A few months ago I shared my favorite newborn essentials and it sounds like it was really helpful for many of you (these type of list posts are always my favorite to both read and write!). Now that Lively is almost 9 months, I decided to round up all of my favorite products for the 6-9 month age range. From teethers and toys to bibs and baby proofing, these are the items that we have personally been using and have found extremely helpful during this phase!
- Magnetic Me PJ’s – I discovered these at a boutique on 30A this summer and wish we had found these sooner. They are made of super soft eco-friendly fabric and the magnet closure makes getting her dressed for bed so easy. My other favorite PJ brands are Feather Baby, Angel Dear and Kickee Pants.
- Zoli Sippy Cup – the weighted straw is genius + it’s leak proof and doesn’t get water everywhere when she throws it on the ground.
- Ikea Antilop High Chair – inexpensive, safe, easy to clean, takes up minimal space in kitchen, blends in with neutral decor. Checks all the boxes!
- Jellycat Board Books (these are all really cute touch and feel books)
- OXO Tot Glass Baby Blocks Food Storage Containers – once a week I would puree a batch of food and store it in these containers in the fridge. I fed Lively purees from 6-8 months then when she got some teeth I moved to Baby Led Weaning.
- Beaded Teething Necklace – pretty for mom and practical for baby.
- Joovy Spoon Walker – we LOVE this thing. We borrowed ours from a friend and it’s been one of our favorite items thus far. Lively loves zipping around the house in it! It’s got a wide tray that you can set toys on and it also provides a buffer between her and things we don’t want her getting into. It’s sturdy, glides easily on wood floors, adjustable for multiple stages, compact and clean looking. Overall it’s an awesome product!
- Silicone Bibs – these are THE BEST for when they start picking up food and feeding themselves. The little trough catches tons of food + they’re made of silicone and you can rinse them off after feeding. I also love that they have witty sayings and think they would make a fun gift.
- Sophie the Giraffe – what is it about this thing that all babies seem to love? She comes everywhere with us!
- 2-in-1 Shopping Cart/High Chair Cover – I have a feeling this probably only appeals to first time mamas, but I have loved this thing. I’m not a germaphobe, but I am conscious of germs and it’s nice being able to throw this on over any shopping cart or high chair and not have to worry about all the other little hands that have touched the same surface. It’s also great because Lively is on the smaller side and it provides a more snug fit and keeps her from sliding.
Eating
Munchkin Spoons – nothing special about these. I grabbed them because they were small and inexpensive.
Fresh Baby Food Freezer Tray made from Silicone – I would store all the excess in this freezer tray.
Big Book of Organic Baby Food – this is not something I personally used, but I have had several friends recommend this book. If you’re interested in making your own baby food, but feel like you need some guidance, definitely check this book out.
Stasher Bags – I am obsessed with these and have them in multiple sizes. They are not baby food specific, but I use them all the time to store/cook her food in. They are self-sealing, air-tight, reusable storage bags made of pure platinum, food-grade silicone – a healthy plastic bag alternative. I use them for food storage in the fridge or freezer, to reheat leftovers in the microwave and to steam veggies in boiling water on the stove. I also use it as an on-the-go baby wipe carrier. You can order online or find them at your local Target.
Vitamix – I know this isn’t a baby item, but I get asked all the time if I love my Vitamix and if it’s worth the investment. 100% yes. I use it every single day. Sometimes more than once a day. From smoothies and soups to homemade seed milks and now baby food, the Vitamix has more than paid for itself. If you are interested in making your own baby food, don’t waste money on a baby food processor. Invest in the Vitamix and enjoy blending all sorts of healthy foods for you and your baby!
Teething
Baby Banana Infant Training Toothbrush and Teether – my goddaughter loved this.
Baby Silicone and Wood Teether
Nuby Silicone Teethe-eez Teether with Bristles
Nuby Ice Gel Teether Keys
Walker/Jumper
Door Jumper – she is obsessed with this thing and will hang out in it for a good 30-45 minutes!
Playtime/Toys
In my opinion, babies don’t need tons of toys. Lively would very happily play with a package of unopened toilet paper or a plastic water bottle for 30 minutes. However, we’ve found some great age-appropriate toys that can help develop motor skills/they are safe for her to chew on. I keep these in a small basket in our living room.
Smartnoggin Developmental Light Up Rattle
Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes (it plays sweet classical music)
Light ‘N Sound Butterfly Book (one of her favorites)
The First Years Stack Up Cups
Skip Hop Explore & More Music Set (her favorite is the fox tambourine)
Bright Starts Lots of Links
Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle and Sensory Teether Toy
Natural Wood Block Toy Set – I just ordered these and love their sweet vintage look.
Blooming Baby Activity Gym (actually cute and not tacky!) – we used this a TON from birth until about 7.5 months and then she outgrew it. For the past few weeks I’ve just had an old comforter on the floor for her to sit on, but it’s bulky and taking up too much room so I’m thinking about investing in one of these playmats.
Books
I LOVE sweet children’s books and could easily do a whole blog post on this topic… maybe I will get around to that at some point! 🙂 We incorporated reading 1-2 books into our bedtime routine early on and I pray that it helps Lively develop a love for reading.
Peddles the Pig
In My Room/In My Heart
Baby Animals (touch and feel)
Guess How Much I Love You
Through Your Eyes
Take Heart My Child (I tear up every time we read this!)
Bunny Roo I Love You
Barnyard Dance
Jesus Storybook Bible
Sleeping
Halo Sleepsack – she’s been in a halo sleep sack since we transitioned out of the Mom’s on Call swaddle. She’s about to need the next size up and I’ve been looking at these Kyte Baby sleepsacks made of soft bamboo fabric.
Breathable Crib Bumper – as soon as she got one of her chubby little legs stuffed through one of the crib slats I Amazon Primed one of these bad boys immediately. It’s not the cutest, but the breathable mesh liner makes it much safer than a traditional crib bumper.
Baby Proofing
She just started crawling this week (almost 9 months old) so we are now moving into the baby proofing stage. So far, we have covered all the outlets with these Mommy’s Helper Outlet Plugs. I’ve got these cabinet locks and these corner guards for the coffee table in my Amazon cart now.
Do you have any other must have baby proof recommendations?
Miscellaneous
ErgoBaby Carrier – I put her in this before 6 months and she was too little for it. Put her in it again around 7 months and it was perfect. She LOVES riding around in this thing. Definitely add this to your registry!
Feather Baby Pima Cotton Ruched Bubble – these bubbles are my absolute favorite. They’re made of super soft pima cotton and are designed to be worn as both pj’s and baby playwear. We’ve had them in every size and I’ll continue to buy these through 18-24 months.
All of these Amazon links are affiliate links. This means that if you choose to purchase something or add it to your registry, I’ll receive a small commission at no cost to you. 🙂
Leave a Reply