Top 10 Baby Items I Actually Use
Being a mom of three — with ages ranging from 11 to newborn — I’ve definitely been around the block a time or two. When I found out I was pregnant with my third, I promised myself I was only going to buy the essentials.
We have such a tendency to think we need all the things, and before we know it, drawers are filled with items we never use and corners of the house start piling up with things we swore we couldn’t live without.
Third time around, I learned my lesson.
Below is a list of baby items I actually use (almost) daily — the ones that truly make life a little easier while navigating newborn life with two other kids in the mix.
A quick note: This post contains Amazon affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them — at no extra cost to you. I only share products we truly use and trust.
1. Owlet Dream Duo (Smart Sock + Baby Monitor)
This was my first purchase when I found out I was pregnant with my third. I had the Owlet with my second child, and the peace of mind it gives is unmatched.
I no longer wake up a million times a night checking to make sure my baby is okay. And as a new parent, sleep is everything.
The Owlet Dream Duo combines a smart sock and baby monitor to track sleep, heart rate, and oxygen levels — all in one place through the app. It doesn’t replace safe sleep or parenting instincts, but it does offer reassurance during those early months when every sound (or lack of one) feels big.
If you already have a baby monitor you love, you can also purchase just the Owlet Dream Sock on its own. It’s the piece that tracks sleep, heart rate, and oxygen levels.
2. Momcozy KleanPal Pro Baby Bottle Washer, Sterilizer & Dryer
If you’re anything like me, a full sink gives you anxiety — yet washing dishes somehow keeps getting pushed off. Between bottles and pump parts, it can feel like you’re constantly standing at the sink.
Not with this.
This bottle washer was an absolute must-have in our house. I use it at least five times a day. It washes, sterilizes, and dries bottles and pump parts all in one cycle, taking a huge mental load off during those busy newborn days. Instead of scrubbing at the sink, I load it, press start, and move on to something else (or rest — which counts too).
I also keep extra detergent tabs on hand so I’m never caught without them, especially on heavy pumping or bottle days.
3. Munchkin Electric Baby Swing
I knew I wanted a swing, but the ones I had with my older kids took up so much space. I wanted something lightweight, portable, and not dominating my living room — and this swing checked every box.
Best part? My baby loves it.
It’s been a lifesaver during those moments when my arms need a break but my baby still wants motion. The gentle side-to-side movement is calming without being overstimulating, and it breaks down easily for storage when not in use.
4. Bedside Bassinet
I was on the hunt for anything that made sleepless nights easier — and this bedside bassinet does just that.
It works as both a bedside sleeper and a standalone bassinet, with breathable mesh sides so I can easily see baby. It’s height-adjustable, has wheels for easy movement, and includes a storage basket underneath for essentials.
Honestly, I love that I can roll over and grab my baby when he starts to fuss without ever having to get out of bed.
5. Safety 1st Grow and Go Flex Car Seat & Stroller Combo
By baby number three, I knew exactly what I didn’t want. A big, bulky stroller that took up my entire trunk and was a pain to maneuver.
This travel system has been such a great fit. It’s lightweight, easy to fold, and doesn’t take up much space. The car seat clicks right into the stroller, making errands and appointments feel so much more manageable during those early weeks.
I also love that it grows with your baby, making it a long-term purchase instead of something you’ll outgrow quickly.
6. Elvie Stride 2 Hands-Free Breast Pump
After struggling with nursing my first two kids, I made a no-pressure goal to breastfeed my third. Finding a pump that allowed me to still function day-to-day was so important.
This pump has been a great option. It’s hospital-grade but wearable and quiet, so I can pump while still moving around and tending to everything else. The app makes it easy to control settings and track sessions, and being hands-free has made pumping feel far more manageable.
I’m also linking the Elvie breast milk storage bags. They work seamlessly with pumping and make storing milk simple and mess-free.
7. Nursing Pillow
This pillow quickly becomes so much more than just a nursing pillow.
We use it for breastfeeding, bottle feeding, tummy time, and helping baby sit comfortably as he grows. One unexpected bonus? It’s been incredibly helpful when my older kids want to hold the baby. It gives them the support they need while helping keep baby secure — which has been such a relief.
8. Diaper Bag Backpack with Changing Station
I’ll admit it.. I’m a bit of a germaphobe, and any item that eases that constant worry is a winner in my book.
The built-in changing station is what sold me on this diaper bag. Knowing I have a clean, designated space for diaper changes when we’re out and about gives me so much peace of mind. Everything else feels like a bonus: it’s roomy without feeling bulky, waterproof, comfortable to wear, and holds all our essentials.
9. Triple Paste Diaper Rash Cream
This is an item I make sure I am never without.
My first child had diaper rash so bad as a newborn that no matter what I did — and I truly tried everything — nothing worked. It got to the point where his poor little bottom was raw, and we ended up taking him to the hospital. I am forever grateful for the nurse who recommended Triple Paste. Within 24 hours, his diaper rash was completely cleared and healed.
Since then, this has been a non-negotiable in our house. Even if you don’t think you’ll need it right away, this is one of those “just in case” items I truly believe every parent should have on hand.
10. Dr. Brown’s Anti-Colic Bottles
Honestly, these are the only bottles I will use.
The Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow anti-colic bottles have worked so well for us, especially during those early weeks when gas and fussiness can feel overwhelming. The internal vent system helps reduce air intake, and I’ve noticed a real difference in how comfortable my baby is after feedings.
They’re simple, reliable, and gentle on little tummies — and when it comes to feeding your baby, that peace of mind is everything.
Bonus Item: Fels Naptha Laundry Soap Bar & Stain Remover
Unfortunately, diaper blowouts happen — and this laundry bar has saved me from throwing out more onesies than I can count. But I don’t just use it for baby messes.
I use this bar for everything. Dirt and grass stains on white baseball pants, set-in grease stains, paint splatter — you name it, this thing gets it out. I honestly don’t know how it works, but I’m convinced it’s magic.
Before you throw something away and assume it’s ruined, try this first. It’s one of those quiet household heroes I always keep in the laundry room.
Besides the true essentials — clothes, diapers, and wipes — these are the items that genuinely make my life with a newborn (and two other kids) feel more manageable. They aren’t things that sit in drawers or take up space. They’re the items I reach for daily and rely on in real life.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned by the third time around, it’s that you don’t need all the things — just the right ones. And these have made navigating this season of motherhood a little calmer, a little easier, and a lot more peaceful for us.
Starting a baby registry? These items are perfect to add to your list — especially if you’re using Amazon’s Baby Registry, which also offers a free welcome box and a 15% completion discount closer to your due date.