Bololo
Makes heating up water, milk or formula on the go is wayyyyy easier. A friend recommended it to me and it’s some of the best money I’ve spent. Ordered it on Amazon. Includes two charger ports (USB-C and some old school round plug) so you have options if you’re in a pinch without the charger. Battery life is pretty good - you can use it a few times in one day before it dies.
CoziGo
I don’t know why but Australians make some straight up great baby products. I saw Cosigo on an IG ad and thought “I wish I had come up with that”. It’s a universal tent that goes over your pram so baby can sleep on the go. You can also use it with the bassinet on long haul flights. We took my son to the US at 4 months - he legit slept the whole way there and back. We didn’t. It’s worth having to hand the guidance from British Airways - or other carrier - that says the CoziGo is allowed. We had a little run in with the staff.
Hand-me-down clothes
Watching your little one destroy new clothes is painful, but it comes with the territory of the excitement that is them growing and changing. I source hand-me-down from whoever will give them to me. A few stains, no problem. Bring ‘em on.
Nuna Travel Cot
This was gifted to us and definitely pricey. It’s something we thought we would never use but it turns out it’s so good we use it day to day. We live in a small flat and our nursery doubles as my partner’s workspace so utility and size are priorities for us. It’s a slick black design and that mattress is cleverly designed to be mobile yet not too flimsy. I also have the confidence it’s safe and he sleeps through the night so like if it ain’t broke, no need to fix it - ya know?
Peachies Box
Shoutout to the unsung hero of the Peachies subscription service. The boxes that keep my son entertained each and every delivery and for like at least a good 10 mins afterwards deserve a mention. And I know you know how much you can get in done (mindless scrolling can count as getting something done) in 10 mins. Jokes aside, we also use the boxes to store toys, store clothes to share with friends or donate etc. Functional and beautiful, ah bliss.
Nanobebe Bottles
We used Dr Brown’s in the early days but once bubba’s digestion settled around 7 months we switched to Nanobebe bottles. They. Are. Brilliant. Two pieces, easy to clean, and have a wide base so they stand up well (on the sofa arm, for example). I also like that they’re silicon and not plastic as well as flexible so smashing them into a bag or other tight space is doable.
Mustela High Protection Sun Stick SPF50
Perfect for applying a quick layer of protection to baby’s face or other targeted areas. It’s easy to carry because it’s adorably small. Dermatologically tested and suitable for all ages, even from birth (or from newborns out of NICU as their website stipulates*). I use it as much at the little one does.
Ergo Baby Sleep Sack
No faffing with sheets or a blanket. Loop those arms, zip up and rest yourself assured. The Ergo sacks include feet holes so if you’re on the go you can still accommodate safety harness of a pram or car seat. They come in different togs so little one is cozy no matter the season (or lack of season - yes I’m talking about you British summer). It also has a nifty little flap at the back that allows you to feel if baby is wet (not in Peachies obv). Honestly, I wish it came in my size, inclusive of the shootings stars and moons print.
Peachies
Duh. We designed Peachies before I had my son but d*mn am I glad we focused on the things we did. My partner gets frustrated with me when I say we need to try other brands for research. Longer nights with less disruption truly have been our experience. Peachies are also way softer than other nappies we’ve tried. But I’m biased. Shamelessly.