2 Years In, These Are the Kid (+ Mom) Products I Reach For Most
My favorite kids clothing brands, go-to mom jeans, and the convertible kitchen tower that's actually worth the $$$
If there’s one blanket statement I could make about having kids, it’s that no matter how hard you try to scale back, you will without a doubt accumulate a lot of stuff. Like, A LOT. There was a time where my husband thought we could be minimalists. HA. We are bursting at the seams. It doesn’t help that I’m hard pressed to throw anything away, either.
That being said, by this point I’ve tried my fair share of diaper bags, crib sheets, rash creams, you name it. Clear frontrunners have emerged. This is not an exhaustive list, rather a selection of things that I’ve found to actually work or that I’ve really enjoyed using over the past two years of being mom.
You should also know that I don’t shop a lot! Any purchase I make I try to be intentional about - if I’m buying pricier kids clothes, I get them a size or two up (it helps that I think toddlers look cute in oversized pants and tees). Even though I just wrote an entire paragraph about having a lot of stuff, I do like to put quality ahead of quantity where I can. I’d always rather have a few nice things that I can use for a long time. I love hearing what other moms are into so I hope this is helpful!
Alright! Lets get to it, shall we?
10 Things I’ve Been Loving For My Kid:
Roux: This is my absolute favorite kids brand for everyday staples. The t-shirts are SO soft and the sweatshirts are the perfect shape and fit. I got Louis a pair of wide leg light blue cords from them last fall and I can’t even keep track of how many compliments we get. I’m going to be sad if they don’t make them again this year - they’re so damn cute. They also make adorable rompers and onesies as well as gauzy baby blankets that were my go-to’s when Louis was teeny-weeny.
Other notable brands for special staple pieces are Ziggy Zaza, Koko Momo, Milk Teeth, Bobo Choses and Etsy for vintage. And Gap, Uniqlo and Zara for basics of course!
Mushie Extra Soft Muslin Crib Sheet: We just graduated from these sheets because ditsy flowers and suns are no longer my son’s vibe (we need car and truck everything), but these were the BEST. They’re soft, the prints are super sweet and they’re a little bit crinkled which I like because they never look mussed up after a sleep.
Pipette Mineral Sunscreen: I made the switch to non-toxic products several years ago after being diagnosed with my third autoimmune disease and I trust this brand. It’s a mineral sunscreen that’s only slightly greasy, rubs in well and I even use it on myself as my daily face sunscreen.
L.L. Bean Boat & Tote: I know, I know, It's been having a moment. But that’s because it’s actually great! To me, the Boat & Tote is the perfect mom/diaper bag. I have it in three sizes and various styles: long straps, short straps, zipper and no zipper - I like them all! The best part about the Boat & Tote is that it’s completely customizable. You can monogram it, the colors are good, the canvas is super durable and considering it starts at $30, the price is right. Right now I’m really into the medium size in royal blue for summer. They also make a great baby shower gift - my friend gave me two in different sizes with Louis’ name monogrammed when I was pregnant and I’ve since gifted the same thing.
Baggu Go Pouch Set: I’m obsessed with these pouches and if you have a bag like the Boat & Tote, they’re essential. I’ve been using the same ones since Louis was born and they’re still in great shape. I use one for snacks, one for toys and one for my lip balm etc. Organizing this way makes everything so easy to find.
Babo Botanicals Diaper Cream, Face Moisturizer and Lotion: We’ve been getting a lot of diaper rashes lately (lol, “we”) and this cream with zinc clears them right up. Its the best natural one I’ve found. The face cream is super light but still moisturizing, as is the body lotion which has helped keep eczema at bay. They’re all unscented which I like, too.
Slumber Pod: When my mom saw this she said, “You’re putting Louis in that?” BUT as spooky as it looks (it’s not spooky), its been a game changer for us when we travel. The first time we used it we couldn’t believe that we were able to eat our room service with the lights on at full brightness after bedtime. It’s kind of annoying to set up, but in my opinion it’s worth it if you’re sharing a room with a kid.
WeeSprout Toddler Snack Cup: I mean, this thing is a genius invention and I will use it for as long as I can to avoid unnecessary spills. I’ve tried other brands but I like this one the best.
Béaba Stainless Steel Straw Cup: This water bottle has handles that are great for toddlers, it doesn’t leak (unless you put the straw in wrong) and I like that it’s stainless and not plastic. That said, Louis drinks a lot of water and I’m thinking we’ll need a bigger bottle soon.
of The Green Spoon posted this one awhile back and it’s what I think we’ll be getting next.Piccalio Mini Chef Convertible Helper Tower: This is expensive, but if you have a small space it’s awesome. It’s both a kitchen tower so your kid can reach the counter and get involved with cooking if that’s something they’re into AND you can easily turn it into a little table with a stool seat. Our dining area isn’t very big so this has been great for us and we use it both ways daily. The only drawback is that if you have two kids, there’s only one stool seat when it’s a table.
Now, for a few things I’ve been loving lately:
Still Here Everyday Jeans: I have legit been wearing these a few times a week for almost a year (I just checked to see when I ordered them and it was last June). As far as jeans go, I love these because you can actually be a mom in them. They’re baggy, so you have freedom to move, and low-rise which I was unsure about at first, but it’s SO NICE to not be constricted in the waist come 3 pm when bloat strikes.
RMS Lip 2 Cheek: Listen, I don’t know how to do my makeup and I really need to get to a Sephora or something for a tutorial (I have this idea for a company where a makeup artist comes to your house and teaches you how to do a few different looks, but maybe that’s just Glamsquad). But, for everyday I love these pots. I dab them on my cheeks and my nose to get that flushed been-out-in-the-sun, without actually being in the sun look. Then I put some on my eyelids for a little sheen. I think it makes me look more awake. My favorite shade is Illusive. They also last FOREVER (even though you shouldn’t use them forever…) I’m also a fan of these Merit pots.
Alpyn Beauty Wild Huckleberry 8 Acid Polishing Peel: At this stage of the game, anything with “peel” in the name has my attention. Plus, I like my skincare to be quick and efficient and this mask is both of those things. You leave it on for five minutes, which dare I say, means you could even put it on in the morning. It gives me an instant glow and makes my skin silky smooth.
Santangelo Beaded Necklaces: My husband got me two of these for Valentines Day a couple years ago at my behest and I love busting them out every spring and summer. They’re pretty and fun and the pearl dresses them up just the right amount.
Crown Affair Silk Scrunchie No. 001 + Donni Silk Scrunchie: It’s cliché but I had a kid, cut my hair off and then I promptly started wearing it back all the time. My friend gave me a pack of Crown Affair thin scrunchies as something to take with me to the hospital when I was about to give birth and there was something really luxe about having a nice hair tie that’s stayed with me. The Donni one I got in white for Christmas (I’’m not buying a $40 scrunchie on any given day) and I like that it gives my normal jean and tee outfits a little somethin’ somethin’. I also like this Gil Rodriguez one for nearly half the price. It’s all in the details, as they say.
Ok, that’s all for now! Well, almost. I want to hear from you! What motherhood-related topics are you most interested in hearing about next? I’d love to know what’s on your mind!
Now please, go enjoy your Sunday like Ina is in this glorious vid! (Seeing her with air-dried hair has changed me.)
xx
C
This list is gold! Gotta love a Boat & Tote, I wanna try that peel, those jeans have been on my wishlist, and GIRL — let me know when you want to hit up Sephora together. I, too, need a tutorial. But also, I have two horrific makeup artist story experiences soOo…I might just watch.
PS Lou is so cute!!!!!
The amount I love the Baggu pouches rivals coffee at this point!! Fully agree on this list, have RMS still going strong…5 years later, and now off to research Sophie Buhai