My Baby Must-Haves! Favorite Diaper Bags, Bottles, Gadgets + More

Apr 6, 2021 | Baby and Kids, Lifestyle, Video

Want to make life with a newborn easier on your entire family? I'm sure the answer is YES. If so, keep on reading! I'm sharing ALL the baby must-haves, including products for bedtime, travel, feeding, and more.

Jordan Page, mom of 8, from Fun Cheap or Free

It's finally here! The “Baby Must-Haves” list you have all been begging me to share! These are the things I keep stocked in every room when we are in baby-mode. Many of you have asked for more info on what my favorite baby products and gadgets are. Sure, all my babies are older now… but better late than never, right?

Not only am I sharing my baby favorites, but I've rounded up discount codes for most of them so you can save tons-o-moola in the process! What can I say? I love you guys.

*Note: When you click the links in this post, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

mom nursing baby, from Fun Cheap or Free

As a reminder, I have tons of videos on YouTube, so be sure to subscribe, so you don't miss anything! Now, enough chit-chat, time for the goods!

Watch the video online HERE or watch directly below:


MY BABY MUST-HAVES LIST

Now, as you will see, some items are inexpensive and easy to replace. Others are investment pieces that definitely aren't “cheap.” But that is the perfect definition of FRUGAL LIVING! It's not just buying or owning inexpensive things; it's learning to make choices, set budgets, and save up for the things that are really important to you.

So keep that in mind as you watch this video! The things worth paying less for, or the things worth investing in, might be different for you. But hopefully, this gives you a starting point!

There you have it! WHY I love what I love, and how I use it to make my life muuuuuuuch easier. Now, as promised, here is everything I mention in the video, plus a few extras I thought of after filming:


SAVE MONEY WHEN SHOPPING:

RAKUTEN

RAKUTEN!!! (Formerly Ebates.) My gosh, PLEEEEEEASE sign up if you haven't! You get cash back when you shop online – NO STRINGS ATTACHED! I have earned thousands of dollars over the past 6+ years of using Rakuten, and I'll never stop talking about it! And if you SIGN UP HERE, you get a $10 welcome bonus when you spend your first $25 through Rakuten.

If you shop through their website or app, they compile sales, deals, and coupons all in one place, so you don't have to scour the interwebs trying to find a reputable discount code. It's literally the only way I shop online, including through Amazon. So stop and SIGN UP HERE before checking out any of my other links below!

Ok, now you can shop 🙂


REGISTRY ON AMAZON

My next tip – Create a baby registry on Amazon. It makes it super easy for people to buy what you actually want and need, instead of buying whatever they think is cute.


BABY MUST HAVES FOR SLEEP

Sleepytime is probably one of the most important times for a baby. They spend a lot of time sleeping, and you want to make the most of that! These baby products are my favorites for helping babies get quality sleep so mama can, too!

My favorite baby must-haves for bedtime from Fun Cheap or Free
  • At the top of my baby must-haves list is my white noise machine and a good routine. I use the machine for every one of my kids, and we pack them with us everywhere we go when we travel.
  • My favorite baby pajamas have 3 things: 1) optional cuffs on the hands, 2) feet, 3) reverse zippers! I found some cute ones at TARGET.
  • Swaddle blankets – my favorites are the super stretchy ones. I like this brand, and they sell loads on Amazon, which is nice.
  • Once my babies don't need to be swaddled when sleeping, I shift to a Halo SleepSack. I know it keeps them warm all night without worrying about them getting tangled up in blankets.
  • Bassinet – my babies don't sleep in cribs for quite some time, so I love this bassinet. There are SUPER expensive ones out there, but I promise, the inexpensive ones work just as well! So for me, THIS affordable one works perfectly. I LOVE THIS THING. It's tiny and perfect for traveling, and I like to scoot it around my main floor and use it to keep my babies safe (and near me) during the day.
baby laughing in Moses bag, from Fun Cheap or Free
  • Pacifiers – I know there are adorable, trendy ones out there…but the super inexpensive ones shown in the video are my absolute favorite. Find them on TARGET HERE, or on AMAZON HERE.
  • “Booger Sucker” – My babies tend to get super congested and mucus-y when they sleep. To combat this, I have to suck out their boogers (gross, sorry!) before they sleep, which allows them to sleep much better at night. There are two I recommend:
    • Nose Frida – This is the one I show in my video. All you need is your mouth, and it works pretty darn well. And I PROMISE there is zero chance the mucus would ever get into your mouth ;). Get it from TARGET HERE, or AMAZON HERE.
    • Baby Vac – This works exactly the same way as the Nose Frida, but instead of using your mouth, you use your VACUUM. I was super skeptical, and frankly, afraid to use it at first. But a friend swears by it, so I tried it, and it's a MIRACLE WORKER! Obviously, it reduces the power of the suction substantially, so it's super gentle and won't hurt your baby at all. But it doesn't require your lungs and does a better job of clearing out the baby. Also easier to clean. The downside, you need a vacuum close. Check it out on Amazon HERE.

BABY MUST HAVES FOR FEEDING

Babies pretty much do 3 things… We've covered number 1 – SLEEP. On to number 2 – EAT!

favorite baby must-haves for feeding, from Fun Cheap or Free
  • Even if you nurse exclusively, a manual breast pump can come in handy! The hand pump is nice because I can feed on one side and pump on the other, and I can also pack it with me easily.
  • Our favorite baby bottles are just the Walmart ones! However, if your baby is sensitive to gas and bubbles, we like the Boon Nursh bottles as well.
  • Nursing pillow – I have an old-school Boppy, and it works great. I needed it for nursing my first baby, but now I don't need it anymore. However, we still use it daily so the kids can hold the baby safely! Highly recommended.
mom wearing Mory June nursing cover, from Fun Cheap or Free
  • If you are on the go often, these formula dispensers are an absolute baby must have! You can also use them for snacks as the babes grow. Super easy, mess-free storage for formula and snacks.
  • What good is formula if you don't have warm water? Make sure you take a stainless steel thermos with you in your diaper bag, and you'll always have hot water ready to go! Easy to mix with cold water for the perfect bottle.
  • As baby transitions to solid food, silicone bibs are awesome for keeping baby's clothes fresh and food-free.
  • Portable booster or fabric high chair – Another must-have as baby transitions to solid foods. This is perfect for the park or a day out! We love how easy the fabric high chair is to fold and throw into a diaper bag for travel. It fits on any chair and adjusts to fit pretty much any size child!

MORE BABY ESSENTIALS

You know, those things that make life with baby a bit easier! Especially when we talk about that 3rd thing that babies are known for… eat, sleep, POOP!!!

When stocking up on items, it's hard to know which diaper cream rash is the best. Or if baby lotion is something you really need?? We're getting real here with some of my favorite baby essentials!

Stock up on these baby essentials to be prepared for anything - from Fun Cheap or Free
  • Pink Baby Lotion – When I think “newborn baby,” this is the scent that comes to mind. Not only does it smell amazing, but it also is the best at keeping baby's skin soft and moisturized. I like to use it after bath time, of course, but I also like to rub some in on my baby's head and neck when she needs a quick freshening-up! Another trick for this lotion? I use it to style my kids' hair! True story.
  • It goes without saying that having a house full of kids means we need large quantities of hand sanitizer. With siblings who love on baby all day long and lots of welcomed visitors, having a bottle of sanitizer in the house's main rooms keeps the kiddos as germ-free as possible. I also like to have travel-sized sanitizer in the glove box of my car and my diaper bag. If germs are your trigger… may I suggest sanitizing your kiddy toys? Check out this post where I tell you the easiest way EVER to sanitize toys!
  • Surprisingly one of my baby essentials for baby girls is lubricating jelly! Why? Because it acts as a fabulous adhesive for those tiny baby bows, believe it or not! FACT!
  • Diaper rash ointment is a must for my babies. So far, all of my babes have had VERY sensitive bums, and I have to stay on top of the ointment, or they are miserable with a capital M. I've tried all kinds, and I feel like they all work just as well as the other, so a generic brand works great. A trick of mine? Put it on with every diaper change before diaper rash even starts! Prevention is key to a happy baby bum.
  • My kids have pretty dry skin thanks to living in Utah, and my girls all take it one step farther by having patches of eczema on their bodies. Healing ointment goes beyond lotion. It's greasier, so I don't like to use it on their entire bodies all the time like I do lotion, but healing ointment is a must on dry or irritated skin because it moisturizes, creates good skin barrier, AND heals all at the same time. A little goes a long way, so one of these tubs can last forEVER.
  • Coconut Oil is my go-to diaper rash cream, lotion, and healing ointment alternative. Ok, let's call it like it is; Coconut Oil is prom king and just does it ALL! If my baby has a nasty diaper rash that needs some healing, this stuff works like a charm. It also moisturizes the skin well and just smells delicious, so why not?
  • Oh, yes. Soft wipes are a MUST. No scratchy, stiff, or overly scented wipes for us. We keep wipes in EVERY room of the house. Literally every room. The beauty of sturdy wipes is that they aren't just for changing diapers! You can use them to clean, wipe faces, and so much more…

BABY MUST HAVES FOR THE HOME

We all know that life around the home changes when baby comes around. Here are a few things that make home-life simpler with a little one.

My favorite baby must-haves for the home to make life simpler with a little one from Fun Cheap or Free
  • The 4Moms RockaRoo swing is such a game-changer! I like that it's small and easy to pack around, and I love that it plugs in. My other one ran on batteries, and it was obnoxious.
  • The Ubbi Diaper Pail is a miracle worker! I was skeptical because of the price, but it is – hands down – one of the best baby items ever. I don't know how, but it DOESN'T STINK!
  • Baby Monitor – Does anyone else worry about how well the baby is breathing through the night during those first few months? We love these simple baby monitors for listening to baby while traveling and around the house. 
  • The elusive disappearing pacifier… does anyone else suffer from this phenomenon? Pacifier clips are cute and functional! I keep one clipped on throughout the day so I know the pacifier is just an arm's reach away.
  • The ErgoBaby 360 is another amazing baby product, and I use it constantly. It has turned into one of my baby must-haves for sure! It's nice to bring along in case the Moses Bag is too bulky for whatever adventure we are going on. I purchased the Newborn Insert too, and it makes sure baby is safe, comfy, and snuggly during our ride. Once baby is big enough, we pull the insert out, and voila!
  • Another must-have is my iPad Travel Case. I like it because it slides on the back of my headrest in the car, so the kids can all see a movie when I need a moment to nurse the baby in the front seat, or even to save my LIFE when I've got lots of kids at the busy post office.
  • You know I swear by my Instant Pot! It makes cooking quick and convenient, which is absolutely necessary with kids and baby. I love it for those times that I totally space and forget to put something in my crockpot. We're still able to have a delicious and homemade meal in no time!

MOM LIFE MUST-HAVES:

In order to have a happy baby, you've gotta take care of mama!! Here are a few things that save me on a daily basis with a new baby.

Must have baby products to make mom-life a little better on a daily basis from Fun Cheap or Free
  • Loopy phone case – Moms! Your hands are full! This case will save your life. Use the code FUN10 for 10% off!
  • Under-eye eraser – This is the best makeup product EVER. It's just Maybelline! Only a few bucks. You can find it on AMAZON HERE.
  • Bidet – It's an investment, but one of the best ones you'll ever make. Just trust me on this one.
  • Camera – A small hand-held camera is perfect for capturing memories, and the quality is legitimately professional. So much easier to grab and go than my DSLR that was just too bulky to carry around! I love love love love love it.
  • #MomLife Hat – Sometimes you just need to wear a hat because #momlife, so why not make it a cute fashion statement?!
  • Favorite places to shop – Brickyard Buffalo, Cents of Style (use code FUN20 for 20% off!), Ross, TJ Maxx, and, believe it or not, Amazon!

FAVORITE DIAPER BAGS:

Of course, when we're talking about mom must-haves for baby, we have to discuss diaper bags! I've tried so many and seriously love things about each of these.

  • Azaria – I love how open they are, that they fit my laptop, and that they don't look like a diaper bag!
  • Ryla – These are SO durable! They are a great size and have all the baby pockets and zippers you'd ever need. Use the code PAGE20 for 20% off.
  • Freshly Picked – they have several styles and sizes to choose from, so there is something for everyone!

Needing help getting your budget in check so you can prepare for baby? You definitely need to check out Budget Boot Camp! It's a crazy fun online video program that I created to make understanding your finances easy as pie.

I'm so sure that you'll love it that I have a 100% money-back guarantee! Plus, use the code FCFBLOG for 10% off, just because. 😉

More baby posts to check out:

There you go! Hope that helps, especially for those first-time moms out there.

Ciao, babes!

46 Comments

  1. AJ

    Baby McEwan is adorable!

    Reply
    • FunCheapOrFree

      Awww thank you! XO

      Reply
  2. Sue

    It would have been so nice to have a bidet during my fertile years. Just got one off Amazon, heated, for about $70. I highly recommend them.

    Reply
    • FunCheapOrFree

      Oh my goodness, that sounds dreamy!

      Reply
  3. Lynnette

    I think my biggest need is that bed in the background with the ginormous drawer!! Do tell!

    Reply
  4. Beverly Lam

    I love your hair bow scrunchie thing. You are wearing one in this video and I have seen it in your messy buns before. Where did you get it?
    Thanks for the videos! I love watching you and all of your boot camps!
    Xoxo Bev

    Reply
  5. Kim

    What brand are the other pacifiers shown in the video? Thanks!

    Reply
  6. Karene Torgerson

    Freshly Picked link isn’t working 🙂

    Reply
    • FunCheapOrFree

      How weird? I just tried it and it is working for me, I am so sorry for the inconvenience.

      Reply
  7. Brooke

    Hi there! Just curious that you didn’t mention Lily Jade diaper bags in your diaper bag list? I saw an old video of yours where you talked about what is in your diaper bag and Lily Jade were the bags you mentioned! Just wondering if you prefer the others over Lily Jade?
    Thanks!
    Brooke

    Reply
    • FunCheapOrFree

      I still love them, just didn’t mention them in this video!

      Reply
  8. noushiba

    hi can you do a video on losing weight after pregnancy?

    Reply
    • FunCheapOrFree

      Hi! I am not sure if I will! I have already shared some weight-loss videos on the blog. 🙂 You can find them here.

      Reply
  9. Melanie

    Loved all your tips. You need to try MAGNETIC baby pajamas. No snaps or zipper. They just close together magnetically. It’s like magic! You can find them on amazon. Total game changer and a super popular baby shower gift. You’re welcome ?

    Reply
  10. Natalie Galvez

    Hi I just finished watching your YouTube video on baby must-haves and I have got to say thank you for your knowledge and advice, I always learn something from your videos that help me with my daily life especially being a first time mom. It really makes a difference to me. I would also like to say I have had my eye on the Ryla diaper bag for quite some time now and had been hesitant in buying it,but I finally pulled through with it (Yay!) I hear nothing but great things about it. I went ahead and used your promo code which made a huge difference as well. Very happy mama here!

    Reply
    • FunCheapOrFree

      Ah so glad! You will love it!

      Reply
  11. Hailee

    I love these! There are so many awesome recommendations here!

    Reply
    • FunCheapOrFree

      Thanks so much Hailee!

      Reply
  12. Whitney Matthews

    I love this list! As someone that doesn’t have kids yet I get so overwhelmed thinking about everything kids need but this list makes it so simple! Thanks Jordan 🙂

    Reply
  13. Alex

    Reverse zippers are for sure a must!!! Elenora and Co also makes amazing rompers, with the built in mittens, that make diaper changes a breeze!!

    Reply
  14. Tori

    This is so helpful! We are trying for our second now so I’ll definitrly have to try some of these products out!

    Reply
  15. Diana

    Loved this video! For some reason I always forget about Ebates, thanks for the reminder!

    Reply
  16. Brianna Auton

    I wish they would have had your mory June bag when I had babies!

    Reply
  17. Allison M

    I LOVE this list. Holy cow! I’ve already had a baby and thought I knew what I was doing but man there’s much to improve on when baby #2 comes along!

    Also, amen to the bidet comment. ?? Those things are amazing when you’re 7+ months pregnant ?

    Reply
  18. Lauren

    I’ve read and watched this too many times? When we have baby #2 I hope to make it easier than last time!

    Reply
  19. Brandi McMillan

    This is sooooo helpful! It’s insane and over whelming buying baby items. All great tips and ideas and what you need and what you can skip!

    Reply
  20. Lena Santa Cruz

    We’ve been on the fence about having another baby or not but seeing your moses bag has me convinced we need another to try that out ?

    Reply
  21. Shayla Simonson

    Diaper backpacks, swing and swaddle blanket are my must haves!

    Reply
  22. Susannah Weight

    I sooo need to try out Ebates!!!

    Reply
  23. Elise

    Where did you get that red mini pack n play I see in your videos? I’m loving how versatile it is! I need one!

    Reply
  24. stacy

    Can you give any hints on when your moses bag will be available to purchase. I have two cousins (they are sisters actually) that are both due in August. The baby shower is June 2019 and I am very interested in getting them each one. Are you able to give your Frebs any insight into the price point?

    Reply
    • FunCheapOrFree

      Hi Stacy, thanks for your comment. We are hoping to launch really soon. Head over to MoryJune.com and get on the email list, we will let you know the minute it is ready for purchase!

      Reply
  25. Angela

    Hi, I was wondering if you are going to or already have done a video specifically on your MoryJune moses bag? We are in the process of adopting and will be traveling with a week or two old newborn when the time comes. Your moses bag looks like it would be amazing for that.

    Reply
  26. Jennie

    Hi. I like the Azaria bag you showed. Which type of Azaria bag is the one you have? Thanks.

    Reply
    • FunCheapOrFree

      Hi Jennie! I have the La Mere and I love it!

      Reply
      • Anne

        Do you remember which color you ordered? I can’t tell if your is caramel, terracotta, or chestnut…

        Reply
        • Fun Cheap or Free

          I don’t remember, I’m sorry!

          Reply
  27. Alex

    Loved your video! Do you have any recommendations on double strollers? Specifically jogging strollers.

    Reply
    • FunCheapOrFree

      The video in this post talks about my favorite double stroller! I don’t have a jogging stroller recommendation because I don’t use one, but this one is my favorite stroller ever!

      Reply
  28. Sara Bowman

    Hi Jordan,
    I love the inverted zipper for our little guy but the link only took me to the target web page and I havent been able to find any sleepers that have the inverted zipper anywhere! Do you have any other links for ones?

    Reply
    • Fun Cheap or Free

      Do you mean reverse zipper? If so, all of those sleepers that are in that link have them! If you zoom in, you can see the zipper pull at the foot. Just in case that’s not working for you, HERE is a direct link!

      Reply
  29. Abbie

    Good morning! Will you have any more of the Bomb Shelter nursing’s covers available? I’m due in March with #2 and have teenage brother-in-laws I definitely don’t want to show my lady bits to! ???? Would love to give these nursing covers a try.

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Fun Cheap or Free

      They’re in the works! Sign up for notifications at MoryJune.com to make sure that you know when they’re available 🙂 Congratulations on your sweet baby super soon! XOXO

      Reply
  30. Jen

    Hi, I have a nine month old who just refused to nurse one day. I am pumping but my supply is starting to dwindle. Looking for formula now. Everywhere I look on the internet, it’s this expensive formula or that one. But you seem practical and frugal, no need to overdue something unless it’s necessary, I’m guessing even formula. So, can you please suggest one or two of your actual favorites that you use with the twins, not just where you buy them?
    Also, now that I will soon be no-longer-nursing, I was thinking of talking to my doctor about some anxiety/depression medication as my hormones and emotions are going crazy. Have you ever been on anything post-partem? I love your videos, they are so helpful. If you don’t have a chance to respond, can you please do videos on these two areas? Thank you!

    Reply
    • Fun Cheap or Free

      The formula really depends on if your baby has a sensitive stomach or not. You can always start with a cheaper option, but if they don’t do well with it then you kind of just have to shop around until you find something their little tummy can handle. Costco is a good, cheap brand that you could start off trying and we’ve had success with in the past. The twins are on the Gerber probiotics formula because they were having issues on the cheaper formula.

      You should definitely go see your doctor about any PPD symptoms you’re having! There’s no need for you or your family to suffer because of them. XOXO

      Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *