5 of my favorite products for the newborn phase—and now as a toddler mom

There are so many baby products out there, and it can be hard to know what you actually need. Now that I’m out of the newborn stage and into life with a toddler, there are a handful of things I can look back on and say I truly loved—and a few we’re still using now.

These aren’t necessarily the big-ticket items you’ll find on every registry list. They’re the things that made everyday life a little easier, especially during those tired newborn days.

1. Puck night light

This little puck light was one of those simple things that turned out to be incredibly useful.

You can easily flip it over for dimmable light in the middle of the night, which means you aren’t fumbling around looking for a tiny button while half asleep and holding a baby. It gave me enough light to see what I was doing without turning on a bright overhead light and waking everyone up even more than they already were.

Anything that makes middle-of-the-night newborn life easier gets my vote. Bonus, we still use this every time we travel.

2. Yogasleep portable white noise machine

We got a lot of use out of our Yogasleep portable white noise machine, and I still appreciate how simple it is to use.

It saves your settings, and I know exactly where the power button is without having to look for it.

That seems like such a small detail until you’re juggling a crying baby in a dark room and trying to turn the sound machine on with one hand. Then suddenly button placement feels very important.

Since it’s portable, it’s also easy to take with you rather than being something that has to stay permanently in the nursery.

3. Pacifica Coconut deodorizing wipes

Postpartum sweats. Need I say more?

These Pacifica Coconut deodorizing wipes were great to have around during those early postpartum days when taking a leisurely shower whenever you wanted wasn’t exactly realistic.

They’re one of those products I probably wouldn’t have thought to add to a traditional baby registry, but I was very glad to have them. They would even be a great addition to your hospital bag, trust me.

Sometimes the best newborn products are actually for mom.

4. A quality baby carrier

A good baby carrier is one thing I would absolutely invest in again.

My current favorite is the Lenny Lamb Upgrade Pro. It’s comfortable, supportive and works from the baby stage well into toddlerhood.

Babywearing made it possible for me to keep moving while still having my baby close, and having a carrier that actually feels good to wear makes a huge difference.

It’s especially useful as your baby gets bigger and you realize you aren’t just carrying a tiny newborn anymore. This carrier is my go to when traveling and I need my toddler to take a nap on the plane. I can front or back carry him and it’s super comfortable. 

5. A babywearing raincoat

Living in Southeast Alaska means rain is a given. Quality outdoor gear makes all the difference for an enjoyable or miserable day. 

I have the Mamalila Allrounder Jacket, and it was such a practical addition to our babywearing setup. It kept both of us dry and cozy without having to figure out separate layers and rain protection for a baby in a carrier.

There are a lot more companies making babywearing jackets and covers now, so there are plenty of options. But if you live somewhere wet—or simply don’t want weather to keep you inside—I definitely recommend finding some kind of babywearing rain layer that works for you.

Here in Ketchikan, waiting for a perfectly dry day before heading outside isn’t much of a strategy.

The products I actually used

Every baby and every family is different, and you certainly don’t need every product marketed to new parents.

Looking back, the things I appreciated most were usually the ones that solved a very ordinary problem: seeing during nighttime feedings, calming a baby without searching for buttons, getting outside in the rain or simply feeling a little more human during those postpartum weeks.

And when something is still useful once your newborn becomes a toddler, even better.

If you’re a new or expecting mom in Ketchikan and have questions about any of these products—or just want to connect with another local mom who’s been through the newborn stage—feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to share what worked for us, and I know how valuable it can be to have local support during this season.