My Top 12 Favorite Baby Items I Swear By

Alright, you guys asked for it! I am pregnant with baby number five, and here are my top 12 favorite baby items I swear by and would gift to any new mom! So let's get right into it!

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12

1. Pacifiers

I am the mom who packs pacifiers in her hospital bag. Yes, I have done my due diligence when researching pacifiers and nipple confusion, but I would cut off my pinky toe before tossing out pacifiers in that first year! These pacifiers have worked the best, and yes, I have tried them all! My babies like the pacifiers with the big ole nipple! Again, please remember this is an opinion piece, and I am just sharing what I think is best based on my personal experience. :) These pacifiers are AMAZING! They are made from ultra-light silicone and, by some magic, stay in baby's mouth better than any other pacifier resulting in longer sleep!

2. Hakka

This is any breastfeeding and pumping mama's best friend! I love it so much that Insider asked me to write about my experience with it and why I recommend it to every new mom. Learn more about the Hakka here! If you want more of a visual on how to use it, click here!

3. Night Light

This has been a game-changer for me for all those middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes without disturbing baby. It is small, portable, rechargeable, and dims with a tap. See it in action here!

4. Nasal Aspirator

Forget sucking the snot out of your kid's nose! They now have electric nasal aspirators that will get that snot out efficiently while being so gentle on baby.

5. White Noise Machine

This white noise machine is the G.O.A.T of all white noise machines! It has an actual fan inside, and you can adjust how it sounds in so many different ways. We bring this thing when we travel as it blocks out so much noise! We have one in every bedroom in our house, and it is an item I SWEAR by!

6. Electric Nail File

My babies come out with some long fingernails. I try using baby mittens, but babies may like to suck their hands often. To prevent scratching, you will need some baby fingernail clippers. However, clipping their nails can be very intimidating, so I use this electric nail file. The file gets the job done but won't harm or cut baby's skin! After a few months, I finally get the courage to clip them the old fashion way and will rotate between the electric file and these baby nail clippers.

7. Diaper Bag

Y'all, I have tried the cute and fashionable diaper bags, and they just didn't offer the same support as this one. Also, this diaper bag is insanely practical with all its storage compartments allowing it to be used as my family continues to grow! See everything I pack in it here! Everything you see in the video is linked in my shop hortonlane.com/shop

8. Swaddle / Sleep Sack

I love that these sleep sacks/Swaddlers can be arms free or arms strapped in. It is also super easy to use! I always get too nervous about the blanket coming undone and posing a risk to the baby. I use these fleece ones for colder months.

9. & 10. Baby Wrap/Carrier

Unless you plan on holding your baby in your arms most of the time, you will want a way to hold your baby hands-free. I use this wrap when they are infants and this carrier for when they get bigger. I love this wrap because it is durable, washable, and half the price of those fancy designer ones. If you are interested in the designer ones, though, and want to know if they are worth it, check out my post here.

11. Gripe Water

I swear by gripe water in the newborn phase! There are nights when I cannot figure out why the baby is crying for the life of me, and the gripe water tends to settle them down. I think it helps break up the gas bubbles or something. This one is natural and something I recommend you ask your pediatrician about it!

12. Baby Monitor

Unless you are near your baby every time they sleep, you will want a baby monitor. I went old school for my first baby and just used an audio one. I couldn't take not seeing him, so I caved and got one with a camera. It's expensive, but I love that it has an encrypted wireless signal instead of wifi. Why do I not like wifi, you may ask? Well, I saw one too many news stories reporting on wifi baby monitors getting hacked and strangers talking to the baby! Now, of course, I don't know if these people had secure wifi, but either way, it scared me enough not to want to risk it!

Was this post helpful? If so, connect with me on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, where I answer all your questions when it comes to pregnancy, birth, relationships, postpartum, and motherhood! While there are many professional resources out there, sometimes you just want to hear it from another mom who is in the trenches right there with you! That's what I am here for!