Published on December 1st, 2018 and Updated on August 12th, 2021
If there’s one thing that defines mamas in 2019, it’s their commitment to focusing on what matters most. When it comes to product choices, that requires some thoughtful decisions and poses an important question: how do you decide between “nice-to-have’s” from the “must-have’s”? We’ve done some of the sifting for you to come up with the top 7 products that will help make motherhood easier, so you can focus on the things that really matter.
1. Detachable co-sleeper
You’ve almost certainly heard by now (if you haven’t already experienced it yourself): one of the of the biggest challenges of having a newborn is around-the-clock feeding and soothing during the first months. In the name of sanity, it’s tempting to sleep with baby — but most doctors recommend against it for safety reasons.
Enter your new best friend: a Detachable Co-Sleeper, or Side Sleeping Crib. The perfect middle ground, they’re safe, convenient, and allow baby to be tucked safely next to you and your bed, but in his or her own space. Last year’s edition of the Chicco Side Sleeping Crib was an all-around Amazon favorite, and their brand new 2019 edition looks equally promising, with a few attractive upgrades: a low-slung side for easier access to your little one, a breathable mesh back and adjustable height. Hint: Assemble the side sleeper a little lower than your bed — it’ll make lifting baby easier.
2. A Newborn Lounger
At first glance, they may look like glorified pillows. Don’t underestimate their potential for making life easier. It comes in handy throughout the day: when you need to lay baby down, give your arms a rest, pick up a bag of groceries, wipe up a mess, or anything else, the lounger will quickly become one of your closest companions. It’s crafted to support baby’s natural shape, with head support and cozy softness that soothing. Many mamas also find it useful as an assist during nursing.
You can snag one at Target for under $30. Oh, and did we mention they’re machine washable?
3. An All-in-One Infant Seat
We’ve all seen it. That poor parent in the parking lot, fighting a losing battle with the car seat that won’t snap into the stroller (or the stroller that won’t collapse into a car seat.) You swore it would never be you. And now it doesn’t have to be.
The award-winning, newly engineered Doona 2019 Infant Car Seat is easier to convert and use than ever. And it isn’t just good for the parent: it was designed by engineers and medical experts to provide ergonomic support for baby, too. It’s also one of the safest car seats on the market today.
4. Dignified Diaper Bag
Discrete diaper totes and backpacks: they’re 100% a thing, especially in 2019. This year’s line-up includes everything from high-end looking backpacks to sleek shoulder bags, but all of them make sure you’re fully equipped for whatever baby might need on the go. Our current favorite is the Ankommling BackPack, with dry/wet sections, three secure bottle holders, a diaper pouch and even a convenient easy-access tissue pocket for a sudden runny nose or sticky fingers. The best part? You’d never know it from the outside.
5. Smart Tech Sleep Monitor
Before baby is born, the SneakPeek Fetal Doppler lets you check in with baby at any moment. But what about after birth? The Owlet SmartSock sleep monitor allows you to tune into baby’s sleep without disturbing any zzz’s. Just download the app, slip the cozy little sock on before you put baby to bed, and view real-time data on your phone about heart rate, oxygen levels and sleep patterns using clinically-proven pulse oximetry.
6. Lactation Massager
For many mamas, nursing remains one of their top concerns, especially if they’re heading back to work after baby’s arrival. The LaVie’s Warming Lactation Massager can help immensely with consistent breastfeeding or pumping, improving milk flow, relieving clogged milk ducts and reducing discomfort and soreness.
7. PLUS The One Product You Need Right Now:
The time between doctor’s visits can feel like an eternity. With the SneakPeek® Fetal Doppler, you don’t have to wait to check in: tune in to hear your baby’s heartbeat, kicks, hiccups, and more anytime, anywhere. It’s portable, convenient, and super easy to use. You can even hook it up to FaceTime to share baby’s movements and sounds in real time.
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