Here at the Chicago Familiy Doulas office we have scowered the world of baby products to bring you the top most used, mom recommended or mom invented, super innovative baby products to make your life as new parents just a little bit easier…
Covered Goods (mom invented)
All moms know they need versatile baby products that can do more than one job; we have enough to carry around. This mom of 4, on her third baby, thought there has to be something simpler I can use. She sat down and sewed this very simple yet stylish cover that can be used for nursing, shopping carts, car seat cover and a scarf.
Owlet Baby Monitor Sock
For those parents that need a little more reassurance that their little one is sleeping safe and sound. The Owlet tracks your babies heart rate and oxygen levels while they sleep, connects to your smart phone and will sound an alert if baby is out of preset zones.
BabyBum Diaper Cream Brush (mom invented)
Created by a mom who decided washing your hands before and after diaper changes can sometimes just not be achieved! (and can be so hard on our hands) This smart cookie even thought to add a suction cup that grabs to almost any surface so it doesn’t fall on the ground.
Baby Art Cards
In the early stages your babies visual strengths are in black and white. These bold contrasting cards play to that strength with fun captivating images for your baby to play with and then they can be used as flashcards as they get older.
WubbaNub™ Giraffe Infant Pacifier (mom invented)
They say that necessity is the mother of invention, the story goes that on a family vacation, this Mompreneuer was desperate to soothe her newborn son, who would fuss whenever his pacifier went missing. In an aha moment, she took a hotel sewing kit and a plush toy and sewed the pacifier to it so her son wouldn’t cry every time he dropped the binky. Having it attached to the toy makes it easier for little ones to hold on to and pick up again if it falls to the side.
Fridababy
Hi Tech and Low Tech all from one great company. Just trying to make having sick little babies easier. These products come highly parent approved! The Fever Frida allows you to check your baby’s temperature without the risk of waking them up and all the information is sent to your smartphone to store for doctor visits.
All parents who use the Nose Frida agree. Once you get over the weird thought of sucking your babies little boogers from their nose it is totally worth it. (Don’t fret there is a blocking shield). This product works so much better than a bulb aspirator and doesn’t hurt your babies cute little nose either.
The Munch Mitt Baby Teething Mitten (mom invented)
We are not sure what even took so long for this product to be invented. Conventional teethers are always dropping to the ground or lost in the carseat. How great is it to now have it right there on babies hand undroppable and ready for self soothing.
Doddle & Co Pop Pacifier
The 5 second rule doesn’t always work (especially when you are a family with kids, you may not have washed the floor in awhile 😉 This innovative binky pops right back inside itself when dropped. The nipple never hits the floor. Just scoop back up and pop back in to soothe their little cries.
Mama’s Village teething jewelry (mom made)
Babies are always putting your necklaces in your mouth so why not make it safe for them. These are made from high quality, food grade silicone (similar to pacifiers and bottle nipples). Free of BPA, metals, lead, and phthalates and Fashion Friendly!
OXO Tot Cleaning Set For Straw & Sippy cups
If this is your first baby you will soon learn the cruel tricks manufactures have played on us parents. If it’s not your first you are well aware of all the nooks and crannies in bottle, cups and even breasts pumps that you can never get clean with a sponge. No one likes the smell of sour milk, so these are great little helpers.
Mimijumi Bottles
These bottles are super awesome for mom’s switching back and forth between breastfeeding and bottle feeding. They are textured to feel like actual skin and allow for baby to control the flow of milk. This helps to eliminate the risk of baby rejecting or preferring the bottle. Another added bonus they are 100% free of all harmful chemicals.
Life in Play Diaper Bag Alternative
Do you have bag you love?!? And you couldn’t possibly think of carrying an extra diaper bag. These inserts are so amazing they are made with all the very necessary compartments of a diaper bag. It can sit right in to your bag that you already love so much.
The Nursie (mom invented)
This non-bulky nursing pillow, was invented by a mom with back pain that wasn’t comfortable using a Boppy pillow. We are all made in different shapes and sizes. It is great to know there are choices out there for nursing families that can suite their needs. Especially when you spend a good portion of your day feeding in the beginning months.
Aden + Anaise Swaddlers
Made with 100% cotton Muslin, these are super soft and breathable and said by all parents to be the perfect size for swaddling your baby. They come in unbelievable assortment of colors and designs to match any families’ style.
Dock a Tot (mom invented)
This mama was looking to find a safe, comfortable sleeping system for her boys. It has a unique non-heat harboring mattress that allows your baby to breathe openly and unobstructed. It can also be used all over the house for just hanging out and easily brought with for visits with friends and family.
Gathre Leather Mats (mom invented)
Do you want to do more laundry? I didn’t think so. Neither did the two moms who invented these leather mats. They are made for changing pads, picnic, art projects, beach trips… anything messy. Everything just wipes right off of them, less work for us! Bonus, they are very sleek and come in lovely colors.
Ju Ju Bee First Lady Diaper Bag
Crumb drains and pockets galore, need I say more. This bag has room for everything, insulated pockets, clear pockets, phone pockets, picture pockets, repels stains and inhibits bacteria growth, can be easily cleaned all while looking pretty cool.
Freemie Breast Pump
I honestly think this goes without explanation. Hands free pumping! You are once again the queen of multitasking. So discreet for at work pumping, no lie we have mom’s who have told us they pumped during meetings.
Angelcare Infant Bath
The Angelcare tub offers ergonomic and non-slip support to hold your baby in place while you bath them. This way you are not stressing about the safety of babies head bobbling around. You can be at ease and take these moments to bond with your sweet baby during bath time.
Binx baby cart shopping hammock (mom invented)
Ok this Mama of 2 was super smart, have you ever tried shopping with two kids? Once they are all in the cart and you are ready to go there is no room for groceries. This hammock is perfect to fit all you groceries under. It keeps your baby super snug and cozy and then another child can sit in the front seat. It’s also great for not having to lug a huge car seat in and out of stores. The hammock is small so you can just throw in your diaper bag and go.
Paperclip life diaper bag
This bag was designed with Dads in mind but I think it’s great for anyone. Backpack style makes it easy to carry, built in changing pad is so convenient for families that are on the go. I also love the modern look!
Baby Breeza Formula Pro
Even the most prepared parents will have times that they can not for see their babies hunger needs. This is machine is so cool. The water and formula powder are stored right in the machine. It’s always ready for you when your baby gets hungry. It will measure, dispense and mix water and powdered formula. It creates the perfect temperature and consistency, with no air bubbles in seconds!
Moby Wrap
There are so many baby carriers on the market it can be a little daunting but let’s just say this is a classic. It fits to all shapes so, they can be shared by multiple family and friends carrying baby. They are super soft and supportive of your back and keep your baby and the perfect kissable distance all wrapped up in a cozy position safe for hips and legs. Families swear by these wraps to get babies to sleep and be able to keep baby close while getting other things done.
Magic Merlin Sleep Suits
Another family favorite to help keep baby sleeping.We all know sleep is one of the MOST important things when you have an infant. These sleeping suits are for when baby is too big to be swaddled but still really wants to feel that cozy secure feeling to help them sleep better (and longer 😉
Fisher Price Rock N Play
Let’s stick with sleep for a little bit. The rock n play is on like every must have for baby list out there. It is very light which makes it great for bringing all around the house. It’s even worth throwing in the trunk to bring when hanging out at other people’s houses. The inclined position and the rocking make for a perfect little sleeping environment for baby. It’s convenient to just have baby close by when you are dong things around the house or while everyone’s at the table having dinner.
This seems to be the solution of all baby sleeping concerns, it is suppose to help with colic, acid reflux, premature babies, short nappers, restless sleepers, flathead syndrome, sids and probably more! It has a womb like shape with an incline and the ability for baby to create natural swaying and bouncing. We kind of want an adult one for ourselves at the Chicago Family Doulas office.
Graco 4Ever Extend2Fit All in One Convertible Car Seat
This car seat makes the most sense we have ever seen. 4 seats in one! That you can use up until your child is 10 years old. Some of us out here have purchased 3 to 4 different car seats for each stage!
Skip Hop Tuo Convertible High Chair
As you can see from the list, products that have versatility and change with your child’s growing needs are stars in our book. There are so many products to buy for your little ones so, it is very convenient to have the option for this high chair to then become a regular chair for your toddler. It just so happens to be very sleek and modern looking as well.
4moms stroller
When the inventor of the 4 moms stroller saw another sales rep get down on the floor to close up a stroller, he thought, “Mom in a parking lot, child in one hand. No good.” And he was right! Noticing something so small has resulted in these super innovative Origami electronic power-folding strollers that opens or collapses with the press of a button. They also come equipped with a light and a generator that can charge a cell phone. They are on the pricey end of our list but something’s are just worth the money.
Written by Chicago Family Doula’s Christine
