Essential guide for newborn shopping
By: Vivian Zeldis
Tags: Baby, Newborn, Recommendations, First Time Mom, Baby Products

Your one stop shop for all things newborn!

I had my first baby, Oliver, in October 2019, and thought I’d share my favorites (and not so favorites) for new moms. I hope it’s helpful to you!

Chill

Swing : Fisher Price Cradle ‘n Swing was an instant hit with our baby. It’s an absolute must! He used it daily from when he was a newborn up until he was around 5 to 6 months old, when he started to want to sit up more. While it’s not as sleek as the 4Moms Mamaroo, pretty much all babies like it.

: Fisher Price Cradle ‘n Swing was an instant hit with our baby. It’s an absolute must! He used it daily from when he was a newborn up until he was around 5 to 6 months old, when he started to want to sit up more. While it’s not as sleek as the 4Moms Mamaroo, pretty much all babies like it. Bouncer : Another baby (and parent) favorite is the BabyBjorn bouncer with the toy bar. I’ve seen babies bounce back and forth like crazy, and while Oliver hasn’t really gotten into it, this bouncer is great to place him vertically after eating (to reduce spit up). It’s very lightweight and you can take it around the house to have the baby close to you. The toy bar is stupidly expensive but is entertaining.

: Another baby (and parent) favorite is the BabyBjorn bouncer with the toy bar. I’ve seen babies bounce back and forth like crazy, and while Oliver hasn’t really gotten into it, this bouncer is great to place him vertically after eating (to reduce spit up). It’s very lightweight and you can take it around the house to have the baby close to you. The toy bar is stupidly expensive but is entertaining. Play gym : We got the Baby Einstein one — the musical star was an instant hit. I’ve also heard great things about Lovevery, so I think I’ll try it with baby #2 (not yet baking).

: We got the Baby Einstein one — the musical star was an instant hit. I’ve also heard great things about Lovevery, so I think I’ll try it with baby #2 (not yet baking). Exersaucer : The Skip Hop activity center is great to place the baby safely, and entertained. We started using it when Oliver was 6 months and could stand with his feet flat on the base — occupational therapists do not recommend using it before that due to concerns with hip dysplacia. You can get a lot of use out of the Skip Hop because it becomes a table to play or draw on when they’re toddlers (you can even buy adorable little matching chairs).

: The Skip Hop activity center is great to place the baby safely, and entertained. We started using it when Oliver was 6 months and could stand with his feet flat on the base — occupational therapists do not recommend using it before that due to concerns with hip dysplacia. You can get a lot of use out of the Skip Hop because it becomes a table to play or draw on when they’re toddlers (you can even buy adorable little matching chairs). Swim diaper: We started to take Oliver to the pool when he was 2 months old and were concerned that any swim diaper that fit well and, ehem, did its containment job, would be too small for him a few weeks later. Beau and Belle have it all figured out with these absolutely adorable adjustable swimsuits that babies can use until they’re 3 years old. A-ma-zing!

We started to take Oliver to the pool when he was 2 months old and were concerned that any swim diaper that fit well and, ehem, did its containment job, would be too small for him a few weeks later. Beau and Belle have it all figured out with these absolutely adorable adjustable swimsuits that babies can use until they’re 3 years old. A-ma-zing! Tummy time: It’s very important for babies to have daily tummy time from the time they are born, but for some reason most really, really, really dislike it. I have two recommendations for that: visit CanDo Kiddo’s site to understand the many creative ways you can do tummy time that your baby will not hate, and buy the Boppy. It helps you place the baby with a slight incline rather than fully flat, which they seem to tolerate better. You can also buy this adorable water play mat for your baby to smack — I mean play with — fish :).

Clean

Tub: I recommend getting a baby tub that fits in the sink, your back will thank you for it. We used the Angelcare one first and loved it, and are now using the Munchkin Sit and Soak in the bath tub (it also fits in the sink). Babies are slippery and you want them to be comfy and safe during bath time!

I recommend getting a baby tub that fits in the sink, your back will thank you for it. We used the Angelcare one first and loved it, and are now using the Munchkin Sit and Soak in the bath tub (it also fits in the sink). Babies are slippery and you want them to be comfy and safe during bath time! Duck thermometer : It’s cute and gives you the temp, also alerts you if the water is too hot. Not a necessity but it doubles up as a bath toy, so why not.

: It’s cute and gives you the temp, also alerts you if the water is too hot. Not a necessity but it doubles up as a bath toy, so why not. Washcloths : We love the ones by KeaBabies, have a million, and use them for everything — burp clean up , wiping Oliver’s hands and face clean…

: We love the ones by KeaBabies, have a million, and use them for everything — burp clean up , wiping Oliver’s hands and face clean… Burp cloths : Find really absorbent ones like these muslin ones from Aden + Anais. We had no luck with the Burt’s Bees ones because they’re not as absorbent, but we still find use for them (babies are messy!).

: Find really absorbent ones like these muslin ones from Aden + Anais. We had no luck with the Burt’s Bees ones because they’re not as absorbent, but we still find use for them (babies are messy!). Grooming / baby essentials: The FridaBaby Bitty Bundle of Joy comes with a brilliant snot sucker, great clippers, a peri bottle (for the mom after giving birth), and Windi (for gas). A must have.

The FridaBaby Bitty Bundle of Joy comes with a brilliant snot sucker, great clippers, a peri bottle (for the mom after giving birth), and Windi (for gas). A must have. Baby cleanser and moisturizer: My favorite is Mustela, perhaps because it’s what my mom used for my brother and I when we were babies. The newborn arrival set is really handy and has everything you need to bathe and moisturize your baby. Their shampoo is known to prevent and treat cradle cap. Oliver never had it, so perhaps there’s something to it? The only product I haven’t tried yet is the diaper rash cream, because Oliver has not had a rash (crossing fingers to keep it this way!). A note about diaper rash to follow….

My favorite is Mustela, perhaps because it’s what my mom used for my brother and I when we were babies. The newborn arrival set is really handy and has everything you need to bathe and moisturize your baby. Their shampoo is known to prevent and treat cradle cap. Oliver never had it, so perhaps there’s something to it? The only product I haven’t tried yet is the diaper rash cream, because Oliver has not had a rash (crossing fingers to keep it this way!). A note about diaper rash to follow…. Diaper rash cream: Oliver hasn’t had a diaper rash, but sometimes he has a bit of redness in his folds. Our pediatrician recommended Aquaphor, so whenever we see a bit of redness we pat his bum dry and apply Aquaphor. I would also recommend applying Aquaphor to your baby’s bum before bedtime, in case he poops during the night, since Aquaphor creates a protective barrier that will prevent the poop from sticking to the skin and irritating it. If your baby has frequent diaper rashes then I would probably try either the Mustela cream (if you get the newborn set) or Desitin, which my friend swears by for her twins. Of course, consult with your pediatrician and perhaps try different wipes and diapers.

Diapering

Changing pad and liners: You can buy either one like this from Summer Infant (we like it a lot) or the Peanut or something like that. We cover ours with a disposable changing pad from Munchkin which makes it the most hygienic (we don’t throw the disposable liner every time, there’s no need), and it’s cute. They pads also fantastic for on the go.

You can buy either one like this from Summer Infant (we like it a lot) or the Peanut or something like that. We cover ours with a disposable changing pad from Munchkin which makes it the most hygienic (we don’t throw the disposable liner every time, there’s no need), and it’s cute. They pads also fantastic for on the go. Diaper pail: After much research, we settled on the bestseller Ubbi. It contains smells really well and we haven’t had any issues with it, except for dying a little every time we open it — the stench is appalling. Goes to show how well it works, because there is no smell when it’s closed. We use the Ubbi bags, but you can use your standard trash bags instead. UPDATE: my husband couldn’t deal with the stench when we opened the Ubbi, so we bought the Munchkin. It’s plastic, so not as nice, but I have to say, it works better. I think it’s because the bags are smaller than in the Ubbi so we change them more often, but my husband thinks it’s because of how the bag seals after you close the lid. If I had to do it again I think I’d buy the Munchkin. One thing I don’t like is that the lid doesn’t lock, and our son likes opening it. Sigh.

Feeding

High chair: Stokke Tripp Trapp is THE high chair, highly recommended by occupational therapists and parents. You won’t need it until you feed your baby at ~6 months, unless you buy the newborn set, which we didn’t get. It looks great and lasts years and years. We didn’t buy any of the cushions because it’s something else to clean, and because your baby’s butt will be padded with the diaper anyways. They’re cute though. If you don’t want to splurge, there are many other good options out there. Just make sure they have a footrest for proper body alignment when eating (I’d hate to eat dangling my feet and assume it’s the same for babies; but more than that, wrong body alignment increases the risk of choking, parents’ #1 fear when starting to introduce solids).

Stokke Tripp Trapp is THE high chair, highly recommended by occupational therapists and parents. You won’t need it until you feed your baby at ~6 months, unless you buy the newborn set, which we didn’t get. It looks great and lasts years and years. We didn’t buy any of the cushions because it’s something else to clean, and because your baby’s butt will be padded with the diaper anyways. They’re cute though. If you don’t want to splurge, there are many other good options out there. Just make sure they have a footrest for proper body alignment when eating (I’d hate to eat dangling my feet and assume it’s the same for babies; but more than that, wrong body alignment increases the risk of choking, parents’ #1 fear when starting to introduce solids). Bottles: We haven’t really used bottles to feed Oliver, but we tried and liked the Comotomo ones. It might be trial and error, there isn’t a consensus on what the best bottles are. I’d say a lot has to do with the technique — look up “paced feeding” videos to learn how to feed newborns with a bottle.

We haven’t really used bottles to feed Oliver, but we tried and liked the Comotomo ones. It might be trial and error, there isn’t a consensus on what the best bottles are. I’d say a lot has to do with the technique — look up “paced feeding” videos to learn how to feed newborns with a bottle. Sterilizer: You will definitely need to sterilize pacifiers and bottles, but the method you choose is up to you: boiling water, in the microwave, or with an appliance. I was gifted the Philips Avent 3-in-1 and have used it a lot. It’s quite large and therefore conveniently fits a lot of bottles, however if you’re concerned about counter space it might not be the right fit for you. Had I not gone the appliance route, I would’ve likely bought these Medela sterilizer bags.

Gear

Stroller: We bought the Nuna Mixx 2019 and LOVE it. It has large wheels which are great for the city, it’s pretty, light, less expensive than others, and works seamlessly with the top rated infant car seat, the Pipa. Tip: we bought ours during 30% off during Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale during the summer.

We bought the Nuna Mixx 2019 and LOVE it. It has large wheels which are great for the city, it’s pretty, light, less expensive than others, and works seamlessly with the top rated infant car seat, the Pipa. Tip: we bought ours during 30% off during Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale during the summer. Car seat: We bought the Nuna Pipa which is a top rated car seat. My favorite features are its sun shade (we use it all the time) and that it can be used without a base (handy for shared car rides). Note that the two lighter versions of the Pipa, the Light and the LX, do need the base, which is why we bought the standard one.

We bought the Nuna Pipa which is a top rated car seat. My favorite features are its sun shade (we use it all the time) and that it can be used without a base (handy for shared car rides). Note that the two lighter versions of the Pipa, the Light and the LX, do need the base, which is why we bought the standard one. Baby carrier — newborn: The BabyBjorn Mini is super snug, perfect for the newborn stage. It’s small, easy to pack, and extremely easy to put on and take off, however it doesn’t offer the best back support (you’ll feel your shoulders getting uncomfortable after a while). I tried using a wrap instead and wanted to love it for so, so many reasons (light, feels yummy, doubles up as a nursing scarf…) however I never figured out how to wear it and not hurt my lower back. Kudos to you if you figure it out!

The BabyBjorn Mini is super snug, perfect for the newborn stage. It’s small, easy to pack, and extremely easy to put on and take off, however it doesn’t offer the best back support (you’ll feel your shoulders getting uncomfortable after a while). I tried using a wrap instead and wanted to love it for so, so many reasons (light, feels yummy, doubles up as a nursing scarf…) however I never figured out how to wear it and not hurt my lower back. Kudos to you if you figure it out! Baby carrier — baby: The Ergobaby is bulkier than the BabyBjorn Mini but also better for when the baby is a bit older, even a toddler. It has good lumbar support which is key, and is easy enough to put on and take off. We did not use it when Oliver was a newborn but you can with an insert, which you have to get separately.

The Ergobaby is bulkier than the BabyBjorn Mini but also better for when the baby is a bit older, even a toddler. It has good lumbar support which is key, and is easy enough to put on and take off. We did not use it when Oliver was a newborn but you can with an insert, which you have to get separately. Diaper bag: We bought a backpack, the SkipHop Mainframe Wide Open in green, which fairly unisex (vs a tote); it’s large and can hang from the stroller. Love it.

Nursery

Glider: I’d say a glider is a must, especially if you get one with a moving ottoman (key: don’t buy a static ottoman; we didn’t realize what a game changer the rocking ottoman was until we tried it). You’ll spend many hours on the glider nursing, reading books before bedtime… it’s comfortable and looks great in the baby’s room. We bought ours at Buy Buy Baby because we were able to try several — it’s heavy and big and not something we’d want to have to return.

I’d say a glider is a must, especially if you get one with a moving ottoman (key: don’t buy a static ottoman; we didn’t realize what a game changer the rocking ottoman was until we tried it). You’ll spend many hours on the glider nursing, reading books before bedtime… it’s comfortable and looks great in the baby’s room. We bought ours at Buy Buy Baby because we were able to try several — it’s heavy and big and not something we’d want to have to return. Dresser: We had considered the Babyletto Hudson (beautiful!), however we opted for this one from Delta Children — it’s pretty and has great reviews, and we’re very happy with it! A dresser is up to personal taste as well as size. This one is the perfect width for Oliver’s room, and there is a little room left next to the changing pad where we put some of his creams. We put the wipes there too, but there isn’t enough space for a wipe warmer, if you choose to get one (we didn’t buy a wipe warmer and are glad we didn’t, but just an FYI if you plan on using one).

Nursing

This section is just in case you decide to breastfeed your baby — skip right through if this is not you!

Nursing pillow: My Brest Friend is great. The key features I appreciate are a flat surface to put the baby on so he doesn’t roll off, different widths so the pillow wraps around you and is not uncomfortable while you sit (this is great for the football hold where the baby is on your side), and that it ties with an easy click and therefore doesn’t fall off (and the baby doesn’t slide off through a gap either). I used it a lot at first and deem it to be an essential, however a few months in I switched to the cradle hold and can basically nurse standing, laying down, and upside down!

My Brest Friend is great. The key features I appreciate are a flat surface to put the baby on so he doesn’t roll off, different widths so the pillow wraps around you and is not uncomfortable while you sit (this is great for the football hold where the baby is on your side), and that it ties with an easy click and therefore doesn’t fall off (and the baby doesn’t slide off through a gap either). I used it a lot at first and deem it to be an essential, however a few months in I switched to the cradle hold and can basically nurse standing, laying down, and upside down! Nipple cream: This is one of those products that I didn’t even know existed, but I’m glad it does. It’s especially helpful at first when both mom and baby are figuring things out. I like the Motherlove Nipple Cream, which has a great, smooth consistency. I also used the lanolin cream from Medela, which the lactation consultant at the hospital gave me, and it worked really well. It’s thicker and doesn’t glide as easily so I ended up using more of it (you will NOT want to rub anything onto your nipples). I’d see if you can get a few samples at the hospital and see what you think. In my case, I think it was great to start with the lanolin and then move to Motherlove.

This is one of those products that I didn’t even know existed, but I’m glad it does. It’s especially helpful at first when both mom and baby are figuring things out. I like the Motherlove Nipple Cream, which has a great, smooth consistency. I also used the lanolin cream from Medela, which the lactation consultant at the hospital gave me, and it worked really well. It’s thicker and doesn’t glide as easily so I ended up using more of it (you will NOT want to rub anything onto your nipples). I’d see if you can get a few samples at the hospital and see what you think. In my case, I think it was great to start with the lanolin and then move to Motherlove. Nursing cover: I’m all about nursing anywhere and everywhere and like wearing a cover while I do. This one from Bebe au Lait is cute and lightweight (don’t want to overheat the poor baby!) and the best thing is that you can look down at your baby to see him nurse and check his latch.

Sleep

Bassinet: We love the Snoo! I felt so relieved knowing that Oliver was safe, and the motion helped put him to sleep and soothe him. But don’t forget you’re still having a baby, and babies cry and wake up multiple times to eat… If you get the Snoo, buy two swaddles in size S, you’ll need them!

We love the Snoo! I felt so relieved knowing that Oliver was safe, and the motion helped put him to sleep and soothe him. But don’t forget you’re still having a baby, and babies cry and wake up multiple times to eat… If you get the Snoo, buy two swaddles in size S, you’ll need them! Crib: We decided to splurge on the Snoo instead of the crib. I’d recommend buying one that is safe, with 3 heights, and that fits your style. We were looking at the Babyletto Hudson which is so pretty but decided against it because we like the one we got (Union 3-in-1) and spent more on other things.

We decided to splurge on the Snoo instead of the crib. I’d recommend buying one that is safe, with 3 heights, and that fits your style. We were looking at the Babyletto Hudson which is so pretty but decided against it because we like the one we got (Union 3-in-1) and spent more on other things. Baby monitor: The key decision is whether you want wifi-enabled or not (there are security concerns with wifi-enabled monitors being hacked); if you go to wifi-enabled, there are a lot of options. We got the Arlo, and what I love is that I can see Oliver from wherever, even if I’m not home. What I don’t like is that it doesn’t come with a separate monitor so I have to use my phone, and I’d prefer to have a monitor propped up to see at all times. The gold standard of baby monitors is the Nanit by the way — in case you want to splurge!

The key decision is whether you want wifi-enabled or not (there are security concerns with wifi-enabled monitors being hacked); if you go to wifi-enabled, there are a lot of options. We got the Arlo, and what I love is that I can see Oliver from wherever, even if I’m not home. What I don’t like is that it doesn’t come with a separate monitor so I have to use my phone, and I’d prefer to have a monitor propped up to see at all times. The gold standard of baby monitors is the Nanit by the way — in case you want to splurge! Mattress: The Milliard Hypoallergenic has good reviews, is firm (which is a must for babies), and is not crazy expensive like other mattresses out there. It’s waterproof and should last long. Oliver sleeps through the night so I guess he likes it. In case you’re curious, the Rolls Royce of mattresses is the Newton one and retails at around $350.

The Milliard Hypoallergenic has good reviews, is firm (which is a must for babies), and is not crazy expensive like other mattresses out there. It’s waterproof and should last long. Oliver sleeps through the night so I guess he likes it. In case you’re curious, the Rolls Royce of mattresses is the Newton one and retails at around $350. Mattress pad: Oliver’s mattress is waterproof but just in case… haven’t really needed the mattress pad but I’d still buy one. It stays very flush to the mattress. We like ours, the Cozy Caterpillar one.

Oliver’s mattress is waterproof but just in case… haven’t really needed the mattress pad but I’d still buy one. It stays very flush to the mattress. We like ours, the Cozy Caterpillar one. White noise machine: All sleep consultants agree that a white noise machine is an absolute must. We got the Hushh, which is lightweight and portable. We had another one that was always plugged in and we liked it too, but it broke and now we use this one. It doesn’t have anything dangerous for the baby (like yarn or cables) which is great.

All sleep consultants agree that a white noise machine is an absolute must. We got the Hushh, which is lightweight and portable. We had another one that was always plugged in and we liked it too, but it broke and now we use this one. It doesn’t have anything dangerous for the baby (like yarn or cables) which is great. Swaddles: My best advice is to try several and see which one your baby likes best. At first it was easy to just burrito Oliver in a large muslin swaddle, but as he started to move more he would houdini out of it, which poses a risk (you don’t want your baby to have anything loose around that could suffocate him). Our favorite swaddles were the Halo ones — both the fleece and the lighter cotton one when it got warmer. You’ll have to transition your baby out of swaddles at 8 weeks or when they start rolling so they have full freedom of movement. While this might sound like a non-issue when you’re reading this, many parents dread this moment — the last thing you’ll want is to get your baby to sleep, only for him to wake himself up because of an involuntary jolt. But it’s for their safety. You might still want them to be covered, which brings me to wearable blankets...

My best advice is to try several and see which one your baby likes best. At first it was easy to just burrito Oliver in a large muslin swaddle, but as he started to move more he would houdini out of it, which poses a risk (you don’t want your baby to have anything loose around that could suffocate him). Our favorite swaddles were the Halo ones — both the fleece and the lighter cotton one when it got warmer. You’ll have to transition your baby out of swaddles at 8 weeks or when they start rolling so they have full freedom of movement. While this might sound like a non-issue when you’re reading this, many parents dread this moment — the last thing you’ll want is to get your baby to sleep, only for him to wake himself up because of an involuntary jolt. But it’s for their safety. You might still want them to be covered, which brings me to wearable blankets... Wearable blankets: These come in once you have to transition out of swaddles, as an extra layer over pajamas. Loose bedding is a safety hazard — you must never place a blanket in the crib with your baby until they’re at least 12 months old. After much research we chose the Zipadee Zipp, and we absolutely love it. It reduces the startle reflex (which jolts babies awake) while giving babies freedom to roll around. Because their hands are covered they don’t scratch themselves. An overall win-win.

These come in once you have to transition out of swaddles, as an extra layer over pajamas. Loose bedding is a safety hazard — you must never place a blanket in the crib with your baby until they’re at least 12 months old. After much research we chose the Zipadee Zipp, and we absolutely love it. It reduces the startle reflex (which jolts babies awake) while giving babies freedom to roll around. Because their hands are covered they don’t scratch themselves. An overall win-win. Pacifiers: Oliver uses a pacifier when he goes to sleep. We tried several and finally landed on the Mum ones as his favorites. My friends back home in Spain actually recommended these and they were right — finally pacifiers that Oliver keeps in his mouth! The other pacifiers we liked a lot, which we got from the hospital, are the ones from Philips Avent which either come with the cutest little stuffed animal (for when they’re awake) or without (as per the CDC’s recommendation on safe sleep). We also liked the Evenflow ones for a bit. In the end, like with many, many things, it’ll depend on what your baby prefers.

Now to the things that didn’t work for us….

Obviously this does not imply the products are bad, but more that Oliver did not take to them or we did not choose to get them for him.

Baby lounger: Our friends graciously lent us their Dock-a-Tot, which their daughter had loved. We were excited for Oliver to chill in it next to us in the living room, but he HATED it. Cried instantly upon being placed in it. The Dock-a-Tot itself is beautifully made, so if you’re going to buy a lounger I’d recommend it (or the SnuggleMe, which I never tried but seems well built too).

Our friends graciously lent us their Dock-a-Tot, which their daughter had loved. We were excited for Oliver to chill in it next to us in the living room, but he HATED it. Cried instantly upon being placed in it. The Dock-a-Tot itself is beautifully made, so if you’re going to buy a lounger I’d recommend it (or the SnuggleMe, which I never tried but seems well built too). Cloth carriers: As I mentioned previously, I loved the idea of the Solly wrap for many reasons, but it didn’t work for me (it hurt my hips, and this is when Oliver was tiny). I tried the K’Tan and it felt bulky so I didn’t like it either. I preferred the BabyBjorn carrier mentioned above which was also very small and portable and did not hurt my hips.

As I mentioned previously, I loved the idea of the Solly wrap for many reasons, but it didn’t work for me (it hurt my hips, and this is when Oliver was tiny). I tried the K’Tan and it felt bulky so I didn’t like it either. I preferred the BabyBjorn carrier mentioned above which was also very small and portable and did not hurt my hips. Wipe warmer: We’ve always used room temperature wipes, and it works well for us — Oliver doesn’t mind them at all. One less thing!

We’ve always used room temperature wipes, and it works well for us — Oliver doesn’t mind them at all. One less thing! Owlet: The Owlet sock tracks your baby’s heart rate, oxygen levels, and sleep to give you peace of mind that everything is ok, and it alerts you if something is off. Our friends have it, love it, and highly recommend it, however we opted to not buy one because many people complain of false alerts, which are anxiety-inducing. And if you can’t trust the alerts, then what’s the point? It’s also expensive and has to be charged (yet another thing to charge daily!!). And I don’t know, there’s something off-putting about attaching a monitor to Oliver’s foot every night.

The Owlet sock tracks your baby’s heart rate, oxygen levels, and sleep to give you peace of mind that everything is ok, and it alerts you if something is off. Our friends have it, love it, and highly recommend it, however we opted to not buy one because many people complain of false alerts, which are anxiety-inducing. And if you can’t trust the alerts, then what’s the point? It’s also expensive and has to be charged (yet another thing to charge daily!!). And I don’t know, there’s something off-putting about attaching a monitor to Oliver’s foot every night. Hatch changing pad and baby scale: Let me start by saying that I’ve only read good things about the Hatch. I just didn’t find the need for it because Oliver regained his birth weight within the first couple of weeks. Had there been any issues that required continued, frequent monitoring, I would’ve likely bought it.

As you probably noticed, I haven’t included my recommendations for PJs (all I’ll say is zippers are your friends!), diapers, clothes… I have recommendations for everything, so comment here if you’d like me to elaborate! Oh, and I also have recommendations to prep for a natural, unmedicated birth. Let me know if that’s of interest!