Hi, it’s Zoe. Let me start out by saying this post was written from the lens of an aunt. And as an aunt, I have the privilege of shopping for the fun and cute [but useful!] items for my niece whereas my sister is responsible for buying all the necessary products for keeping a small human alive. 

After 3 months of watching my niece go from newborn to baby, the one thing I can say for certain is that all kids are different and what works for one baby might not necessarily be the best for another. With that said, this is a quick list of products that strike a balance of good-looking and most useful in baby’s first few months. 

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1. HALO 100% Cotton Swaddle Wrap – My sister received a lot of swaddles from friends and family but once baby was born, she was too small for almost all of them. After a quick run to Target, we tested the quality and sizing of several different swaddle brands. HALO had the softest feeling cotton, in the cutest patterns with the most variations in size (turns out she needed a newborn size, not 0-3 months). The difference in her sleep was immediately noticeable and the fabric is stretchy enough that she’s just now outgrowing the newborn size at 3 months. All swaddles come with their own instructions for safe usage.  

2. Mushi Knitted Confetti Baby Blanket – My sister and I have a thing for confetti: cake, sweaters, duvets, ice trays – anything. When I saw this confetti baby blanket by Mushi I HAD TO GET IT. The blanket is soft, machine washable and the perfect size and weight that we pretty much have it with baby at all times.

3. Baby Brezza Pro Mini – Essentially a baby Keurig. But all jokes aside, if you’re going to be using or mixing in formula as part of baby’s diet, no product will make it easier. The Baby Brezza works with all formula brands and consistently delivers perfectly mixed, warm bottles of all different sizes. If you’ve ever tried to make a bottle with one hand while holding a fussy baby in the other, you understand how necessary this is.

4. Keekaroo Peanut Changer – It’s bean-shaped, cute, liquid proof and provides added safety for keeping baby in place. Unlike cloth changing pads, this product is easy to wipe down to keep clean and free of germs. Try using disposable pee pads to make messes even easier.  

5. Lovevery Play Gym – I love this brand. Their products are thoughtful, well made and strike the perfect balance of colorful children’s design that also looks good in your house. The Play Gym is useful from week one; we used it for tummy time and have noticed baby grow more aware and interested in all of its activities over the months. It also comes with a tent cover to turn the Play Gym into a little fort – an activity that will keep them interested well into their toddler years.  

6. Posh Peanut Double-Zip Onesies – So of course when I found out I was having a niece I went crazy buying all of the cute outfits I could possibly find. The truth is, that most days in the beginning you just want something practical and easy to get on and off. Posh Peanut onesies are just that; they’re made of super soft bamboo fabric that is breathable and stretchy. The double zipper means you can easily access Baby for diaper changes without having to undress her- or do something crazy like snaps or buttons. The patterns are adorable and the long sleeve versions all come with cuffs that turn to mittens to protect baby’s hands.

7. BabyBjörn Baby Carrier Mini – It’s a classic for a reason. Keeping baby close while freeing up the use of your hands is a must for any new parent. 

8. Frigg Pacifiers – Made in Denmark, these pacifiers are as cute as they are practical: the outward curve keeps the pacifier off Baby’s delicate skin, while features like air holes and a security handle ensure safety. They are 100% free from BPA, PVC and phthalates.

9. Maxi Cosi Cassia Swing – Baby swings have come a long way from when I was a kid. This Maxi Cosi Cassia swing rocks Baby gently in a natural side-to-side motion and has several different speed and music settings. It’s also just aesthetically pleasing; you’ll likely find it complementary to your other decor. 

10. Ubbi Vertical Baby Bottle Drying Rack – I’ve seen a lot of cute baby bottle drying racks (a certain green grass one comes to mind); but when you’re also optimizing for functionality, the Ubbi is superior. Standing vertical, it takes up significantly less counter space in your kitchen and the larger, spaced out spokes means it’s easier to clean while still holding 13+ bottles at a time.

11. DokaTot – We endearingly refer to this as baby’s charging station. In the early months, when rolling over is not yet a skill they’ve mastered, there’s no better product to safely keep baby close, stationary and safe without the need for a bassinet.