Friends and family know me as the queen of research.  Before I buy anything, I like to read reviews, conduct an extensive google image search and compare my options.  I've done my fair share of research on baby products, and after much cajoling from said friends and family I would like to pay it forward to all the new parents out there in my Best of Baby series.  It was hard to pick my first post topic but I figured I might as well start with what all of us parents are obsessed with these days: sleep.

1.     Hanna Andersson Organic Sleeper.  Take my word for it: a zipper, when you’re stumbling around bleary eyed during a 3am diaper change, beats snaps any day (er, night).  These sleepers make my best of list not only for ease of outfit changes, but also because the super soft organic cotton is the perfect medium weight, and because they don’t have feet – it takes a bit longer for a baby to outgrow them and they transition easily from sleep to playtime for a crawling/standing baby who may be held back by slippery feet.  The orginals from Hanna Andersson are adorable but the collaboration with Serena and Lily offers some amazing prints such as punch-colored zebras and strawberry stripes paired with aqua collars and cuffs.

2.  Snuggle Me Cushion.  The only problem I had with this cushion is that I didn’t discover it until M was 3 months old.  I had previously searched for a co-sleeper made from less toxic materials and had come up empty, but when we realized that M loved sleeping in our bed I revived the search.  Thank goodness I did, because that’s when I discovered this lifesaver: a cozy co-sleeper pillow with sides that, when baby is laid on top of pillow, gently hug in and comfort baby.  The ingenious design also helps prevent baby from rolling or turning over and therefore keeps them safely on their back, and also provides a firm barrier between parents and baby for co-sleeping.  M felt so secure in this pillow that this became her favorite place to sleep and it even helped her to start sleeping through the night.  Need I say more?  (Just keep in mind that it is recommended that the cushion not be placed in the crib and that an infant never be left unattended in the cushion)

3.  Alma Bloom Mini Crib.  Probably our most highly debated baby-product issue was that of where will M sleep during the months prior to moving into her “big girl” crib in her nursery upstairs?  We looked at multiple cradles, bassinets and playards but none were precisely what we were looking for.  We needed something that would fit next to our bed but also be portable enough to transition into the living room if needed.  The playards were too cumbersome to meet our needs and the cradles and bassinets were too impractical - we were hoping for something that could be used longer than three months.  Enter the Alma Bloom Mini Crib – much smaller than a standard crib but just as sturdy, and even folds for storage when not in use.  The crib is made of solid birch with low VOC baby-safe finishes in a variety of modern colors and has several mattress options available, my favorite being the Coco Mat organic cotton mini mattress.  The Alma Mini is incredibly functional: it can be used from newborn to 12 months; and, casters allow the crib to be moved easily from room to room. 

4.  Natural Mat Organic Mattress Protector.  In the organic-and-waterproof-yet-breathable mattress protector category, this one takes the cake.  It’s made with two layers of soft organic flannelette with a non-toxic, breathable waterproof membrane sandwiched in between.  Instead of this protector being styled like a fitted sheet, it is simply a flat topper with elastic bands on each corner that attach securely to the mattress.  I feel that this contributes to it’s breathability aspect as it lets the sides of the mattress breathe. 

5.  Dohm White Noise Machine.  I know, I know, we aren’t supposed to use white noise machines anymore.  But this one is really not that loud, I swear!  The Dohm only has two settings: perfect amount of soothing white noise and just a little bit quieter soothing white noise (at least that’s what I call them).  Plus, if you put it across the room and not right next to baby’s eardrums I think everyone will be okay.  Oh, and this particular model was selected as the Official Sound Conditioner of the National Sleep Foundation.  So, there you go.  I told you it was okay.          

6.  Under the Nile Organic Cotton Sheets.  Let’s just say if they made them in King-sized I would buy them in a heartbeat. 

7.  mamaRoo Baby Swing.  Our baby ADORED this thing.  Before I discovered the Snuggle Me Cushion, this futuristic-looking contraption was how I was able to get some much-needed shut-eye.  It has five different motions that move up and down and side to side like parents do when comforting their babies.  It also takes up far less space than traditional swings and can be tucked away at a moment’s notice, though you might not want to because I promise, it’s quite the conversation starter.  M has long outgrown the mamaRoo but she still plays with the plush balls from the mobile.  Definitely worth the investment.      

8.  Castleware Organic Sleepsacks.  If you’re in need of a sleepsack, look no farther.  These from Castleware are luxuriously soft and lightweight enough to be worn year round, though a velour option is available for cooler climates.  Made of eco-friendly organic cotton (not treated with flame retardents) and constructed to zip from top to bottom to ensure your little Houdini can’t break free and won’t be bothered by the zipper.  The quality of these American-made garments is unmatched, and the customer service through both UrthChild and the Castleware website itself is outstanding.

9.  Miracle Blanket.  We tried them all and this one wins, hands down.  There is a bit of a learning curve, but once you figure it out this is the only swaddle blanket you will use: it is almost impossible for baby to break free.  And, keeping baby swaddled and comforted = longer sleep.  Also, there is no annoying Velcro that will inevitably snag your favorite sweater or muslin blanket. 

10. Kate Quinn Organic Infant Sacque.  M lived in these gowns for the first 6 months of her life, either worn under the miracle blanket, over a onesie and pants, or on it’s own for playtime.  These are the only gowns I found that were long enough to cover her feet – every other brand was very oddly too short and boxy.  The gown style makes late night diaper changes a breeze, the open neckline with snaps makes wardrobe changes easier on baby, the organic cotton is super soft and the prints can’t be beat.    

11. Savvy Rest Organic Crib Mattress.  I felt a bit like Goldilocks while crib mattress shopping.  I purchased 3 different mattresses but none were quite right: The first mattress I received was defective; the second would not fit in our standard crib because of an oddly sized (and loose?!!) mattress cover.  I looked at Naturpedic but was concerned about breathability, and Coco Mat, which is fantastic, but doesn’t transition into toddlerhood.  I finally landed on the organic mattress from Savvy Rest and yes, this one was just right.  Constructed of a solid 5” layer of natural Dunlop latex surrounded by a thick, quilted organic cotton casing.  It’s non-toxic, beautifully made, and can handle the weight of a toddler.  As an added bonus, I was able to test out the mattress and purchase it from local purveyor Austin Natural Mattress, which made the process even easier.

Bonus...

12.  Allison Coleman, sleep guru.  Talk about a lifesaver.  Probably the best thing we did was hire a nighttime Doula to spend a couple of nights at our house for the first few months.  We had no idea how to take care of an infant but we did know that we wouldn’t be getting any sleep.  Allison walked through our door and brought a little bit of sanity with her.  I truly believe that she is why M became such a good sleeper early on so we are forever grateful.