Best baby items: Most useful purchases we made for the baby and toddler years

by Anya Dunham, PhD

Wondering what are the best baby items, ones you truly need to buy? As I leave early parenting years behind, I thought I'd share our 'master list': things we used the longest and/or the most with our three kids.

If you are expecting your first baby, I bet you've already spent hours researching the best baby items to buy, like the best stroller and diaper bag. And if you're expecting your second, have you been staring at the pile of baby items you saved, wondering what to keep and what to donate and replace?

You might find the list below helpful.

Some baby items are more worthy of researching, and investing into, than others

As I leave early parenting years behind , I thought I’d share a list of baby and toddler items we used the longest and/or the most. In my experience, items on this list are truly worth researching, spending time to find quality ones that work well for you as you prepare for your baby's arrival.

(No affiliate links here - just sharing what we found most helpful! if you want to know the specific brands we used or why a certain item was particularly useful, send me a message - I always respond personally.)

You'll see that diaper bag and stroller didn't make the list. 

Our best baby items (that we used the longest and/or the most)

• Baby carriers are invaluable, especially once you find one(s) that work best for you and your baby. Look for a baby carrier Lending Library near you, where for a small fee (or sometimes even for free) you can test out different types of carriers and receive tips on how to use them. For me, a stretchy wrap worked best in the first few months; I then used a structured baby carrier from about 6 months till 3 years.
• Merino wool sleep sacks are fantastic for keeping your baby warm when it's cold and cool when it's warm. They also hold up really well. We found them great for safe, comfortable, and stress-free sleep, and only needed to purchase 2 sizes to get our 3 kids through the baby and toddler years. Our favorite brand is Woolino.
• Books you and your baby both enjoy. Here are some of our favorites we still return to after the years.
• A comfortable rocking chair to feed in, snuggle, and read is worth the investment, as you'll use it daily for years. 
• Good quality crib, mattress, mattress protector, and sheets. Our crib converts to a toddler bed, and so we've now used it continuously for 13 years between our 3 kids. I really like wool pads as mattress protectors, as they help regulate baby's temperature as a bonus.
• A changing pad (not table), one that can be placed on the floor and moved around. I started changing my babies on the floor in the early days, as soon as I could comfortably get down and up. I found it to be the safest and most versatile option (babies cannot fall off the floor). We've been using an Ikea changing mat and covers.
• Hooded apron-style baby towels. I loved having a large enough towel that can be worn like an apron - in fact, I love it so much that I designed my own free pattern for it!
• Baby gates to place at the top and bottom of the stairs (if you have stairs) and to create a safe play space. Our play space (or 'yes-space', as Janet Lansbury called it) has evolved over the years, but all the versions have been wonderfully helpful for encouraging self-directed exploration and learning, as well as giving me peace of mind.
• Bath thermometer. Our little trusted bath duck has been telling us if the water temperature is just right for many years now, and it doubles as an easy-to-clean bath toy.
• Nose Freeda and electronic thermometer. Invaluable, especially once the daycare colds begin. That's all I will say.
• Adjustable high chair. It doesn't need to be expensive to be comfortable - see our inexpensive-and-versatile high chair set up that lasted us many years. 
• Small silicone cups for introducing drinking water from an open cup when your baby starts solids. We still use ours as snack cups years later.
• Silicone freezer molds are very handy for freezing homemade baby food in small portions. I now use hours for freezing sauces, herbs, and garlic to use in family meals.

Of course, these don't always need to be bought: thrifted, hand-me-down, or handmade items can be great. 

What would you add to this list?

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Warmly,

Anya

I am Anya Dunham, a scientist with a PhD in Biology, an award-winning author, and a mom to three young kids. Here and in my book, Baby Ecology, I analyze the research on baby's first year to find the optimal nurturing environment — the (usually wide) range of good options — to help you choose what works best for your baby and your family. Welcome!

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