I'm a New Parent—These Are the Baby Items I Use and Also Have My Eye On

My husband and I welcomed a baby girl at the end of last year. I can't even sum up the feeling of having her as part of our family in a few words. I could literally go on and on about this (trust me), but as the title reads, I'm here to talk about baby products. One thing I've learned over these last 10 months is that there are many top-notch gear, gadget, and clothing options out there—like, a lot. Throughout the process, I created shopping lists based on recommendations from other parents and through trial and error of items I've tested out.

If you, too, are a new parent, are expecting, or perhaps are looking for a gift for someone in your life, the intel coming your way is intended to make that shopping experience just a tad easier. I rounded up the baby items my husband and I have tested and loved as well as a mix of products I'm eyeing and want to try based on customer reviews, research, and suggestions. I also want to note that the list below doesn't encompass everything you may need for a baby (Diapers, wipes, pumping supplies, food, etc., are not included in this specific list.) Everyone's needs are different, but the items below include a sampling of what to consider.

Keep scrolling to shop the baby products I think are standouts, including strollers, car seats, clothing, and more.

Best Clothing Brands/Retailers

Okay, this is a tough category because there are so many fantastic clothing options out there for kids and babies. Below is a list of the brands and stores I frequent the most for A+ options. I also rounded up adorable picks to shop now from many of these labels. FYI, Nordstrom is the overall winner .

• Best brands/stores for baby clothing/shoes: Nordstrom , Old Navy , H&M , Gap , Target , Walmart , Carter's , Zara
• Best brands/stores for luxury/special-occasion baby clothing: Nordstrom , Baby Boden , Bergdorf Goodman , Shoppe Balloo , Saks Fifth Avenue , Petite Plume , Maisonette , Janie and Jack
• Best brands/stores for onesies/sleepers: Magnetic Me , Posh Peanut , Little Sleepies , Amazon , Nordstrom

Magnetic Me Baa Baa Fitted One-Piece Pajamas

Old Navy Quilted Corduroy-Trim Shacket

Petite Plume Twill Romper in Antique Red Ticking

Gerber 5 Pack Onesies

Posh Peanut Everly Jane Convertible One Piece

H&M Sweater With Peter Pan Collar

ZARA Striped Sweater

Ralph Lauren Oxford Stripe Piqué Dress & Bloomers

Janie and Jack The Bow Coat

Burberry 3-Piece Corduroy Bucket Hat, Check Bodysuit & Skirt Set

Little Sleepies Luna Neutral Zippy

Donsje Denn Merino Wool Sweater

Gap Sweater Tulle Bodysuit Dress

Carter's Just One You Checkered Top & Bottom Set

Best Gadgets and Gear

My picks below for the best baby gadgets, gear, and toys are not completely exhaustive. The truth is that there are so many amazing products out there to suit individual needs. That said, the group of items below are things we've loved.

Fridababy Baby Basics Kit

We got this kit from Nordstrom, and it's an absolute must. Hello, SnotSucker.

BABY BREZZA Formula Pro Advanced Automatic Formula Maker

A game changer, this automatic formula maker has made the bottle-feeding routine a breeze.

BABY BREZZA Bottle Washer Pro

The Baby Brezza bottle washer sterilizes and dries the bottles to avoid all of the hand-washing. It's another game-changer.

Dagne Dover Indi Diaper Backpack

We have a few diaper bags, but the Dagne Dover backpack is ideal for staying hands-free and has practical compartments.

Hatch Rest Go Portable Sound Machine

We use this portable sound machine every single time we're out and about.

Itzy Ritzy Teensy Tubes Rattle and Teether

This is the specific teething stick our baby likes best.

Johnson's Head-to-Toe Gentle Baby Body Wash & Shampoo for Sensitive Skin

Johnson's baby products are a go-to for us.

ezpz Oral Development Tools Set

This set helps with biting, munching, and feeding skills.

babiators Original Navigators

Love Babiators for sunglasses.

Artipoppe Zeitgeist Carrier

Artipoppe's carriers are comfortable, easy to use, and chic.

BabyBjörn Bouncer Bliss Convertible Jersey Baby Bouncer

Our baby loved this!

Mushie Silicone Bib

All about Mushie bibs.

Honest Baby Arrival Gift Set

We also love Honest's range of products. This set is a great starter kit.

Bella Tunno Hooded Towel & Washing Mitt Set

This towel and washing mitt set is wonderful.

MON AMI Madeline Princess Doll

Like basically every category here, I could do an entire separate story on the best baby toys. That said, I just wanted to include one of my favorite brands here, Mon Ami. The options are so sweet.

Savor Baby Edition Keepsake Box

I love this to store all of the special items and memories in one place.

Maxi-Cosi Swift 3-in-1 Playard

This is the travel play yard we use. It's so easy to collapse!

Stokke Flexi Bath Foldable Baby Bath Tub With Temperature Plug & Infant Insert

We started with this tub when our daughter was an infant and use it today at 10 months old.

Best Strollers

On-the-Go and Travel Strollers

One of the products I tell every new parent to consider is the Doona stroller, which we bought at Nordstrom last year . It is one of our true staples because of its ease and functionality. It's compact and easy to maneuver and can seamlessly convert into a car seat in one fell swoop, making it ideal for running errands or traveling. We also have the UppaBaby Minu V2 Stroller , which is super lightweight and easy to collapse and release. Here is a list of top brands to consider for travel strollers.

Doona Convertible Infant Car Seat/Compact Stroller System With Base

UPPAbaby Minu V2 Stroller

Nuna Trvl Lightweight Stroller

Chicco Mini Bravo Plus Lightweight Stroller

Graco Outpace Baby Stroller

Full-Size/Convertible Strollers

Every parent has a stroller that works best for them and their family, but for us, it's the UppaBaby Vista V2 . It is convertible and designed to grow with your family. It includes attachments like a bassinet, which can be removed when the child gets older. It's very easy to use and easily folded for trunk storage. Also, note that there is now a new V3 option . Below, you'll find the UppaBaby stroller along with other top stroller options I've learned about from friends and family.

uppababy Vista V2

Baby Trend Sit N' Stand 5-in-1 Shopper Stroller

Nuna Demi Next Stroller + Rider Board

Best Car Seats

Best Infant Car Seats

Like strollers, there are a range of solid infant car seats in the market that are safe and easy to use. The UppaBaby Mesa V2 is one we use after getting recommendations from friends because it can also attach directly to the Vista stroller and is compatible with the Minu stroller. There are other great car seats to consider, which are below.

uppababy Mesa V2

Romer Juni Infant Car Seat

Graco Snugride Snugfit 35 Infant Car Seat With Anti-Rebound Bar

Britax Cypress Infant Car Seat

Best Convertible Car Seats

After the infant car seat stage, an uncomplicated convertible car seat is essential for the next phase. The Nuna Revv is always highly recommended because the seat rotates 360° for an easy-in, easy-out experience. It also converts from a rear- to a forward-facing car seat and can work for your child up to 40 pounds. Nordstrom has an amazing assortment of Nuna products, like the Revv . Check it out below along with other car seats to consider.

Nuna Revv Rotating Convertible Car Seat

Maxi-Cosi Pria All-in-1 Convertible Car Seat

uppababy Knox Car Seat

Safety 1st Grow and Go Sprint All-in-One Convertible Car Seat

Best High Chairs

We use the Stokke high chair because it can actually be configured and adjusted along the way to go from a high chair for a 6-month-old to an actual chair for an adult. There is an attachment to use it at the infant stage . We also have the UppaBaby high chair and use it at my mom's house because our baby sits well in it. I'm in the market for another portable and convertible high chair and am looking at this one from Dream on Me .

Stokke Tripp Trapp Highchair², Cushion & Tray

UPPAbaby Ciro Highchair

Dream On Me Portable 2-in-1 Table Talk Baby High Chair

Best Nursery Items

Below are a few key items that we use in our nursery.

Happiest Baby Snoo Smart Sleeper Bassinet

Happiest Baby makes amazing products. The Snoo was a game changer for us to help soothe our baby to sleep and keep her safe. It also helped sleep-train our baby. While it's an investment, you can actually rent the Snoo for a monthly payment or opt to buy one certified pre-loved.

Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor & Wall Mount

We opted for Nanit for our baby monitor. It's easy to use with the app, clear, and has amazing notification and monitoring options.

Hatch Rest Baby Sound Machine

Using the app, you can control this sound machine from anywhere. We have it set as a sound machine and night light during our bottle-feeding, sleep, and wake-up times.

Baby Merlin's Magic Sleepsuit Magic Sleepsuit

Once our baby graduated from the Snoo, we transitioned her into this comfortable and secure sleep suit.

Nest Designs Bamboo Crib Sheet in 1, 2, Tree

We love Nest Designs' crib sheets.

Hatch Grow Smart Changing Pad and Scale

You can track your baby's growth and monitor their weight with this changing pad. It's amazing. It's also super easy to clean.

Pehr Baby Play Mat

This play mat is soft and pretty in our nursery.

Diaper Genie Signature Pail With 18 Bags

Yes, this is a must.

Momcozy Baby Wipe Warmer

We keep a baby wipe warmer near the changing table.

Nurture& The Manual Glider

This is the ultimate glider that's comfortable, functional, and chic. It has a mess-proof fabric and reclines easily.