As I blissfully but groggily navigate the fourth trimester, I’ve compiled the following list of items that have been the most useful to me over the past 8 weeks. However, much more important than any of these material goods is clear communication inside my partnership with Adam. The sharing or division of responsibilities, as well as making space for feelings and new realities are the most effective tools in our possession. And, at the end of the day, as long as our baby has food, shelter, health and love, she’s getting what she needs.
Note: I’ve linked many of the items below so readers can learn more about any given product, but if something sparks your interest, perhaps consider exploring a Buy Nothing Group, second-hand resource, or local small business rather than buying new via a big box retailer.
Click here for this customizable, handmade ring
Adaptable nursing pillow
I thought of nursing pillows as unnecessary items… until our little one ended up in the NICU. During the long hours there, I found it difficult to hold her tiny, cord-covered body without some sort of stable neck and wire support for her, and the pancake pillows at the hospital weren’t helping. This adjustable nursing pillow has a back pocket for a heating pad, built-in pockets for books, phones, cloths (etc), and three inserts for varying degrees of height and support.
Collapsable Cup
Any time I start breastfeeding the baby, I immediately become wildly thirsty. As I did while pregnant, I bring this cup absolutely everywhere with me. It’s collapsible (and then pocket-sized), and it helps me stay on track with my water intake.
Block dish soap
This is our favorite package-free dish soap, which we use in addition to boiling pump + bottle parts.
Reusable sponges + brush
Behold— a reusable sponge that actually works and lasts! We use it in tandem with this set of bottle brushes.
0-3 mo pacifier
We likely would’ve tried to skip the pacifier with the baby, but the NICU team provided her with some, so we occasionally do the same. We used this rubber version (plastic-free) with our first child (who stopped using them when he caught a cold around 1 year old), and so far they’ve worked well with the newborn, too.
Folding bottle drying rack
With all the pumping I do, a folding bamboo drying rack (atop a foldable, washable drying mat) is one of our most used items.
Stainless steel bottles
These bottles are lightweight for little hands, while being plastic-free and durable.
Breast milk collector
This brilliant little silicone, plastic-free suction pump is the most minimal, no fuss way of saving breast milk that I’ve tried. I use it when nursing by placing it on whichever breast the baby isn’t occupying.
Plastic-free milk storage bags
I don’t like freezing milk in glass (because I’m clumsy), so these silicone bags, which stand upright for easy filling + cleaning, are my favorite plastic-free method of freezing or warming breastmilk.
Baskets-turned-mobile-nightlights
For a portable nightlight, I popped rechargeable battery-operated twinkle lights into these sweet baskets.
Baby dock
I believe we have gotten more use out of our versatile baby dock than any other baby item.
Baby carrier
I was pleased with the washable, multi-directional carrier that we used with our first. I couldn’t wait to use it again with our second once she put on a bit of weight.
Portable, hands-free pump
I used this portable pump during my first pregnancy, and made it hands-free by adding a pump bra. There are also truly hands-free pumps, which are now available with reusable inserts (rather than disposable plastic milk collection bags).
Baby eat, sleep, poop journal
We found this journal helpful when keeping track of the baby’s functions per our doctor’s request.
Reusable wipes
While we do have a small stash of Water Wipes, we mainly use washable cloths from Etsy and Grovia. (I bought ours, but I plan to get a sewing machine and make my own soon!)
Cloth diapers
We used All in One cloth diapers for our first child, and have happily returned to using them with our second.
Spray nozzle toilet attachment
In order to rinse the cloth diapers before tossing them into an open-weave bucket where they await a proper machine wash, we use this easy-to-install handheld nozzle, which can also function as a bidet.
Peri bottle
On the subject of bidets, this upside-down peri bottle is pretty much a portable bidet. It’s especially helpful for post-delivery recovery when paired with a few drops of Witch Hazel.
Organic large swaddle
These Willaby undyed, organic cotton swaddles (gifted to our family by @dr.organicmommy) are slightly oversized and thus usable as a baby blanket, nursing chair cover, swaddle, burp cloth, and stroller or baby carrier sunshade.
Folding baby gym
Perfect for small humans and small spaces, this minimalist folding baby gym was a favorite of our son’s, and is now being put to use by our daughter (and — occasionally — by a pushy beagle as well).
Stretchy toys / Teethers
These handmade, stretchy fabric and natural BeachWood Teethers can be used on their own or with an activity center, like the one we have.
Folding upright bouncer
We didn’t use one of these with West, but little Léa has reflux and spits up large amounts of milk regularly. This bouncer has been extremely helpful for keeping her safely upright during the moments when we’re unable to hold her. It has a minimal design and folds easily, making it practical for small spaces.
Unbreakable books
“Indestructibles” are chew proof, rip proof, 100% washable, and non-toxic. While we like board books, they take up a great deal of space. By contrast, this series of slim books for early readers is practical for families with young kids in compact quarters.
Lactation bites
When nursing overnight, I usually eat one of these yummy little lactation bites to help keep my milk supply up.
Skincare (body)
This pregnancy + nursing safe, fragrance-free, all-body moisturizing stone is handmade by a small business, and is entirely plastic-free. It’s the only body moisturizer I’ve used for years, and it’s even mild enough to use on babies. The stone travels easily and requires very little space on the shelf or in a bag.
Skincare (face)
Other than soap and sunblock, these are the only two products I use daily on my face— a serum and a treatment essence. I feel comfortable using them while pregnant and breastfeeding, and they replace an entire suite of other skincare products. They arrive in minimal, plastic-free packaging, and are housed in compact glass bottles.
Apron
I’m constantly being spit up upon, and I’m always in need of spacious pockets. As such, rather than tailoring my entire wardrobe to accommodate such realities, I’ve started covering my outfit with this handmade linen apron, which has roomy pockets and easy access for nursing.