The Best and Worst Baby Products

There are so many different products out there to help us care for our babies. But which ones do we actually need? You may have seen my social media post featuring images of the products I'm about to discuss. Here are the details on the products I love, and others you may want to pass on…

To start, I love sleep sacks, sound machines and baby carriers of all kinds. These are products you will use every day for years (especially if you have more than one child), so no matter what you spend, you will find good value for your money. I don't tend to recommend specific brands because there are so many great products out there. Find the one that works best for you and go for it!  Chances are you'll need more than one of each, so you can try different types/sizes/styles. 

WIPE WARMERS

Wipe warmers are not necessary, but if you have the opportunity to splurge on something a little excessive, this would be the thing. Especially if you live in a cooler climate, a warm wipe is just a kind courtesy that can make those middle of the night diaper changes just a little more bearable for the baby. If you choose not to purchase a wipe warmer, hold a clean wipe in your hand for a few moments while you're undressing the baby to allow it warm up. Alternatively, you could use a good old fashioned wash cloth and warm water. 

SILVERETTE

Silverette, well its just the best idea. These are silver nursing cups that are used to protect and heal sore or cracked nipples. They can also be used to collect colostrum, and even to feed that colostrum to your baby. They are made with silver, which has anti-inflammatory properties, and are designed to "hug" your breasts' natural shape (I mean, who doesn't want that?!). I have not used them myself, but I've heard so many rave reviews. I wish I could go back in time to try them out when I was new at breastfeeding and in agony. 

Now, on to the products I do not recommend. 

BABY POWDER 

Baby powers no longer contain talc, which was found to be a possible carcinogen. However, there is concern that breathing in powder in any form could cause to health concerns. Since there are many other ways to prevent diaper rash and keep babies dry and comfortable without baby power, I prefer to eliminate the risk by passing on powder altogether.

NURSING PILLOWS

Nursing pillows can be extremely helpful in the early days when the baby is tiny, and you’re trying to find the ideal position to help with the latch, and to support you while baby is breastfeeding. However, they can be cumbersome and awkward, and with time, it is amazing to get to a place where it is just you and the baby in a comfortable position, and all you need to do to breastfeed is to bring baby to the breast.

UNSAFE CHAIRS/POSITIONERS/WALKERS

The adorable molded baby chair/positioner shown in my post was updated to correct a design flaw that was causing injury to babies, and it is now considered safe. However, I have heard stories (and even witnessed a few cases) of this product being used unsafely (that is - placing it on a table or counter top). Injuries continue to happen. It is just my preference to eliminate all risk by avoiding this product altogether. Ditto for baby walkers.

BABY SWINGS

Baby swings are not designed for safe sleep. But, they are used for sleep all the time because they designed with features that promote sleep. Do you see the problem here? The gentle rocking/swinging lulls babies to sleep, and parents use swings every day for just a few moments of rest (most are unaware that babies should be moved to a flat surface if they fall asleep in the swing). Add to this the cost of a product that will only be used for a few months, and I’m just not in favour of it. Sorry, not sorry.

EXPENSIVE BASSINETS

If you are in a position to make use of a high end baby bassinet, and it works for you and your baby, then I am supportive of it. It is safe. I have used it in my work and can attest that it can be helpful. But… sometimes it’s not. Please let me take the pressure off - you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on a bassinet to help your baby sleep in the newborn phase.

IN SUMMARY

There is no shame in the use of any of these products. In my opinion, many are considered necessary because parents do not receive the care and support that they need and deserve in the newborn stage (or throughout baby’s first year, to be honest). Before you spend another dollar, please remember that the most important item in your postpartum home is YOU.