I'm a New Parent—These Are the Baby Items I Use and Also Have My Eye On

My husband and I welcomed a baby girl at the end of last year. I can't even sum up the feeling of having her as part of our family in a few words. I could literally go on and on about this (trust me), but as the title reads, I'm here to talk about baby products. One thing I've learned over these last 10 months is that there are many top-notch gear, gadget, and clothing options out there—like, a lot. Throughout the process, I created shopping lists based on recommendations from other parents and through trial and error of items I've tested out.

If you, too, are a new parent, are expecting, or perhaps are looking for a gift for someone in your life, the intel coming your way is intended to make that shopping experience just a tad easier. I rounded up the baby items my husband and I have tested and loved as well as a mix of products I'm eyeing and want to try based on customer reviews, research, and suggestions. I also want to note that the list below doesn't encompass everything you may need for a baby (Diapers, wipes, pumping supplies, food, etc., are not included in this specific list.) Everyone's needs are different, but the items below include a sampling of what to consider.

Keep scrolling to shop the baby products I think are standouts, including strollers, car seats, clothing, and more.

Best Clothing Brands/Retailers

Okay, this is a tough category because there are so many fantastic clothing options out there for kids and babies. Below is a list of the brands and stores I frequent the most for A+ options. I also rounded up adorable picks to shop now from many of these labels. FYI, Nordstrom is the overall winner.

• Best brands/stores for baby clothing/shoes: Nordstrom, Old Navy, H&M, Gap, Target, Walmart, Carter's, Zara
• Best brands/stores for luxury/special-occasion baby clothing: Nordstrom, Baby Boden, Bergdorf Goodman, Shoppe Balloo, Saks Fifth Avenue, Petite Plume, Maisonette, Janie and Jack, Italist
• Best brands/stores for onesies/sleepers: Magnetic Me, Posh Peanut, Little Sleepies, Amazon, Nordstrom, Roller Rabbit

Best Gadgets and Gear

My picks below for the best baby gadgets, gear, and toys are not completely exhaustive. The truth is that there are so many amazing products out there to suit individual needs. That said, the group of items below are things we've loved.

Best Strollers

On-the-Go and Travel Strollers

One of the products I tell every new parent to consider is the Doona stroller, which we bought at Nordstrom last year. It is one of our true staples because of its ease and functionality. It's compact and easy to maneuver and can seamlessly convert into a car seat in one fell swoop, making it ideal for running errands or traveling. We also have the UppaBaby Minu V2 Stroller, which is super lightweight and easy to collapse and release. Here is a list of top brands to consider for travel strollers.

Full-Size/Convertible Strollers

Every parent has a stroller that works best for them and their family, but for us, it's the UppaBaby Vista V2. It is convertible and designed to grow with your family. It includes attachments like a bassinet, which can be removed when the child gets older. It's very easy to use and easily folded for trunk storage. Also, note that there is now a new V3 option. Below, you'll find the UppaBaby stroller along with other top stroller options I've learned about from friends and family.

Best Car Seats

Best Infant Car Seats

Like strollers, there are a range of solid infant car seats in the market that are safe and easy to use. The UppaBaby Mesa V2 is one we use after getting recommendations from friends because it can also attach directly to the Vista stroller and is compatible with the Minu stroller. There are other great car seats to consider, which are below.

Best Convertible Car Seats

After the infant car seat stage, an uncomplicated convertible car seat is essential for the next phase. The Nuna Revv is always highly recommended because the seat rotates 360° for an easy-in, easy-out experience. It also converts from a rear- to a forward-facing car seat and can work for your child up to 40 pounds. Nordstrom has an amazing assortment of Nuna products, like the Revv. Check it out below along with other car seats to consider.

Best High Chairs

We use the Stokke high chair because it can actually be configured and adjusted along the way to go from a high chair for a 6-month-old to an actual chair for an adult. There is an attachment to use it at the infant stage. We also have the UppaBaby high chair and use it at my mom's house because our baby sits well in it. I'm in the market for another portable and convertible high chair and am looking at this one from Dream on Me.

Best Nursery Items

Below are a few key items that we use in our nursery.