I often have moms ask me “What products did you use during your pregnancy, postpartum, and for your baby?” So I decided to compile a list of my favorite things along with things that I did not think I needed or used much with my daughter. As always please use your best judgement and do what is best for you and your baby. Remember to trust your instincts when it comes to your baby, you know them best. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise! Feel free to check back often as I will add products as my daughter grows -Brianna
Books to reference
Baby Bare by Stephanie Johnson- This book shows that babies don’t need all the fancy gadgets. It explains the importance of each developmental stage.
This book helped us learn how to sleep train our daughter early on. It was a lifesaver and she has been the best sleeper ever.
This book was a must read to have a natural home birth. Pregnancy and birth is a beautiful process and as a woman trust yourself that you can do it!
Week by week guide to pregnancy– I really liked this book because it had more natural ways to help with things that come up during pregnancy and childbirth.
Check out this link for more books on health tips, pregnancy, cooking, essential oils, and vaccination information.
Pregnancy
Anti-Nausea Lozenges– These were a lifesaver for me in the car when I would get extra car sick while pregnant.
Belly Band– This belly band helps to protect against EMFs that we are all surrounded by 24/7.
I made my own belly butter with coconut oil, and a blend of essential oils.
Small Pregnancy pillow– That belly gets heavy and needs a little support
Hemorrhoids– lets face it, hemorrhoids may happen at any time but you do not want to have them when you deliver. Use this ointment and apply topically. You may want to use a pad in your underwear so it does not stain.
Postpartum
Perineal Spray- This Earth Mama perineal spray saved my bottom!!
Postpartum Pads- It is important to buy organic cotton pads, especially for a sensitive bottom after birth.
Layer these cooling pads in your underwear on top of your pad- believe me, you will thank me later.
Perineal ice packs– These ice packs have a pad built in but I never used these as a pad alone, it was to messy.
Drink coconut water to replenish your electrolytes and rehydrate you. I prefer plain coconut water so it does not have added sugar in it. If you do not like the taste of plain coconut water mix it with a little bit of bai.
Mom- Breastfeeding
Washable breast pads- I enjoyed these ones because I lathered on nipple cream like it was going out of style! These pads were thick enough that the nipple cream did not soak through onto my clothes.
Nipple Cream is your best friend!! I liked this one because I did not have to wipe it off before my baby ate and it is lanolin free. You do not want your nipples to crack!
Nursing Cover– I liked this one because I was able to see what I was doing when my daughter was latching on. I could also see her easily and the cover was not directly on her face.
Nursing Tank Tops– These ones fit really well, have a nice clasp, and have lasted me a long time as long as I hang them to dry.
Breast Pump– I wanted a pump that I could wear on the go. I did not want to be attached to the wall. With this breast pump I was able to work while pumping and people didn’t even know! Mention my name Brianna Lofquist to get 10% off!
Haakaa– A haakaa is nice in the beginning of your breast feeding journey if you are really engorged and need to let some milk down. It doesn’t require any batteries and it is easy to throw in the diaper bag. I also like to use it on one side while baby fed on the other. This allowed me to build up a little milk supply.
Mastitis- You do not want to get mastitis! If you do please contact me and I will get you in to the office to be seen as soon as possible.
Mom Favorites
Leggings that hold in the belly until it shrinks back!
Yoga Ball– Is your baby crying and you just want to sit down? Bounce on a yoga ball! You will be able to sit but still be providing motion for your little one. Plus this yoga ball won’t roll away on you!
Healthy coffee that you can enjoy a cup of while pregnant and nursing. You can sign up for a wholesale account or retail account.
Baby
Baby Monitor– I wanted a baby monitor that did not operate on wifi. This one has great range and is easy to use.
Diaper cream This is a the diaper cream that I use during the day.
Diaper cream– this one is good for overnight. It is thicker and protects through the night.
Baby wash- I used organic coconut oil only in the bath water until my daughter was about 4 months old. Coconut oil in the water also made her skin soft. Then I used this baby wash in her hair when needed.
Baby’s don’t need lots of lotions. If you want to use something natural try organic coconut oil.
Gripe Water– This is good to have on hand when baby arrives so you aren’t making a late night run to the store because baby has gas.
Gas relief – Another option for colic and gas pains. I liked this one for in the diaper bag since it was individual tubes already measured out.
Teething- individual tubes that are good for on the go.
Teething- Contact me to learn about natural supplement options for teething! I have one that was a game changer for my daughter!!!
Teething Oil– An essential oil that is already diluted and ready to go. This oil can be rubbed directly on the gums.
Amber Teething Necklace– My daughter wore a teething necklace since the age of 3 months. Make sure to take it off for bath time because the necklace is not to be submerged underwater.
Cold relief– Natural cold relief for sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion
Immune Support- baby elderberry. Adult elderberry syrup usually has honey in it. Do not give any child under the age of 1 honey (due to the risk of botulism).
Baby’s get boogers!! I had the type of snot sucker that required me to suck the snot out of the baby’s nose and lets just say that was a big fail! This tool is great for boogers!
These breathable blankets are my daughters favorite. I don’t worry about her sleeping with them because they are breathable.
Nursery
Diaper pale- This is the best diaper pale ever because it takes regular garbage bags, and it doesn’t stink!
Sound Machine– put this on while baby is sleeping so you are able to do what you please around the house.
Night light– my baby was afraid of the dark so she always has a night light on.
Humidifier– In Minnesota it gets very dry in the winter time so a humidifier is a must!
Baby Mattress- Organic and non toxic is a must for me
Baby Clothes
Sleep sacks– I thought I needed a million sleep sacks. I ended up getting rid of them and I now have 3 of these and that is more than enough! They are good from age 0-24 months
Sleep sack- This sleep sack was nice when my daughter was transitioning to her crib. It is weighted and provided a little extra comfort. She did not need this sleep sack after 5 months.
On the Go!
Diaper bag- please get a backpack style diaper bag. You will soon realize your hands will be full every time you leave the house so a backpack is a lifesaver!
Pack and Play- This is the lightest, easiest pack and play that I have ever seen!
Portable Sound Machine and night light combo- This was amazing when my daughter had to sleep anywhere other than her nursery. It gave her comfort to have the sound machine and night light and she fell asleep faster once we had it.
Baby Carrier for in the house– This one is awesome because you can still go to the bathroom while the baby is in the carrier!
Baby carrier for out and about- I have two older baby carriers. I recommend going to the store and trying them on if possible. Ensure that you can get the baby carrier on and off safely by yourself with a baby in it. I have one carrier that I like for carrying on the front of me and the other carrier I like for carrying the baby on my back. The most important part is that you can get baby safely secured by yourself. Also it is best to keep baby facing you while carrying the baby in the front. Forward facing the baby is hard on their hips.
Clip on high chair– I used this for my daughters high chair because we have a small kitchen. It is also great to take while traveling to use as a high chair, even at restaurants!
Stroller– This one fits with the Infant car seat I recommended. It can also be used without a car seat. I can fold and unfold this stroller with one hand. Which is a must!
Convertible car seat– this one is rated for 10 years.
Random Tips
Don’t buy a bunch of bottles until you know what your baby likes. Every baby is different. These are the bottles my daughter liked.
If your baby is fussy and nothing is working bring them outside. Ensure to have the proper outside wear for your child and bring them outside often!
Things I Didn’t Need
I must have had 20 baby towels. I used 2 per bath and I gave her a bath like once a week when she was little (unless she had a blowout). You do not need a million baby towels and wash cloths.
I used to use a bumbo seat but then it actually lead to my daughter not developmentally progressing like she should have been so I got rid of all devices that my daughter used to sit in prior to that point. Once I just laid her on the floor all the time instead of in a sitting device she started to develop way faster. There is more information in the Baby Bare book on developmental milestones and set backs that babies may have if they are in to many sitting devices and not on the floor enough. I wish I would have read the Baby Bare book sooner! So I ado not use or need a bouncer seat, a walker, or a bouncy gym/johnny jump up.
You don’t need a bunch of flashy light up toys. Baby’s are fascinated by the simple things like a measuring spoon or a plastic bowl. Their little brains can only process so much at a time so less is sometimes better.
I had breathable crib bumpers but my daughter kicked them down all the time and managed to get her limbs through the crib slats.