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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you have a new baby in New York City, there are plenty of fun things you’ll want to do in the city that never sleeps while your little one isn’t doing much of it, either!
So your family size just increased by one? (Or two or three …) Congratulations! We know you’ve probably heard this—or already experienced it yourself—but “it” goes fast. Before you know it, your newest plus-one will age out of all those adorable NYC baby activities you planned. Before that happens, make the most of those first 12 months with this list of 30 things to do with a baby in New York City. Also helpful: what all new NYC parents need to know, and some of our favorite NYC Parenting Facebook groups and parenting groups to help you find your tribe.
Reactions can range from delight to wonder to fear (it’s hard to know which one) but hopping on a merry-go-round is more often than not a great time, and makes for awesome photo ops. Plus, this is your first, but certainly not your last trip on a carousel, so you’ll have a snap of your itty bitty on a horse for reference as he or she grows into the ride. Our recommendations? The carousel at Central Park is a classic, while the glass-enclosed Jane’s Carousel on a pier in Dumbo is a new favorite. (Here’s our list of the best carousels NYC has to offer.)
It can be a little frustrating to take a child under one to a museum; they’re often still a little too, well, little to really get the most out of the offerings. Not so with the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, which while packed with stuff for older kids, features a robust area just for the smallest of visitors. Its “Totally Tots” area (designed for kids five and under) includes a “Baby Hub” filled with bright colors and playful shapes, padded surfaces, and lots of room to practice crawling and walking.
4. Join a mom’s group
You may not think of yourself as “the type” to join a mom’s group. No one really does. But mom’s groups are great for any number of reasons: they help you get info (on doctors, kids’ classes, baby-friendly restaurants and bars); they can help you find childcare, they can keep you from being bored out of your skull. They can also provide support and a sense of community. If that sounds a little hippie dippy to you, perhaps “Ohmygod Chloe is going through an insane sleep regression and I’m losing my mind has anyone experienced this and how long does it last?” can help illustrate how this is anything but touchy-feely. Try these on for size. Parenting Facebook groups are also a great way to connect. We like these in NYC. (If, however, you need some online support from professionals, these online childbirth, newborn care, and breastfeeding classes and support groups are here for you.) And hey, once you’ve found your tribe, you’re gonna need a place to meet up. We love these indoor spots where you can gather with your parents friends and their kids.
Looking for baby activities near you? Well, just like NYC is bursting with coffee shops and bodegas, it’s surprisingly bursting with playspaces, too. Most have areas reserved for the tiniest of visitors. Here’s our list of the top ones in the city. In Brooklyn? Check out these! Need a place in Queens? Check these out!
7. Eat out
You might think you’re at the point in your child’s life when you can’t really go out to a restaurant with them. Parents of three year-olds would strongly disavow that notion, pointing out that now is the perfect time to roll into a restaurant and enjoy a meal while your little one naps, grabs some quality binkie time, or enjoys a bottle. (Three year-olds are much less easily amused.) It doesn’t have to be Per Se, and it doesn’t have to be at eight o’clock at night, but you and your partner deserve to leave the house and have someone else do the cooking. May we suggest brunch at one of these kid-friendly spots? And hey, if it’s nice out, check out these places to eat outside with kids!
There’s always something happening on the island, and it’s a great place to spend the day with kids of any age. (Also: very stroller-friendly.) Plus, it’s open year-round now! See our guide to visiting Governors Island with kids here!
9. Watch a movie
When a new baby hits the scene, it can feel like you may never see a movie in the theater ever again—especially if it’s your first time at the kiddie rodeo. (While your movie-going habits may never return to their pre-baby levels, rest assured you will, in fact, watch a film on the big screen with your significant other sooner than you think.) But why wait? New York is home to movie theaters that welcome you and your little one for a screening featuring lowered volume and light levels, changing table-equipped restrooms and free admission for the tiny culture vultures. Check out Nitehawk Cinema’s “Hawks With Babies” series every Tuesday afternoon, at both its Williamsburg and its Prospect Park locations, which features first-run movies. At the Alamo Drafthouse in downtown Brooklyn, babes are welcome at the “Alamo for All” sensory-friendly screenings. Alamo also recently opened a theater downtown in the Financial District! See our full list of kid-friendly movie theaters here!
10. Take a museum stroller tour
We won’t pretend your baby is getting any real cultural edification out of one of these kid-friendly tours, but it certainly can’t hurt to take an infant to the Guggenheim or the Whitney. Both museums offer tours specifically for parents and their babies. Note: this is also a great option for a mom’s group outing. (Many museums allow strollers, but contact one before you visit to be sure.)
A sprawling, riverside outdoor activity Shangri-La with views of Manhattan, Brooklyn Bridge Park is worth a trip with the little one. While many of the park’s features are created for kids skew older (they’ll love Slide Mountain and the Water Lab at Pier 6 in a couple of years) there is still plenty to enjoy here from “Swing Valley” to pint-sized playgrounds for crawlers on Pier 5, to lots of open, green space for lounging in the grass. Plus, a giant sand play area! PS: Williamsburg’s Domino Park is a similar, destination playground with water fun, too!
13. Take a swim class
They say that babies naturally know how to swim (or you know, something like that). It’s never too early to get kids in the water, and a swim class is another chance to bond with your child that actually serves a practical purpose beyond forming attachment. Here’s where you and your guppie can get kick-kick-kicking!
14. Hit up a drop-in class or open play
You don’t need to commit to eight or more weeks of a class to expose your baby to music, art, or just other babies. A great way to determine the best activity for both you and the little one, these one-offs are also an opportunity to chat with other parents who are navigating the whole process of raising a small human being. Plus: your living room isn’t a mess when it’s over. In Manhattan? These places are great!Check out these drop-in spots in Brooklyn or these drop-in options in Queens!
15. Take a music class
There’s no shortage of classes where you and the little one can get your tune on in New York; it’s just a matter of what kind of music you want to play (or hear). For classic, multi-culti fare, try Music Together. Music for Aardvarks celebrates the experiences of being as city kid (most famously, in an ode to taxi rides). And there are so many more to consider as well. All of them are guaranteed to make use of instruments and at least once make you feel like an idiot as you prance around in a circle. But the kids, they love it.
16. Try some baby-friendly fitness classes, too
The yoga, swimming and kickboxing that you did while pregnant? You can do it with baby in tow! (Well, okay, maybe not the kickboxing). Harlem Yoga Studio is dedicated to being affordable and accessible to all moms and their babies, while The Yoga Room in Astoria and Long Island City brings a similar service to Queens, Bread & Yoga serves Inwood, and Brooklyn has Shanti Baby Yoga. Feel like swimming instead of omm-ing? Imagine Swimming and Take Me to the Water have locations around the city, while 92nd St. Y and 14th St. Y fulfill the needs of those looking for more than just swimming lessons, with other family programming.
17. Get a library card
If you’re already a fan and patron of the library, good for you. If not, you soon will be! Not only will your local branch keep your bedtime reading fresh, it also probably hosts lots of events like storytime, performances and more — for free! (Also: libraries can be a great rainy day hangout solution. Other families will be there, we promise.)
18. Score some gently-used and adorable duds
Sure, you should splurge on a super adorable ensemble from a spot like Jacadi or Livly or Two Kids and a Dog. But be prepared for your child to wear it for about half a minute. Then head to a spot for secondhand scores also barely worn at spots like Parachute Brooklyn,Owl Tree and Jane’s Exchange. Or check out local online consignment boutique Consignment4kids.com, where you can score high-end clothes for cheap, perhaps make a few bucks and clear out the closets. (If your items don’t sell, the shop will take care of donations for you if you wish.)
19. Do whatever you want for Halloween
Future Halloweens will be filled with debate and much mind-changing, but this year it’s all you. Make your own, pay top dollar or score a mint-condition costume at a thrift store or consignment shop, but whatever you do, don’t stress and have fun. Need some inspiration? These are some of our favorite NYC-inspired costumes from Halloween 2021.
The zoo is one of those places you can’t wait for the baby to experience. Warning: it takes a while for them to really appreciate it. While that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go, it does mean you should go the right one. The Bronx Zoo is great, but massive, and actually the better choice when kids are older and super psyched to see animals. Our choice for a lovely, manageable afternoon with some up-close-and-personal farm animal action as well as well-designed habitats is the Queens Zoo in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. The Prospect Park Zoo is also great and more compact, and has farm animals to interface with as well. (Hot tip: a family membership to the Wildlife Conservation Society gets you into all of the zoos—and the New York Aquarium—and offers other perks. It’s one of our favorite family memberships!)
21. Get a haircut
Some kids remain close to bald as a cue ball for what seems like ages, but even they typically need a haircut before the first year is up. Shops specializing in kids’ cuts can be found all over the city, and many do double duty as a toy or shoe store as well. Try one of these for the inaugural snip.
22. Learn how to wear the baby
Wearing the baby is not for everyone, but lately, it seems like it’s for a lot of people. (You kind of can’t beat the convenience of a strap-and-go baby transporting device; sometimes a stroller is just too much.) It can be tough to get the hang of it, though. Master the wrap with a baby-wearing class. We suggest The Wild (formerly Wild Was Mama) and Metro Minis/babywearing nyc for help getting in the sling of things.
23. Try a subscription service
Need some easy things to do with babies? A turnkey subscription service can make your life as a new parent so much easier, and, honestly, a lot more fun. Clothes, developmental toys, food: take your pick. You deserve it.
24. Consider a meal kit
You’ve got a lot going on. Try getting a meal or two a week handled with one of these meal kits. (We tried them all!) If that’s still too much work—trust us, we get it!—you can make things even easier by trying a meal delivery service.
Depending on your baby’s birth date, a Santa photo might ultimately be the equivalent of a dude in a red suit holding a blob in a holiday onesie. Still, if you celebrate Christmas, it’s a great way to mark the years, and the grandparents can’t get enough of it. These are our picks for where to find the man in the red suit!
Expecting… again? Take our word for it, these are the second baby must-haves that you’ll actually use
Congrats, baby number two is on the way! That means more love in your heart, but also more stuff in your home. And it begs the question: what do you really need? We asked parents with multiple children to weigh in on what items to keep, what to donate, and what to toss to create the ultimate list of second baby must-haves. As you’ll see, not everyone was in agreement, but that’s where your opinion comes in, because you’re an experienced parent now, too. For all the parents out there who have ever wondered “what do you need for a second baby?”—this one’s for you!
Before you start the sorting process, remember to give all items a thorough check and discard any that are past their expiration date, recalled, or have wear and tear that might pose a safety hazard.
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Feeding
“Make sure to keep fresh bottles and formula on hand for the second baby, even if you didn't use them with the first. You always want to be prepared in case you need them for a middle-of-the-night feeding.”—Julianne
“Don’t keep the baby food maker. I made all my first child’s baby purees. However, I found I couldn’t keep up with the peeling, dicing, steaming and mashing with my second and working full-time. Buying storebought ended up being so much easier and less stressful. If you’re concerned about the regulations in storebought brands, my pediatrician recommended checking the Clean Label Project website. Or, there are fresh baby food subscriptions you can join, such as Yumi.”—Ashley
“I liked having my same familiar nursing pillow for baby two. You can always get a new cover to freshen it up or make it match any new decorating you do.”—Kate
“We had extra breastfeeding pillows from keeping one at a parent’s house, so we donated one of those. We learned from baby one which bottles we didn’t like, so we gave away those extras.”—Kelly
Diapering
“One product I found that was not necessary was the changing table. The floor was so much easier as I was usually sitting on it anyway, and the older sibling was right there to help as well. Pulling out extra wipes was a helpful job and having the older sibling be a part of it made it special for her and easy to keep eyes on both kiddos, which was a mom win!”—Meghan
“Don’t keep a purse-style diaper bag. Get a diaper bag backpack instead! I had a crossbody style for my first, but being hands-free was so much easier with two.”—Ashley
“Between babies one and two, we switched to cloth diapers and so donated that horrible diaper genie!”—Andie
“After the first one, I realized the waste of the diaper genie and wipes warmer. A plastic shopping bag works just the same and is much cheaper than the refills, while the wipes warmer dries out the wipes too quickly.”—Shelly
“Keep the wipe warmer. I was a skeptic. I left it in the box. I mean, really—one more thing to plug in and maintain—so unnecessary, right? Well, three kids later, the youngest (now 4) still insists on a warm wipe when the pull-up comes off in the morning. And in retrospect, who can blame her—have you ever tried to use a cold wipe on a chilly morning? Case closed!”—Kelly
Sleeping
“I was so grateful to have kept our bassinet for the second baby.”—Kerry
“Keep the crib. I reused my crib and put my son straight into a big boy bed. But don’t keep the crib mattress. You want a firm, clean mattress for the new baby!”—Ashley
“Cribs are expensive, and getting a new one for every child would be incredibly wasteful. So long as it meets safety standards, it makes sense to tighten up all the pieces, give it a good cleaning, and buy new sheets for the next baby.”—Adam
“We have three boys, so we saved a lot of baby clothes, only getting rid of those that were stained or damaged. We kept it all organized by size in canvas storage containers and pulled them out as needed.”—Kate
“Don’t keep all the old clothes. I had a girl after having my son, and as much clothing as I saved to be practical, I found I couldn’t resist buying some new clothes. People also gifted or handed down plenty to me. Jammies, however, keep! You can never have too many and they’re all adorable. I loved seeing my daughter in her big brother’s shark and construction jammies for some reason.”—Ashley
Car Seat
“As a mom that had her second child five years later, so much had changed. My newest family member was over ten pounds, so the infant car seat was extra heavy. So we used a convertible one and wore him as much as we could.”—Meghan
“The JJ Cole Bundleme is an absolute lifesaver. The ease of zipping it right into the car seat and not having to worry about putting coats on and off is well worth it! With multiple winter babies, I couldn’t imagine not having it!”—Rebeka
Stroller
“Time to upgrade the stroller. I like the sit-stand type so my older kid can jump on and off.”—Christopher
“If you have kids close together, a sit-and-stand stroller is great. The older one wants to be independent but still gets tired easily so it's great when they want to hop off to walk with you.”—Shelly
“We never bothered with a double stroller since the boys are four years apart.”—Kerry
“I definitely kept the strollers. I held on to almost everything if I’m being honest!”—Lindsay
“I donated anything we never used with baby one, anything broken, chewing toys with plastic, gifts we didn’t use. Babies need very little. A soft place to play on the floor, a place to sleep, an eating chair, clothes, diapers, a car seat, stroller, and a few things to play with and teeth on.”—Kelly
“One baby item I made sure to keep was the swing. It was great for the baby to take an afternoon nap in. Or a safe spot to keep the baby entertained while I made dinner. There were even a handful of nights it helped during the witching hour when everyone was at wits' end! Definitely one of the most useful baby items in our house.”—Nicole
“The playmat is a must keep. It makes the dreaded tummy time a little more manageable. And older siblings love having a turn demonstrating all the toys to the new baby.”—Kate
“Keep any safe place to put the baby when things get hectic. This includes pack and plays, swings, seats and loungers. Also, just because your first didn’t like something doesn’t mean your second will be the same. I was gifted a baby swing that my son never enjoyed using, but my daughter loved.”—Ashley
“We kept my BabyBjörn bouncer, the jumper toys, my lightweight baby carrier, our swings, all of our ‘teach the ABCs’ toys, and our ride-on lion!”—Kerry
It’s Not All About the Stuff
“I’d say that after having one child, when you’re preparing to have a second, you realize how few of the things you registered for or got with your first that you actually used. All you really need are a crib (or similar), car seat, some clothes and diapers, and a stroller and/or carrier depending on your parenting style.”—Phoebe
“The best advice I can give to parents from going from one to two kids is to give yourselves time and some grace as you adjust. Say yes to help from grandparents or friends when they offer. Try to dedicate some special time every day to your first child when the baby sleeps or other parent is home and engage in a craft, walk, reading a book or just playing with toys.”—Lindsay
It’s a dirty job, but these are the best diaper changing tools out there to make it easier
Although it’s never the most fun duty out there, diaper changing is obviously a necessity. It’s part of the job. Whether you’ve never changed a diaper before or have experience in the game, you quickly become a master because babies don’t have an “off” button. Not to mention, the number of diapers babies go through indicates some valuable health information, including how much they’re eating, how hydrated they are, and more. That doesn’t make it anymore enjoyable, though. Of course, we’re not promising an enjoyable diaper changing experience here. However, we can promise to make it a lot smoother with the best diaper changing tools we’ve come across!
From cloth to disposable, we have solutions for every family. Childcare accessories and tools are always improving, so there’s a good chance we’ve found something that’ll make diaper duty easier for you. There are brand new ideas and improved versions of familiar products and time-tested tools. No matter how you do the changing thing, we’ve got the best diaper changing tools right here.
healthybaby Monthly Diaper Bundle
healthybaby is the first and only EWC Verified diaper in the world, making it ultra-safe for baby's skin plus they're extremely soft. This bundle comes with 5 packs of healthybaby diapers, 4 packs of biodegradable wet wipes, developmental tips and activities created by experts, and access to a 24/7 concierge. It doesn't get much easier than that!
Even when it seems like you diaper pail is sealed, there's always the risk of unpleasant odors. And nothing ruins that sweet baby smell like that! Enter the Munchkin UV Diaper Pail, with 4 gold LED lights that automatically sterilize internal surfaces and kill 99% of bacteria and viruses.
It's incredible when your babe starts sleeping longer through the night, but sometimes your diaper can't keep up. These ultra-absorbent diaper inserts keep them drier, longer.
This has to be one of the best inventions in diapers in a long time. Keep those fingers clean, make diaper cream application smooth and easy, and toss it in the diaper bag and you're set!
The Tush Swiper fits on most tubes of diaper rash cream, and even has one specifically dedicated to Aquaphor users! We're keeping your fingers clean left and right.
Munchkin Brica Out-N-About Collapsible Trunk Organizer & Diaper Changing Station
Never get stuck in a diaper emergency while you're on the go again! This trunk organizer from Munchkin has everything you need to stay prepared while you're out and about.
One of the best ways to keep your little one from getting too squirmy or getting their hands dirty is a toy that they only see during diaper changes! This sensory set from Fat Brain Toys is sure to keep their attention.
Make cleanup a breeze at home or on the go with these 20% recycled material-made diaper sacks! They even have a fresh scent that helps control odor and long handles for tying.
Trés chic! For the on-trend mama, this gorgeous vegan leather diaper back from Luli Bebé is it. It has a 100% stain-resistant exterior, smooth wipeable interior, a ridiculous amount of space, and can be worn as a backpack or over the arm. Luxury meets function? Almost 300 customers think so; they rated the Monaco Diaper Bag a full 5 stars!
shortyLOVE combines designer vibes with durable and sporty fabrications, making their bags ideal for moms! The tillie Tote opens wide enough to fit a pair of shoes (so baby's things are sure to fit!), has a bunch of pockets, a key fob, and a flat bottom so it stands up. It's also available in a bunch of on-trend color combinations! Pair it with the matching shortyLOVE merchant wallet for the ultimate in convenience.
This diaper backpack from RUVALINO is Amazon's Choice for good reason: over 30K Amazon reviewers love it! With its waterproof fabrication, changing pad, and 17 pockets, it's easy to see why.
Attach this beauty to your stroller handle, or use it as a hand-carry caddy! Either way, the Momcozy organizer is an amazing way to keep everything you need at your fingertips!
Gingko Baby Supa Tough Diaper Bag Organizing Pouches Set of 5
You're about to become the most organized parent out there! This set of diaper bag pouches keeps everything in order, and in theory, you could make any bag into a diaper bag with these.
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Shopping is an inevitability but the good news is in 2022 you’ve got choices. From beauty brands that are using untapped resources to make products to mom-invented clothing brands that are easy on children’s skin—ideal for kids with sensitive skin and sensory issues—and easy on the planet, there are even more ways to make little choices that make a big difference. Read on to learn about some eco-friendly brands you’ll feel great supporting.
Therapy Clean
What if cleaning actually changed your mood for the better? That's exactly what happens when you use Therapy Clean. Made with natural fragrances like juniper, lemon zest and eucalyptus, they are scientifically proven to improve your mood! Choose from dish soap, all-purpose, stainless steel, granite and stone, window and glass, wood and cabinet and even tub and tile cleaner. Therapy Clean products are plant based and contain no ammonia, pthalates, bleach or parabens. Additionally, each product is cruelty free and never tested on animals.
You're going to love these sustainable, eco-friendly, reusable food wrappers and snack bags that are perfect for lunchboxes. Gone are the single-use zip bags and in are the sandwich wraps that keep your kid's PB&J secure. We love that these provide a clean eating space for lunchtime. Their snack bags also come in cute designs like pineapples and panda bears so your kids know which ones belong to them. Making small steps to protect our planet is an easy way for you to show your kids how to be environmental stewards.
You're going to love the sleek and lightweight design of the Suga waterbottle from Brand Factory. It's made out of super sustainable sugarcane so you can feel good about adding it to your kid's backpack for school or outdoor adventures. Your coffee cup also got an upgrade from Brand Factory with the Moka coffee cup made from coffee grounds. Available in 12 and 16 oz. sizes and two colors: pebble and sand.
Cleancult is not a fan of single-use plastic, so the brand set out launch their products in the most eco-friendly packaging possible. The free-from-harsh-chemicals products are shipped in recyclable milk cartons that you can toss yourself or send back through the company's mail-back program. Cleancult is proud of its carbon neutral status, biodegradable ingredients and non-irritating formulas.
Developed by a mom and nurse who struggled to find clothing options for her children's sensitive skin and eczema, Crann Apparrel features all-natural fibers, GOTS Certified organic cotton, TENCEL™ lyocell, and hemp with no harmful chemicals or dyes. These clothing are ideal for any child but in particular for children who suffer from sensitive skin, eczema, and sensory issues. All clothing is produced in small batches and is shipped in 100% recycled mailers. Crann Apparel is part of the 1% For The Planet program and currently, offers joggers, sweatshirts, boxer briefs, t-shirts, with more to come!
This woman-owned, mom-founded brand makes high-quality, stunningly beautiful games and activity kits for families that reflect a deep commitment to the community, the planet, and people. The products teach compassion, curiosity, cooperation, inclusion, and respect and the brand promotes recycling and sustainability by choosing FSC®-certified products, vegetable-based inks, and minimal packaging.
Edify is a women-owned, online shop for ethical and sustainable clothing and accessories. All brands listed on Edify must meet their strict values criteriafor sustainability. Shop here for beautiful, unique products that support founder diversity, community impact, sustainable materials and more. Look for items like the Live More Organic Tee ($48) from The Soulshine Co., which is one our favorite small eco-friendly brands based in Los Angeles, CA.
Not only is Everyday Humans a Plastic Neutral Certified company, but they are also a 1% For The Planet Member, WOC/AAPI-owned, and they create some of our all-time favorite sun, skin, and body care products ever. Lately, we’ve been loving the Ease Up PHA Watery Oil Cleanser made with the ultimate upcycled awesomeness: Upcycled Green Fig Extract pressed from repurposed fig stones from food waste! There are tons of antioxidants in this discarded piece of the precious fig. Everyday Humans harnesses it and we are here for it.
Cleanyst is the easiest way to make your own products and save the planet at the same time. Once you purchase the mixing appliance and reusable bottles, you are helping to reduce carbon emissions and single-use plastic waste when you use the concentrate pouches shipped in minimal packaging. Cleanyst products are USDA Certified Biobased, Leaping Bunny Certified, 100% vegan and do not contain animal-derived ingredients. Currently, you can whip up your own shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand soap, household cleaning products and laundry detergent with several fragrance options. Even better, the company's biobased pouches are fully recyclable through a mail-back program that is supported by TerraCycle and its Zero Waste Box program.
Sheets Laundry Club is saving the planet from plastic "one laundry sheet at a time." The company's products are simple and clean and all packaged without plastic! We especially love their signature patented Laundry detergent sheets: pre-measured, dehydrated sheets of detergent that dissolve instantly in the wash and make laundry so easy, the kids can help. Stock up on basics like eco-friendly dryer sheets, scent boosters and cleaning products for the home, each of which reduce your carbon footprint.
You're going to love this Black-owned, woman-owned business that offers nontoxic household cleaners delivered right to your door. April Sargies, founder of Cloth + Bristle, took her more than 25 years of experience in the professional cleaning industry and identified limited options within the market for products that were free of the toxins/chemicals that worked effectively on delicate and fine surfaces. This problem inspired Cloth + Bristle, and the renowned patent pending No. 001 all-purpose cleaning product. You can order up one-time delivery or get it sent to you on the regular via their subscription service.
Finding natural and sustainable beauty products that work just got easier. Cleo+Coco's products are made with plant-based ingredients that have been carefully vetted for quality, potency and safety. Shop cleansing bars, deoderants and dry shampoos/body powders that are safe, nontoxic and synthetic fragrance and filler free. When it come to packaging, Cleo+ Coco's deodorants come in 100% recyclable bottles with compostable refills powders.
Blueland is changing household cleaning with its efforts to eliminate single-use plastic packaging. The company has already diverted close to 2 billion single-use plastic bottles and is a B Proud Corporation Certified brand. You can find soaps, cleaning sprays, laundry and dish products that come in tablet or powder form and are mixed with household tap water that saves both money and space.
It doesn't have to cost a lot to get safe, effective cleaning products. Lemi Shine is made with plant-based ingredients, biodegradable formulas, powerful citric extracts and is free from bleach, ammonia, parabens, gluten and alcohol.
Hello Bello has delved into cleaning with its new plant-based line that comes with vibrant packaging, environmentally-friendly design and pleasant scents. Coming in three products that include a Glass Cleaner, Multi-Surface Cleaner and Wood and Floor Cleaner, each product comes in a reusable bottle and with interchangeable scent pods. The entire line is plant-based and made without synthetic fragrances or dyes, bleach, ammonia, MIT & BIT, gluten or phosphate. Plus, Hello Bello’s reusable bottles results in a 90% smaller carbon footprint and 80% plastic use reduction. The 3-Pack Cleaning Starter Kit is available in lemongrass sage and cucumber scenes and retails for $24.98, making it one of the most affordable sustainable cleaning lines.
Maxi-Cosi knows carrying the future means protecting your little one, and our planet. With the new PureCosi™ product line, they've developed children’s car seats that meet flammability standards through material and design choices, not with added chemicals. Now, you can get the Coral™ XP Infant Car Seat or the Mico XP Max Infant Car Seat with high-quality fabrics that are removable, washable and made without added fire retardant treatments. Plus Maxi-Cosi's cupholders are made without BPA, so your little one can snack happily in their Pria™ 85 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat!
Each&Every is bringing customers natural deodorants, fragrance and shampoo bars with ingredients that are all validated by the Environmental Working Group (EWG). The company's lineup of products are vegan, cruelty-free and made with plant-based packaging for deodorants. Tinybeans editors love the natural deodorants that come in 10 fragrance options, are made with just six base ingredients and contain no aluminum, parabens, synthetic fragrances, baking soda or gluten.
Did you know that the majority of fragrance products today use harmful chemicals? Grow Fragrance is different. They use a farm-to-table approach that relies on nature and what’s in season to inform the scents they create–– and they disclose every ingredient used in their products. The brand is a Certified B-Corporation, and are a part of the Leaping Bunny Program and 1% for the Planet initiatives. Grow Fragrance candles are the first-ever certified 100% plant-based, toxin-free candles. and are intentionally designed with sustainability in mind. Each insert is made from aluminum that can be recycled after use.
Grove Collaborative makes getting clean products into your home a breeze. The sustainable home and personal care service delivers a huge variety of sustainable and eco-friendly products to your home, with recurring deliveries as an option. Every product is B-corp certified and all orders are 100 percent plastic neutral. Choose from well-known brands that include Mrs. Meyer's, Seventh Generation, Stasher, method and Babyganics in addition to Grove's own sustainable lineup of products.
We love this option for traveling with your personal care items from Cadence. Meet Cadence, the first magnetic and refillable capsule made from recycled ocean-bound plastic that is designed to effortlessly move with you no matter where life takes you. Pack your vitamins in your purse or bring your favorite shampoo with you when you travel, Cadence is there for it all.
Botanical Origin is here for your laundry needs. The plant-based cleaning brand's formulas are sensitive, hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested, that are free from dye and brighteners. Currently, the brand uses between 0-25 percent post consumer recycled plastic with a goal of 100 percent by 2022. You can currently shop two gorgeous fragrances for laundry detergent and softener, Fresh Jasmine & Wild Lavender and Orange Blossom & Citrus Leaves.
Wondercide is the leader in safe and effective pest protection for pets, families, and homes. All products are naturally derived, DEET free, have no harsh chemicals and are safe and effective. In addition, Wondercide is a Green America, gold-certified business for high standards in social and environmental impacts and all their products are made with biodegradable and recyclable packaging. Customers can shop tons of products that include flea and tick spray, skin and haircare for pets, mosquito repellants, indoor and outdoor pest control and more.
After struggling to find hair and beauty products to fit their needs, the Nayel family decided to create their own, and Bare + Bloom was born. Featuring natural ingredients, this eco-friendly skin and hair care line is handcrafted in small batches, and they've got something for every member of the family. New moms will love the nipple butter and the talc-free baby powder, dads will like the soothing shave butter, and kids will appreciate the overnight detangling hair cream. Prices are affordable, and they offer free shipping to 48 states.
Kizik gets that saving time is a top priority for parents and they've come out with two new shoe lines that both offer easy-on technology, Cairo and Madrid Eco Knit. Both are available in a variety of colors and allow the wearer to pop them on without bending down or breaking the heel. Best of all, both were designed using Kizik’s environmentally-friendly fabric made from 100% recycled plastic bottles and the 4-way stretch air mesh upper means it’s breathable so you don’t have to worry about sweaty feet.
Zazubean
Zazubean
Zazubean is a chocolate brand that stands for promoting an ethical and sustainable balance while striving to conserve biodiversity, foster the cycling of resources and making certain that their chocolate would never subject itself to any GMO's or non-organic modalities throughout the entire production process. The brand carries a collection of decadent, smooth, healthy chocolates with NO added sugar or 1/2 added sugar that are sure to hit your taste buds!
Bodhi Beverly Hills uses recycled cardboard for product cartons as well as glass containers for packaging to eliminate plastic waste. As a brand that is 100% Cruelty Free Vegan, Toxic and Made in the USA, the Natural Dream Beyond Peppermint Exfoliating Cleanser is the perfect wakeup to any morning routine. Bold and invigorating peppermint deeply cleanses the skin while using natural oils and extracts to gently exfoliate the face and body.
HOMMEFACE was created to give skincare solutions that are easy, simple, safe, but still effective. To reduce waste, their products come in “long-lasting volume” meaning their large bottle sizes enable the consumer to use the products without the need to frequently replenish them.
The Daily Skincare Trio Set is a 3-step skincare set for men that is made with no alcohol and only natural ingredients while providing healthy skin & a better shave experience. The set includes: Daily Face Wash, Herbal Spray Toner and Face Moisturizer. All products are vegan, natural, certified cruelty-free and include no parabens or SLS.
We love that Viviobarefoot is thinking about our planet. They just launched their shoe amnesty program which allows customers to return their footwear through reconditioning, re-commerce platform, ReVivo with the option to receive 20% off of a new pair of Vivobarefoot shoes or have a donation made on behalf to the LiveBarefoot Foundation, an in-house incubation that pioneers regeneration solutions for environmental and social problems.
Branch Basics
Getting rid of harmful chemicals and swapping for nontoxic cleaning alternatives just got easier. Branch Basics best-selling multi-purpose Concentrate makes cleaning simple with a nontoxic formula that is safe for families and can be mixed with water to make a variety of cleaners, including bathroom, all-purpose, hand soap and even laundry soap. Each product is human safe, plant and mineral-based, biodegradable, non-GMO, not tested on animals and free of harmful preservatives.
Style plus sustainability intersect with these bags from Handed By. Made of 70% recycled plastic, the bags aren't mass produced in factories, instead, the company collaborates with dedicated craftspeople to hand weave small-scale production runs and in doing so, forms long-term personal partnerships. We could totally see loading one of these up with your favorite snacks and taking it for a day at the beach.
Green Goo is all about using plants in their huge lineup of skincare, soaps, first aid, sanitizer, mama and baby and even animal care products. They are made with plant-based ingredients that are gentle, effective, cruelty-free, and sustainably sourced. All products are free from petrochemicals, parabens, phthalates and other dangerous additive. Because they are free from chemicals, many of their items can be used on multiple needs at once, which means less products crowding your medicine cabinets, and more non-toxic goodness.
A favorite when it comes to eco-friendly brands, Public Goods is your one-stop-shop for sustainable grocery, household, and personal care products. The marketplace's affordable and good for the planet products are eco-friendly and simply designed, in simple black and white. For an annual membership of $79, members get access to cruelty-free manufacturing, sustainable packaging, tons of vegetarian and vegan options, gluten free, no harmful chemicals, zero waste, biodegradable and compostable products.
Boob Design: A Nursing Collection You'll Wear Long After You're Done Feeding Baby
When you're a sleep-deprived new mom, 3 a.m. impulse buys of ill-fitting nursing clothes may seem like a good idea. But for styles that'll make you look and feel your best—and are kind to the environment—there's no better option than the nursing collection from Boob Design. They make garments with a purpose, meaning their designs are intentionally meant to be worn from bump to toddlerhood and beyond. All their styles are made of sustainable materials that are traceable from fiber to final garment and they only work with factories that respect their code of conduct. Plus, they're GOTS-certified (learn more about their sustainability code of ethics here). Bottom line: Boob Design knows what's best for the environment and for new moms. What more could you want? Online: boobdesign.com
Snapper Rock: Sustainable Swimwear Made from Recycled Products
In January of this year swimwear brand, Snapper Rock released Oceania, their first sustainable swimwear capsule collection made from recycled products. The reef-inspired collection features their signature UPF50+ technology and includes styles for parents and kids that range from bikinis to rash tops to board shorts, baby sets and more. According to Snapper Rock, “by selecting recycled materials, [they] can reduce the consumption of nonrenewable resources, such as oil and coal, reduce water and energy use, and help to clean up our beaches and oceans from discarded waste.” Sounds like a win-win to us. Online: snapperrock.com
Dyper: The Compostable Diaper
Dyper
In the past, if you wanted eco-friendly diapers, your only choice was cloth diapers...until now. Month-to-month subscription service, Dyper is giving parents another option for diapering with their chemical-free and totally compostable diapers. Durable, absorbent and free of all the chemicals, inks and phthalates you want nowhere near baby, Dyper’s goods are convenient (manage your deliveries using the website or mobile app) and affordable ($68/month). Running out of diapers? Rely on Dyper’s service that sends extra diapers within 4-24 hours. Plus, with each order of their compostable diapers, the company purchases carbon offsets on behalf of the customer.
Dyper has partnered with TerraCycle on ReDyper, a composting program where subscribers can opt-in and receive bags and a specially-designed box to send diapers out for compost. Subscribers can download a prepaid shipping label and all waste composted will be used in projects such as vegetation in highway medians.
Finnish-based brand Reima is no stranger to kids activewear. Expect bright, bold prints, non-toxic waterproof finishes and materials that include recycled polyester and biodegradable, mulesing-free wool. Their current winter collection includes fan favorites like the Silda Reflective Jacket that’s designed with reflective prints to keep your kiddo safe, Kinsei, a quick drying wool base layer that allows for less micro plastic shedding in washes, and the Nalle, a winter suit for baby designed using plastic bottles. Keep an eye out for Reima’s upcoming seasonal collections, which we’re guessing will be just as impressive as this winter’s one. Online: us.reima.com/
Apple Park: Whimsical Toys & Clothes for Baby & Kids
Apple Park
After having her firstborn 10 years ago, mom Angie Ting discovered that eco-friendly, organic and hypoallergenic toys and clothes for baby just weren’t widely available. Her disappointment led to the inception of Apple Park, which today is known for colorful and whimsical toys, clothes and accessories. Their newest Organic Farm Buddies collection, launching March 2020, starts at $11 with nothing over $37. Expect fun hippos, flamingos, zebras and more, all made with organic fibers and sustainable ingredients. Online: applepark.com
Luxury doesn’t equate to cruelty. At least that’s the way Rivers Eight sees things. Their luxe handbags and travel accessories are faux skin, and to the naked eye may get PETA riled up. But, rest assured the entire hand-crafted collection is cruelty-free and made right in L.A. A current fan favorite is this 3-in-1 bag, which is a fold-over belt bag, cross-body bag and clutch all in one. So go ahead and celebrate the animal kingdom with Rivers Eight, all without negatively impacting their population. Online: riverseight.com
Rothy’s: Put Your Best Foot Forward with These Kid Sneakers
Rothy’s has a cult following amongst women so it’s only natural that they’re just as popular with the pint-sized set. Check out their girls’ loafer line and their slip-on shoe that every kid can wear. The latter—tested out by active, busy kids—are washable and offered in 10 different colors and prints inspired by the bright colors of the 1970s. Both shoes feature a stretchy knit made out of recycled water bottles and are machine washable. Online: rothys.com.
There is one thing a family can never have too many of: bags! From totes to kid backpacks to duffles and adult-sized backpacks, Parkland is your go-to spot for functional bags with a punch of attitude and style. The exterior fabric of all bags is made from recycled water bottles (check out this cool video explaining the process here) and their mission is all about inspiring others to make sustainable choices. Now, that’s a brand (and mission!) we can get behind. Check out all of Parkland’s products, including their brand-new spring line, at parklandmfg.com.
It may be hard to grasp life without plastic, but we have an easy step to take to help get you closer to that goal. Choose Bee’s Wrap, an alternative to plastic bags, tupperware and saran wrap. Made of organic cotton, sustainably harvested beeswax, jojoba oil and tree resin, use them to wrap around veggies, cheese, fruit, snacks, sandwiches or really, any food products. They’re lightweight and reusable (clean by washing with cool water and light soap) for about a year. After you’re done, compost or use as a fire starter for your next camping trip. Multiple options available at beeswrap.com.
Kinder Birch: GOTS-Certified Organic Cotton Onesies
Kinder Birch, a new clothing company that debuted just this year, is disrupting the organic baby clothing space. Their styles are all GOTS certified Organic cotton and all printed with low impact dye. The patterns are whimsical, fun and playful, with the actual fabric thick enough to withstand rough and tumble play, while being oh-so-soft for baby's skin. Toddler PJs and more styles coming soon. Available at kinderbirch.com.
CrayonBlocks: 100% Biodegradable Beeswax Crayons (Created by a Dad!)
If Junior is into art, but you’re worried about what type of unsafe materials he’s coming into contact with, you’re not alone. The dad creator beyond CrayonBlock felt the exact same way when his son licked a crayon and realized his child was tasting paraffin. Thus, the idea of CrayonBlocks was born. This dad-created line of crayons is 100% biodegradable, paraffin- and chemical-free, certified organic beeswax with food grade colors that conform to the strictest of standards. Not only that, but the crayons also feature 8 edges and 8 corners making them easy to grip and draw. Available at crayonblocks.com for $13.99.
Recover Brands: Tees Made of Recycled Water Bottles
Every day—not just Earth Day—is a teachable moment to show your kids how to really care for Mother Earth. Remind her of this daily with a “Protect Our Parks” tee from Recover Brands. This brand makes their goods from recycled water bottles (check out the process here). Bonus: their apparel also comes in adult sizes, too! Available at recoverbrands.com for $18.
There are so many awesome companies that make going plastic-free easy and Stasher is one of our favorite eco-friendly brands. Their goods are all 100% pure platinum food-grade silicone that are easy to clean, reusable and non-toxic. We think Stasher bags stand out because you can not only store snacks for easy access (the bags are super easy to open and close for little hands), but you can also microwave, place in the oven, store in the freezer, boil on the stove and wash in the dishwasher. Versatile and functionality at its best. Available online at stasherbag.com.
Aldea Home + Baby: Eco-Friendly Furniture with a Conscious
Fans of modern, eco-friendly brands should check out the kid's collection and baby registry from San Francisco’s famed home goods store Aldea Home + Baby. The store prides itself on carrying only items from sustainable artisans and socially conscious design companies, so you can feel good about purchasing items that look this great. Not in the Bay Area? You can still get in on the goodness by shopping online at aldeahome.com.
Sustainable LEGO Bricks: Your Favorites Made Better
The LEGOs you know and love are in for some big changes. In an effort to create zero waste, the company is producing LEGO bricks made from plant-based materials, but you likely won’t notice at all. LEGO just announced in early 2018 that it has started production on sustainable blocks made with materials sourced from sugarcane. The plant-based polyethylene is softer but still durable. Despite these new changes, LEGO promises that builders won’t notice a difference in the look or feel of the bricks. Learn more here.
—Erin Lem, Shahrzad Warkentin, Eva Cerise and Karly Wood
Holding on to baby gear for your next child is a smart move, saving you both money and time. Unless these items pose a risk to your child’s health or safety. So pack up the baby clothes, books and toys and then read on to find out how to safely reuse baby gear for your next child.
A word of caution: For anything you keep, check to make sure there have not been any recalls, that no pieces are missing, and that everything is intact and in good working order before you sacrifice storage space to it.
What to Ditch
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Mattresses There is some evidence that used crib mattresses pose an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome. While the risk is higher from mattresses from a different home, there is still a slightly increased risk of SIDS when a mattress is reused by a sibling. Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies sleep on a firm, flat surface. Many mattresses become soft and develop divots with use. This means used mattresses may be unsafe.
Nipples Nipples for baby bottles are usually made from silicone or rubber, and both substances break down over time. They can also degrade after exposure to heat from repeated washings. For this reason, you should replace nipples for baby number two.
Pacifiers Like nipples, pacifiers are normally made from materials that do not stand the test of time. There is also a risk that older pacifiers may break off of their base, posing a choking hazard. Given how inexpensive pacifiers are, it makes sense to replace them all.
Think Before You Keep
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Car Seats It's never a good idea to buy a used car seat, since there is no way to be sure its safety wasn't compromised in an accident. However, if you want to reuse an older sibling's car seat, it might be safe to do so. The most important thing to check is that the car seat has not expired. If the car seat is past its use-by date, or if it has ever been in an accident, get rid of it. Otherwise, it's usually safe to use a car seat for a younger sibling as long as all parts are intact. Keep in mind that car seat technology is constantly evolving, so even if your old car seat is still in good shape it might be a good idea to invest in a new car seat with better safety features.
Breast Pump It's perfectly safe for many mothers to reuse their own breast pumps for a second child. All parts should be sterilized and checked for signs of mold before use. Most parts can be sterilized by placing them in boiling water for 5 minutes or using a specially designed microwavable pouch. It is not safe to use a breast pump that has previously been used by another woman, with the exception of hospital-grade pumps. There is a risk of contamination from bacterial or viral particles that can make a baby sick. Many insurance companies cover a new breast pump for each pregnancy, so check your coverage before making a decision.
Keep It
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And now for the good news about how to reuse baby gear the safe way.
Crib Most cribs are sturdy and can safely be used for multiple children, as long as the mattress is replaced. Make sure your old crib meets current safety standards and check for recalls. If there are features now considered unsafe, such as drop sides or large spaces between slats, it's time for a new crib. Otherwise, reusing a crib can save you a bundle.
High Chair High chairs may get dirty, but most are built to take a beating. As long as your high chair has no broken parts, remains stable and there is no risk of baby sliding out, it's likely safe for you to reuse this essential item.
Stroller Strollers are one of the most reused items for second babies for good reason! Well-made strollers last a long time and remain functional even if the fabric fades. Unlike car seats, safety features have not changed much over time. If you don't need to upgrade to a double stroller once a new bambino appears on the scene, chances are good it's perfectly safe to use your stroller for another child.
Bottles Most baby bottles can be cleaned and sterilized easily. That means it's safe to use them for multiple babies. But make sure to replace those nipples.
Slings and Carriers Baby slings, wraps and carriers generally hold up over time. As long as there are no broken buckles and straps remain taut, it's likely safe to reuse your favorite carrier.
Playmat
Babies need a lot of tummy time. Luckily, most play mats and baby gyms can be cleaned and reused safely.
Baby Bath If your baby bathtub is free of cracks and mold there is no reason it can't be used again!
Cloth Diapers Although there may be a little bit of a "yuck" factor, cloth diapers are safe to reuse for a second child. It's very easy to wash cloth diapers and make them good as new.
Bouncers Baby bouncers are a lifesaver for many parents of newborns, since they give their arms a much needed break. As helpful as they are, this essential piece of gear is relatively simple. That means there is not much that can go wrong, making most safe to reuse for your next baby.
Whether it’s trying to stash cash for the future or add to the family travel fund, figuring out how to save money is a move in every parent’s playbook. From simple hacks like keeping a change jar to money-saving apps, we’ve got some awesome tips just for you. Keep reading to see them all.
Budgeting
Keep a Change Jar: This has to be one of the easiest money-saving tips! Drop your spare change in at the end of each day and watch your savings grow.
Always Use Cash: Avoid using your card whenever possible. Fact: Using cash allows you to see how much you’re spending and keeps you accountable.
Time Big Purchases: Save all of your big purchases for the end of the month to get the best deals. If a salesperson is trying to make month-end goals, she might be willing to work with you on the price.
School Supplies: When it comes to school supplies, the earlier you shop the better. You’ll find more options and more savings.
Buy Themed Supplies After the Fact: Always purchase plates, cups and napkins on sale after holidays like Halloween, Fourth of July and Easter are over. You can stow away to use the following next year.
Groupon: This is definitely one of our favorite money-saving apps! Discover great deals for all types of events and products for your family.
SnipSnap: Ever wanted a money-saving app to keep you organized? This is the ultimate place to store all of your printed coupons right on your phone.
Honey: Install Honey on your browser and it'll automatically search the internet for all the coupons being offered for the website you're shopping on. It applies the savings at checkout.
Coupons: Do you miss clipping all those paper coupons? Check out Coupons, where you can sift through tons of digital coupons. You might have to print out some, but many can be used via your smartphone.
Checkout 51: This cash-back app saves you money at grocery stores, gas stations, drugstores and more. Checkout 51 adds new items every week, too.
Cloth Diapers: Babies go through diapers like crazy, and if you're searching for money-saving tips that will help you save the planet, cloth diapers are the way to go. Here are our favorites.
Wool Balls in Your Dryer: Forget that chemical fabric softener, and throw a wool ball in your dryer instead—they can be used over and over with ease.
Create a Non-Toxic Cleaner: If you want to stop using harsh chemical cleaners, you can actually keep your family healthy and save cash by making your own cleaner in a snap.
Shop Unique Sales: No need to obsess over department store sales. Look out for sample, garage and consignment sales for everything from clothes to toys.
Do Specific Searches: No more aimless scrolling! Avoid impulsive purchases by searching for the specific products you’re looking for when you shop online.
Grow & Plant Your Food: It takes a bit of extra work, but growing your veggies and planting your own trees can be a fun activity that will save you quite a bit of money in the long run.
Skip the Coffee Shop: Brew your own coffee at home and save $5-$7 every day!
Baby Food: Making your own baby food is actually surprisingly easy. Follow simple recipes to make yummy and healthy options for your little one.
Check Your Bills: Take an in-depth look at your cell phone and cable bills to make sure you’re not paying for features you don’t use.
Retail Me Not: Ever wanted to find out how to save money when you're shopping? Get paid to shop at your favorite stores by signing up with Retail Me Not.
Neighbor: Make money by renting out a spare room, garage or closet as storage space for others by downloading and registering for Neighbor.
GasBuddy: On the road and need gas ASAP? Use this money-saving app to find the cheapest gas closest to you.
Hotel Tonight: Have an unexpected stop on your vacay? Find low price hotels your family will love (You can also use this app to get great deals in advance!).
BestParking: Going on a cool adventure to a new city? This money-saving app will help you find parking that won’t break the bank.
Open a Travel Credit Card: Many credit cards (especially airline cards) offer extra points and incentives if you spend a certain amount of money within the first few months of opening an account. Some even offer double points for travel-related expenses, so take advantage of this perk and charge away.
Buy Themed Gear Ahead of Time: Your kid will want to represent her favorite character anyway, so why not buy it and bring it along for the trip? You'll save tons by avoiding marked-up resort prices.
The other day I was sitting in my running car, scrolling mindlessly through Twitter, when I noticed something in the car next to me: A woman was waiting with her baby. This was interesting to me because I, too, was with my 22-month-old. The difference was mine was passed out in his car seat, the only place he will nap beside a moving stroller, and hers was happily playing with a toy and gazing out the window.
I watched the lady and her baby, who was probably about 10 months old, as they waited for someone. The woman was chatting on the phone, half paying attention to the baby, handing him things and steadying him while he stood in her lap. I kept watching. Surely the baby would start to cry. Soon he would demand to be let out of the car. Soon he would pull his mother’s hair and scream until she opened the door and walked him around outside, let him touch the grass, the bricks on the sidewalk, and jiggled him up and down.
That’s what my baby would have done at that age. No way we could have just sat in the car. No way I could be on the phone without him ripping it from my ear. But no. The two of them sat there for about 40 minutes while my toddler snored away in the backseat. I was shocked. What a well-behaved baby, I thought. Then it dawned on me: Maybe it wasn’t just that this baby was well-behaved; maybe my baby was actually pretty difficult.
If you’re wondering why I’m sitting in a parked car for over 45 mins it’s because my DIFFICULT TODDLER will only nap in a running vehicle.
I had a baby in Covid, and before that, I didn’t really know any babies. Or at least I wasn’t well-acquainted with them—more of a casual observer. I spent almost the first full year of his life with just my husband and him, isolated from the world. No mommy-and-me classes, no chatting with other moms in the park, no baby swim classes, no anything. With nothing to compare him to, I had no idea if he was a difficult baby or not. All I knew was this was hard.
But looking at her, it didn’t look hard. She was able to do stuff when her baby was around? I hadn’t done stuff in two years. Naptime, what was supposed to be my only reprieve, was spent either walking the stroller or sitting in the car. Nighttime was a mess: He woke up several times every night and yelled endlessly in his crib. If I tried to put him down to make dinner or empty the dishwasher, he’d scream bloody murder. How many times had I found myself sitting on the floor, holding the baby instead of folding laundry or doing work, crying a little, thinking I must be the absolute worst at being a mother because I couldn’t seem to get anything done?
Of course, I had no idea what this woman’s baby was like at 2 a.m. Maybe he was difficult then, too. But at this moment, watching him happily entertain himself in the car the way my baby never would, it felt like such a simple revelation: I wasn’t doing a terrible job; some babies are just harder than others.
Anyway, this is what I’m doing while he naps and we watch the well-behaved baby. pic.twitter.com/E8c2MVYAZx
Because I wasn’t around any other parents for his first year, I based most of my knowledge of what other babies were like on what I saw other mothers post in parenting Facebook groups. They all seemed so knowledgeable. They had it all together. They had their babies sleep-trained and wake-windowed and baby-led weaned all while making homemade baby food and using cloth diapers. I could never keep up. (Or maybe the moms on the internet were lying so nobody knew that they, too, were sitting on their dirty living room floor, crying and rocking a baby instead of folding laundry.)
The pandemic made things hard for parents in a lot of ways, and one huge thing it took from new parents was the ability to connect with one another in person. If I had been able to see other parents, really see them, not just their highlights on social media, I think it would have been easier for me. I would have seen that some babies go to sleep much easier than mine. Some babies actually let their parents put sunscreen on their face without a 15-minute meltdown, unlike mine. And also, I would have seen things my baby was good at that perhaps theirs were not, like eating a variety of foods and being a social butterfly.
Now that the world is opening up, I can finally see what I was missing in the first year of his life: Babies are wildly unpredictable. We are all struggling as parents in different ways, and most of it (probably) isn’t our fault.
When you think about it, parents have it easy these days…hear us out. Unlike our parents back in the day, today, we can pretty much get anything we need delivered straight to our homes. Just about everyone is delivering foods and products. But since parents and families have pretty specific needs, these local Seattle delivery services are helping parents out in a big way. You can sign up for weekly diaper services, monthly toy deliveries, healthy meals, party goods and even medical care. Check out these eleven Seattle delivery services offering unique products straight to your door.
Beet World
Beet World
Hailing from Kirkland, Beet World’s founder, Ashima Singhal says that she was inspired by her own children to create “chic childrenswear with elements of design and comfort that both parents and children value.” Often inspired by things in nature, Beet World offers timeless styles with modern twists. From baby bloomers to big boy seersucker collared shirts, all of Beet World’s clothes are made with nature fibers that are easily washable. Bundle some of the more popular looks and save some cash. All shipments are packed in recyclable packaging too. New clothes to your door. It's a total win.
If you prefer to go with cloth diapers, Baby Diaper Service, a local Seattle delivery service, is the way to go. Having been in business for over 75 years, these guys know what they are doing and won’t be going away any time soon. They deliver all over the Puget Sound area and are committed to providing excellent service with 100% natural cloth diapers at a (gasp) affordable price. The cleaning process is pH-balanced to baby’s skin and tested to hospital standards. It’s not rocket science either. They simple deliver clean, fresh-smelling diapers and pick up your soiled ones. They even offer training pants for toddlers.
We’ve all seen old TV shows where the local doctor would make house calls but many of us didn’t actually grow up with that service. However, as a new parent, you can. DispatchHealth takes every injury or illness seriously providing same-day healthcare right to your home. They can provided pediatric urgent care as well as common conditions and ailments of children. And yes, they care for adults too. For every visit, the healthcare company will send two medical professionals to your home including a physician assistant or nurse practitioner along with a DispatchHealth Medical Technician. In addition, an ER physician is also available at all times via the phone.
Alison Scott, a Seattle-based pediatrician, created Baby Doc Box for parents’ and baby’s first year. Delivered every other month, the box contains essential items for your new adventure together. For instance, the first box, geared for babies 0-2 months old contains an Omni Swaddle, a “Welcome Baby” book, pacifier, supplements, healing balms, thermometer and more. You can begin at any stage and purchase by the box or by subscription. In addition to physical items, each delivery is also packed with inspiration, tools and judgement-free coaching to help reduce the uncertainty about parenting. Hint: a subscription also makes a great gift for expecting parents.
Sensa Play is Seattle’s original children's weekly sensory kit rental company. And if you've got a soon-to-be-sibling at home, we can't recommend it enough. Each kit is designed to keep your little ones busy with four different educational play times, each focused around one theme. The books, games, toys, and activities that come with each one are super engaging, giving you and baby the space you need while sib plays nearby. Each shipment’s charge includes delivery, one-week rental and pickup.
Kinfood works from the outside in—finding small, organic farms located outside of Seattle and delivering a selection of vegetables and even heirloom varietals to neighborhoods inside of Seattle. Each Friday, a “Farm Box” (an insulated, reusable bag which is sanitized after each use) is delivered to your home, packed with seasonal vegetables and fruits along with a recipe or two. You can even add on items like fresh-made breads, pasta, coffee and pastured eggs. If you find that veggies are piling up or will be out of town, you can skip a week too. It's an easy way to save yourself a trip to the store or farmer's market.
If you live with 20 miles of Pike Place Market, you can now get the market experience without leaving your home. Working with Mercato, items from fish to produce can be delivered to your doorstep. You can now make home purchases from businesses like Chukar Cherries, Honest Biscuits, Le Panier, MarketSpice, Pasta Casalinga, Pike Place Chowder, Pike Place Fish, Maíz, Sosio’s Produce, The Confectional, Truffle Queen and Uli’s Famous Sausage.
Parenting is hard. You deserve a treat. While your little ones will be happy with day old graham crackers, we have a lead on where you can get the good stuff without ever having to leave your home. Believe it or not, Treat has a cookie club subscription service based in Burien where “deliciousness” is delivered the first Monday of each month. You can choose to receive a half-dozen or full dozen cookies each month. (Who are we kidding? We know you’ll order the full dozen.) The mix includes four seasonal flavors and two classic flavors. Pricing includes 2-day priority shipping.
Gather’d Market offers a different kind of grocery delivery service. Here you’ll order foods directly from recipes posted on their site. Just pick the recipe that looks good to you and order the items you don’t already have stocked up in your home. Then, add the needs for the week like milk and eggs to your list as well. Order by 8 p.m. and you’ll get the goods by the next day. You can shop at any time and pay a $6 delivery fee for all orders over $25 or become a member (for just $10) to get free shipping on all orders over $25. No commitment–you can cancel at any time. Gathr’d currently delivers in Kirkland but will be expanding to Bellevue, Redmond and Woodinville this year.
Your baby is turning one, but where will you find the time to plan a party? Easy. Just order a party-in-a box from Prime Party. Located in Monroe, this place offers great party supplies with themes that work equally well for boys and girls. Max and Ruby are a pair of sibling bunnies who love to party. The deluxe party pack includes dinner plates, dessert plates, cups, luncheon napkins, beverage napkins, a tablecloth, flag banner and even favor boxes for eight. Other items available include large cardboard cutouts, table decorations, games and more. Our favorite current themes? Llama Llama, Rainbow Unicorn and Bob Ross and Friends.
What parent wouldn’t appreciate a nice, relaxing massage? Now you can get one delivered! Dream Clinic’s Mobile Massage makes relaxation easy in Seattle. The same therapists who work in their clinics are now hitting the road to offer in-home massages helping to relieve back pain, neck pain, muscle soreness and stress relief. Request an appointment today, get notified of your appointment tomorrow. Make it a regular thing by signing up for a monthly plan.
Who knew a tiny baby would need so much stuff? We did! So here it is, our definitive list of everything you could possibly need when your baby arrives. We’ve grouped items into categories and divided them into must-haves and nice-to-haves so you can make smarter choices about exactly what to add to your baby registry. From baby sleep needs and diaper essentials to products just for mom, you’ll find it all here.
