5 Baby Products I Think Are Worth the Money as a Postpartum Doula
As a postpartum doula, I’ve had the privilege of working with families at the most transformative (and sometimes overwhelming) stage of life. From the emotional journey of welcoming a new baby to the physical recovery of the postpartum period, there are countless decisions to make—one of which is choosing the right baby products. While some products are just “nice to have,” there are a few that truly stand out for their long-term value, comfort, and ease of use.
Here are five baby products I believe are worth the investment, based on my experience supporting families through the early stages of parenthood.
1. Stokke Tripp Trapp with Infant Seat
If you're looking for a high-quality, versatile high chair that will grow with your baby, the Stokke Tripp Trapp is a standout choice. Not only is it beautifully designed and sturdy, but it also features an ergonomic design that helps your baby sit comfortably at the table from an early age. And yes, I might be biased because I had a Stokke Tripp Trapp as a child.
Why It’s Worth the Money:
Longevity: The Tripp Trapp chair adjusts to your child’s size, meaning you won’t need to replace it as your baby grows. From infancy (when you add the Tripp Trapp Infant Seat) all the way to adulthood, this chair will stay with your child.
Posture: As a postpartum doula, I appreciate the chair’s thoughtful design. It encourages proper posture while keeping your baby safely supported, reducing the strain that can come with slumping in a traditional high chair.
Family Meals: The Tripp Trapp fits neatly around most dining tables, allowing your baby to join family mealtimes as early as possible. This can help foster family bonding and a sense of inclusion from the start.
2. Baby Bjorn Bouncer Bliss
The Baby Bjorn Bouncer Bliss is a lifesaver for new parents, offering a safe and gentle space for babies to rest or play while giving parents a much-needed break. It’s lightweight, portable, and incredibly easy to use.
Why It’s Worth the Money:
Gentle Bounce: The bouncer’s natural rocking motion is powered by your baby’s movements, so there are no batteries or cords to worry about. It mimics the soothing rhythm babies love, helping to calm them when they need it most.
Compact & Easy to Clean: The Bouncer Bliss is perfect for small living spaces, and its removable fabric seat is machine washable—an essential for busy, new parents.
Long-Lasting: It’s designed to be used from birth through the toddler stage (up to about two years old), making it a long-term investment for your family. Plus, its ergonomic design supports healthy development.
3. Ergobaby Omni 360 Baby Carrier
Carrying your baby close while keeping your hands free is one of the best ways to bond during the postpartum period. The Ergobaby Omni 360 is a top choice for families who want a versatile, comfortable baby carrier that can be used from birth all the way through toddlerhood.
Why It’s Worth the Money:
Multiple Carrying Positions: Whether you prefer facing in, or even wearing your baby on your back as they grow, the Omni 360 offers a variety of options for comfort and convenience. It is also advertised as a front-facing carrier, however, front-facing is not recommended. If you want to have you baby in the carrier front facing, do so only for a few minutes and when they are a little older.
Comfort for Parents: As a doula, I see firsthand how important it is for the caregiver’s comfort when baby-wearing. The Ergobaby Omni 360 has padded straps and a lumbar support waistbelt, making it easier to carry your baby for long stretches without causing strain or discomfort.
Breathable Fabric: The breathable fabric is perfect for keeping both you and your baby cool during warmer months, preventing overheating during those long walks or errands.
4. Lovevery Play Gym
The Lovevery Play Gym is a beautifully crafted, all-in-one developmental play space designed to stimulate your baby’s senses and support their cognitive and physical milestones. As a postpartum doula, I’m always looking for products that not only entertain but also help babies develop crucial skills.
Why It’s Worth the Money:
Developmental Focus: The Lovevery Play Gym is designed with input from child development experts, and it grows with your baby’s needs. From tummy time to the exploration of colors, textures, and patterns, it provides a safe and stimulating environment for your baby to engage with.
Sustainability: Lovevery is known for its commitment to eco-friendly materials, which is a huge plus for parents looking to reduce their environmental footprint. The play gym is made of sustainably sourced wood and safe, non-toxic fabrics.
Ease of Use: It’s easy to assemble, and the high-quality materials ensure durability, even with lots of baby drool and playtime. Plus, the toys and accessories that come with the gym are easy to wash.
5. Owlet Dream Sock
Sleep can be a major concern for new parents, especially when it comes to ensuring that your baby is safe while they sleep. The Owlet Dream Sock is a wearable monitor that tracks your baby’s heart rate and oxygen levels, sending updates directly to your smartphone.
Why It’s Worth the Money:
Peace of Mind: One of the hardest things for parents during the postpartum period is dealing with the worry that often comes with having a newborn. The Owlet Dream Sock provides real-time monitoring, alerting parents if there are any concerning changes in their baby’s sleep patterns.
Non-Invasive: Unlike some other baby monitors, the Dream Sock is soft and snug, designed to comfortably wrap around your baby’s foot without being intrusive.
Helps with Tracking Sleep: The Owlet device can also help parents track sleep trends, which is particularly helpful when trying to establish healthy sleep routines during the early months.
Final Thoughts
As a postpartum doula, I’ve seen how the right tools can help families navigate the challenges of those first few months with more ease and confidence. While it’s tempting to get caught up in the latest baby gadgets, these five products stand out for their long-term value, practical features, and positive impact on both baby and caregiver. Whether you’re looking for ways to support your baby's development, help ease the strain on your body, or simply keep track of their well-being, these products are well worth considering for your postpartum journey.
Extra Tipp: Look on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist for used baby products. They are usually a lot cheaper and still in good condition.
For a detailed guide to all the products you do and do not need for your new baby, download my 18-page Honest Baby Registry!
