*Hi friends, just a heads up that this post contains affiliate links and I might receive a small commission. Affiliate links are indicated with an asterisk.

Time flies when you have a newborn to care for (and stare at, and play with, and snuggle!) We tried to stay minimal in terms of baby items but there’s no doubt about it: babies use a lot of stuff! Now that I have a few months under my belt I’m sharing a few of my current favorite baby items, all made in America.

1. California Baby
   This brand is beloved by many parents because of the natural ingredients as well as the fact that the line is widely available in stores and online. UPDATE: I now just use a mix of castille soap and distilled (boiled and cooled) water as my daughter’s soap. 
2. CJ’s BUTTer Spritz*
   There is a lot of buzz about this brand on cloth diaper websites and forums but I didn’t try it until recently. It really is the best – helps with diaper area rash and is easy to apply (and not get all over your hands) since it’s a spray. The ingredients are simple and healthy for baby. Grab the unscented version if you are avoiding added fragrance.
3. Cloth Diapering
   There are so many USA-made cloth diapers and diaper accessories from small makers and work-at-home-moms to larger companies. I’ve only scratched the surface of available brands, but my absolute favorites so far are: Thirsties* (I used the duo wrap size 1 with a prefold when my daughter was a newborn), BumGenius* (I mainly use BG 4.0 pocket diapers) and TinyTush (I like the Elite 2.0 pocket diapers style) for diapers and Geffen Baby (check out this handy chart to figure out which ones you need) for absorbent inserts. I highly recommend checking eBay* for new and like-new cloth diapers, but I also like the selection and customer service at Sweetbottoms Baby*.
4. Solly Baby Wrap (buy on eBay*)
   This is a great “entry level” wrap that’s lightweight, easy to use and oh so comfy for you and your baby. I use it almost every day and wore her for the first time when she was 3 days old. Similar to the ever-popular Moby Wrap, this one is lighter, easier to transport and made in America by an adorable family. The brand has tutorials on their site but I found this tutorial with a stretchy wrap to be more helpful. Once you get into the “world” of babywearing, there are tons of other brands of structured carriers and wraps that are USA-made or responsibly manufactured. I’m just dipping my toe into this world, but I’ve got my eye on a woven wrap from the Poe Wovens company.
5. Ultimate Swaddle (buy on eBay*)
   The “Happiest Baby on the Block” calming technique has worked well for our daughter so we use swaddle blankets every day. While my husband prefers the Halo wrap with velcro, I like a “double swaddle” with two of these blankets to make sure our little Houdini doesn’t pull out her arms and startle herself awake. Just make sure you focus the tight-ness on their arms and not their little hips as there’s mixed information out there about too-tight swaddles contributing to hip dysplasia.
6. Logan and Lenora wet bags
   Every parent needs at least one wet bag – a bag that’s totally 100% water- (and smell-) proof for dirty clothing, diapers, etc. I have at least one in my diaper bag at all times. I love Logan and Lenora’s sophisticated prints and the quality/materials is wonderful.
7. Madeline’s Box pacifier clip
   These clips are an adorable and more elegant solution to pacifiers, teethers or other toys your abe likes to chew on constantly falling out of their mouth and on the floor. While I have other clips, I now exclusively use Madeline’s Box clips because they are the perfect length, the clip stays put and they look great.

1. Liberty Bottleworks bottle with straw top (buy on eBay*)
   Okay, this isn’t for the baby but it will definitely benefit him/her! Breastfeeding mamas need to drink a LOT and having a bottle of water by my side all day long is the only way to stay properly hydrated. I like having a straw versus a glass because I’m less likely to spill. Liberty Bottleworks has two sizes (24oz and 32 oz) and lots of great designs. They are made in America of recycled aluminum, are high quality to last a long time, and I can slip the 24-ounce bottle into the side of my diaper bag on the go. I bought mine locally in Burlington, Vermont at Outdoor Gear Exchange. You can also buy on eBay.*

*Hi friends, just a heads up that this post contains scary affiliate links and if you click, a shark will EAT YOU. Just kidding! Clicking my links just means you like my site and like reading my recommendations. Your shopping experience doesn’t change, but I might get a tiny commission. Affiliate links are indicated with an asterisk like this* If you have any questions, I’m here to talk —> meredithtested@gmail.com … or leave a comment below. xoxo.