21 Products New Moms Swear By

Dec 20, 2021

We've had a slew of baby and wedding news here at Brit + Co, which has made Zoom calls very celebratory. And it has me thinking back to that precious yet challenging newborn time when you're just learning as you go. So I reached out to the new moms as well as the more seasoned ones to ask which products got them through their first year. Here's a roundup of our favorites, whether you're a mom to be, a new mom, or simply baby shower shopping for someone you love. These finds will simplify her days so she can focus more on the joy of baby and those sweet first-year milestones.

UpBring Worry-Free First Year Kit

These curated kits by Selfmade alum Lisa Wojcik-Kiser are the perfect solution for new parents who aren't sure what products will/won't work for their baby. (We gifted them to Brit + Co sales director Kamelle Cornell this year and she's in love!). UpBring offers multiple options for baby essentials in a subscription kit (this one here offers six kits for your first year). You then pick and choose from different brands/types of teethers, bibs, pacifiers, wipes, no-slip bowls, etc.

"The idea came to me because I literally was like 'I wish someone would just curate what I needed for my baby and then send me various types of things so I could try them," said Wojcik-Kiser. "It was such a backwards process of buying all these things for someone who you've never met before. And as you go through parenthood you realize more and more how your child becomes their own person with their own preferences."

BABYBJÖRN Baby Carrier Mini

This personally is the one thing I absolutely loved as a new mom - walking around the parks of San Francisco with my babe napping in her BabyBJÖRN against my chest and eventually facing front and exploring the world around her. It's a must IMO! You can use the Baby Carrier Mini from day one and adjust as your baby grows. It's made in three different fabrics (mesh, soft jersey, and woven cotton) and meet the requirements of OEKO-TEX Standard 100, Class 1 for baby products.

DYPER All-Natural Vegan Diaper Cream

You'll find uses for diaper rash cream way past the baby stage for moisturizing and soothing sensitive skin; this vegan diaper rash cream is infused with olive and jojoba oil and free of phthalates and parabens for baby's delicate skin.

Halo Sleepsack Swaddle

Skip the middle-of-the-night swaddle routine with this easy-to-wrap sleepsack and swaddle. It features adjustable fasteners for a perfect fit and an inverted zipper for easy diaper changes.

Beaba Food Maker

When your baby is ready to start eating solids, this food maker is the perfect steamer, blender, reheater, and defroster all in one. The glass bowl holds up to five cups of food and is easy to clean to boot.

Snoo Smart Sleeper Rental

You can buy a Snoo, which gently rocks and soothes your baby to sleep, or just rent as you need those first couple months. "It really helped us big time especially when he was fussy," says Kamelle.

Skip Hop Stroll & Go Portable Owl Baby Soother

This portable white noise machine attaches to the car seat and stroller and goes wherever you and baby go. Play nature sounds or one of two melodies (Brahms’ Lullaby and Sunrise Lullaby) to soothe baby and lull her/him to sleep when it's time.

KiwiCo Panda Crate

We love STEM-minded KiwiCo kits at Brit + Co for any age. The Panda Crate is designed for those early years to help baby play, explore, and tinker with developmentally appropriate activities.

Etsy Baby Moses Basket with Pad

These are the sweetest baby baskets for the design-minded mom. Hand-woven from 100% straw grass, they can be used anywhere around the house for baby to sleep in comfort and style.

The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother

Let's not forget caring for mom too. This book focuses on those first 40 days of motherhood and provides nourishing and calming recipes (like healing soups and lactation-boosting teas) and encouraging advice for navigating the challenges around the postpartum period.

Ingrid+Isabel Mama and Babe Toddler Denim Jackets

The perfect new mom gift: she can wear this iconic jacket proudly with her mini in tow for a comfy stable come spring.

Lansinoh Postpartum Recovery Essentials

You hear a lot about pregnancy and labor but very little about postpartum recovery. Let's talk about it: Labor is tough on the body and it takes time to heal yourself while you're learning to care for your baby (and losing sleep along the way). Prepare for that period with three must-have products: an upside down wash bottle for making bathroom trips more hygienic and comfortable, herbal postpartum spray to sooth the area, and hot + cold therapy packs to provide relief from perineal, hemorrhoidal, and c-section discomfort.

JuneBug Essentials Postpartum Tea

This organic tea is designed with exhausted new moms in mind. It contains calming, anti-inflammatory, and mood-boosting herbs, like stinging nettle, alfalfa, rosehips, lemon balm and lavender, to restore mom every day.

Hatch The Everyday Nursing Bra

These wireless nursing bars are as functional as they are stylish, and comfortable to boot. The clasp opens up with one hand too, making it easier to feed baby (especially nice when you're just learning to breastfeed).

Frida Mom Breast Care Self Care Kit

For moms who choose to breastfeed, doing so can be hard on the breasts (clogged ducts, soreness, infections, and chafing are all pretty common). This kit helps new moms care for their breasts during the process with a 2-in-1 lactation massager, instant heat breast warmers, and breast masks for lactation and hydration.

DockATot Lounger

Brit + Co cofounder Anjelika Temple is a big fan of the DockATot lounger, an award-winning multifunctional docking station for babies 0-8 months old. It's great for supervised lounging, playing, cuddling, diaper changes, and tummy time.

Babyganics Unscented Diaper Wipes

These wipes are an essential even into the toddler and kid years (keep one in the car and the diaper station). Made without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, artificial dyes or fragrances, these organic and non-allergenic wipes will be your go-to for all the cleanups (and sometimes even yourself!).

Playtex Diaper Genie Complete Pail

It's not a sexy giftm but it is one of the most essential — and I have gifted more than one of these to new moms to keep diapers and diaper smells at bay.

Esembly Cloth Diaper Try-It Kit Reusable Diapering System

For moms who are curious about reusable cloth diapers this organic starter kit is a great gift to try it out before committing long-term. Kit includes three organic cotton inners, one waterproof outer, upcycled drawstring storage bag, diaper-cleaning detergent, and samples of organic and cloth-friendly skincare.

Hatch Belly Oil

Hydrate and reduce the appearance of stretch marks with this quick-drying and pretty-in-a-bottle belly oil.

The Doula Deck for Expecting & New Moms

Los Angeles-based doula Lori Bregman helps new moms through all the stages of new motherhood with a collection of daily meditations, exercises, and affirmations. Self-care ritual, check!

What are your go-to mom essentials? Share with us @BritandCo and we'll add here!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Surprise, Mold May Be Growing In Your Face Wash — Here's How To Tell

So, you've stopped asking "does makeup expire" and have become a pro at spotting unhealthy particles churning in your foundation. We're proud of you, but this TikTok video suggests there's two more things you're likely overlooking: your face wash and the mold that could be growing in it *insert music from Psycho.* If anything should be considered icky, it's this.

Usually we like to make a funny joke, but we've been telling our trusted cleanser we're not pleased with its sneaky potential to betray us. It's a good thing cosmetic dermatologist Courtney Allen, FNP-C is here to ease our fears! She's the founder of Canvas Skin (recently named Nashville’s top skincare center) who has over 10 years of skincare experience so her advice is one we can rely on!

Learn about why mold develops and what you can do before it makes your skin go haywire

I'm clueless. What causes mold to grow in face wash?

Tiger Lily/Pexels

We can agree face wash is meant to tackle skincare concerns like acne, dark spots, and extreme oiliness, right? Great, because it means we're confused about how mold can destroy the thing designed to help our skin. Thankfully, Allen has the answer to our burning question!

She says, "Mold can develop in face wash due to exposure to moisture, improper storage, expired preservatives, or contamination from dirty hands or water." If this made you question how you're currently storing your face wash, you're not alone!

Concerning preservatives, she said "most skincare products have preservatives to prevent microbial growth," but they're going to eventually "degrade." The only way Allen feels this is preventably is for us to "check expiration dates and replace face wash every 6-12 months (or sooner if it lacks preservatives or is organic)."

Noted, but how can I tell what the mold will look like?

Cora Pursley/Dupe Photos

We've probably seen mold growing on old fruit or food we've left uncovered in the refrigerator, but does it look the same in face wash? Allen says, "Mold in face wash may appear as discoloration (black, green, or white spots), texture changes (clumping or separation), or an unusual smell (musty or sour)."

Now that we think about it, we've used face washes in the past that looked like it was separating or had an awful smell whenever we used it. It just never occurred to us that they could've had mold in them!

The bottom line, Allen says, is "any change in consistency or scent should be a red flag!"

How would moldy face wash affect my skin?

Polina Tankilevitch/Pexels

Imagine you think you've hit the jackpot because you found face wash that was hidden behind other beauty products under your skin. Without checking the expiration date, you eagerly start using it only to experience confusion when you have an allergic reaction.

The reason your skin's unhappy is because "using a mold-contaminated face wash can lead to skin irritation, breakouts, rashes, fungal infections, or worsening of conditions like eczema, according to Allen. Why? It's all "due to exposure to harmful bacteria and fungi," she adds. Oh and if you have sensitive skin? She feels you're "especially at risk."

What should I do if I notice a problem with my face wash?

KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA/Pexels

Stop, drop and roll! Just kidding — that's not the answer in this situation. Allen's advice is a little more than a suggestion, however. "Immediately stop using it, discard the product, and sanitize the area where it was stored," she advises. But this isn't the time to get to the internal root of the problem. "Avoid trying to 'scoop out' the mold, as contamination spreads deeper than what’s visible," she mentions.

If there's a chance you're experience irritation in the wake of finding mold in your face wash, Allen doesn't think your life will never be the same. Instead, she wants you to "wash the face with a gentle cleanser and apply a soothing, fragrance-free moisturizer."

In other words, keep it simple post-exposure to mold!

Kaboompics.com/Pexels

To be on the safe side, you should always stop using beauty products if you notice they're irritating your skin. It could be that the ingredients are too harsh OR mold has secretly found its way inside your daily cleanser. But as long as you follow Allen's advice, you'll be okay!

Subscribe to our newsletter for more beauty tips!

Yikes! These "Iconic" 2000s Movies Aged Horribly

Some of the most memorable movies in pop culture history debuted in the 2000s, but not all of them have stood the test of time.

Of course, there are plenty of movies from the era that remain beloved classics, yet others feel painfully outdated because of cringeworthy plot lines, themes, or jokes that would leave modern audiences wincing.

Here are 10 movies from the 2000s that haven't aged well (and maybe should stay in the past).

Scroll to see which 2000s movies that definitely didn't age well...

Paramount Pictures

1. What Women Want (2000)

This film follows a charming but egotistical man, played by Mel Gibson, who gains the ability to hear women's thoughts, only to realize they're not as enamored with him as he thought.

While the premise is intriguing, the film relies on outdated gender stereotypes. Moreover, Mel's character is too easily redeemed, particularly by his daughter, who sees him as an absent father until he makes one grand gesture. As if that erases years of neglect.

Beacon Pictures

2. Bring It On (2000)

Bring It On may be a favorite among teens, but a lot of the film's choices don't hold up in hindsight. It's packed with promiscuous portrayals of teenage cheerleaders (and even flashing), casual use of offensive language, and a central conflict about cultural appropriation that doesn't get the depth it deserves.

The rivalry between the predominantly white and Black cheer squads does touch on an important issue. Still, Bring It On doesn't explore the deeper implications.

Touchstone Pictures

3. Sorority Boys (2002)

This plot follows three fraternity brothers who disguise themselves as women and infiltrate a sorority only to (shockingly) realize that treating women like garbage actually hurts them.

Sorority Boys is packed with fat-shaming, misogyny, and crude feminist stereotypes. On top of that, it includes an unsettling subplot where one character unknowingly falls for his own sibling.

Universal Pictures

4. Love Actually(2003)

Love Actually continues to be a holiday go-to watch for many, but it's riddled with problematic ideas about women and relationships. Emma Thompson's character is heartbreakingly mistreated, and she's still forced to endure her cheating husband.

Then, there's the bizarre fixation on Natalie's weight. And overall, the film reduces most of its female characters to love interests. Love Actually barely scrapes by the Bechdel test, with the only meaningful female-to-female exchange being between Karen and her young daughter.

Disney

5. Freaky Friday (2003)

This teen comedy features a mother and daughter who magically switch bodies and are forced to navigate each other's lives. While Freaky Friday felt funny and fresh for its time, one of the more uncomfortable aspects of the film involves covert age gap relationships.

Anna, played by Lindsay Lohan, has a crush on Jake. However, since Anna's mind is trapped in her mother's body, it creates awkward moments where Jake is unknowingly flirting with an adult woman inhabited by a teenager.

Eden Rock Media

6. Waiting... (2005)

This was meant to be a raunchy workplace comedy about the chaos of working in a restaurant, but looking back, much of its humor is cringe-worthy and uncomfortable.

Harassment is treated casually, with multiple scenes featuring male employees hitting on younger female staff members (including an underage hostess). The film also leans on homophobic slurs and misogyny, with many jokes revolving around degrading women.

20th Century Fox

7. John Tucker Must Die (2006)

With over-the-top high school drama and revenge plots, John Tucker Must Die is the epitome of 2000s teen comedy. But even though the movie tries to position itself as a feminist takedown of a serial womanizer, it actually ends up making John Tucker look more desirable.

Similar to Bring It On, many scenes also feel like they're designed for the male gaze rather than female empowerment.

Paramount Pictures

8. Freedom Writers (2007)

Freedom Writers follows a white teacher who steps in to "save" a group of underprivileged students. It falsely suggests that one determined teacher can single-handedly overcome systemic issues like racism and educational inequality as long as they're willing to sacrifice everything else in their life.

Sure, Erin Gruwell's real-life dedication is admirable, but the movie focuses on a feel-good narrative where personal effort alone is enough to fix deeply rooted social issues.

Warner Bros. Entertainment

9. The Blind Side (2009)

This film is one of the most glaring examples of Hollywood's white savior complex. Despite being marketed as an inspiring true story, it reduces Michael Oher to a passive character in his own journey and portrays him as helpless until a wealthy white family takes him in.

The Blind Side focuses far more on Sandra Bullock's character and her supposed heroism than Michael's actual experiences.

Warner Bros. Entertainment

10. The Hangover Part II (2011)

Finally, The Hangover Part II is remembered as a wild comedy hit. Still, it has some problems, most notably when Ed Helms' character, Stu, discovers the woman he slept with is actually a trans woman.

The scene is played for laughs as both Ed and Bradley Cooper's characters react with disgust. It's a tough watch today and serves as a reminder of how many 2000s films used outdated or offensive humor for shock value.

Looking for more pop culture news? Follow us on Facebook!

entertainment movies

Olivia Culpo & Christian McCaffrey Just Made The Sweetest Pregnancy Announcement!

Yay — Olivia Culpo just announced she's pregnant with her first baby! She and her husband Christian McCaffrey have been married for almost a year, so we think the timing's perfect. Like Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattinson (everyone's fave modern mom and dad), the couple kept their parenting news hidden from the world until they felt ready to share their journey. And boy did they make a grand announcement we can't stop gushing over!

Scroll to learn everything we know about Olivia Culpo and Christian McCaffrey's darling baby news!

When did Olivia Culpo share her pregnancy announcement?

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Today! The model posted beautiful photos of her cradling her baby bump while wearing a flowing, pleated dress. She looks like the picture of perfection in both images, signaling her contentment with carrying her first child. And her caption? It captures a short and sweet look at how she's feeling: "next chapter, motherhood 🤍."

Her sisters, Aurora Culpo and Sophia Culpo quickly left comments that sum up auntie energy. While Aurora said, "😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭im so happy ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ cant wait to spoil him/her forever!!!!!," Sophia wrote, "Counting down the days!!!!!🥹🥹🥹." 👀

Jessie James Decker even left a congratulatory comment! "Olivia!!!! I am soooo happy for you and @christianmccaffrey 🥹🥹🥹🥹!!! You’re going to be an amazing mama 😍 😍😍😍😍 soooo happy."

We wonder how long they've known Olivia's pregnant 👀.

Did Christian McCaffrey share his own announcement?

It doesn't look like he personally posted this adorable reel of he and Olivia's baby news, but we still think he deserves a "Husband of the Year" award for letting it be on his Instagram page. We're not setting the bar low; we just think it's admirable when partners are equally excited about expanding their families!

Have Olivia Culpo and Christian McCaffrey shared a due date?

Olivia and Christian haven't shared a due date just yet, but it's highly likely their sweet baby will be born this year!

How long have she and Christian McCaffrey been married?

Olivia and Christian traded "I Dos" June 29, 2024 according to Vogue. They had a beautiful New England wedding at Ocean house and were surrounded by the love of the people closest to them. Of a funny moment involving Christian during their nuptials, Olivia gushed how much she loved his excitement. "As a bride, there’s no better feeling than your husband not being able to wait a second longer to marry you."

Prior to getting married, the couple's relationship was the result of a "blind date" orchestrated by someone they knew. Olivia said things went so well that they were basically "inseparable" from that point forward!

We can't wait to see if they'll share more news with us so stay tuned for updates!

Follow us on Facebook for more celebrity baby news!

pregnancy announcement celebrity couples parenting celebrity news

McGee & Co.'s "Gorgeous" Outdoor Collection Has Us Giddy For Spring

It's almost outdoor decorating season! And McGee & Co.'s gorgeous outdoor collection is here to tempt our urges to decorating early with stunning finds. From plush outdoor pillows and elegant rugs to comfy furniture and charming floral plateware, this collection has everything to elevate your outdoor space. "I wanted this outdoor lounge to feel like a Southern veranda — inviting, layered, and effortlessly elegant," says Shea McGee. The new Spring 2025 collection is both timeless and relaxed, "perfect for lingering conversations and warm breezes," Shea adds. I'm especially loving the cozy seating, classic patterns, and stylish entertaining pieces that are actually affordable.

Check out all the earthy, elegant outdoor decor from McGee & Co below!

McGee & Co.

Melrose Striped Tablecloth

This linen tablecloth, featuring a charming green and ivory palette, makes every outdoor occasion feel just a little more festive and special. Celebrate from spring to fall!

McGee & Co.

Alcott Melamine Dinner Plates (Set of 4)

The scalloped edge and delicate border on these melamine plates bring a perfect blend of charm and playfulness to your outdoor table. It also has a bit of a vintage Euro vibe.

McGee & Co.

Crosley Indoor/Outdoor Pillow

Make your space super cozy with thoughtfully designed pillows, like the Crosley Indoor/Outdoor Pillow, featuring a classic plaid motif and playful fringe. Ah, so cozy and pretty!

McGee & Co.

Amherst Handwoven Indoor/Outdoor Rug

What I love about McGee & Co.'s outdoor rugs is that they look just as elegant inside. The Amherst Handwoven Indoor/Outdoor Rug in a golden yellow plaid is actually soft and is easy to clean — perfect for high-traffic indoor/outdoor areas.

McGee & Co.

Nola Paper Mache Vase

Give your outdoor space the living room treatment with details like potted greenery. The Nola Paper Mache Vase elevates your table with a modern rustic aesthetic.

McGee & Co.

Berkeley Handwoven Indoor/Outdoor Rug

This navy and white gingham rug with brown natural stripes is another soft indoor-outdoor rug made from recycled materials, and perfect for high-traffic indoor and outdoor areas.

McGee & Co.

Haviland Outdoor Sofa with Striped Cushions

Bold cabana stripes get me every time. This weather-resistant sofa is just as comfy as it is cute.

McGee & Co.

Cadie Outdoor Chaise

Lounge the spring days away with a good book on this teak-framed chaise and weather-resistant fabric.

McGee & Co.

The Market Umbrella

Fringe makes everything better. The Market Umbrella can withstand spring's fickle weather while bringing vintage vibes to your space.

McGee & Co.

Sanibel Acrylic Goblets (Set of 4)

Elevate your outdoor drinkware with these break-resistant ribbed goblets. Spring mocktails are so close.

McGee & Co.

Fontaine Melamine Dinner Plates (Set of 4)

Embrace spring 2025's romantic trend with these floral dinner plates, paired with dainty Wilkie Floral Napkins.

McGee & Co.

Bonjour Doormat

Set the stage for an inviting escape with this charming welcome mat. Très chic!

McGee & Co.

Classic Pool Float

Cannonball! Make the most of the warmer months with the classic pool float in navy and white stripes. It has a hanging hook for storage too!

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more editor-loved products!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

outdoor decor studio mcgee home decor inspiration home decor

Everyone's Losing It Over This "Horrifying" 'Severance' Season 2 Theory: "I'm Gonna Lose My Mind."

If you can't stop talking about Severance season 2, you're not alone. The Apple TV+ show has totally taken over the internet (and all my group chats) and as the mysteries at Lumon continue to unfold, there's one heartbreaking, viral theory surrounding this week's episode, and Gemma, that has the internet in a tizzy.

Keep reading for the most insane Severance season 2, episode 9 theory on the internet.

Has Gemma been an innie the whole time?

Apple TV

TikTok user @msauroraalice made the connection that Severance season 2 episode 9, "The After Hours," has the same title as a specific Twilight Zone episode in which a mannequin, well, forgets she's a mannequin. And now we're all wondering whether Severance is going to reveal a very similar plotline with Gemma.

"Could Gemma have been manufactured at Lumon and all of her experience with Mark is just a severed version of herself," @msauroraalice says, theorizing that "there is no Gemma."

"I bet this next episode, Gemma or Helly has a horrifying discovery about themselves just like the mannequin realizing she's not even alive," she continues.

Clearly, this Twilight Zone episode has a ton of similarities to Severance, with the split identities of it all. And as one Reddit user just made it even more heartbreaking by saying, "She could be an experiment from the very start which is why they went as far as to fake her death and recruit Mark to work for them. That would be heartbreaking. It would mean Mark and Gemma 's relationship was manufactured from the beginning."

"The After Hours" is sure to set us up for a crazy 'Severance' season 2 finale.

Apple TV

After everything Mark has been through, this would truly be a heartbreaking turn of events and I don't know if I could handle it! I'm not alone, either. TikTok users flooded the comments of the post (which has over 900K views).

"If Gemma was never a full person to begin with I'm gonna lose my mind," one user said, while another theorized, "I think Gemma is real but she actually died. Lumon had plans for her to begin with so they revived her body because they effectively own it and now she's stuck in purgatory testing."

But if this Severance theory breaks your heart as much as it breaks mine, there's a silver lining. "The next episode after 'The After Hours' from TWZ is called 'The Mighty Casey' and is about a robot who becomes more human I believe," a third TikTok user says.

But honestly, emotional devastation — and peeling back a character's insecurities, fears, and heartbreak to get to their core — make for really good TV because of how relatable those moments can be. So we'll just have to see what the Severance season 2 finale has in store.

Here are 10 Questions I Need Severance Season 2 To Answer — let us know on Instagram what kinds of questions and theories you have.

pop culture apple tv tv