1. Teething Toys: More specifically Sophie.  This is what got my little guy through his first two teeth and is hands down the best chew toy out there.  100% organic and made of natural rubber and food paint with no toxic gunk whatsoever.  A huge must have for your baby’s first year.
2. Car Seat and Stroller: I’m no expert on safety but I have read that Britax and Diono are number one when it comes to car seat safety. Here’s a tip: Don’t just look at popular car seats; be sure to read up on all recently recalled products and newly issued safety standards too.  There are a million strollers out there, I personally own the Stokke and LOVE it, but know mom’s are obsessed with the Bob for running and Bugaboo for dual seating.

3. Travel Stroller: Mountain Buggy Nano.  Trust me- this is what you want to have when you travel.  We just did a round trip 10 hour flight to Puerto Rico and back over the New Years, and without this lightweight gem, we would have been lost!  This stroller folds neatly into a briefcase and fits perfectly into the overhead bin.  It is the ideal grab and go for those who want a “less is more” travel stroller.
4. Play Mat: Skip Hop’s Tree Top Activity Gym provides kids with lots of ways to play. The activity gym has gentle, patterned and linen arches and a supportive tummy time pillow that makes play time a breeze.  This 100% cotton play mat is my ideal must have to foster your little one’s growth.
5. Baby Carrier: Every mom needs an alternate way to hold your baby.  I personally am a huge fan of baby wearing and wrote an entire article on the topic 3 editions ago.  For an everyday carrier, I love the Ergo and Tula.  Both and ergonomic and safe for baby’s hips and your back.  Remember that front carrying, although fun for the little ones, is contraindicated by medical professions and terrible for your little guys hips and joints.
6. Breast Feeding Pillow: I love My Breast Friend for nursing because it snaps on with velcro and you can walk around with it.  The Boppy is great too, and has the additional benefit of a prop to lounge baby in for tummy time or when he is ready to sit up.  Both come with organic cotton covers which mama’s love.
7. Baby Lounger: Boppy makes a baby lounger that was my savior when my little tike was first born.   It fit nicely on our couch when we were lounging or on our bed so he could safety snooze away and still be right next to us.  We even used it in his crib for those reflux nights, to help prop him up a bit.
8. Breast Pump: I like the Medela Freestyle Hands Free pump the best.  It’s just that, hands free.  This small compact pump is easy to slip in your pocket or robe, so that you can do other things while pumping.  A nursing mama’s must have.
9. Bouncer: I was 100% opposed to bouncers because of so many research articles sighting hip dysplasia and delayed walking.  Once my little guy hit 7 months, he became obsessed with bouncing and refused to sit alone and play.  I caved and ordered the Fisher Price Rainforest bouncer and the look on my babe’s face made it all worth it.  He loves it and laughs the entire time he is in there bouncing away.  Yes, it’s not BPA free and I am sure full of toxins, but for the 20 minutes a day he giggles with delight- I’ll risk it!
10. Bibs: Bucket bibs are the way to go. I use Modern-Twists Bucket-Bib.  They are they’re made of food-grade silicone, and are free of BPAs and other harsh chemicals.  Very easy to clean and makes eating time a enjoyable!

Happy Shopping!