This post was in partnership with aden + anais but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board.
"There is truly nothing like becoming a mother for the first time. Everything is new and different and hard in the most wonderful way. There’s also a lot of second-guessing: whether or not you’re doing the “right” thing or providing the “best” products and toys for your precious bundle.
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The second (or third!) time around, things are a little different. There’s still a lot of newness and second-guessing: can I handle both of these tiny humans? Will they love each other? Will someone feel left out? But, product-wise, you definitely have a stronger sense of what works, what is worth the cost, and what is necessary to make your day-to-day life with more than one child undoubtedly easier.
As moms with more than one child, there’s definitely a brand we all rely on pretty heavily: aden + anaisâ˘. When managing multiple kids at home, leaning on what is durable and easy is a must. The aden + anais products we already owned have stood the test of time and are in great shape for our second and third kids. And the brand keeps putting out incredible products to support parents through the joyful yet trying times of adding a new infant to the family. While aden + anais was originally known for their traditional cotton muslin products, they have now expanded and have new fabrics perfect for newborns.
aden + anais has simplified swaddling with the introduction of the easy swaddle⢠collection. The collection is:Â
- made from premium, cotton-rich, and cozy fabric
- helps make parentsâ lives easier, promotes safe sleep, and reduces risk of improper hip development for baby
- includes two easy-to-use swaddle styles: easy swaddle⢠snug and easy swaddle⢠wrap
- the easy swaddle snug is cotton-rich and features a two-way zipper
- the easy swaddle wrap is 100% cotton and has a zipper that glides along the bottom
- both swaddle styles are available in a variety of gorgeous prints
- both the easy swaddle snug and wrap are so easy that anyone can swaddle like a proâfrom a first-time parent, who hasnât slept in days, to a big brother or grandparent
These easy swaddles, without question, top our list of must-have baby products. Below, three Everymom editors additionally share the other things we’re stocking up on for our next babiesâwhether you’re a first-time mom or are prepping for your second or third child, we bet some of the rest of our must-haves are on your list too.
Use code EVERYMOM15 for 15% off sitewide through 9/27. (Note: Sale items are excluded as promo codes cannot be combined with any other discounts or promotions.)
Plus, enter to win our GIVEAWAY at the end of this story! Weâre partnering with aden + anais to gift 3 lucky winners the ultimate aden + anais product bundle for babyâscroll down for details.
GIVEAWAY CLOSEDâCongratulations to our winners, Natasha C., DeAnna K., and Meredith W.!
Tell us about where you are in your motherhood journey right now.
I am a mom to Margot, age 2, and Kate, 2 months. The girls are almost exactly two years apart with June 27 and July 6 birthdays. Life is anything but normal right now. I usually work full-time, mostly from home, with the help of a wonderful nanny. Margot was diagnosed with Leukemia when I was 33 weeks pregnant with Kate, so I took time off to get her through the beginning of treatment, and I am currently on maternity leave. The more aggressive part of treatment should end in January, and at that point, Iâll return full-time. Until then, I plan on doing what I can (part-time) from home.
What do you typically look for in newborn products and how has that changed with your 2nd child?
When I was pregnant with Margot, I went a little overboard on cute baby clothes and researched the best of everything. This time around, Kate is wearing big sisterâs clothes, and Iâve purchased some cute, cozy basics. I didnât really do any research but knew I wanted fewer items that would make life easier. I bought a budget-friendly light that weâve loved using for middle-of-the-night feeding sessions, a diaper caddy that we can easily take from room-to-room, and I stocked up on aden + anais burpy bibs⢠(theyâre so soft and very thick) since Kate spits up a lot.Â
Traditional swaddles are also so good to have around. I use them in the stroller, on playmats, and when weâre on the floor or our bed. When it comes to swaddling for naps, though, Kate prefers a tight swaddle, and I like having one she canât break out of it.
The wrap style of aden + anais’ new easy swaddle collection is my favorite since it feels especially secure, promotes safe sleep, and has a roomy bottom that reduces the risk of improper hip development. Plus, the convenient zipper bottom allows baby to remain content during diaper changes for a more restful, soothing sleep.
What other baby products are your go-tos and why?
aden + anais
We use the snap bibs and burpy bibs, but the burpy bibs are especially functional since they serve as a bib and burp cloth. The unique shape allows me to easily keep the bib under Kateâs neck when sheâs having a bottle, and then I can use it as a burp cloth. Theyâre so soft and thick, so if your baby spits up a lot, these are the best. The designs are really cute too.
Use code EVERYMOM15 for 15% off sitewide through 9/27!
aden + anais
The comfort knit gowns are buttery soft and stretchy. I almost always have Kate in a gown throughout the day since they make diaper changes easier, and I keep coming back to these (we have three). Kateâs head is on the larger side (90 percent?), and I never struggle to get it over her head. Theyâve become one of my go-to baby gifts to give too.
Use code EVERYMOM15 for 15% off sitewide through 9/27!
Tell us about where you are in your motherhood journey right now.
I have two kids, ages 7 and 4, and am 37 weeks pregnant with my third baby. I currently work full-time from home with my kids trying to manage remote learning from home, as well. Life is exceptionally busy these days with us all on top of each other constantly, and Iâm stocking up on baby products that will hopefully make life a bit easier as we continue through this new normal with a newborn added to the mix.Â
What do you typically look for in newborn products and how has that changed with your 2nd and 3rd child?
With my first, I was very picky about what to buy. I wanted the best of the best, of course, but since we were young parents on a budget, I tried my best to choose a few splurgy things here and there and go basic with the rest. I had great intentions of my second living in hand-me-downs, and for the most part, he did. But by then, as âseasonedâ parents, we definitely knew which products were worth stocking up on and what you can just get by with.
With the third, I feel like I have a great handle on things. Iâm, of course, having fun buying a few new things for my first girl, but really, at this point all I want is the things I know will 1) work, 2) last, and 3) actually help me be a better mom. Our aden + anais products are some of the few that have lasted to the third kid, and with the way my kids wear through things, that is saying a lot.Â
Iâm also huge on developing strong sleep skills from the get-go. As a person who does not sleep well (and whose dad readily admits is his fault for creating questionable sleeping habits for me as a baby), I know how important it is to learn how to sleep well.
We see sleep as an integral skill to teach our children, and when they are newborns, swaddles are huge in this process. The comfort and security created by a snug, comfortable swaddle allows babies to sleep better and longer and begin the learnings of self-soothing. For parents, swaddling can be tricky, though. There are a thousand different ways to swaddle.
aden + anais’ new easy swaddle snug is something Iâm really looking forward to using this time around, especially since it promotes safe sleep and reduces the risk of improper hip development for baby. I canât imagine anything easier than a zip-up swaddle. For me, the huge bonus of this is that, since the swaddle will be incredibly easy to use, this babyâs two older brothers can get involved in the nap and bedtime process, as well. As siblings, we want them all to learn how to take care of each other, and Iâm so happy that, with the help of these easy swaddles, I can start that as soon as the baby is born.
What other baby products are your go-tos and why?
aden + anais
These cotton muslin swaddles are a tried and true standby for me. I got a bunch with my first child and plan on using them right through my third. Even though they are over seven years old now and have been through hundreds of washes, they are still as soft and strong as ever. While these swaddles are great for swaddling tiny new babies, their uses donât end there. Iâve used these for everything from a car seat cover, burp cloth, play mat, nursing cover, blanket, tummy time support, and everything in between. You really can use it for everything. Iâm excited to add to our collection with this sweet set with coral touches for our new baby girl.
Use code EVERYMOM15 for 15% off sitewide through 9/27!
aden + anais
Sleeping bags are perfect for once babies are out of swaddles and ready to sleep more freely on their own. Because they are especially designed to keep babies safe and warm at once, I feel really good about using these as long as possible. Thanks to aden + anaisâ incredibly durable craftsmanship and material, these just get softer with each washâwhich, if youâre dealing with a lot of diaper leaks or blowouts, you end up doing often. For cold Chicago winters, I love these winter sleeping bags that are like tiny baby comforters, but you know, safer and more adorable.
Use code EVERYMOM15 for 15% off sitewide through 9/27!
aden + anais
Washcloths may seem like a silly thing to upgrade, but when youâre dealing with super sensitive newborn skin, they can really make a big difference. Instead of the standard terry washcloth, these cotton muslin washcloths are really soft and comforting on newborn skin. When my first was an infant, someone told me to soak a washcloth in warm bath water and place it on their chest while bathing to keep them warm while you clean them up. Iâve used this trick with every child, and these cotton muslin washcloths are the ones I reach for to get this done.
Use code EVERYMOM15 for 15% off sitewide through 9/27!
Tell us about where you are in your motherhood journey right now.
I am currently mom to Zachary, 20 months (who was a 35-week preemie), and 33 weeks pregnant with baby boy #2. I work full-time from home with support from an amazing part-time nanny and family. Busy doesnât even begin to explain our current life, but it has never been more full!Â
What do you typically look for in newborn products and how has that changed with your 2nd child?
When I was pregnant with my first son, Zach, I was still struggling with the ramifications of a 5+ year battle with infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss. I was so excited to be having a healthy baby that I did so much research on the best looking and perfectly planned productsâlooking at baby things made me so happy and oddly less stressed. Now that I’m expecting baby #2, I’ve realized that what I actually need are soft, simple, easy-to-use items that I can easily clean and fit with our lifestyle. The fancy outfits and items I previously purchased were hardly worn in favor of cozy basics. For our second baby, I’m focusing on replacing items that were very worn with sturdy favorites.Â
Wrap swaddles were key for us after Zach came home from the NICU. Being a preemie, his startle reflex was intense, and he really loved being all wrapped up at night but always preferred having one arm out. We used a lot of different items, but aden + anais’ easy swaddle wrap won out for him. This is such an easy to use item that keeps baby secure all night long and can be flexible enough to adjust to their specific arm placement preference. I love how soft the cotton is and how easy the zipper along the bottom makes those many diaper changes at night. I am excited to see how his brother differs and if he prefers both arms in or out, but with two-under-2, ease of use is the most important to my husband and me as we adjust to life with two young boys and only four hands.Â
What other baby products are your go-tos and why?
aden + anais
We loved aden + anais' dream blankets with Zach as they were great for snuggling, spreading out on the floor, travel, and as an added layer for cooler weather. They are easily machine washable too. They are both lightweight and thick, which is great for multiple uses and large enough to really cover baby and parent. We got our second son a brand new version to match his nursery, and it looks as beautiful as it is functional.
Use code EVERYMOM15 for 15% off sitewide through 9/27!
aden + anais
aden + anais' burpy bib was the must-have product of the entire first year of my son's life, and that is not an exaggeration. Zach suffered from horrible but painless reflux which resulted in extreme mess for us through 13 months. The burpy bibs were the only bibs that truly worked for him, and my husband and I used to argue over who used the last burpy and didnât wash it because it was that essential. I tell all of my new mom friends that they must have this item, and it is my go-to baby shower gift. We added six more to our collection for baby brother including a few from the Harry Potter collection (a mom and dad favorite).
Use code EVERYMOM15 for 15% off sitewide through 9/27!
aden + anais
Gowns are a must have for us during the fourth trimester. I remember being totally shocked at how many diapers we changed in those early days and dealing with snaps/buttons seemed like an added layer I just didnât have time for. I love how soft the cotton of these gowns are and the prints are so sweet. We added two new gowns to baby brother's collection after retiring a few that were worse for the wear.
Use code EVERYMOM15 for 15% off sitewide through 9/27!
Enter to win! Weâre partnering with aden + anais to gift 3 lucky winners the ultimate aden + anais product bundle for baby!Â
3 winners will receive:Â
- 1 pack of each type of easy swaddle
- 1 pack of burpy bibs
- 1 dream blanket
- 1 comfort knit set
- 1 snuggle knit set
- 1 towel set
- 1 washcloth set
For a chance to win, enter your email address in the giveaway box below. The giveaway is open for seven days and the lucky winners will be announced on Tuesday, September 22!
This post was in partnership with aden + anais but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board.