Have you ever felt like you just wish someone would tell you what the best product is when it comes to must-haves for both mother and child? It can be exhausting to go through the review lists and find out what is really the best. We hope to make it a little easier for you with this one-stop guide. Below are our top articles for the categories that are hard for moms to choose from. This includes everything from strollers to baby lotion.
Of course, we have more in-depth articles where you can dig deeper and compare articles. We have linked these too if you feel ready to move on with your research!
Rookie Mommy’s Top Picks of 2021
stroller
All in all: Chicco Bravo Trio travel system
The Chicco Bravo Trio includes the Key Fit 30 child seat, the base and the Bravo stroller. The reason it is high on our list is because you are getting a great bang for your buck. Also, this car seat is very popular and loved by many parents.
While this travel system is affordable, you still get many luxury features such as an adjustable handlebar and a parent compartment with a cup holder. However, my favorite thing about this stroller is that you can completely remove the normal seat, which makes it very easy to put the car seat right into the frame. When you reset the seat, it converts into a traditional stroller.
To make things easier, you can fold the stroller with one hand, there are automatically positioning wheels and it stands independently in its compact position. From mother to mother, this standalone thing is a pretty big deal. It means you can get your little one out, put them in the car safely, and then come back to put your stroller away at the very end without having to worry about them sitting on the dirty floor. Above is a parent compartment with cup holders and storage space that is perfect for your phone. The stroller system really has it all!
Stroller weight: 23 lbs (car seat allowance is 9.6 lbs)
Age range: 50 lbs
Jogger: Thule Urban Glide 2
Photo credit: Thule
This is my personal favorite. It’s so elegant that I love to take it with me everywhere. It’s light enough to be pushed and maneuvered with one hand. The rear wheels are 16? so the stroller glides nicely. Plus, it’s super easy to fold (you can do it with one hand) then wrap it up and toss it in the back of your car. This model is also available as a double jogger.
Here are some of the other amazing features:
- One-handed, compact fold for easy storage and transport.
- The integrated twist handbrake ensures speed control in hilly terrain.
- Reclining seat in case your child needs a nap. But not only that, the seats are very easy to clean, so your stroller will look like new for a while.
- Safe and comfortable seat with padded five-point belt
- UPF 50+ canopy.
- Peekaboo window with magnetic closure. I really love this feature so much because the Velcro versions always wear out after a short time.
Stroller weight: 23 lbs
Age range: Up to 75 pounds, from birth to 5 years of age
Double: The UPPABaby Vista V2
With this stroller you get the best of both worlds. It’s light, has all the accessories you could want, and so easy to convert into what you need. The stroller is equipped with a bassinet, which is even equipped with sufficient ventilation and depth for sleeping overnight, so that this stroller is perfect for on the go.
If you have several, you can add 2 bassinet or 2 child seats. However, if you have a toddler and a newborn baby, the stroller can be adapted to suit them too.
Just wait, there’s more. The Vista can even accommodate a third child with the Piggyback Ride-Along Board Attachment, which a hiker can use to jump on a ride. This stroller has an answer to every scenario besides looking chic and modern.
Stroller weight: 28 lbs as a single stroller but varies by attachments
Age range: Newborns to 50 lbs (depending on attachments)
Car seats
Toddler: Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 XT child seat
The Graco SnugRide SnugLock is easy to install, safe, and affordable, which makes it pretty hard to take! Not to mention, this is one of the lightest car seats on the market that are only rear facing. As for the basics, there’s a removable insert to give newborns the perfect fit, a 4-position lounger, and a removable all-weather boot for the colder months.
This car seat has the Click Connect Base System, which provides a secure fit. I think it’s great that the click confirms the placement because it gives my fearful mother’s heart additional confidence. In addition, this car seat works with all other Graco products that use the Click Connect system, so it can easily be used with a stroller or various car seat bases.
Weight limit: 4-35 lbs and 32 “
Convertible: Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 convertible car seat
As the name suggests, this car seat can really last forever, so it’s definitely the best choice for parents who never want to go shopping again. This seat is not only directed forwards and backwards, but can also later become a child seat. I know it’s hard to imagine your cute little baby as a big kid, but Graco has thought everything out for you so you don’t really have to.
It also has a simple locking system that makes installation easy, and there are 3 bright, fun color options.
Weight limit: 4-120 lbs
crib
Ceramic Barn Children’s Dawson Nativity
This simple cot provides your baby with a comfortable place to sleep that mom or dad can easily reach in and take out. It’s one of the most affordable Pottery Barn cribs, but it’s built with the same integrity and great design skills. It can easily be converted from a cot to a toddler’s bed and has three positions at mattress height.
We recommend using the Newton Baby Crib mattress with any cot for extra safety! They are breathable and 100% recyclable.
PS Check out our favorite mini cribs for small spaces here!
Sleeping bags
Nested bean zen sack
The Nested Bean Zen Sack offers a unique take on the traditional sleeping bag by adding a weighted component to the chest. The weight is designed to create a comfortable pressure, similar to that of a parent’s hand, to help the baby sleep better.
I think it’s great that this sleeping bag is made of 100% cotton, a more breathable alternative to microfleece. In addition, the top of the tank top has two sets of buttons that make it easy to adjust the size and put it on and take off. The lower part also has a zipper along the lower edge that opens to easily accommodate diaper changes.
Glider
Ceramic Barn Children’s Paxton Daybed
The Paxton Recliner and Rocker is both adorable and modern. Aside from its absolutely adorable looks, at Pottery Barn you know that the chair is very well constructed. I also like the fact that it is GREENGUARD Gold certified which means this glider meets or exceeds stringent chemical emission standards.
One of the other great features of this seesaw is its ability to rotate a full 360 degrees. This is great for times when you want to change your view of a window or a favorite show on Netflix.
Baby carrier
Solly Baby Wrap
Solly Baby Wraps are the perfect cozy carrier, especially during those long newborn days. They can carry up to 25 pounds and specialize in your baby’s first nine months. The stretchy material adapts to whoever wears it. Don’t worry about it getting sweaty or dirty, just toss it in the wash to clean.
Bonus; They have a dolly wrap that you can get for your little one to carry themselves!
Baby skin care
Tubby Todd
We love Tubby Todd; The ointment, bubble bath, hair, body wash and daily lotion products are all amazing! They are particularly suitable for babies with sensitive skin.
Breast pump
Spectra S2 Plus electric breast pump
At only around $ 159, this pump works almost as well as some of the hospital options. It’s pretty dainty so you can easily carry it around and be calm so you can be comfortable anywhere.
Both speed and suction power are adjustable. It also has some small perks like a night light for those nightly pumping sessions and a timer. There’s even a disappointment mode that is perfect for signaling your milk is coming in.
** BONUS ** The narrow hose does not need to be cleaned as the Spectra S2 has a closed pumping system that keeps the hose dry by preventing the flow of air between the milk and the pump hose during pumping.
And that’s a recap of our favorites from 2021! We know how difficult it can be to find the essentials for your baby. So keep in mind that what works for you may not work for everyone else. You know yourself best and what will work for you. You have this mom!
What does your baby need for 2021?