Discover new favorites with these Black-owned online businesses that sell must-have items for pregnant women, new moms, babies, and toddlers. From pregnancy necessities and breastfeeding support to baby clothes, books, and toys, these companies were built with quality and representation in mind. If you’re heading to a baby shower soon, this list has lots of great options for both mom and baby.

Lucy Lue Organics
Made with premium organic cotton, these stylish, solid-colored baby essentials are made to last from season to season, and to be handed down. Check out the timeless bodysuits, bloomers, rompers, pants, tops, hats and more.

Shop at lucylueorganics.com

Sun & Lace
Each of these adorable moccs, boots, oxfords, mary janes, and bella janes (their signature style) are handcrafted by owner Briana in her Wisconsin studio. These are heirloom-quality shoes in neutral colors with sweet and stylish details.

Shop at sunandlace.com

Kammy Kids
This is the place to find graphic bodysuits and t-shirts with sayings you’ll love: “little love,” “best friend,” “new to the crew,” “big bro” and our favorite, “milk’n it.” These will take your Insta photos to a whole new level.

Shop at kammykids.com

Junobie
These breast milk bags just changed the pumping game. They’re made from 100% food-grade silicone, they’re reusable, and they’re safe for the dishwasher, microwave, freezer or oven. With milk bags, boxes, jars and cups, they have everything you need to store your liquid gold.

Shop at junobie.com

What Little Wonder
Dress up your nursery with these modern and bohemian knit blankets, perfect for tummy time, cuddles, naps, and reading. Also great for staying warm during stroller walks.

Shop at whatlittlewonder.com

Yinibini Baby
We especially love the cute designs that are hand-screen-printed on organic cotton onesies. In addition to baby clothes, Soyini George’s shop also sells bibs, books, toys, teethers and more.

Shop at yinibinibaby.com

Happy Mango
Get baby gear, nursery necessities, toys, clothes, and everything you need for bathing and feeding. The Black-owned business sells top brands and offers a baby registry you can fill with items on your wishlist.

Shop at shophappymango.com

Tippy Tot Shoes
A great spot to buy luxury shoes for your favorite babies, from crib shoes to walking shoes. Search the stylish selection of classic, vintage, and retro styles for timeless kicks you’ll love.

Shop at tippytotshoes.com

Coco’Pie Clothing
Celebrate black girl beauty with these cute clothes, pillows, and accessories for babies and young girls. The website also sells natural hair care to keep those gorgeous locks healthy and nourished.

Shop at cocopieclothing.com

KaAn’s Designs
The Greens family owns this parenting lifestyle brand of tees and accessories for kids and the whole family. Check it out for cool sayings, holiday collections, and matching outfits for siblings, mommy & me, daddy & me, and more.

Shop at kaansdesigns.com

Kido
Shop by age for clothing, books, toys, activities and more at this family-owned shop based in Chicago. Run by married creatives Doug and Keewa, he designs prints for shirts while she drives the vision and curates the shop.

Shop at kidochicago.com

Miles and Milan
Minimalist yet fashion-thoughtful is the aesthetic of Shennel Fuller’s shop of clothing basics and fashion pieces. The casual joggers, hoodies, tees, and sweatshirts come in solids and simple designs. One cute bodysuit made Oprah’s Favorite Things list.

Shop at milesandmilan.com

The Rooted Baby Co.
“Rooted in love. Rooted in culture” is the mantra behind this online shop celebrating the founders’ Ghanaian background. The baby items are designed with authentic African print fabric or are inspired by the Ghanaian people. Find bows, swaddles, gift boxes and more.

Shop at rootedbabyco.com

Ade + Ayo
Enjoy the beauty of African design with these baby and toddler clothes, accessories and toys. Founder Temidayo Adedokun designs and curates the collection of beautiful and practical items.

Shop at adeandayo.com

Minibrook
We love these stylish clothing essentials for kids. The mix-and-match solids and stripes are the epitome of casual cool and built for playtime.

Shop at minibrook.co

Brave + Kind Bookshop
Shop for inclusive board books, picture books, chapter books and cool toys and accessories. The book bundles takes the guesswork out of shopping for gifts.

Shop at braveandkindbooks.com

Tinkypoo
The colorful designs on these diapers feature super cute babies who are Black, Brown, Asian American and Pacific Islanders. In addition to being adorable, they’re absorbent and made with plant-based ingredients. Available in newborn to size 4.

Shop at tinkypoo.com.

Stina & Mae
Founded by new mom Mishell Ekunsirinde when she couldn’t find a changing mat she liked, Stina & Mae sells organic, high-quality products for modern mamas and babies, including mats, snuggle blankets, nursing pads, bibs, burp cloths and cotton wipes. Buy items individually or choose a beautiful gift box curated with eco-friendly baby essentials.

Shop at stinaandmae.com

Cozy n Cute Kids Boutique
The kids’ clothes at the Cozy N Cute Kids Boutique are cute, comfortable, and always on trend. You’ll find cool sayings, sweet ruffles and fun prints you and your child will love. This online kids clothing store was founded by Priscilla Wesson, a Black mom with two daughters from Long Island, NY. She launched her online shop in June 2020 and focuses on practical everyday styles for young kids, with affordable prices, great deals and top-notch customer service.

Shop at cozyncutekidsboutique.com

Milky Mama
Milky Mama was created by Krystal Nicole Duhaney, a registered nurse, board-certified lactation consultant and breastfeeding mother of two. She began her business making lactation cookies and has branched out into brownies, iced tea, lemonade, smoothie mix and herbal supplements, all to help women maintain their milk supply. The website also offers breastfeeding support from a team of lactation consultants, doula services and a Moms at Work Program to assist corporations in supporting breastfeeding employees in the workplace.

Shop at milky-mama.com

Pretty Please Teethers
When mom Kelli had trouble finding safe, stylish, natural handmade items for her babies, she decided to make and sell her own. Her teethers, pacifiers, pacifier clips, rattles, bibs and snack cups are functional and beautiful with minimalist flair, in soft and stylish colors. All of the products are handmade and designed in Utah and made from food-grade silicone and natural beechwood.

Shop at prettypleaseteethers.com

Mila Christina
The beautiful and durable cashmere (yes, cashmere!) baby bodysuits from Mila Christina help regulate body temperature and are soft on baby’s sensitive skin. These gorgeous turtleneck bodysuits come in soft, classic colors and have buttons at the bottom and up the turtleneck for easy on and off. Founder and creative director Ollia Njibaloh created the bodysuits to keep her own daughter warm and comfortable.

Shop at milachristina.com

Healthy Roots Dolls
Show your love for curly girls with a Zoe doll from Healthy Roots Dolls. The company’s first doll, Zoe is 18 inches tall with a soft cloth body torso and vinyl limbs. Best of all, her gorgeous dark, curly hair is washable and styleable! Leave her hair down or put it in braids, puffs and other beautiful styles. Founder Yelitsa Jean-Charles was inspired to create more diverse toys while studying illustration at the Rhode Island School of Design. With a grant from Brown University and support from Kickstarter backers and other groups, she made her dream come true, and now creates dolls like Zoe that make lots of little girls’ dreams come true.

Shop at healthyrootsdolls.com

The Stork Bag
We love this pregnancy gift created by Ericka N. Perry for bringing a smile to mamas: Pregnant women receive a cute, reusable bag full of useful products handpicked by moms, geared toward the trimester, postpartum, or to moms expecting a rainbow baby after a pregnancy loss. The company also sells pregnancy journals, baby products, body products, and more.

Shop at thestorkbag.com

King + Lola Kids 
Jasmine Walker started her kids fashion business while pregnant with her second child and completing her MBA degree. King + Lola sells children’s clothing and accessories, including eco-friendly and upcycled items. The products are all made in the USA with fabrics from around the world. The company gives back to charities and nonprofit organizations.

Shop at kingandlola.com

Little Muffincakes Baby Boutique
From blankets and bibs to burp cloths and bodysuits, the products from Little Muffincakes Baby Boutique are adorned with sweet images of Black kids at play. Through relatable imagery and high-quality products, they aim to promote self-acceptance and self-esteem.

Shop at littlemuffincakes.com

HarperIman
The mother-daughter duo behind HarperIman dolls are committed to designing dolls of color that reinforce to children of color how important, smart, talented, creative and beautiful they are. Choose from keepsake dolls, baby dolls, tea party dolls, more to love dolls, or order a custom doll, when available.

Shop at harperiman.com

Think flowers, candy, stuffies, and stickers

Everybody loves the baby milestone blanket, but maybe consider these other creative and super-cute baby milestone photo ideas that show their growth in the first year. Add your unique spin to one of the following set-ups; if you’re short on time or not the creative type (we get it), we’ve included props you can purchase to add flair to your photos. 

Flowers and Leaves

This is one of the sweetest baby milestone photo ideas we’ve seen. Teresa, a custom artist and illustrator based in Southern California, surrounded her daughter Elena in beautiful blooms and leaves to show how she blossomed each month. Create seasonal scenes as she did, or place one perfect rose or daisy next to your child the first month and then add a flower each month as a visual indicator of your child’s age.

Mini Blocks

picture of blocks that people can use in baby milestone photo ideas

These mini blocks give you lots of flexibility with how you display your message. Add a heart or a holiday symbol and stack the blocks vertically or lay them side by side in a pattern. Long after your child has hit the one-year mark, use these blocks to spell out your child's age in years or what grade they're in.

Buy them here, $30.

Animal-Themed Baby Milestone Cards

Pose your child on a neutral background to make these wood safari animal-themed cards stand out. Each disc is double-sided and features adorable giraffes, lions, and lions, and there's even a card announcing the arrival of your sweet bundle. 

Available at Etsy shop Brickhousegifts, $28

Monthly Milestone Chalkboard

This chalkboard comes in two sizes (9x12 and 12x16) and features cute, hand-drawn animals. Add milestones, favorites, and other important baby data, and then choose a light-colored, neutral background and take a close-up shot so the text is readable.

Available at Etsy shop Image Ability, $20

Related: 5 Baby Milestones That Will Totally Change Your Life as a Parent

Seasonal Props

Seasonal props that show the baby’s age in months convey the passing of time and will make for an amazing collage to commemorate that first year. Family blogger Chelsae in Tampa Bay took this photo of her daughter Evelyn with these autumn leaves for November, and she used candy hearts in February and beach toys in June.

Sleeping Baby Pictures

We love this baby milestone photo idea because there’s nothing sweeter than a sleeping infant. And with each month, you’ll appreciate not having to force a smile in each month’s photo. With a sleeping baby, you can take the shot quickly, and your child will always look beautiful and relaxed. If you’re worried about your child waking up, take photos at the end of naptime rather than at night. A shortened nap is easier than getting a crying baby back to sleep at night.

Favorite Stuffie

Posing your child next to the same stuffed animal each month shows how big they’re growing. It also lends itself to seasonal-themed photos and shots of impromptu hugs with their fuzzy friends. This photo from Alice Morais of Little Pearls Photography, a maternity, newborn, and family photographer based in Kennesaw, GA, captures both a seasonal theme and a sweet moment with a stuffed animal.

Photo Banner

a banner to hold pictures, a cute baby milestone photo idea

Put your favorite photo from each month in this self-editable photo template. You can also record the date and a short message. Once you've printed them out, attach them with a clothespin to raffia or ribbon to create a beautiful photo banner. When you update the banner with a new card each month, take a photo to show family and friends your baby's life in pictures.

Available at Etsy shop partiara, $9 for a self-editable template.

Everyday Items

iStock

You don't need to be crafty or buy expensive props to create cute monthly baby photos. You need a gorgeous baby (check!) and to be creative with items you already have. Pose your babe with common items like diapers, onesies, pacifiers, or food (cupcakes are a new-mom fave). Spell out how old your baby is in months, or place the items around your child. Use the same prop every month or switch it up based on your baby's preferences.

Sports Stickers

Dress your baby in a solid-colored onesie and pop on one of these sporty stickers for consistent and cute photos each month. Or, get creative with where you place the sticker, like on a baseball cap, favorite stuffie, or diaper as your baby crawls away from you. If your older baby is too busy to sit still for a photo with you, a sticker gives you lots of flexibility on where, and how, to take an awesome photo.

Available at Etsy shop Custom Print Gallery, $10.

Inkless Foot and Handprints

Printed on special paper, this pack of baby milestone cards gives you those coveted baby fingers and toes, but with zero mess.

Buy them here, $54.

Spread some serious joy by sharing your baby milestone photos with family and friends near and far on the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.

 

 

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

Sure, babies are adorable and have this irresistible smell that compels us to sniff them daily, but those tiny new humans who cause grownups to talk in reeeeallly high voices (more on that below) are also pretty darn weird. Like, did you know babies are born without kneecaps? How about the fact that if you look in your newborn’s eyes for long enough, your heartbeats will sync up? If you think that‘s strange, see what else made our list of surprising, little-known baby facts.

Babies learn their mother’s voice in the womb

It makes sense that newborns would know their mothers’ voices—they’ve just spent 9 months shacked up inside Mom’s body. In fact, studies show that not only do babies know her voice, but they prefer it, consistently showing increased attention when exposed to mom’s sound versus dad’s. Want proof? Just watch this adorable TikTok video of a wailing newborn calming down after hearing the familiar sound of Mom’s voice.

They also remember music they heard in utero

If you were on a disco music kick throughout your pregnancy, don’t be surprised if your baby perks up at the sound of “Saturday Night Fever.” A study by the University of Helsinki found that babies who were exposed to a particular lullaby in the womb appeared to recognize the song even several months after birth. So pick your tunes wisely!

Related: Study Finds Babies Love Concerts Just As Much As You Do

Newborns can’t taste salt but have way more taste buds than adults

No matter how many chips you eat during those early days of breastfeeding, it won’t matter to your tiny guzzler. Research suggests that your baby can’t taste salt until about 4 months of age. That being said, your budding foodie has about twice the number of taste buds as you—including having them in the tonsils as well as the roof and sides of the mouth. Scientists think these added taste buds help make babies more receptive to their mothers’ milk.

Babies are born without kneecaps (kinda)

Those cute little baby knees are extra pudgy for a reason: there are no kneecaps in there! Or rather, infants don’t have hard kneecaps made of bone. Baby knees are initially only soft cartilage (better for cushioning them during tumbles), which eventually ossifies into bone as your tot grows.

And yet, at birth they have more bones than adults

Those little skeletons aren’t exactly miniature copies of ours. Most babies are born with almost 100 more bones than grownups—about 300 altogether—which fuse as they grow, eventually becoming the standard 206 bones that are typically found in adults.

Newborns can’t cry with tears

Oh, but they can cry. It’s just… tearless. This is because a baby’s tear ducts don’t fully develop until anywhere from 2 to 12 weeks of age.

Some babies have a “mini-period” after birth

Don’t freak out if you see a little pink or red discharge in your baby girl’s diaper. This phenomenon, called “pseudo-menstruation” or “false menses,” can occur in a small percentage of newborn girls up to 10 days after birth and is caused by the rapid decrease in estrogen that occurs when a babe leaves the womb. It shouldn’t last more than a few days.  Want more info? This article lays it all out.

Some may also have breasts—or even lactate!

There’s nothing new about babies lactating (about 5% do it), though luckily we’ve stopped thinking of it as “witch’s milk.” Once again, this is thanks to the estrogen in Mom’s body and can happen to boys and girls. No need to worry unless it doesn’t go away within a few weeks of birth (though breastfed babies may have breast swelling that can last up to six months, according to Seattle Children’s Hospital).

Babies have more brain neurons than adults

There’s a lot of growing to do in that promising little brain, and babies are pretty much born with all the neurons they’ll have for their entire lives. Since a good amount of brain cells die as we age, this means newborns actually have more neurons than we grownups do.  As your baby grows, these nerve cells are trimmed according to aging and the old “use it or lose it” adage.

And their brains double in size during the first year

It might seem like your baby has a big head when she pops out into the world, but that newborn noggin will grow to twice its size during the first year! This translates to about an inch during the first month and a half-inch every month thereafter, according to Mayo Clinic.

Related: 13 Baby Myths Parents Can Officially Stop Worrying About

Our exaggerated “baby talk” actually helps babies learn

The particular way we speak to babies isn’t random (studies show it’s the same all over the world with even Rhesus monkeys addressing their littles in higher pitches). According to a University of Florida study, that strange but familiar way we talk to babies— higher pitch, slower speed, exaggerated pronunciation—actually helps them learn how the words should sound coming out of their mouths.

Baby stomachs are the size of a walnut

Turns out there’s a reason babies get full so quickly—and why you have to feed them so often! A newborn baby’s stomach is about the size of a walnut and can hold just 4-5 teaspoons at a time. Any more than that and you’d better hope you’ve got a burp cloth on your shoulder for the overflow.

You are probably addicted to your baby’s smell

Can’t get enough of your newborn’s personal perfume? It’s not just you. According to a study from the University of Montreal, a baby’s smell is as addictive as drugs are to addicts. The study found that the newborn baby’s odor activated the feel-good reward centers in adult brains, similar to those activated when an addict does drugs. And for moms, this rush of dopamine was even more heightened. So breathe it in, parents!

If mom and baby look into each other’s eyes for long enough, their heartbeats sync up

This is how connected moms and their babies are and, unlike a newborn, we could actually shed a tear it’s so sweet. Research shows that moms and babies are so in tune with one another that if they focus on each other intently, their hearts beat in sync. Think that’s cool? A 2017 study also found that when adults and babies look at each other, their brain waves synchronize. Scientists think this neural connection helps facilitate babies’ social learning. We’re weeping.

Babies are born with an innate sense of rhythm

Your baby may not have any moves yet, but she’s got the beat! Infants are born with a natural rhythm recognition that allows them to detect missing beats in drum sequences they hear, according to a study by the Institute for Psychology in Budapest. Scientists believe it is a result of spending so much time so close to the “ba-bum, ba-bum, ba-bum” of Mom’s beating heart while they’re in utero.

Now go cuddle your loveable little weirdo. And if you’re still in the mood for some quirk, here are 10 weird (but normal) things that babies do.

Make sure to capture all the cutest moments with your babe—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.

These are the newborn baby gifts that parents will love, too

Baby’s first holiday season is pure magic, and we’ve got the best newborn baby gifts to make it extra special for all the 0 to 6-month-olds on your list. You’ll find tummy-time faves, educational toys, keepsakes, and cuddly stuffies to love on. Shopping for lots of littles? Check out our gift guides for one-year-olds and 18- to 24-month-olds.

Gund My Little Food Truck Play Set

Gund My Little Food Truck Set is one of the best newborn baby gifts of 2023

We love a gift that grows with your baby! Infants will love holding the little sensory toys (like a crinkly taco and a squeaky burger) and putting them in and out of their plush case; when they’re older they can transition to imaginative games where they’re serving food from a food truck.

Gund My Little Food Truck Play Set ($21)—Buy Here!

Manhattan Toy Snuggle Pods Sweet Pea

Manhattan Toy Snuggle Pods Sweet Pea is one of the best newborn baby gifts of 2023

A first doll perfect for six-month-olds, this snuggly little baby comes in their own peapod home. Little hands will love taking their super-soft pal in and out of her pod. Since we’re sure it’ll be love at first sight, you might want to give two of these cuties (in case one goes missing *shudder*).

Manhattan Toy Snuggle Pods Sweet Pea ($24)—Buy Here!

Mushie Links Teether

Mushie Links Teether is one of the best newborn baby gifts of 2023

How beautiful is this? Babies will put just about anything in their mouths, so why not give them a teether or two that are soothing and aesthetically pleasing for parents, too. This Mushie option also comes in calming blue, beige, and sand. *adds to cart*

Mushie Links Teether ($22)—Buy Here!

Melissa & Doug Ice Cream Take-Along Toy

The Melissa And Doug Ice Cream Take Along Toy is one of the best newborn baby gifts

From the stroller to their car seat, babies will love this clip-on vibrating pull toy. As they get to know each of the four ice cream scoops and sensory tags and teethers, you’ll be able to get some stuff done. Definitely one of the best newborn baby gifts this year. 

Melissa & Doug Ice Cream Take-Along Toy ($20)—Buy Here!

Soft Tummy Time Book and Mirror

Tummy time can be such a drag, but your newborn’s sure to be entertained by this multifaceted gift. Your tot can have a tummy party with themselves thanks to the mirror, make some new animal friends on the soft pages, squish the crinkly paper and play with other textures, and attack the gummy orange teether.

Soft Tummy Time Book and Mirror ($35)—Buy Here!

Fox Warmies

Warmies Fox is one of the best newborn baby gifts of 2023

Weighted with buckwheat that you can warm up in the microwave, this super soft woodland stuffie is the soothing companion your baby doesn’t know how to ask for. Just be sure to keep an eye on their snuggles so they don’t get too close. Hot tip: Foxy makes a great heating pad, too.

Fox Warmies ($30)—Buy Here!

Haba Quartett Soft Block Set

Haba Quartett Soft Block Set is one of the best newborn baby gifts of 2023

Give the babes on your list a little STEM action with this foursome of plush cubes each boasting a different sound, color combination, and texture. The best part? They’re machine washable, so spit-up and drool are no match for this toy.

Haba Quartett Soft Block Set ($35)—Buy Here!

Over the Rainbow Music Box

Lull your baby to sleep with a bedtime rendition of "Over the Rainbow," played on this hand-painted, wooden music box. Twist the sun to hear up to three minutes of this favorite melody.

Over the Rainbow Music Box ($72)—Buy Here!

Fisher Price 3-In-1 Crawl and Play Activity Gym

The Fisher Price 3-in-1 Crawl and Play Activity Gym is one of the best newborn baby gifts of 2023

This activity gym does triple duty as your newborn grows. Tinies can bat at the rattles and teethers on their back while older babies love the mirror and singing watering can for tummy time. Once you’ve got a crawler, convert the mat into a little fort that also makes a great tunnel. Baby’s first clubhouse!

Fisher Price 3-In-1 Crawl and Play Activity Gym ($75)—Buy Here!

Plan Toys Sensory Tumbling Set

Plan Toys Sensory Tumbling Set is one of the best newborn baby gifts of 2023

Each of these adorable tumbling balls stimulates a different sense—red is touch, with its fluffy stuffing; blue is sound, thanks to three clanking balls; and with a mirror hiding inside, yellow is sight. And baby? Well, baby is endlessly entertained.

Plan Toys Sensory Tumbling Set ($25)—Buy Here!

Lulujo Security Blanket - Rainbow

Buttery soft cotton muslin lined in satin makes this the softest security blanket around, and we love that you get a set of two off the bat (always, always, always have a backup). Your baby’s not going to want to put these down!

Manhattan Toy Learning Cube ($35)—Buy Here!

Sassy The Mover & Shaker Sensory Toy Gift Set

This a baby gift hat trick for the six-month-olds on your list! Expect plenty of fine motor skills and sensory development as your bebe holds and gums the links, spins their rainbow reel (hello, high chair entertainment!), and learns to stack the colorful magnetic pals.

Sassy The Mover & Shaker Sensory Toy Gift Set ($19)—Buy Here!

Hallmark Under the Same Moon Recordable Storybook

Hallmark's Under The Same Moon Recordable Storybook is one of the best newborn baby gifts of 2023

If you live far away from the newborn on your gift list, record a special rendition of this sweet story just for them so they can always hear your voice. The beautiful illustrations are a bonus.

Hallmark Under the Same Moon Recordable Storybook ($35)—Buy Here!

7AM Enfant Cub Set

7am Enfant's Cub Set is one of the best newborn baby gifts of 2023

This is the coziest newborn baby gift by far! Transform your babe into a little bear cub with an adorable sherpa set that’s sure to keep their tiny hands and heads warm all winter long.

7AM Enfant Cub Set ($50)—Buy Here!

Manhattan Toy Wimmer-Ferguson Learning Cube

Manhattan Toy Learning Cube is one of the best newborn baby gifts

The best baby gifts can be used in lots of different ways to keep baby endlessly entertained. Take that longer-than-you-expected checkout line! This plush cube has six sides to explore, from crinkle paper and a textured teething ring to the elephant’s fun bungee trunk.

Manhattan Toy Learning Cube ($35)—Buy Here!

Malarkey Kids' Chew Tube

Once they’re past the newborn phase and teething is in full swing, this easy-to-grasp toy and teether is a parent’s dream. The textured silicone outer cube soothes tender gums while the black-and-white inner rattle cube is a sensory delight.

Malarkey Kids' Chew Tube ($13)—Buy Here!

Rookie Humans In the Jungle Swaddle Blanket

Rookie Humans In the Jungle Swaddle Blanket is one of the best newborn baby gifts of 2023

We’re smitten by the safari print on this luxuriously soft swaddle, perfect for keeping baby cozy while they sleep, acting as a light blanket in their stroller, or—dare we say—mopping up the odd puddle of spit up.

Rookie Humans In the Jungle Swaddle Blanket ($25.00)—Buy Here!

Black & White Board Book: A High Contrast

An absolute classic newborn baby gift, this board book by award-winning photographer Tana Hoban folds out entirely and is sturdy enough to stand on its own during tummy time. Littles love the high-contrast black-and-white images, which help to develop their eyesight.

Black & White Board Book ($7)—Buy Here!

Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes Toy

Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes Toy is one of the best newborn baby gifts of 2023

This is one of the least annoying musical baby toys out there, which is why it’s been a staple on baby gift lists for a decade. Infants 3 months and older delight in pressing the colorful buttons to start the music and spinning the beads on the handle, and it’s easy to throw in your bag for on-the-go entertainment.

Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes Toy ($10)—Buy Here!

Curious Baby Activity Cards

This is truly a gift for first-time parents Googling “How to entertain a two-month-old” at 3 a.m. The convenient flip guide developed by pediatricians takes parents through games and activities that contribute to five different areas of a baby’s development, from birth to one year.

Curious Baby Activity Cards ($35)—Buy Here!

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
All images courtesy of retailers.

This is our kind of pillow talk

Breastfeeding can be a beautiful and comfortable bonding experience between you and your baby, but it can also be a pain in the…well, several different places, actually. Especially if you’re just starting out, you may be battling some soreness, stiff arms, maybe an achy back. That’s all totally normal, for the record. And that’s where the miraculous invention of the nursing pillow comes in. These little (or bigger, if you prefer—whatever works best for you) wonders can make all the difference in comfort and ease during those long feeding sessions. Plus, they’re more supportive, comfortable, and convenient than a bed pillow or couch cushion. These are designed for breastfeeding, and once you try one, you’ll never look back.

Don’t know which of the multiple options in nursing pillows to chose? No sweat. We’re here to help you navigate the world of nursing pillows—where foam, fabric, and fluff collide to create the ultimate breastfeeding sidekick. With these pillows by your side (literally), you’ll be able to conquer any feeding challenge that comes your way. Meet the superhero companions of every breastfeeding superheroine (that’s you)—the best nursing pillows out there. Get ready to change your whole breastfeeding game with one of these beauties.

 

Boppy Anywhere Nursing Pillow

Boppy

You already know Boppy makes great nursing pillows. Here's why their latest is a game-changer. It's a smaller pillow with an open design and a yoga-inspired fabric belt to attach around you for a customized fit. That means it's comfortable for women of all shapes and sizes, even those recovering from a C-section. Take this smaller pillow with you on your travels, while running errands, anywhere you plan to be. It's also machine-washable and folds up compactly so you can fit it in a diaper bag. Boppy Anywhere Nursing Pillow ($30.00)—Buy Here!

My Brest Friend Super Deluxe Nursing Pillow

My Brest Friend/Amazon

A longtime mom favorite, the My Best Friend wraparound nursing pillow is celebrating over 25 years of helping moms and babies with breastfeeding with an upgraded pillow with even more thoughtful features. These include increased back and lumbar support to keep moms comfortable, increased height and thickness in the front cushion to help baby into more optimal positioning, an attached pouch for necessities like burp cloths and nipple cream, a waterproof inner cover, and a tracker to help you remember which side you last nursed on. Like the original and the inflatable travel pillow highlighted below, this pillow wraps around mom's body and fastens with an adjustable clasp to give moms back and arm support so they can focus on baby's latch and comfort. My Brest Friend Super Deluxe Nursing Pillow ($59.95)—Buy Here!

DockATot La Maman Wedge Nursing Pillow

DockATot

Finally! A nursing pillow that doesn't look like one. This gorgeous pillow curves around your body to support baby or mama's arms while nursing. When not in use, you'll be happy to leave it on display—and you can keep using it as an accent pillow when your nursing days are behind you. Available in four elegant patterns, this pillow is part of DockATot's collection that coordinates with its other products (bassinets, swaddle sets, and more). DockATot La Maman Wedge Nursing Pillow ($75.00)—Buy Here!

littlebeam Nursing Pillow

littlebeam

This breastfeeding pillow is small in size but big on added perks. In addition to positioning your baby at the right height for feeding in all nursing positions, it's also great for bottle feeding, as a tummy time support, or to give mom a little comfort as a head rest, lower back support, or between your legs for more comfortable sleep. Created by a family nurse practitioner and board-certified lactation consultant, the littlebeam nursing pillow is also the perfect companion for travel and daily outings, since it's small enough to fit in your diaper bag. littlebeam Nursing Pillow ($45.00)—Buy Here!

Boppy Classic Feeding and Nursing Support Pillow

Boppy

Trusted by moms for decades, the award-winning Boppy nursing pillow is a time-tested option. The firm but flexible U-shaped pillow allows for more ergonomic feeding positions and also works great for tummy time and supported sitting. The slipcover is removable and washable, and with the pillow at a reasonable price point, you can afford to have an extra cover (and there are a bunch to choose from). Boppy Classic Feeding and Nursing Support Pillow (From $45.00)—Buy Here!

Béaba Big Flopsy Maternity and Nursing Pillow

Beaba

For the expectant mother, the Big Flopsy doubles as a maternity body pillow. Although one of the largest nursing pillows on the market, the non-toxic micropearl fill keeps it lightweight and flexible. Both the cover and pillow are machine-washable. From helping pregnant moms find a comfortable sleeping position to providing support for nursing moms and supervised playtime with toddlers, the Big Flopsy is one you can use for years to come. Béaba Big Flopsy Maternity and Nursing Pillow ($109.95)—Buy Here!

The Nursie

Nursie

The Nursie was designed with portability in mind by wrapping around mom’s arm, much like swim floaties go around a child’s arm—no straps needed. It can be used for any nursing position, is small enough to fit in a carry-on bag while traveling, and is machine-washable. It props baby up to help reduce reflux and give mom the right position to avoid back and neck pain. The Nursie ($34.95)—Buy Here!

Nook Organic Niche Nursing Pillow

With its 100% organic, breathable and sustainable materials, the Niche Nursing Pillow is perfect for the environmentally conscious mom. The squared U-shape provides more surface area than the rounded options. The covers come in several colors and are machine-washable. In addition to being used for feedings, the pillow can serve as an armrest, a tummy-time support and a body pillow for ages 2 and up. Nook Organic Niche Nursing Pillow ($89.00)—Buy Here!

Leachco Cuddle-U Nursing Pillow

Keep your little wiggler in a reclined position for optimal post-feeding digestion with the patented seat wrap on the Cuddle-U Nursing Pillow. The wrap is adjustable and tucks away into a concealed pocket on the bottom of the pillow when it isn't needed. The pillow is generously sized for those moms who find it most comfortable when baby is boosted up a little. The pillow and cover are not washable, so you may want to splurge on the sham-style removable cover that’s not included. Leachco Cuddle-U Nursing Pillow ($34.95)—Buy Here!

Twin Z Pillow

For moms of twins, there’s no need to buy two nursing pillows when you have the Twin Z Pillow. This pillow was specifically designed for nursing or bottle-feeding two babies at one time. The dual holes where babies sit have buckles that make them smaller for newborns. It can also be used as a maternity pillow, at tummy time, and as an infant support pillow. Twin Z Pillow ($142.00)—Buy Here!

Infantino Elevate Adjustable Nursing Pillow

The innovative design of the Elevate Adjustable Nursing Pillow allows for three different elevation levels, which can help babies latch. Find the perfect height for you and baby, no matter the feeding position. It also supports upright feeding for babies with reflux. Fold it in half and secure it with the ribbon for easy storage. Oh, and it’s machine washable. Infantino Elevate Adjustable Nursing Pillow ($49.99)—Buy Here!

My Brest Friend Inflatable Travel Nursing Pillow

My Brest Friend

The Inflatable Travel Nursing Pillow is the same design as the original nursing pillow from My Brest Friend but ideal for moms on the go and for traveling with your little one. When deflated, it packs flat in a diaper bag or purse. The wraparound shape and straps secure the pillow in place, and the straps are release silently to avoid waking baby. It comes with a handy pocket on the side (for burp cloths, bottles, toys or your phone) and a price that's friendly on your wallet. My Brest Friend Inflatable Travel Nursing Pillow ($30.01)—Buy Here!

Blessed Nest Nesting Pillow

Snuggle baby into this pillow. Its buckwheat hull filling conforms to baby, instead of simply being underneath. The pyramid shape of the fill molds like a beanbag but holds its shape, so mom doesn’t have to provide as much support and can try out many different feeding positions. The pillow is also certified organic with a washable slipcover. Blessed Nest Nesting Pillow ($98.00)—Buy Here!

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

Whether you’re new to nursing or an experienced pro, this breastfeeding essentials checklist will help

If you’re nursing, these are the breastfeeding essentials that will make your journey easier and more comfortable for you and your baby. Some may surprise you, and others will become your new can’t-live-without-it favorites. From nursing bras and breastfeeding pillows to nipple creams and pumping parts, it’s all here.

baby drinking from bottle with smiling parents - breastfeeding essentials
iStock

Nursing Basics

Prenatal vitamins. Yes, you’re post-natal, but many health-care professionals recommend continuing to take prenatals while you breastfeed so you and baby can get more essential nutrients. Talk to your doctor about what vitamins you need.

Burp cloths. You probably received cute, colorful cloths at your baby shower, but a plain cloth diaper is also an excellent, and highly absorbant, way to protect your clothing and wipe baby’s face after a spit-up situation.

Nipple shields. A lifesaver for many women in the beginning. This thin, clear silicone nipple shield can help baby latch if they're having trouble or you have flat or inverted nipples.

Nursing bras. These bras make it easier to feed your child and are more comfortable for you, especially in the first few months. If you're pumping, you'll want combo nursing & pumping bras that let you pump hands-free. Check out our guide to nursing bras for everything you need to know.

Nursing pillows. Holding a nursing baby in your arms gets real old, real fast. You don't need to invest in a nursing pillow, but it will help your baby latch at the right angle for feeding and can be more comfortable for your back. Read about the top nursing pillows.

Breast milk collection cups. You won't lose a drop of liquid gold with a cup designed to catch milk from the breast your baby isn't nursing on. They're also handy for hand expression and some are shaped to allow your baby to drink right from the silicone cup.

Nursing apps. Track which side you last nursed on, when baby nursed and other important nursing data in these amazing apps. Many apps will also track diaper changes, nap schedules and health history so you have all of your baby data in one spot. Check out awesome organizational apps for new moms.

Lactation consultants. If breastfeeding is painful or you’re concerned about whether baby is getting enough milk, talk to a lactation consultant. Ask local moms for recommendations, or explore online resources.

Related: New Mom, Who's This? The Best Nursing Clothes of 2023

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Breast Soothers

Nipple creams. Heal sore, dry, cracked nipples with breast milk, coconut oil, lanolin or a store-bought nipple cream. If you buy a cream, look for one that doesn’t need to be washed off before baby nurses.

Nursing Pads. Disposable or reusable breast pads can comfort sore nipples and protect against leaks that stain your clothes.

Breast pain relievers. From massagers that soften the breast to work out clogged ducts to pillows and gel packsyou heat up to quicken milk flow, there are products to soothe the most common breast discomfort.

Pumping Products

Motorized breast pumps. Many insurance companies cover the cost of a breast pump, which is great. But there are sometimes restrictions, and you might want or need a different kind of pump. New moms can also rent pumps from hospitals after birth.

Manual pumps. Many breastfeeders love the convenience of a hand pump. It’s quiet and doesn’t require batteries or an outlet, so it’s great for late nights, air travel and road trips. You can use a hand pump to increase supply, catch leaking milk while baby is nursing on the other breast, and relieve pressure before nursing if you’re engorged.

Pumping accessories. A hands-free pumping bra is a must with a traditional breast pump. There’s a slit in each cup of these clever bras that allow you to slip the flanges into the bra and connect the bottles and hoses outside it. And speaking of flanges, the correct size flanges can make a difference in pumping output. If you’re concerned about milk production, confirm you’re using the right size flange for your breast and nipple size.

Storage & cleaning. Breastmilk storage bags and cups come in silicone and plastic versions. For heating milk, invest in a breastmilk warmer that safely heats the milk evenly. To clean storage cups and pump parts, use a bottle and dish soap with gentle ingredients that's free of fragrances. Babies are sensitive to new smells. 

Milk coolers. If you're pumping at work, on outings or while traveling, you need a sturdy insulated bag for toting your pumped milk. Look for one with reusable ice packs and/or insulated panels. 

Related: 9 Apps to Track Baby's Naps, Feedings, Health History & More

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On-the-Go Essentials

Water bottle. Breastfeeding makes you super thirsty, so a water bottle is an absolute must. Choose a bottle that's easy to clean and not too heavy to carry, since you’ll also be lugging baby’s bottles and gear.

Lip balm. Your lips are likely to dry out from nursing, and the right lip balm keeps your lips soft for all those baby kisses. 

Nursing cover (optional). It’s legal to breastfeed in all 50 states, but you may feel more comfortable with a nursing cover. Use a swaddling blanket or scarf if you don’t want to buy a separate product, but a cover can offer you more privacy and convenience. Look for a multi-use cover that works to cover car seats for added shade.

Lactation Snacks

Lactation drink powders. These drinks combine combine vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber and lactation-supporting herbs into a powder you can add to your favorite smoothie or other snacks.

Lactation tea & coffee. A hot beverage is a soothing way to get your lactation support and extra hydration. 

Lactation treats. New moms deserve all the snacks. From cookies and brownies to bars and gummies, there are lots of tasty ways to boost your milk while satisfying that sweet tooth.

Pro Tip: Talk to your health care provider or lactation consultant before taking any snacks or supplements to boost your milk supply or overall nutritional intake.

Related: 22 Hacks for Feeding Baby on the Go

Experts recommend 6-8 well-baby visits during the first year. If you’re thinking, what’s up, doc, you’re not alone. Read on to find out what to expect from each doctor’s appointment, what you should bring and how to get the most out of your visit.

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What to Bring with You

Reference documents: driver’s license, insurance card, hospital documents from baby’s birth, information about family members’ health history and allergies

Baby necessities: burp cloths, extra diapers and wipes (the doctor will remove baby’s diaper), hand wipes, baby bottle, a blanket in case baby gets cold, a lovey or favorite stuffed animal, a pacifier if you use them

Mom necessities: an extra shirt in case of spit-up, water and a snack in case you have to wait for the doctor. Once your baby is eating solids, bring snacks for them too.

Questions: Keep a list on your phone or in a small notebook so you can jot down questions when you think of them. Bring a printed version of the questions to your appointment so you don’t forget anything and can write down your doctor’s answers.

What Happens at a Well-Baby Pediatrician Appointment

Each appointment will vary depending on baby’s age, but here's what you can expect:

Measurement of your baby’s height, weight and head circumference to monitor your child’s growth curve; plus a discussion of that curve

A head-to-toe physical exam, including eyes, ears (and hearing), mouth, neck, skin, heart, lungs, abdomen, hips, genitalia and legs

A discussion of your child’s physical and cognitive development

Vaccinations, at most visits, if you’ve chosen them

Time for you to ask questions and bring up concerns

Read on for specifics of each visit.

iStock

Day 3-5 Well-Baby Visit

In the first week of your child’s life, pediatricians will do a physical exam; measure baby’s height, weight and head circumference; and observe baby’s behavior, reactions and reflexes.

Don’t sweat it: It’s common for babies to lose some body weight after birth. They typically gain it back by the time they hit two weeks old. As your doctor tracks your child's physical growth and tells you which percentile they're in, remember that the actual numbers and percentages are usually less important than whether your child is growing steadily along their curve.

Topics to discuss:

SIDS and creating a safe sleep environment

How often and how much your child eats

Frequency of wet diapers and bowel movements, and what bowel movement look like

Your child’s growth curve

 

1-Month Well-Baby Visit

At this visit, in addition to taking measurements, doing a physical exam and checking development, your doctor may give your child a second hepatitis B shot (they typically received the first right after birth).

Don’t sweat it: It’s normal for your child (and you!) to cry when they get shots. Shots are typically done at the end of the visit so you can comfort your child with cuddles and nursing or a bottle before you leave.

Topics to discuss:

○ What to do if your child is inconsolable in the evenings (aka the witching hours)

If your child is dealing with diaper rashes, baby acne or cradle cap, the doctor can give you advice on how to treat these conditions

How often you're doing tummy time

Whether your child needs vitamin D drops

How your baby is sleeping

How often and how much your child feeds

Frequency of wet diapers and bowel movements, and what bowel movements look like. Hard, dry poop could indicate constipation, and mucousy, soft stools can signal a food intolerance.

iStock

2-Month Well-Baby Visit

Your child will likely receive immunizations at this visit, if you've chosen them. The doctor will also check your baby’s head control and posture.

Don’t sweat it: Some babies feel discomfort in the day or two after shots, so be prepared to notice a change in your child’s behavior and energy level. Offer extra cuddles and comfort, and clear your schedule if you can.

Topics to discuss:

If your child is dealing with colic, constipation, diaper rashes, baby acne, reflux, sleep or feeding issues, the doctor can give you advice

Whether your child needs vitamin D drops

How your baby is sleeping

How often and how much your child feeds

Frequency of wet diapers and bowel movements, and what bowel movements look like

Whether your baby smiles yet

How you characterize your baby’s temperament. If your child seems weepy, restless or uncomfortable, your doctor can explore possible causes

How you’re feeling. If you’re experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety, you should bring it up to your child’s doctor and your own.

 

4-Month Well-Baby Visit

Your child will receive more immunizations, if you've chosen them, and may receive a hemoglobin screening to test for anemia. The doctor will also begin looking for, and discussing with you, age-appropriate milestones for your child.

Don’t sweat it: Babies develop at their own pace, so don’t assume the worst if your child hasn’t reached a certain milestone. Tell your doctor if your child is losing skills they once had or if you’re concerned about any aspect of their development (like crawling, talking, hearing, eyesight).

Topics to discuss:

Whether your child needs vitamin D drops

How your baby is sleeping

How often and how much your child feeds

Frequency of wet diapers and bowel movements, and what bowel movements look like

Age-appropriate milestones, such as whether your child can roll over, sit up with support, push up from their belly, grab items and kick with both legs.

Whether your baby communicates by babbling, squealing, laughing, copying caregivers’ facial expressions and sounds

 

iStock

6-Month Well-Baby Visit

More standard tests and (sorry) immunizations. Your doctor may also do a lead screening, as older homes can have lead paint, which, in high doses, can be harmful to babies. Your child may also receive a tuberculosis test and, if any teeth have popped through, your doctor will want to see them. Since babies are likely to crawl soon, it’s a good time to talk to your doctor about ways to childproof your home.

Don’t sweat it: Childproofing your home doesn’t have to mean spending a lot of money. Here are 14 DIY babyproofing tricks to make your home safe as your baby gets more mobile.

Topics to discuss:

If it’s time to start your child on solid food. And, if so, which foods your doctor recommends

If your child has teeth, how you should care for them

Age-appropriate milestones, such as whether your child is rolling over in both directions, sitting up without support, showing interest in their environment, babbling and imitating sounds and expressions

Whether your baby needs vitamin D drops

How your baby is sleeping

How often and how much your child feeds

Frequency of wet diapers and bowel movements, and how bowel movements change after introducing solid foods

 

9-Month Well-Baby Visit

In addition to the standard tests, a review of baby’s oral health and perhaps immunizations, your doctor will look more closely at your baby’s development. The doctor will likely ask you questions about how your child moves and interacts with you.

Don’t sweat it: If your child has any developmental delays, your pediatrician can give you valuable resources. Early intervention in the form of physical therapy or speech therapy can help your child develop new skills.

Topics to discuss:

Age-appropriate milestones, such as crawling, saying words, responding to their name, pointing, using the pincer grip, feeding themselves, playing games with you or others

If your child is experiencing separation anxiety or fear of strangers

How you should care for your child’s teeth

Whether your baby needs vitamin D drops or gets enough from solid foods

How your baby is sleeping

How often and how much your child eats (breastmilk/formula and solids)

Frequency of wet diapers and bowel movements, and what bowel movements look like

 

12-Month Well-Baby Visit

You’re a pro at this point and know what to expect at these doctor visits. But as you've learned with babies, they're always learning new things and changing their routines, so you'll have lots to discuss at this and future appointments.

Don’t sweat it: You’ve almost made it through year one, with all the big changes and sleeplessness that goes along with it. You can handle whatever year two throws at you.

Topics to discuss:

Age-appropriate milestones, such as whether your child is pulling themselves up, cruising along furniture, walking, pointing, saying words, responding to what you say, playing games with you or others

How you should care for your child’s teeth

Whether you should introduce cow's milk into baby's diet

Whether your baby needs vitamin D drops or gets enough from solid foods

How your baby is sleeping

How often and how much your child eats (breastmilk/formula and solids)

Frequency of wet diapers and bowel movements, and what bowel movements look like

 

 

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New Health & Safety Innovations for Babies & Toddlers

The only thing more surprising than how fast a baby can accumulate so much stuff is how fast that little person outgrows all of it. But, with some creative thinking and a little research on how to reuse, you can learn how a bottle rack is perfect for drying fragile glassware, how infant towels can make adorable puppets, and that you can tie old bumpers together to create a great portable nap mat. All of these ideas will help you bring your baby items into the next phase of childhood—keep reading to see them all.

Burp Cloths into Dish Towels

Dominika Roseclay via Pexels

Use all those spit rags and burp cloths as dish towels to wipe up messes, dry pots and pans and even as a cleaning rag. Not only will you give the material a second life, but you'll cut back on the number of paper towels you use on the regular. 

Changing Table to Beverage Cart

Shine Your Light Blog

How's this for a clever repurposing project? After your youngest is potty trained, instead of selling or donating your changing table, simply add wheels, paint (if you want) and use it as a beverage cart, indoors or out. Check out the tutorial over at Shine Your Light. If you'd rather do something the kids can still use, check out this DIY Ice Cream Stand.

Your Favorite Clothing Becomes Your a Treasured Stuffed Animal

Sewing with Knits via eHow.com

Since most infants double their body weight within the first five months, your little bundle probably never got a chance to wear half their adorable ensembles. Don’t fret! The clever seamstress over at Sewing With Knits created this sweet stuffed animal using outgrown infant clothing. Cute and cuddly, it’s an adorable way to repurpose your little one’s unworn attire. For an added touch of nostalgia, use your favorite outgrown outfit. You’ll likely have enough fabric to remove the milk-stained portions.

Formula Cans and Wipe Containers

Design Improvised

Wipe containers and formula canisters are great vessels for storing everything from toys to art supplies. Design Improvised used decorative paper in various patterns and hues to disguise her empty containers. Find out how here, and be sure to check out some other genius reuse ideas.

Diaper Boxes to Toy Bins

2 Little Faces

Thousands of diaper changes leave behind lots of empty boxes. Instead of recycling, try upcycling. 2 Little Faces used wrapping paper to transform her old diaper boxes into storage bins for her son’s toys. You’d never know that these stylish containers once held a pack of diapers. 

Baby Food Jars to Crayon Holders

Monkey See Monkey Do

Perhaps the most versatile of all the baby gear you might collect, glass baby food jars can be repurposed in tons of ways around the house. Create a decorative new home for your spice collection, grow an herb garden, or save the jars for holding snacks while on the go. The resourceful mom behind Monkey See Monkey Do gave the jars a fresh coat of paint and used them as a color-blocked centerpiece for the kids' art table. If you made your baby food from scratch or opted for the ever-convenient pouch, glass or plastic baby bottles make an excellent substitute for these projects.

Move the Monitor Out of the Bedroom

Chanikarn Thongsupa via Raw Pixel

Once your little one no longer requires supervision while snoozing, let your monitor continue to keep watch in the playroom or backyard. Hang on to the parent base, and you can get things done around the house during playtime. 

Crib Springs to A Photo Display

Allen Mowery Photography

Once your little one has graduated to a big kid bed, put that unused crib to good use. Deconstructed, the pieces can serve multiple uses. We especially love this picturesque idea from Allen Mowry Photography. Once you've made your DIY photo wall art, use the remaining pieces to create a toy chest

Crib to Desk

Straight Stitch Designs

Your little princess (or prince) has shimmied over the castle wall, and it’s time to leave the fortress behind. As they settle into their new big kid bed, consider transforming the crib into a desk or art table they can use for years to come. Check out this transformation by Straight Stitch Designs, and you’ll see it's easier than it sounds.

 

Stroller to Super Vehicle

Just a Girl and Her Blog

If getting your big kid to sit in a stroller is a feat that only Superman could achieve, then consider transforming those basic four wheels into a vehicle any superhero in training would be excited to pilot. The mom over at Just a Girl and Her Blog has turned her boys’ stroller into everything from the Batmobile to the Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine. 

Mommo Design

If your tall can reach the sink, then take a cue from Mommo Design and create a fun play kitchen out of your old bathroom stool. Compact enough to move around the house, you can even set up a sous chef station while you're making dinner. 

—Lauren Hill

Feature photo: iStock 

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Feature photo: Unsplash

Want the functionality of a diaper bag (pockets! zippered top! padded straps!) in a style you can use long after your child is out of diapers? Hello, new favorite carry-on or gym bag! These bags tick lots of boxes when it comes to toting around everything you need for your baby, but they do the job without screaming diaper bag. Read on to find the tote, backpack, weekender or handbag that suits your style and baby-bag needs.

If you’re not sure what features you need in a baby bag, read our smart mom’s guide to diaper bags.

Parenting Pack R1 by Beau Industries

Beau Industries

This is a sturdy backpack you'll be using for years, but what makes it indespensable as a diaper bag is the included fold-up changing pad (it doubles as a laptop sleeve, fitting a 15-inch MacBook Pro) and two insulated water-resistant pouches for bottles, snacks and more. Our favorite features: the articulated back panel that gives you comfort and stability even when the pack is full of baby gear, the handy exterior wipes pocket, and the padded nine-pocket organizer. With clean lines and a neutral black with red accents, this will be everybody's favorite bag to carry.

Available at beau.industries, $129.

Aquila Tote Bag from White Elm Bags

White Elm

This oversize canvas tote has plenty of pockets for all your gear, along with a water-resistant lining in case of spills. It comes in solids, stripes and this awesome buffalo check pattern, all with vegan leather straps and a fun pop of color on the lining. When you're not filling this tote with baby stuff, the padded laptop sleeve fits laptops up to 17.3 inches, and it makes a great overnight bag.

Available at shopwhiteelm.com, $119.

Women's Vegan Maxi Backpack by SportsChic

SportsChic

We love the metallics and crisp white vegan pebble-grain leather of these roomy backpacks. They're easy to clean and feature insulated pockets that keep drinks hot or cold, as well as an easy-access front pocket for your essentials. The inside is lined with (hot pink!) waterproof nylon and has three handy pockets. There's a padded compartment for your laptop or tablet, and when you're no longer using the bag for toting baby stuff, it works great for stashing tennis racquets. The backpack also comes in two smaller versions: midi ($119) and mini ($89). 

Available at sportshic.com, $149.

The O.G. 2 by Lo & Sons

Lo & Sons

Billed as a travel and laptop bag, this bestseller from Lo & Sons keeps your belongings and baby's gear super organized. There's an external zippered compartment with multiple pockets to store your wallet, keys, phone and more, and keep them separate from baby's items. The zippered pocket billed as a shoe compartment is the perfect spot for dirty clothes, burp cloths or anything else you'd like to keep separate. The interior water bottle pocket could hold baby's bottle instead, and the external laptop compartment could easily fit a changing pad. Store toys, snacks and a change of baby clothes in the main compartment, and attach the slip-resistant pad to the shoulder strap for extra padding and comfort while you're out and about. This lightweight, water-resistant nylon bag will look great for years as you use it as a diaper bag, carry-on bag, gym bag, overnight bag and more.

Available at loandsons.com, $199.80-$388.

Western-Inspired Bags by Frankie Cameron

Frankie Cameron

Handcrafted from authentic cowhide and genuine leather, Frankie Cameron's handbags, backpacks, clutches and weekenders pair Western flair with smart-mom sensibility. Several bags come with a zip-in, zip-out water-resistant liner you can toss in the wash for easy cleaning. Best of all, the Baby Liner ($55) slips right into Franke Cameron totes to turn it into the ultimate baby bag. This washable, water-resistant liner comes with two zippered pockets, six elastic pockets and a changing pad, and it zips into the totes to keep your stash secure. 

Available at frankiecameron.com, $65-$465.

Wave Weekender by Eklund Griffin

Eklund Griffin

Join the wave of parents who've discovered that this nautical-inspired weekender bag is equally handy for baby gear. Handmade in Connecticut, the bag's durable leather base will hold up wherever your adventures take you. Thoughtful details include a chambray lining and a marine-quality rope zipper pull.

Available at eklundgriffin.com, $450.

Everyday Lightweight Tote by L.L.Bean

diaper bag lightweight tote
L.L.Bean

Looking for a lightweight, machine-washable bag with a top zipper? This is the tote for you. It's made of a durable nylon fabric with a double-layer bottom and reinforced handles. There's an exterior pocket and an interior zip pocket with key clip. When you're not toting diapers, it makes a great bag for the beach or gym, or even your groceries. It packs down super small, so you can bring it as an extra on all your adventures. Comes in a medium, large or extra-large size and a variety of colors and prints. Add a monogram for a personal, preppie touch.

Available at llbean.com, $24.95-$59.95.

Tote Bags by Jenn Lee

Jenn Lee

Handwoven in East Bali by local artisans from ata grass, beloved for its durability and water resistance, these beautiful bags feature traditional Balinese prints and are finished with a soft leather suede lining. There's a zipper pocket and two side pockets for all your baby gear, as well as a zippered close to keep your belongings safe. Because they're handmade, there will be slight differences in each of the seven designs, making your bag a one-of-a-kind beauty to treasurejust like your baby.

Available at shopjennlee.com, $168.

The (Anti) Diaper Bag by HATCH

HATCH

You'd never know this tote was a diaper bag unless you saw the included changing pad, which says "Tushie" on it. The nylon bag has a flat base so it stands upright, making it easier to find diapers or sunglasses, and it comes with three roomy clutches to help you organize your belongings, as well as multiple interior pockets. There are leather straps and a removable crossbody strap so you can style it to suit your needs and your outfit. Add the monogrammable multicolored fringe tassle ($38) to really make it your own.

Available at hatchcollection.com, $298.

 

—Eva Ingvarson Cerise

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Photo: via Lauren Shapiro Mandel

I gave birth to my daughter on a Monday. That Friday, my mom died.

My daughter was five days old. I got a call from my Dad mid-morning, who said he was nearby and wanted to come over for a few minutes. He lived 40 minutes away. He never just happened to be nearby.

I hung up the phone, waddled to the bathroom to take care of my postpartum self, and hustled back down the hallway just as my Dad was walking through the door of our condo. He looked up but didn’t smile.

“Mom died today,” he said, offering no additional details, leaving an opening for me to say something. Anything.

But I didn’t say anything. I released a strong breath, then looked over at my baby in my husband’s arms on the couch. He was dangling a bottle of formula over the armrest, burp cloth draped over his chest, staring back at me, waiting for my reaction to news that was stunning but also a long time coming.

My mom suffered her first brain bleed when I was 10 years old. When my mom’s brain bled for the second time, I was 12, and this time she stayed in the hospital for more than four months, followed by an extensive stay in a rehab facility. When she finally came home, she wasn’t who she had always been. My mom died that summer in the hospital, though the doctors told us she had made a miraculous recovery. 

Traumatic brain injuries have a way of taking someone away while leaving them right next to you. I saw my mom next to me, in her wheelchair, slurred speech, sad eyes. But it wasn’t her at all. The person I knew, the person I needed, she no longer existed. She had become her illness. 

I lost her when I was 12, but it wasn’t until I was 33 and a new mom that I felt the finality of that loss. All those years of mourning and coping and managing, I thought those years would prepare me for this moment. But I was surprised to learn that no amount of loss can prepare you for death. 

When it was time for the funeral, my husband drove slowly into the cemetery. I had one hand near my newborn’s mouth, holding her pacifier in place, while the other hand covered my own mouth to control my tears. Sitting in the back seat of the car, staring down at my daughter, my mind was racing, replaying years of grief all at once and all over again. 

But this was a new type of grief that shook me that day in the car, and for months after. I was no longer just a daughter grieving the loss of her mother, but a mother grappling with the possibility that my daughter could one day face a similar fate. For the first time since she got sick, I saw myself in my mom. 

As my daughter’s first birthday approached, so did the anniversary of my mom’s death. That week was both happy and sad and also confusing. Of course, this week will occur every year in the years to come, and I will have to find a productive way to spend this time. I hope to be able to do that soon.

But until then, I will mark both events separately, as they are. The anniversary of my mom’s death will honor the woman I lost and then lost again. My daughter’s birthday will celebrate the beautiful, spirited, feisty little girl I brought into this world. 

And together, these events will be a reminder of who I am because of them both.

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Lauren Shapiro Mandel
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Lauren Mandel is the daughter of Daniel Shapiro, author of the book “The Thin Ledge.” In the book Shapiro recounts his family’s difficulties with his wife's sudden but long-term illness and the family's caregiving struggle. Lauren serves as a chair for the Brain Research Foundation, in honor of her mom.