Favorite Highchairs, Changing Pads, and Diaper Bags

Favorite highchairs, changing pads and diaper bags at every price point that you are sure to love and will stand the test of time!

Most of our favorite products featured are meant to last you not just a season but throughout your baby-rearing years. An exhaustive search would unearth more than 100 different types of highchairs that all claim to be just what you and your baby need. The same is true for diaper bags and changing pads. We’re here to help you narrow down your search and help you feel confident in your investment. All of these products feature easy cleaning and functionality but do not take away from your home aesthetic or leave too big of a footprint in your house so that your home can feel calm, cohesive, and inviting for not just kids but YOU as well.

The following products promote all of these important characteristics at an array of price points.

Favorite Highchairs

Highchairs should be a product that you buy once and possibly pass down to a friend or family member when you are no longer in need of it. Keeping this in mind, finding one that is durable and easy to clean are its two most important features. The Lalo Highchair is a minimalistic, low-height highchair that not only meets the easy-to-clean criteria with flying colors but also grows with your child. It comes with additional shorter legs to transition it to a playtime chair as your child grows. It comes with a machine washable (and easily removed) cushion that is best for those first foods days. The cushion is definitely not necessary as baby grows and becomes better at sitting up straight. It is sleek and chic and comes in multiple colors that are sure to complement your home decor. It does not fold up or roll, but it is extremely lightweight and easily moved. It is also easy to assemble, and at a price of $215, it doesn’t break the bank for an item you will likely be using daily for many years to come. 

The Oribel Cocoon Highchair comes with a much bigger footprint but takes the highchairs of the old into the new decade with its more contemporary look and features. While its base is very wide, it is also able to fold up and roll away into a closet. It, too, is easy to clean with all plastic smooth services and a dishwasher-safe tray. The best feature of this highchair is the ability for the seat to rotate backward when the tray is removed, making it a great baby seat for your infant, even before starting solids. This long-lasting and durable highchair is exceptionally easy to assemble with zero screws or fuss, making it an obvious favorite. Also, coming in at $215, you won’t regret having so many features for the price. 

We likely all know someone who has the Stokke Tripp Trapp Highchair and raves about it. It is an adult-styled, minimalistic chair that has multiple uses and a small footprint. And did you know that it can actually fold flat as well? This wood-based highchair comes with a removable baby seat, harness, and tray, but it can also be used with their new additional infant seat that is used much like the reclining Oribel infant seat. And while this feature does increase its already high price, it may be worth it in the long run. It comes in multiple colors, grows with your child, and never maxes out on weight (even if you can sit in it)! While it’s more expensive than the other two at $270, its durability, functionality & design make it a top pick.

Favorite Changing Pads

We will almost never recommend a cloth changing pad to expecting moms, as the additional laundry, and inability to really stay clean for even 24 hours, makes them less than ideal. We are beyond grateful that foam changing pads have become the new norm in the last few years, as they solve the above problems while still being aesthetically pleasing. The most important criteria to consider are the comfort, size & durability of the material. The Bumbo Changing Pad was a natural progression from the Bumbo baby seat that has been on the market for years. Made of the same polyurethane material, it is durable and comes in many colors. While it may not be the softest and most comfortable as the other two we are reviewing, it is certainly still a great product. It is lightweight and will fit in any toppers or changing spaces. And with the price of $70, it is the same if not less than most all cloth-based pads. 

The Keekaroo Peanut Changer has become the popular favorite of late, and we can see why. Its peanut shape helps keep baby in place and not roll over, and its length makes it the best for a growing toddler. We like it because it is the softest foam while still being very supportive. It is modern looking and comes in 5 new colors. It may be more expensive than the Bumbo, but you will definitely never regret your choice if the price works for you.

Finally, the Hatch Grow Smart Changing Pad provides the same clean changing surface but with the added feature of weighing your baby wirelessly. With their app, you can monitor and keep track of your baby’s weight and how they are ranking among other children their age. It comes in only two colors, and it is also less soft than the Keekaroo, but its modern look and functionality should cause you to consider it. The scale feature may be a great resource in those early weeks, but you will likely not use it throughout their first year and beyond, so take that into consideration when considering its price of $150.

Favorite Diaper Bags

Diaper bags can be such a great thing to have in those first few months, but as you get into the swing of things, you may realize just how little you really need for the day-to-day (unless you’re traveling long distances with baby). That being said, it’s a good idea to have at least one backpack or bag that makes organizing what you need easy so that you, your partner, or your caretaker can locate what they need quickly and easily. Backpacks tend to be the most convenient theoretically, but a tote option is also great, as having your phone, keys, and wallet on your back at all times can get a bit tedious. However, having it clipped to your stroller obviously makes a ton of sense. Here are a few of our favorites.

The HaloVa Diaper Bag is an extremely affordable option that is made of Oxford fiber with a very accessible large top opening. It has an insulated front pocket for bottles and many inside compartments for easy access. Our only gripe is that the fabric is likely to stain, and the quality may fail you with heavy use. But with a $30 price tag, it may be worth the risk if you are unsure about whether you want a diaper bag at all. It’s also a particularly good option for the nanny or other caretakers due to its functionality and price point. 

Dagne Dover is the new hot brand in diaper bags, and it does not disappoint. With durable and soft neoprene and air mesh fabric and many compartments (both inside and out,) it is a backpack that is sure to last, looks great on both sexes and clips to the stroller with ease. Its extra features, such as an opening for wipes and a suitcase-attaching sleeve, make it a bag that will go anywhere with you for years to come. It comes in many trendy colors, retails for $195, and is definitely a product you’ll be seeing for years to come. 

The MZ Wallace Quilted Tote Bag also deserves an honorable mention for its weightless and completely waterproof, and stain-proof fabric. It is not a diaper bag per se, but it is a great tote if you’re looking for a non-backpack option. With fewer compartments, you may have to add your own organizational accessories, but it can grow with you and your baby in ways a traditional diaper bag can’t. It’s more pricey at $250, but stylistically, it will last you much longer than just the baby years! 

Finally, the TwelveLittle crossbody bag is a simple bag without bells and whistles, but it is a perfect size for some diapering and feeding tools when you’re on the go for a quick walk or trip to the grocery. It comes with its own small changing pad and has a very comfortable strap. At the time, it is only offered in limited colors and patterns, but at the price of $75, it can be a helpful addition to your gear when you don’t want to carry the big, heavy, full-sized diaper bag around.

Creating a baby registry can be so overwhelming these days, as more and more products come on the market each week promising to make mom’s life easier. Sometimes less is more, and sometimes more is more, honestly. The trick to knowing what is right for you and your family is to take inventory of your lifestyle without baby and your lifestyle intentions with baby.

Do you hope to continue traveling often? Do you plan on flying home to see a family with an infant? Is making your own baby food important? Do you plan on pumping at work? Do you want more children in the near future? Where do you plan on having baby sleep? Answering these questions will help you prioritize your budget and needs.

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Favorite Baby Products for 6-12 Months

Favorite Baby Products for 6-12 Months

Congrats! You made it to 6 months! At this point, you’re enjoying full nights of sleep, solid foods and watching your little one’s personality develop. You have done a great job of establishing healthy routines and should be feeling confident in your parenting as you watch your baby achieve new developmental milestones! (If you’re still struggling with getting those consistent routines in place, don’t worry! Go ahead and order this game changing guide for 6-15 months now. The first order of business is sleep–once you’re all sleeping through the night, all of the other pieces start to fall into place and this book will guide you through it all step-by-step!) At 6-12 months, you’ve grown past all of the registry must-haves for newborns, so what do you need to have on hand now? Here are a few of my favorite baby products I used the most with my own 3 kids! Feeding Products Our five most used feeding items from 6-12 months were: Sippy cups – There are so many options and you will probably have to try a few to figure out which works best. Here are all of our favorites. This is the sippy cup that worked the best consistently with my 3 kids. Highchair – I wanted a highchair that was as easy on the eyes as it was functional. We found that this clip-on highchair worked best with our kitchen’s configuration. It does not take up any floor space, is easy to wash and allows our youngest to eat at the counter with her two older brothers. We also keep this one on hand for when we are eating outside.  Our youngest uses this one at our nanny share and if a clip-on highchair didn’t work in our space, this is what I would pick as our primary highchair. Bibs – Yes, I know they will end up with stuff all over them, but bibs should still be cute! We found that the silicone bibs irritated their necks and these are a cinch to wash. Plus, they have long-sleeved options for more protection! Spoons – These are my favorite for when you are feeding them. As they start to feed themselves, a shorter handle works better. I love these because they are flat and the texture helps to hold onto food. Check out this reel for a fun way to teach them to feed themselves! Sit to Stand Walker There’s a lot going on with this toy, but it’s something that will entertain and grow with your baby! My kids loved the music and different buttons to push once they were able to sit up and face the toy. As they grew, they learned to pull themselves up on it and use it as support to stand. The wheels lock so it doesn’t roll away until they’re ready. And then once they’re ready to start taking some steps, you can adjust the speed of the wheels to slow them down or speed them up. We got this sit to stand walker 6 years ago with our first baby and our third baby is still using it today! Bubbles Who doesn’t love bubbles?! So simple, but so entertaining. Plus they help with baby’s fine motor skills when they try to grab and touch the bubbles. Bubbles are also a fun way for an older sibling to play with baby! We love these bubble guns and bubble machine. Lovevery Subscription We were gifted a subscription to Lovevery’s Play Kits and I have been blown away with the quality of the toys and, most importantly, that my youngest actually plays with them! The toys in each Play Kit have been spot on for her age and stage. I also love that the toys are built to last and made with sustainably harvested wood, organic cotton, nontoxic paint, and baby-safe plastics. Sound Machine We’ve gone through a lot of sound machines and this is hands down, without a doubt, the best sound machine on the market. The sound is perfect, it gets loud and it’s built to last. We have replaced all of the sound machines in our house with this one. For a glance at all of Moms on Call’s favorite products (and available promo codes), visit our Products We Love page. We love partnering with you and your family to make birth through toddlerhood to bring you confidence, clarity and better sleep. We hope that these recommendations do just that! Crib Mattress Having a dual-firmness crib mattress was important to us! This simply means that the crib mattress has the extra-firm support that infants need on one-side and less firmness on the other side to provide the comfort that toddlers prefer. Other features we looked for were a waterproof cover and eco-friendliness. This mattress is made by one of the leading industry crib mattress manufacturers and checks all of our boxes (and then some)!
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Must Have Baby Products for 4-6 Months

Must Have Baby Products for 4-6 Months

With my first baby, one of the most surprising realizations I had was that the infant stage gets better and better with time. (And that time flies by way too fast!) I know, it’s hard to imagine that anything could be better than a sweet, snuggly newborn! But, when babies hit the 4-6 month phase and start interacting with you, intentionally smiling and giggling…oh, be still my heart! In fact, the 4-6 month phase may be my favorite. Typically around 4-6 months, everyone is sleeping and the household is settling into its groove. I found that my stress level associated with lack of sleep and navigating how to care for another tiny human started to subside. I was able to breathe and really start enjoying this sweet time.  From rolling over to recognizing familiar faces, sitting up and solid food introduction, 4-6 months is a busy phase for baby (and parents)! You will also outgrow some of your newborn necessities as baby’s needs evolve. Having been through this phase 3 times now, my husband, Chris and I, put together our list of baby must haves for 4-6 months. We still use many of our Must Have Baby Items for the First 3 Months, but have found a few new things to be especially helpful for months 4, 5 and 6. Travel Crib The Lotus Travel Crib was a new purchase for baby #3, and I am obsessed. Our previous pack n’ play was sturdy but also bulky and heavy. Setting it up felt like a workout. Our middle child demonstrated brute strength at an early age, and most of the “lightweight” travel cribs on the market were not sturdy enough to contain him. Thankfully I found the Lotus travel crib! It is the perfect combination of sturdy, lightweight, and compact. The carrying case can even be worn as a backpack, and setting it up/taking it down is a cinch. And, of course, it works perfectly with our Slumberpod. (use code MOC for 5% off your purchase) You will want sheets that are specially designed for the Lotus travel crib. The sheet needs to accommodate the crib’s fasteners that attach its pad to its frame to prevent slippage. I bought this pack of two so that we have a back-up ready in the event of a spit-up or blowout incident. Baby Carrier At 4-6 months, you’re going to want a baby carrier that helps your body support baby’s increasing weight. My favorite is the Ergobaby 360 All-Position Baby Carrier. I love that Poppy can face outwards for people-watching, inwards for snuggling and snoozing or on my back for walking/hiking. It fastens around my hips to help distribute her weight and relieve some tension from my upper back. Sit-Me-Up Floor Seat This thing is awesome! It’s portable, washable and helps baby sit up for both eating and playing. You can attach toys to it for playing and it also comes with a removable dishwasher-safe tray for eating. It’s perfect for babies who can hold their head up, but are still wobbly and need a little extra help sitting up. It is also great to travel with as it can double as a high chair and be brought along to restaurants. Kick n’ Play Piano Mat This is Poppy’s favorite place to play because there are so many options. She can lay on her back and kick the piano keys with her feet, reach for the toys and look at herself in the mirror. She can lay on her tummy, look at the lights and grab the attached toys. She can sit up and press the piano keys with her hands. And we can detach the keyboard and bring it with us for on-the-go play. Chris and I love it because, in addition to it aiding in sensory and fine motor skill development, it’s compact, washable and easy to transport. Feeding Supplies You don’t need much to introduce solids, but there are a few key things that will make this messy, fun time a little bit easier! Silicone suction bowls are great because the silicone is easy to clean and you can safely warm food in it. They suction to the table to prevent spills when baby starts reaching and swatting. I like to use long silicone spoons. The length makes getting food to the baby’s mouth easier. They are made for the small size of baby’s mouth. Plus, the silicone is soft to protect their sensitive gums once they start teething. Did I mention that introducing solids can get messy? I like these waterproof, apron-style bibs. They are better than silicone or cloth because they protect Poppy’s clothes without irritating the skin on her neck. You will likely have to try a few different sippy cups before finding one your baby likes. All 3 of my babies have preferred these sippy cups. You can also check out Moms on Call’s full list of recommended sippy cups for more options. For most meals, Poppy sits in her clip-on high chair at our kitchen island. I love putting her finger foods on this Busy Baby Mat because it’s silicone and suctions. It also comes with tethers that we use to attach her sippy cup and toys to prevent them from dropping onto the floor. For a step-by-step guide to introducing solids, read our Guide to Introducing Solids and download our Baby Food Introduction Calendar. Also, see how I make baby food for the entire week in less than 5 minutes! Crib Mattress We love this dual-firmness crib mattress! It will grow with Poppy as it has the extra-firm support that infants need on one-side and less firmness on the other side to provide the comfort that she will prefer when she’s a toddler. Plus, it has waterproofing for easy clean-ups, is eco-friendly and is made by Colgate Mattress, The Crib Mattress Specialist®, which is a third-generation family-owned, and operated company. Moms on Call’s recommended products for every age and stage can always be found on our Products We Love page. Finally, if you only take one thing from this blog post, let it be this. Regardless of the products you have or what your baby is (or is not) doing developmentally, there is one thing that stays consistent during every stage. And that is that YOU are the most interesting thing to your baby! You are also the best decision maker for them and you’re doing a great job. So, give yourself a pat on the back, take a deep breath and soak up these precious moments!
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