by Carrie Hike
This isn't our first rodeo. As experienced mothers (we have 15 children between our five doulas at Labor With Love!) and busy doulas, we know good baby products, and we know that many products marketed to new parents are unnecessary pieces of plastic that take over your house. We've done the legwork to bring you some of the best baby products available. Doula and mother approved!
DockATot
These are fairly new to the baby scene, but I predict that they are the next big thing because they are just so awesome. DockAtot is an all in one breathable and hypoallergenic baby lounger, sleep positioner, portable crib, cosleeper and bassinet. They are meant to "reinvent the womb" and offer a safe, cozy, and soothing environment for babies. They also reduce the risk of flat head syndrome, which is one of the many reasons why I like them more than the Rock and Play. Also, I know of several babies who have never slept longer than a couple hours in a row sleep more than 5-7 hours in this thing. Ahhhhhhh.
ComoTomo Bottle
The Comotomo bottle is fabulous. Most plastic bottles leach gross toxic chemicals. The Comotomo is made from medical grade silicone, one of the safest materials available. It's wide mouth is also easy to clean, it has anti-colic vents, and it is a great bottle for breastfed babies, especially those who refuse other bottles.
Beauty Counter Baby
_Have you read the labels of your baby shampoo and wash lately? It's a chemical sh*tstorm. Even if you are shopping at the health food store, most products that you can buy are filled with known carcinogens, phthalates, and synthetics linked to hormone disruption. Babies easily absorb all these chemicals through their skin. Beautycounter has meticulous testing and only uses the safest ingredients, has a stellar rating on the environmental working group data base, and you can be confident that you are using the safest and highest quality baby products available. The baby balm is a miracle diaper cream, and works unbelievably fast on even the worst diaper rash, and the baby oil is fabulous for cradle cap, eczema, and soothing mama's stretch marks.
Baby Bjorn High Chair
Let's be honest. Every mother with a toddler knows that high chairs get disgusting. The nooks and crannies get food stuck in them, and the straps are hard to take off and wash, and they get filthy after a while. That's why we love this chair. The Baby Bjorn high chair has no straps, seat cushions, or nooks that inevitable will be covered with avocado and sweet potatoes. The tray slides right up to your baby, and it's easy and quick to clean. It's also compact and won't take up most of your kitchen.
Ergo baby Organic Baby Carrier
Oh, Ergo, how I love you! The Ergobaby carrier is probably my all time favorite piece of baby gear. It definitely has the most staying power of any piece of baby gear you will buy. It is Asheville mother approved and will take you to brunch at Sunny Point, for a beer at the Wedge, walking downtown, to LEAF, hiking in the woods, and anywhere else you need to go. Visit the Littlest Birds in West Asheville to try one on and see for yourself.
Aden + Anais Silky Soft Swaddle
These blankets are incredibly versatile, and are lightweight enough so that babies don't feel too constricted or overheated. We love them because they are the softest blankets ever, made from eco-friendly bamboo, and they have the cutest prints around. I wish I had one my size.
What are your favorite baby items?
What do you think? Is there anything missing here that you feel is baby registry must have?