Author: Herb & Hearth

  • First-Year Feeding Gear: What You’ll Actually Use

    From the first bottle to the first spoonful, here’s a short list of feeding gear that works hard, with a lean toward silicone and simple materials.

    This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See our Affiliate Disclosure.

    Months 0 to 6: milk feeding

    Whether you nurse, pump, use formula or combine them, a few simple tools go a long way. Your pediatrician or a lactation consultant can help with anything feeding-related.

    Comotomo Silicone Baby Bottle (Gen 2, 5 oz)

    A soft, squeezable silicone bottle with a wide neck that’s easy to clean. Try one bottle before buying a set, since babies have their own preferences.

    Check price on Amazon

    haakaa Manual Silicone Breast Pump, 4 oz

    A one-piece silicone pump many nursing parents use to catch letdown on the other side. Simple to wash.

    Check price on Amazon

    Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter

    A lanolin-free balm for nursing and pumping parents.

    Brand or listing states: Non-GMO Project Verified.

    Check price on Amazon

    Months 6 to 12: first foods

    When your pediatrician says it’s time for solids, you don’t need much: a high chair, a few spoons, a bowl and a bib.

    BEABA Babycook Original Baby Food Maker

    Steams and blends in one bowl, which saves dishes and counter space. Follow the manual closely, and check cpsc.gov for any recalls on the model you own.

    Check price on Amazon

    Keep it simple

    • Wash bottles and parts per the manufacturer’s instructions
    • Buy one or two of something before buying a set
    • Pick gear that works for more than one stage

    This guide is for general information only and isn’t medical or safety advice. Always follow product instructions and check with your pediatrician or care team.

    This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See our Affiliate Disclosure.

  • The Small-Space Nursery Guide

    A nursery doesn’t need its own room. Here’s how to set up a calm, safe corner in a small home with a few space-saving, low-emission pieces.

    This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See our Affiliate Disclosure.

    Start with the sleep space

    Pick the safe sleep space first and build around it. Keep it clear of pillows, bumpers, loose blankets and toys, and follow the crib’s and mattress’s instructions. Your pediatrician is the best person to ask about safe sleep.

    Our space-saving picks

    Babyletto Gelato 4-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib

    A mini crib with a smaller footprint than a full crib, that converts to a twin bed with separate conversion kits so it grows with your family.

    Brand or listing states: GREENGUARD Gold certified.

    Check price on Amazon

    Babyletto Pure Core Mini Crib Mattress

    A firm, lightweight mini-crib mattress with a removable, washable cover, sized for mini cribs. Always match mattress size to your crib.

    Brand or listing states: GREENGUARD Gold certified.

    Check price on Amazon

    aden + anais Organic Cotton Muslin Swaddles

    A four-pack that does a dozen jobs, so you need fewer textiles overall.

    Brand or listing states: Organic cotton; GOTS certified per the brand.

    Check price on Amazon

    Small-space tricks

    • Use the top of a sturdy dresser as a changing station with a changing pad that attaches securely (anchor the dresser to the wall)
    • Hang a fabric organizer on the closet door for diapers and wipes
    • Use under-crib or under-bed bins for out-of-season clothes
    • Choose one basket per job: diapers, burp cloths, clothes for today
    • Keep cords from blinds and monitors well out of reach

    Air and materials

    New furniture and mattresses can give off chemical emissions. Certifications like GREENGUARD Gold test for low emissions, and airing out new pieces before use is a simple habit many parents like.

    This guide is for general information only and isn’t medical or safety advice. Always follow product instructions and check with your pediatrician or care team.

    This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See our Affiliate Disclosure.

  • Non-Toxic Newborn Essentials: A Short, Simple List

    Newborns need less than the registry apps suggest. Here’s a short list of everyday basics, with a lean toward organic cotton and simple ingredients.

    This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See our Affiliate Disclosure.

    How we choose “non-toxic”

    “Non-toxic” isn’t a regulated label, so we look for specifics instead: organic cotton with GOTS certification, short ingredient lists, and third-party certifications the brand actually lists. If a certification isn’t on the product or brand page, we don’t claim it.

    Sleep and swaddling

    aden + anais Organic Cotton Muslin Swaddles (4-pack)

    Breathable muslin squares that work as swaddles, burp cloths, stroller shades and nursing covers. Truly multi-use. Follow safe sleep guidance and keep loose blankets out of the crib.

    Brand or listing states: 100% organic cotton; brand states its organic swaddles are GOTS certified.

    Check price on Amazon

    HALO SleepSack Swaddle, Cotton

    A wearable swaddle that replaces loose blankets, with a 3-way adjustable wrap and a bottom zipper.

    Check price on Amazon

    Clothing

    Burt’s Bees Baby Sleep & Play Footie

    Soft organic cotton zip-front PJs with fold-over mittens in the smallest sizes.

    Brand or listing states: GOTS certified organic cotton.

    Check price on Amazon

    Care basics

    Fridababy NoseFrida SnotSucker

    A simple manual nasal aspirator with replaceable filters. Use as directed, and call your pediatrician about any breathing concerns.

    Check price on Amazon

    Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter

    A lanolin-free, multi-use balm for nursing parents that also works on dry skin and lips.

    Brand or listing states: USDA Certified Organic.

    Check price on Amazon

    Tips for washing new things

    • Wash new clothes and swaddles before first use
    • Pick a fragrance-free detergent if you prefer simpler ingredients
    • Check every product’s care label and age range

    This guide is for general information only and isn’t medical or safety advice. Always follow product instructions and check with your pediatrician or care team.

    This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See our Affiliate Disclosure.

  • The Hospital Bag Checklist (Without the Overpacking)

    A calm, simple list for the bag by the door: what you’ll likely reach for, what the hospital may already provide, and a few comfy, multi-use picks.

    This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See our Affiliate Disclosure.

    When to pack

    Many parents pack a few weeks before their due date so the bag is ready if plans change. Your care team or hospital can tell you what they provide and what to bring.

    For you

    • Photo ID, insurance card and any paperwork your hospital asked for
    • Phone, long charging cable and earbuds
    • Loose, comfy outfit for going home
    • Nursing-friendly bra or soft bralette
    • Slippers or socks with grip
    • Toiletries, lip balm, hair ties
    • Your own pillow (in a bright pillowcase so it doesn’t get mixed up)
    • Snacks and a refillable water bottle

    For baby

    • Installed rear-facing car seat (you’ll need it to drive home)
    • Two going-home outfits in different sizes
    • A swaddle or wearable blanket
    • A hat and socks, depending on the season

    For your partner or support person

    • Change of clothes
    • Snacks and a phone charger
    • Any medications they take

    Our multi-use picks

    Frida Mom Upside Down Peri Bottle

    An angled, upside-down squeeze bottle many parents bring from home for postpartum rinsing. Ask your care team what they recommend for your recovery.

    Check price on Amazon

    Kindred Bravely Simply Sublime Nursing Bra

    A soft, wire-free bra with one-hand clip-down cups. It works for pregnancy, nursing and lounging, so it keeps earning its spot after the hospital.

    Check price on Amazon

    Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter

    A lanolin-free balm that also works on dry lips and hands, which is handy in dry hospital air.

    Brand or listing states: Non-GMO Project Verified; certified organic by Oregon Tilth (brand site).

    Check price on Amazon

    Burt’s Bees Baby Sleep & Play Zip-Up Footie

    A soft zip-front footie for going home. A zipper is much easier than snaps at 3 a.m.

    Brand or listing states: 100% organic cotton, GOTS certified.

    Check price on Amazon

    HALO SleepSack Swaddle, Cotton

    A 100% cotton wearable swaddle with a bottom zipper for diaper changes. Check the size and weight range on the listing, and stop swaddling when baby starts trying to roll, per the brand’s instructions.

    Check price on Amazon

    What you can probably skip

    Lots of baby outfits, a full-size baby bath, and a big stash of diapers and wipes for the stay. Many hospitals provide diapers during your stay, but check with yours.

    This guide is for general information only and isn’t medical or safety advice. Always follow product instructions and check with your pediatrician or care team.

    This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See our Affiliate Disclosure.

  • Hello World!

    Welcome to WordPress! This is your first post. Edit or delete it to take the first step in your blogging journey.