After having a baby, the products that I ended up loving were a little different than what I had expected. If you are working on your baby registry or are attending a baby shower in your future, here are some of my favorite (and my newborn’s) favorite things that might end up being your favorites too.

1. aden + anais muslin swaddling blankets

These are the perfect weight for a summer baby. We have used them not only for a blanket for Dash but also for a nursing cover, burp cloth, etc. We rarely leave the house without one. They are wonderfully light weight and get softer with each wash. They are pricey but they are worth every penny. Best blankets ever.

2. Dr. Brown’s bottles

These bottles have been wonderful for us. We registered for them because their internal vent system is closest to breastfeeding and it is supposed to help reduce colic. Dash seems to prefer the wide neck bottles, but he has been taking them with no issues since he was a week old when I was battling mastitis. There are a lot of parts to wash, but we’re happy to do some extra washing to avoid having a gassy baby.

3. Boppy pillow

I don’t think that Boppy is necessarily the best brand (I have friends who rave about My Breast Friend) but having a pillow to use while breastfeeding was extremely helpful for me. I also use our Boppy for tummy time and propping Dash up for his weekly pictures. There are a lot of cute cover options on Etsy, which is where I found the two that I use.

4. Ergo Carrier

RP and I both love wearing Dash. Dash seems to love it too and spends most of his time sleeping when he’s in his carrier. For our first weeks, I wore Dash in the Baby K’tan almost exclusively. After about a month or so, Dash was big enough to fit in the Ergo without the infant insert, so RP and I have moved to using the Ergo more often. The strap around the waist is great for weight distribution and back support. I did find myself feeling pregnancy-like back pains when wearing the K’tan for a long period of time. If I take Dash places by myself (walking the dog, buying groceries, etc.) I typically wear him as opposed to taking in the car seat or using the stroller. RP has been known to whip up a delicious dinner with a sleeping baby strapped to his chest. We like being able to have our hands free and still keep Dash close. You can also use it to tote your cat.

5. Boon Grass drying rack

I think the reason that I like this so much is because it’s cute and I don’t hate having it sit on the counter top. Aside from aesthetics, it holds every bottle, pump parts, pacifiers, etc. RP has even used it to dry his beer growlers. It’s a multitasker. And, it’s cute.

6. Say Yes to Baby Carrots baby shampoo and body wash

I am a huge fan of all of the Say Yes to products, so I knew that I’d have a Say Yes to Baby Carrots baby. I love the foam pump. I love the way he smells after a bath. I love that it’s natural and gentle. I don’t think it’s the perfect soap for big kids with a bunch of hair, but for a baby with fine hair, it’s perfect. His skin is soft and he has a very light clean smell after a bath. Exactly what I’m looking for.

7. Fisher Price Deluxe Rock n’ Play

This has been the perfect bassinet for us. Dash spent the first six weeks in his Rock ‘n’ Play beside our bed. Now he sits in it after his morning feeding while I’m getting ready for work so that we can talk to each other.

8. Total Baby iPhone app

This app ($4.99) has been the perfect journal for me. I always have my phone with me anyway, so entering in feeding times, diapers, naps and baths is a piece of cake. It was great to show the pediatrician our average feed time, number of diapers a day and how long he sleeps. This is much easier for me than keeping it on paper. I also appreciate the calculated averages and the ability to enter pumped bottles. For pumped bottles, the app lets you know when the milk expires based on whether you are storing it in the fridge or freezer. I rarely pay for iPhone apps and I haven’t regretted the $5 I spent on this app for a second.

These are a few of the things that we have liked using. Are there other things that you’d recommend for new moms/newborns? I’ll do a separate list for breastfeeding/pumping supplies in the coming days.

p.s. This is not a sponsored post. None of these companies have any idea who I am or that I use their products. I used my own money to buy these products or they were baby shower gifts. If I hadn’t received them as gifts, I would have spent my own money on them. Over and out.