If more than one child is on your radar or you’d like to have cameras in multiple locations throughout your house, the VAVA Split-Screen Baby Monitor is a great option. It’s reasonably priced and cheaper than other brands that require add-on camera purchases. The screen resolution is fantastic, no matter day or night mode. It has a standalone monitor and does not require Wi-fi or your phone, which for many parents is a security concern. Use the full screen mode to display one camera, or split the screen to have two simultaneous camera displays while the sound toggles between the two cameras. (Other brands, for example, toggle between two full-screen displays.) If you prefer to mute the monitor, there is visual representation of noise and how loud indicated with green and red lights.

Parent Tip: Consider buying a two camera monitor now rather than planning to add cameras later. Otherwise, you risk the company releasing a newer model that conveniently no longer syncs with your original monitor. (This happened with our original Motorola camera.)

A supportive nursing pillow will help prevent back pain while nursing. You can also sit on it to help alleviate pressure from your lady bits while healing.

After having a son with acid reflux and a black lab that loved to curl up in laundry, I realized quality burp cloths were a necessity, and so was a fabric that wouldn’t attract dog hair! These Burt’s Bees burp cloths are super soft and absorbent.

There’s no better feeling than getting to snuggle with your baby. Being productive and hands-free while snuggling is a win-win. After trying six different baby wearing devices, the Boppy brand was my favorite for the infant months. It was far less complicated than other wrap-style devices so I could baby wear without assistance. It also was less bulky than my other wrap, so it’s perfect for around-the-house and neighborhood walks. I especially love that the company listened to user feedback and the new version has adjustable straps on the side for a more comfortable fit.

100% cotton clothing is great, but the Lunaluxe bamboo viscose from Little Sleepies will change your opinion on all the clothing you ever buy for your little one. It is the softest, most buttery fabric and so gentle on babies’ sensitive skin. And what’s even better is that IT LASTS FOREVER. The bamboo fabric is extremely stretchy and grows with your kiddo, which makes the price tag on these jammies worth every penny. Both of my kiddos struggle with eczema and the jammies from Little Sleepies are their favorites. Also, I’m so sorry in advance because your bank account will hate me. Prepare to have a budget line item for Little Sleepies’ regular pattern drops because they’re too cute and so hard to resist! But use code LSVIP to get 15% off and feel better about your purchase knowing they dedicate a portion of every sale toward childhood cancer research.

I love that LOVEVERY takes the guesswork out of buying toys that are age-appropriate. Both the infant play mat and the subscription play kits are well-loved by both of my kiddos. The play mat is stimulating enough to hold a baby’s attention, with different milestone challenges within each section, but not too busy that it’s overwhelming. LOVEVERY also offers a subscription toy service. Every few months, a new play kit arrives with age-appropriate toys designed to support various developmental milestones. It also comes with ideas about how to play with each toy to maximize 1:1 time together and enhance your baby’s learning.

Crafted in Italy from silver and its natural healing properties, these nifty little cups sit on your nipples and work hard between nursing sessions to prevent nipple damage. They also prevent chafing because the hard silver shell protects your nipple from rubbing against your breast pad and bra. It takes the place of nipple cream so you don’t have to remember to carry nipple cream with you, apply it, and wipe it off before nursing. And though you’ll still have to work hard at perfecting your baby’s latch, these nursing cups will help avoid the blood blisters and razor nipples.

There are so many products marketed to new moms claiming to be essential for postpartum recovery. Some products were lifesavers. Others will forever sit in a bathroom vanity untouched or barely used. This one is an absolute must-have for vaginal delivery. You might be tempted by Pinterest to make your own, but by the time you purchase all the ingredients you may as well just buy a box of these ice pads from frida mom. They’re worth every penny, providing cooling relief while still being able to absorb the birth aftermath.

There are manual options and then there are battery-operated options that do the work for you. I highly recommend this battery operated snot sucker so you can avoid the dirty work. It has three different speeds and nasal attachments, and even has music and lights to distract your little one so you can get the job done.

Milk collection cups are an essential must-have in a breastfeeding mama’s nursing kit. These handy cups collect breastmilk that would otherwise be lost in breast pads. It’s an easy way to catch letdown milk and milk your breast naturally eliminates throughout the day. Save the milk and use it for a bottle or to build a freezer stash.

Similar to the Elvie milk collection cups, this canister lightly suctions to your breast to collect letdown milk in larger quantities. Wear this on the opposite breast while nursing. It’s thoughtful design tucks nicely into your bra and helps avoid spilled milk mishaps mamas often face with competing products such as the haakaa. 

I loved this travel system so much. You can’t go wrong with Britax car seats’ high safety ratings. Click the car seat right onto the stroller and off you go for quick trips with a sleeping infant. And once they get older, you’ll enjoy how easy it is to navigate this stroller. Additionally, the storage compartment features a front access (under the kiddo’s leg) and hidden zipper pouches to house essentials.

Truth be told, we used our Pack ‘n Play more as a changing station and miscellaneous baby storage until we had our second kid. But my sister was gifted this newer model for her baby shower and after seeing it in action, I was envious of the bassinet alone! Unlike earlier models, this bassinet has adjustable legs that easily bring it to the height of a bedside sleeper. It has the added convenience of a diaper changing attachment and plenty of storage. It’s a bit more expensive than other models, but the cost-per-use makes the price worth every penny.

We have two sound machines that I love dearly. This first one is from Hatch Baby. You can choose from a variety of lullabies, nature sounds and white or pink noise. Choose a night light color to match your preferred sound, too. You can even adjust the brightness level. As a bonus, it also links to your phone so you can control the features remotely. Program your favorite nightlight colors and sounds, and the time you want them to start and end. I prefer the Bluetooth connection over the Wi-Fi, which is why I recommend the first generation model.