From a Breastfeeding Counselor, Certified Baby Registry Consultant, and Mom of an almost 4-Year-Old

When I became a mom nearly four years ago, I did what most first-time parents do — I trusted the baby aisle at the store.

I didn’t know what I didn’t know. And honestly? That’s part of what makes this journey so hard.

Now, as a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor and Baby Registry Consultant, I help new parents every day navigate what’s worth buying, what’s actually safe, and how to avoid products that are just expensive bandaids.

If I could go back and re-pack my newborn starter kit, these are three swaps I’d make in a heartbeat — and why.

1. Plastic Bottles → Glass Bottles

Back then, I grabbed what was easy. I used plastic bottles without a second thought.

Now? I know better.

Plastic can degrade over time, especially with heat and sterilization. We’re learning more about how microplastics, endocrine disruptors, and even PFAS ("forever chemicals") can leach into baby items. Glass bottles offer a cleaner, safer, and longer-lasting alternative — and they’re much easier to sanitize too.

If you’re building your baby registry, this is a swap that gives you long-term peace of mind.

2. Disposable Diapers → Cloth Diapers (or Cleaner Options)

Disposable diapers are convenient, yes. But I didn’t realize how much waste we were generating — or that many conventional brands contain fragrances, chlorine, and more.

Would I have gone full-time cloth? Maybe not. But I would have added some modern cloth diapers to the mix — for overnight, for blowout protection, and for reducing exposure to unnecessary chemicals. Cloth is easier (and cuter!) than most people realize.

3. The Bath Toy Regret: Closed Toys = Mold Traps

One of the swaps I’d make without hesitation? Ditching traditional bath toys. I had no idea those adorable squeaky toys could harbor mold inside—until I cut one open. Now I recommend silicone bath toys (that can be opened) to be fully cleaned and dried. They’re safer, easier to sanitize, and last longer without becoming a breeding ground for bacteria. When we know better, we bathe better.

4. Pacifers

Oh... pacifiers.... don't live the experience I lived. Save yourself. 

That’s why I built the Soothe Beginnings Pacifier Kit — a kit I wish existed when I was a new mom. It comes with three nipple shapes (nursing, standard, and orthodontic) so you don’t waste time and money guessing which one your baby will take.

It’s PFAS-tested, latex-free, and batch-tested for safety. And the cap and shield are made from sustainable materials with zero plastic.

If you’re pregnant or shopping for a baby shower, this is one of the most thoughtful, safety-first swaps you can make.

Final Thoughts
Parenting is a learning curve — and we’re all just doing our best with the information we have. But if I can help you skip a few mistakes I made, then that’s what this space is for.

Your instincts matter. Your choices matter.
And it’s okay to change your mind when you learn something new.

Want my full Newborn Soothing Guide?
Every pacifier kit now comes with it, free. Because preparation feels a whole lot like peace of mind.

🛒 Shop the Soothe Beginnings Pacifier Kit
🍼 Non-toxic. No guesswork. Just calm.

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