My Favorite Baby Products as A Crunchy Mom/Nutritionist
As I’m counting down the days to my daughter’s first birthday, I’ve been hit with all the nostalgia of pregnancy, tiny newborn sounds, the crazy thrill and exhaustion of it all. Of course I’ve been scrolling my camera roll cooing at how sweet and little she once was and wishing to pause time. Oh to go back to me last year at this time- so pregnant and (honestly miserable) and tell myself it all works out!
In the reflection, I’ve also been able to categorize what has worked and what was a waste a time/money certain products were. I’ve put together a list of my favorites so you don’t have to make the same mistakes I made! High priorities for me as a mom were 1) It has to be non-toxic (meaning avoiding known chemicals like PFAS, phalates, parabens, BPA, lead, etc.) and 2) It has to actually work and last a long time. 3) It has to be relatively affordable.
Here’s my list:
Bed Time:
Zonli Floor Bed: We transitioned my daughter to a floor bed at 8.5 months old because she absolutely hated a crib and ended up in our bed at night anyways. The floor bed let us get independence at nap times, helped her build confidence as we could lay next to her while she fell asleep, and became such a better and easier bedtime routine full of play and reading. We got the full size so either me or my husband could lay beside her, but they make bigger and smaller!
GunaMuna Bamboo Sleep Sack: We love this sleep sack company that is non-toxic and also transitional. We started with the swaddle and now are in the walker footie one!
Earthly Magnesium Lotion: It works. My daughter is hyperactive, but I swear every time we rub this magnesium lotion on her feet before bed, bedtime is way faster and she stays asleep longer.
DID NOT LIKE: Magic Merlin Sleep suit. It’s polyester, heat trapping, and all around just not effective in my opinion.
Bath Time/Hygiene:
CrystalQuest Bath Filter: This bath filter is easy to use and effective. It’s well tested, so I had good confidence in it protecting my daughter from chlorine, PFAS, and other chemicals commonly found in tap water.
Primally Pure Body Care set: We tried a few other companies (honest, earth mama, etc.) but found these last the longest and work the best! The only thing I don’t love is the soap bar that does sting eyes, so just be careful there!
Dypers: There are a lot of non-tox diapers out there that I’m sure are great, but I really appreciated this brand due to zero plastic touching baby skin. I felt they were also the most affordable subscription out of the other options out there!
DID NOT LIKE: Honest company diapers- to be honest, I think it’s a greenwashed company and they still are filled with plastic AND leak.
Feeding:
Moss and Fawn Feeder: Great for introducing solids without the choking risk and mess! They hold it themselves! We started introducing solids this way at just 4 months old and we still use it today for things like fresh fruit so she can eat on the go without me monitoring!
WeeSprout Glass Cups with Straws: Great for introducing a straw cup, non-toxic.
Haaka Reusable pouches: Love that you can make your own pouch (I make mine with things like applesauce, collagen protein, and Earthly herbal tinctures for an added boost). Saves money and avoids plastic!
DID NOT LIKE: Mesh knock off brand feeder. The mesh texture was never appreciated by my little girl.
Medicine Cabinet:
Earthly Wellness Tinctures: Get them all. Just do it. We have used up our fair share of Feel Better Fast at the first sign of illness, the teething drops, and the vitamin C drops. They do a great job of telling you dosage per age and then provide great resources, like the Herbal Nutrition Book for Kids (highly recommend).
Standard Process Immune Support: SP Immune, Congaplex Chewable, and Catalyn GF are go-tos in our house hold. They can be ground up into powder and put in yogurt or applesauce for littles.
Play/Lifestyle:
Tush Baby Carrier: My baby is a FOMO baby (fear of missing out) and has been since she could open her eyes, so this carrier that allowed her to face out and do every task with me was a life changer.
Haarpa baby Toddler Tower: We started using this toddler tower as soon as my daughter could stand (5.5 months because she’s crazy) and she always wanted to be involved. I went with this one because it had the removable barrier that we took off after she figured out how to climb up herself and keep herself from falling.
Tumble Rug: We had an early mover so took a lot of tumbles, so I felt good about her touching this non-toxic mat that then replaced our living room rug. It’s pretty enough to not be an abnormal placement!
LoveEvery Toys: They really are onto something- less is so much more! These toys have been a fan favorite for my daughter out of all of her toys because they require focus and creativity. I also love that you can buy per month and developmental stage.
DID NOT LIKE: light up/sound toys. Way too overstimulating for all involved.
Things for Mom:
Ember Ceramic Heating Mug: Stays warm so you don’t have to heat your coffee/tea up 10 times!
Cozy Earth Pajamas: There’s nothing cozier than these bamboo pajamas. I only have one pair because of the price, but I do not regret the investment one bit. They make you feel cute while running on zero sleep.
Off Beet Lab Testing/Nutrition Coaching: You need this. Your doctor will not run postpartum labs, or if she/he does, they will be minimal. We can dig deeper with functional labs so that you are not left feeling sick, crazy, sad, bald, or sweating constantly (as is considered “normal” postpartum). You deserve better!
Eat to Thrive Postpartum Course: 90% of the hardships of postpartum can be minimized and avoided by nourishing yourself well. Get equipped with my self-paced course and invest in yourself!!
I wish I would’ve had this list a year ago so I wouldn’t have had all of the trial and error! I hope this helps you make decisions for your own home! Enjoy that little baby- it goes so fast!
Always rooting for you,
Allie
