Affordable and Practical Baby Gear

Sure, the adorable, expensive newborn-size outfits and high-tech bouncy seats that moms get at baby showers are wonderful, but are they all that essential for day-to-day infant parenting? Mom.me surveyed some smart mamas, and they told us that much more basic products are indispensable. Here’s a list of inexpensive and simple gear that real-life mothers rely on, day in and day out.
Blanket Statement

Asia Linn Bukszpan, a mom and teacher in Brooklyn Heights, N.Y., tells us, “We liked flannel receiving blankets for everything when my son was young — we used them to wrap him up, to put on the floor or bed for him to lay on, and for general cleanup.”
To buy: Gerber 4-Pack Flannel Receiving Blanket, $8
Back to Basics

Bukszpan is a huge fan of the simplest baby outfits, saying, “Any new mom needs cotton T-shirts and onesies — tons of them!” She also recommends having “plenty of hats — little cotton ones to keep baby’s head warm.”
To buy: Gerber Short-Sleeve Onesies, 4-Pack, $8; Babysoy Organic Cotton Newborn Hat, $12
The Kindest Cut

“Safety baby nail scissors instead of clippers is a must,” Reifler tells us. “They are much easier to use, and you can cut on a curve so that your baby doesn't get scratched by the pointy corners left by clippers. Piyo Piyo’s are the perfect scissors.”
To buy: Piyo Piyo Baby Nail Scissors, $7
Pampers Sensitive Wipes

Changing your baby can be one of the most loving moments of the day. With Pampers Sensitive wipes’ unique Softgrip Texture, your baby will enjoy less wiping for more gentle cleaning, which is a win-win for both Mom and Baby.
Plus Pampers Sensitive wipes are 20% thicker than Pampers regular wipes, which makes changing time easier for Mom and happier for Baby’s skin. So play that extra game of peekaboo on the changing table or blow a few more raspberries on their tummy, Baby won’t mind!
It's a Wrap

“Light, breathable muslin blankets are terrific for many things,” says Reifler. “You can use them for swaddling during warm months and also for sun-shading and nursing privacy.” And she has another smart tip for new parents, “Don't waste money on swaddling suits with Velcro and whatnot. It's actually easier to learn to swaddle your kid with a regular square or rectangular blanket.”
To buy: Bakati Ikat Muslin Blankets, $26
MORE: Real Moms Share Tried and True Tricks For Babies With Sensitive Skin
Cream of the Crop

“Vegetable-based petroleum-jelly substitutes worked for us much better than the thick white butt creams,” says Reifler. “The Alba brand was my hands-down favorite.”
To buy: Alba Un-Petroleum Multi-Purpose Jelly, $7
Breast Friends

Though they certainly aren’t glamorous, there are certain breastfeeding products that are essential. Bukszpan says, “Lansinoh breast cream and their nipple pads are great. Breastfeeding is sometimes challenging, and these items help a lot and are affordable.”
To buy: Lansinoh Lanolin Cream, $7; Lansinoh Disposable Nursing Pads, 100-Pack, $12