is for this mother) and I always look forward to my midday caffeine break as my nap-time moment of independence and freedom from baby duties. A quick drive away and a flat white is in my hand as I drive back to my position as mommy-on-call for nap duties, but with a smile on my face.
Tip: The Flat White with oat milk is my favorite.
Link: Two Guns Espresso
*Please note that I have no affiliations to the companies listed above (except for Swimming Hen who is a friend) and do not make a profit on the purchasing of the listed products.
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