The Ultimate Baby Guide - South OC Moms

The Ultimate Baby Guide

May 6, 2025 | Around Town, Mom Life

With so many baby products on the market, how do you decide what you actually need for your little one? Introducing the Local Moms Network Baby Guide – a trustworthy resource created by experienced moms, for moms. ultimate baby guide

Whether you’re a first-time parent or a seasoned pro, The Local Moms Network Baby Guide takes the guesswork out of building your baby registry. You’ll find mom-tested and baby-approved recommendations for everything from nursery necessities to feeding your baby.

Almost a decade ago, Asya Geller of Greenwich Moms started this guide as a shortlist to share her favorite baby essentials with friends. Since then, it’s been updated and perfected by moms across our network. Refer to it, make your picks, and get ready to welcome your new addition with confidence. Then be sure to pass it along to the next mom-to-be!

Diapering

Diapers. They’re not glamorous, but they may just be the only item a parent truly needs when the baby is born. These products make it as painless as possible.

Diapers 

  • Coterie: “They’re incredibly absorbent, soft-as-cashmere and basically blow-out proof. They’re also the only diapers that we use overnight, and the only way my daughter doesn’t wake up soaked!” -Sophie, National Team (Use code TLMN20%COTERIE for 20% off first-time orders for new customers only)
  • Pampers: “These are our day to day go-to. You can find them at any grocery or convenience store, they work, and the price is right!” -Christine, Local Moms Network Editor
  • Kirkland Signature Diapers: “These are great value and quality. Possibly not the softest for sensitive skin struggles, but once baby is older, they do the job well!” -Amanda, North Dallas Moms
  • Coterie Swim Diaper: “This is the only swim diaper I’ve ever used that actually works…and I’ve tried them all!” -Sophie (See Coterie code above!)

Wipes & Related Products

  • Water Wipes: “These wipes are gentle on my daughter’s sensitive skin, and you can find them almost anywhere.” -Sophie
  • Huggies Natural Care: “The price is competitive, the wipes are so soft, and the formula doesn’t irritate mine or my baby’s sensitive skin.” -Amanda
  • La Petite Creme French Diapering Lotion, Balm and Pads: “This method uses lotion and cotton pads instead of wipes. I was hesitant to try it at first, but the product speaks for itself because my babies have NEVER had a diaper rash! (Note: We still use wipes for very messy changes!)” -Christine
  • Aquaphor: “Aquaphor is the tried and true. Take all my money. Works in half the time of any other products I’ve used for diaper rash or skin irritation. Fourth-time mom pro tip: Put a little on baby’s bum each night before bed to protect against anything that might be on their skin overnight for hours, I’ve yet to battle a diaper rash since I employed this tactic!” -Amanda

Changing Pads and Accessories

Diaper Pail, Bag Refills, and More

Diaper Cream 

Portable Diaper Changing Pad

  • Skip Hop: “I’ve had this for over 5 years and have used it through two kids and it’s still in great shape! Easy to wipe down and can hold a good amount of diapers!” -Sophie

Nursing & Bottles

Whether you’re nursing, pumping, formula feeding, or (all of the above!) navigating the world of baby feeding accessories can be overwhelming. Here are the essential items that will simplify your feeding journey and make life with your little one more manageable.

Nursing Pillow

  • Boppy Nursing Pillow: “I breastfed two babies with my Boppy nursing pillow and would not have survived the early days without it. When your baby is so little and fragile, it’s so helpful to have a pillow to support the baby and to make the experience more comfortable. Plus, the covers are easy to clean and take on and off. It’s also helpful for little kids or adults who are unsteady when holding small babies.” -Sophie
  • My Breast Friend 
  • Travel My Breast Friend – “This inflatable version of the My Breast Friend is perfect for folding up and bringing in your bag.” -Sarah
  • Blessed Nest Nesting Pillow 

Nursing Cover 

  • Bebe Au Lait Nursing Cover: “This was the most comfortable and functional nursing cover I used. The “Rig flex” open neckline allowed me to see my daughter and maintain privacy, and the cotton fabric kept us both cool and comfortable.” -Sophie 
  • Copper Pearl Multi-Use Cover

Breast Pump and Replacement Parts

  • Spectra S1 or S2: “My Spectra pump was always my go to, since I got the most milk using this pump. It’s easy to use and the parts are easily replaceable.” -Amanda
  • Replacement Spectra Parts: “When using your pump often, it’s important to regularly replace the plastic pump parts so they don’t get worn out, and keep working efficiently. I didn’t know this with my first child and got clogged ducts all the time.” -Sophie
  • Willow Go Wearable Pump: “When pumping at work or pumping on the go this breast pump made it easy. I was able to sit in my office and pump with truly no one knowing. I like being able to fill the Willow cups the pouring them into a mason jar to lower the use of some many parts and bags. It’s a great feeling to be able to pump and still be a working mom.” – Katherine
  • Haakaa Manual Breast Pump: “In the early days of nursing, this caught any milk that would otherwise have soaked a pad and gone to waste. It also provided a gentle release when engorged.” -Christine
  • Elvie Hands Wearable Pump 

Remember to check with your health insurance provider for information on free pumps!

Breast Milk Storage Bags 

Burp Cloths

Bottle Brushes 

Bottle Soap

Bottles 

Bottles are often a case of trial and error. It depends on what your individual baby feels comfortable drinking from. These are some that have consistently worked for us.

Bottle Drying Rack  

  • Boon Drying Grass: “This fits on my counter nicely without taking up too much space. It’s easy to clean and keeps everything organized.” -Katherine
  • OXO Space Saving Drying Rack: “This upright version comes in a beige color and stands against the wall to take up less counter space. Very pleased.” -Amanda 

Bottle Accessories

Feeding

When you start to introduce solids, this list will be handy. 

Highchairs

  • Stokke Tripp Trapp with tray: “An absolute game changer when it comes to highchairs. From newborn to adult this highchair does it all. I love that this chair pulls right up to the table so the baby can be with us. The adjustable seat and footrest are a great feature for baby-led weaning. The side screws need to be loosened to adjust these parts, but the ability to move them as my kids grow is a great long term feature.” -Katherine
  • Inglesina Fast Table Chair: “This chair is perfect for travel or if you live in a small space. It lets kids and toddlers sit right up at the table with you and is easily packable.” -Christine
  • Ingenuity 2-in-1 Feeding Chair and Booster: “We use this as a travel chair. Baby loves it, it’s easy to clean, super lightweight. Small profile. Excellent price point.” -Amanda
  • Lalo The Chair Convertible 3-in-1 Highchair

Bibs

Bibs with food catchers are key when babies start feeding themselves. For convenience, look for anything that can go in the washing machine or dishwasher.

Plates/Bowls/Utensils/Cups 

Baby Food Prep

  • Baby Food Mill: “Low-tech option for mashing foods for baby. It’s great if you’re not going to make most of your baby food but like having the option.” -Sophie
  • Baby Food Containers: “When making baby food, it’s useful to have containers to portion out their food. These are glass, easy to clean, and come with a dry erase marker to mark what it is and the date made.” -Sophie
  • Magic Bullet Blender: “If you’re not fully convinced to make your own baby food, but want to give it a try, this mini blender is great because you can use it for yourself as well!” -Christine
Image provided by Basically Soho

Clothing

While teeny tiny baby clothes are adorable, they’re oftentimes unrealistic. Focus on getting the essentials to keep your newborn comfortable during those first few months. We will always recommend keeping a stash of white, long-sleeved onesies on hand, and pajamas with zippers or magnets (who has time to fumble with snaps in the middle of the night?!).

 

  • Basically Soho: “Soft, stretchy PJs in the cutest, most unique prints. They also have toddler sizes for those of us who love to match our kids!” -Sophie

Mom-founded, Basically Soho creates the softest PJs inspired by beautiful destinations. The zippered PJs are great for baby in all seasons, and with sizing now up to 7T they are great for matching siblings, cousins, or friends! Pair with one of their Jet Set books and it’s also the perfect baby shower gift. Use code LOCALMOMS20 for 20% off site wide!

  • Little Sleepies: “Absolutely love their soft bamboo pjs. From newborn to toddler to mom everyone loves the feel. Plus, they keep everyone warm without overheating or even sweating.” – Katherine
  • Hanna Anderson
  • Magnetic PJs
  • Mori: “The waffle fabric is so soft and lovely.” -Sarah, NY

Sleeping

People love to tell expecting parents to sleep when the baby sleeps, but that’s a lot easier said than done! Below you’ll find our favorite sleep products from necessities like bassinets and crib sheets, to helpful accessories like white noise machines.

Bassinets

Swaddles

Sleep Sacks

Sleep sacks are essential for babies transitioning from swaddles, providing warmth while preventing blanket entanglement. They’re available in multiple thickness options and sizes. 

Crib Mattress 

Crib Sheets

Portable Crib and Sheets 

Sound Machine

  • Hatch: “We loooooove Hatch. We used it for 7 years and purchased more for consecutive kids. We love that we have app control, so after a night of being sick or if Mom wants to sleep in, etc., we can adjust it from our phone in the app.” -Amanda
  • Yoga Sleep Portable Sound Machine: “When your baby inevitably needs to nap on the go, this is a life saver to block out outside sounds and extend the nap. Also great for travel.” -Sophie
  • Yogasleep Dohm: “This sound machine adjusts so easily to make it softer or louder depending on what you need. It gives off gentle fan white noise without the constant need to stimulate with music.” -Katherine

Baby Monitor 

  • Infant Optics Monitor: “This is the best of the “simpler” monitors I’ve used. The range is good for a non-WiFi monitor and our monitor has lasted over five years. Also great for travel – we have ours mounted but it’s easy to take in and out of the mount.” -Sophie
  • Nanit

Moving

Selecting a stroller is similar to purchasing a car: It’s all about personal preference—what suits your lifestyle, family size, and budget. Here are the items that make family travel a little less clunky.

Stroller (and corresponding travel bag)

  • Uppababy – Vista, Cruz, or Minu: “We used our Vista every day for years and it held up really well. Our babies and toddlers were comfortable, and it was easy to navigate through the streets of Manhattan. The Vista can become a double stroller, you can fit a ton in the bottom storage basket, and it’s very easy to collapse and set up. Uppababy is also known for their great customer service.” -Sophie
  • Uppababy Stroller Travel Bag: “If you have an Uppababy travel bag and your stroller gets damaged in air transit they will either fix or send you a new stroller free of charge.” -Sophie (Read more on this policy here.)
  • Zoe Double Stroller: “Lightweight and great for moving kids that were 18 months apart quickly, however, I did not like it for uneven sidewalks. I found it very difficult on any kind of real outdoor terrain. Perfect for shopping and indoor walks.” -Amanda
  • Bugaboo Donkey: “My favorite stroller on the market. I love being able to switch between double and single so easily. Plus having a side basket when in a single stroller makes shopping and trips easier. The seats are able to face out or face mom which is great for the little ones.” -Katherine
  • Mountain Buggy Nano Travel Stroller: “This travel stroller is sturdy, folds up very easily and compact, and is comfortable for older babies.” -Sophie
  • Baby Trend Snap-N-Go EX Universal Infant Car Seat Carrier
  • Babyzen yoyo

Car Seat 

Wagon 

  • Veer All-Terrain Cruiser: “This wagon is easy to push or pull, and even stroller-averse toddlers enjoy it. It works on the beach and in the snow — I’ve even carted the kids around Manhattan in it.” -Christine
  • Wonderfold Wagon W4: “A lifesaver when it comes to multiple kids. This wagon may be intimidating in size but it’s my favorite wagon I’ve ever used. Absolutely easy to push, even with it loaded with kids and luggage toted around! Enough space for the kids, their stuff, and mine as well.” -Katherine
  • Quest Beach Wagon: “An affordable option that actually works on the sand.” -Sophie
  • Keenz Wagon 

Stroller Accessories 

  • Stroller Fan: “We absolutely love these! We have two and live in Texas so they get bounced around between strollers, carseats, to keep flies off food at family pool dinners, laboring at the hospital… honestly, endless uses! Buy extras in case the batteries die or you misplace one.” -Amanda
  • Snack Tray – stroller specific 
  • Cup holder – stroller specific 

Stroller Caddy

Stroller Sleeping Bag 

  • 7am Enfant: “My infant and toddler live in this! It eliminates the need to bundle them in a million layers. We use it on the coldest days in Manhattan and they always stay warm.” -Christine

Baby Carrier

  • Ergo Baby 360: “I absolutely love how supported I feel my back and baby are when I wear this carrier. Perfect for taking older sister to the park when I need to be hands free.” -Amanda
  • Boba Wrap: “I used this constantly when my second was under 3 months. This softer wrap is better for a really little baby with limited/no head control and both of us were comfortable. There’s a bit of a learning curve to putting it on, but once you get it, it’s very quick and easy to use.” -Sophie
  • Solly Baby Wrap: “My favorite with both my babies. Comfortable and easy to take on the go! Keeps baby close and snug while out and about or even around the house.” -Annie, Austin Moms
  • Baby Bjorn Mini
  • Artipoppe: “While pricey, it’s a cute, high quality, functional carrier. My baby falls asleep instantly when he’s in it.” -Sarah

Mirror for Car Seat (one for each car)

  •  Britax: “These mirrors are key for keeping an eye on your baby while they’re rear-facing in their car seats. Whether you’re driving or in the passenger seat, you can just take a glance and make sure kiddos are comfortable. Get one for each car.” -Christine

Diaper Bag

  • Amazon Backpack: “Great no-nonsense, affordable option.” -Sophie
  • LL Bean Zip Top Tote: “This multipurpose bag is versatile, especially when you’re carting around stuff for multiple kids! Get one for each!” -Christine
  • Tote organizer: “Keeps me organized and helps me find things easily – also helpful to make any bag a diaper bag.” -Sophie

Bathing

Bathing your baby can be great bonding time. Here are our favorite products to keep your baby comfortable and clean.

Bathtub

Towels 

Towels with hoods aren’t just insanely cute, they keep baby’s head warm after a bath.

Baby Soap and Moisturizer 

Caring

With tons of health and safety products on the market, it can be confusing to find the ones that actually work when you need them most. These essentials will help keep your baby safe and healthy, giving you one less thing to worry about during those exhausting early days.

Humidifier

A good humidifier is necessary for colder climates, when baby is sick, and/or to help with dry skin. We look for options that are powerful and easy to clean.

Snot Sucker 

  • Frida Baby Snot Sucker: “A life saver when baby is sick and too young to blow her own nose! We used this a ton!” -Sophie
  • Electric Snot Sucker: “I love this when my babies or toddlers are congested. It’s fast and simple to use!” -Katherine

Nail File

  • Bbluv Nail File: “Cutting baby nails is terrifying, especially when they’re so wiggly. This file is super easy to use and actually works.” -Sophie

Medicine 

We keep a stash of these products on hand, but always consult your pediatrician before giving them to your child.

Laundry Detergent and Stain Remover 

Sunscreen 

These sunscreens actually rub in easily and make the application process less messy; sunscreens are generally recommended after 6 months but speak to your pediatrician.

Oral Care

  • Firstgrin Introductory Oral Care Kit: “As a previous dental assistant, oral care is extremely important to me. This kit has made me feel confident and comfortable with baby teeth. The tips from Firstgrin’s app have been crucial in maintaining my daughters’ oral hygiene. Even with my oldest being autistic, the kit provides the tools I need to understand their oral hygiene.” -Katherine
  • Dr. Brown’s Infant to Toddler Set

Thermometer 

  • Braun ThermoScan: “This digital thermometer that you use on the ear is fast, easy to use and my little ones rarely put up a fight.” -Sophie

Playing

These fun, engaging toys will keep your little one entertained while supporting their development milestones.

Baby Containers 

Play Mats/Gyms

  • Lovevery – The Play Gym: “I loved this playmat for both of my girls, you can hang it from the bar or let them play around with the textured areas. It also isn’t heinous to look at, which is a win.” – Sophie
  • Tum Tum Wedge : “Not only is this perfect for tummy time and propped up play, but also as a support for side-lying play activities. My first child wore a helmet, and Tum Tum supported her through tummy time and helped to keep her head and neck strength improving with the helmet.” – Katherine
  • Ruggish Play Rug

Toys

For Mom

Don’t forget about caring for yourself, mom. After your baby is born, be sure to take some time for self-care. You deserve it!

Breast Care

Down There Care

 

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