10 Must Have Mother and Baby Essentials
As the years go by, mother and baby products change and evolve and the choice gets more varied. I think it is so important to move with the times and ensure that you have the best must have mother and baby essentials on the market.
This list is not exhaustive but I thought I would share some of my favourites from when Rex was younger – as well as a few newer items on the market.
Table of Contents
The Chicco Next2Me Bedside Crib
Ross and I first glimpsed the Chicco Next2Me Bedside crib in Mothercare before Rex came along. We then were lucky enough to receive one ahead of him being born and Ross managed to set it all up in our bedroom whilst I was in hospital (talk about cutting it fine!). The video of him doing this was rather amusing. It was definitely one of my favourite items from when Rex was tiny. I lovedit’s versatility and the fact that you are able to attach it to the side of your bed. It also had a rocking mechanism.
It made the night feeds straightforward and, having something like this right next to our bed, meant that we were able to ensure all of us got as much rest as possible. Well, as much as you can when you have a baby with reflux!
The Tukataka Learning Tower
The Tukataka learning tower is a special stool for toddlers and young children that enables them to work at the kitchen worktop, table, and kitchen sink.
They can observe your actions and participate in new, stimulating activities such as washing up, dough rolling and more. These activities enable your child to develop and learn new skills. Your little ones will be happy that they can help you with the daily tasks in the kitchen, but they can also help dad in the garage by being in front of the workbench. Put simply, they will enjoy discovering the secrets of life.
Elizabeth Brown Maternity Wear
I found it really difficult to get decent maternity wear at a reasonable price so I was really pleased that not only was the clothing a good price at Elizabeth Brown, but that it was a family-run business with products being sourced and made here in the UK.
Chris, the husband of Kerry Brown who created Elizabeth Brown Maternity, explained to me at the time that she was a plus size woman who had terrible trouble finding maternity clothing when she was pregnant so had decided to try and do something about it – and she has done a great job. I was really grateful to have worked with them and wore some of their fab clothing.
Magnet Mouse Clothing
Now this was one clever product that I first noticed over on Instagram a number of years back.
The baby wear from Magnet Mouse is not only 100% organic but it is completely free from fiddly poppers and buttons. Tiny magnetic fastenings are hidden away inside the very soft cotton, meaning you can access your baby in seconds! The only slight concern I did have was whether or not the baby could access the magnets with a potential of swallowing them – but Mouse, the creator, had already covered this. The magnet is enclosed in a perforated plastic cove and is sewn inside the lining of the garment making it very hard to remove.
As well as baby clothing and shoes, they also stock maternity and nursing tops which feel really comfortable to the touch.
Mama Mio Tummy Cream
One of the things I suffered with during my first pregnancy was stretchmarks round the tops of both of my legs – they are still there to this day as proof of carrying Grace – and I managed to keep them a little more at bay this time around thanks to this product.
The Tummy Rub Butter from Mama Mio not only helped but it smelt gorgeous. They explained to me at the time that the best way to guard against stretchmarks is continual use of Omega 3, 6 and 9 to help build skin’s strength and elasticity – all of which are incorporated into their creams.
iCandy
I think my love for the iCandy knows no bounds. If I had a little one needing a pushchair then I would be straight back to them now!
I attended the release of their Orange pushchair and have also reviewed the Raspberry and the Peach All-Terrain too.
The iCandy may not be for you so there is a great list of the Best Prams UK in 2021 which may help you to decide.
Hamilton Turnberry Changing Bags
This was another company, formed by a mum, which has impressed me over the years. I have seen changing bags really change face. They have become more on trend and something you want to carry around as well as just being practical (my ‘top of the range’ one 14 years ago was ugly in comparison!).
Hamilton Turnberry’s changing bags are ones which really caught my eye. They are very stylish and I love the removable inserts making it easier when you are out and about. They aren’t too girly either!
Chamomile Baby Clothing
Sometimes, there is a product that sticks in your mind – despite the fact that you didn’t engage with them much at the time of being pregnant or having a baby. That product for me is the beautiful clothing from Chamomile Baby.
Once again a product made in the UK, the items are beautifully embroidered and made from 100% cotton. They stock outfits, bibs, shawls and shoes and I absolutely love the exquisite designs.
The Babyhub Sleepspace
You would’ve have thought by now that every thing helping you out with your baby would have been thought of – but, not so!
I love the Sleepspace from The Babyhub. The issue with many baby items is that they grow out of them so quickly but this travel cot is a really versatile product that grows with your baby. Initially a travel cot that can be bought with mat, mosquito net and canvas bag carrier, it then converts into a lovely play tepee for your little one as they get older. It is also easy to open and close.
Zippy Bibs
Last, but not least is Zippy Bibs.
Not only do they sell bibs, long-sleeved tops, sleepsuits and pyjamas, they also stock muslins and swaddles. The swaddles were the items that really drew me in. They are made from bamboo muslin cloth which means that they are soft on your baby’s skin and because they are a light, open weave it means that they are breathable which helps to regulate your baby’s body temperature. On top of that, they open out big enough to use as a cover-up when breastfeeding.
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