Niko's First Round Picks Part 1: Top 10 Faves

We often get asked what our favorite products and brands are and what products we could have lived without. In the 10 [almost 11] short months since Niko has made his debut, we have been on a mission to find out which products worked for us and which ones didn't. When we went to go register, I remember anxiously combing through Pinterest trying to find out what we needed and what we didn't. I was confused, didn't know what we actually needed and what was going to be a waste of money, and which products actually worked the way they said they would. It wasn't until I started asking other mamas what they loved, that I began to feel more at ease. So, I have decided to return the favor and put together a list of all of Niko's [and mama's] First Round Picks and why they have worked for us and why we loved them so dearly.

1. aden + anais - EVERYTHING. I know that aden + anais is not a new brand, or maybe not even that new to all of you, but I love everything about their products. Their soft, lightweight, breathable muslin swaddle blankets were a lifesaver when Niko was first born, and still continue to be. For as thin as they are, they hold in so much heat. You never have to worry about your sweet little mini being cold again. Trust me, I have tested them out myself! And, since all of aden + anais' products go through rigorous testing before being sold, you have a little less to worry about when you put your head on your pillow at night. We have tried everything from swaddle blankets, to bedding, to even changing mat covers. aden + anais never disappoint! 

2. Britax B-Agile and B-Safe Travel System - This one was a biggie for us. I wanted to make sure that Niko was going to be safe when being in the car. So, I called my cousin, who is a doctor and carseat certified, to ask for her advice. She mentioned that you cannot go wrong with either a Chicco or Britax carseat, they are the safest on the market. After that, it was just based on preference, but, I have to say, we have been very pleased with how durable, reliable, and safe our Britax Travel System has been.

3. Sofie the Giraffe - Sophie has been so good to us for so many months and through all of those terrible teething moments. She doubles as a toy and as a teether. She keeps Niko occupied while soothing his sore gums. And, the best part is, is that Sophie is made of 100% all natural rubber and food paint, making her super safe for baby. I highly recommend having one for the house and one for your diaper bag, this way you are never without her.

4. mamaRoo by 4moms - Words could not give this product justice. The mamaRoo is a complete lifesaver. I honestly do not know what we would have done without it for the first 9 months of Niko's life. It is a bouncer, swing, and rocker all-in-one and 'it moves like you do.' Niko loved it and we loved it, so it was a win-win. And, one of the best features was that you could control the seat by an app on your phone. I just like when everything is connecting to one place. It makes me feel centered. The price tag is pretty pricey, but if you think about having to buy a bouncer and a swing and everything else that moves, it no longer seems as pricey. 

5. Babyganics - Babyganics is by far our favorite brand on the market for household necessities. All of their products are plant-based and are safe for baby to explore. We use everything from dish and bottle soap to laundry detergent, to face wipes and toothpaste, and everything else in between. I just feel so much better knowing that everything that is and that will be touching Niko's senstivie baby skin is safe. And, the prices are super reasonable, especially since we use Amazon's Subscribe and Save program, which I recommend signing up for now, if you don't already! 

6. Pampers - We have tried every brand of diapers and wipes imaginable, from store brand to specialty, and none of them seemed to keep Niko dry and soft like Pampers. We never had issues with weird rashes or leakage [aside from normal diaper blowouts, that is]. And, again, reasonably priced and we save 20% on diapers through Amazon Mom; you can't beat that!

7. Baby K'tan Baby Carrier - We tried almost three carriers until we found the K'tan. I just love how easy this wrap is to work with! 1, 2, 3 and baby is all snuggled in nice and secure. Other wraps are hard to manage and don't feel as tight and snug. The Baby K'tan was the best way to wear Niko around the house to get chores done and not having to worry about him falling out.

8. Munchkin Formula Dispenser & Munchkin Fresh Food Feeder- Although I am still nursing Niko, this product came in super handy when we were on the go and Niko started eating cereal. It was so easy to take it where ever we went, without worrying about cereal spilling in my diaper bag. You can use this dispenser for anything! You can throw puffs or cheerios, or other tiny snacks in there for when you are on the go. I just love having it around! More often than not, it comes in handy. As for the Munchkin Fresh Food Feeder, I cannot tell you enough how much Niko loved this product! Early on, we would let Niko try watermelon and other fruits to get a feel for what real food would taste like. He loved, loved, loved getting real food through this mesh feeder and it was always so nice knowing that he wouldn't be able to choke.

9. Dr. Brown's Bottles - Best bottles for reducing colic, spit-up, and gas. There are a lot of pieces to these bottles and they are a pain to wash when you are in a pinch [or just in general], but, they are so nice and so good for baby! Dr. Brown's bottles are also the best bottles if you are still nursing. They create a positive-pressure flow that is similar to breastfeeding, so less chance of nipple confusion! We personally loved the wide neck newborn bottles.

10. Cart Cover - It took us a while to find a cart cover that we really loved, but we finally found one in Target one day. This product is one of my favorites because it doubles as a cart cover and as a highchair cover when you go out to dinner. It keeps baby all snuggly and comfy, while keeping them from sucking on the cart and picking up everyone else's germs. Plus, would you want to sit on a plastic seat while mama strolled through target for 3 hours every day? I didn't think so!

Check in later for more of Niko's First Round Picks! Next time, we will be going over some of our not-so favorite products.

Disclaimer: Not every product is going to work for you and for your mini; each mama and each baby is different, but, at least this list may act as a start! Whether or not you are a new mama-to-be or a super mama of 3, you may find something that works for you and baby that you haven't thought of before on this list!

XX
Francesca