When it comes to bringing new life into the world, one of the primary concerns of parents is to give their child the best they can offer. But did you know that the best products need not be expensive? We’ve rounded up some products you’ll want to invest in and alternatives so you can save up for college tuition instead (or splurge on that nursery). Check out our recommended pregnancy, maternity and baby products in this edition of Spend vs Save!
For Pregnancy
1. Belly Butter
Spend: Glow Pure + Organic Belly Butter
Pregnancy is a delicate time for any woman, that’s why you need a product that contains only the safest, most organic ingredients. This belly butter is crafted without any chemicals or artificial fragrances and made of organic shea butter, organic cocoa butter, organic macadamia nut, organic grapeseed oil, and organic sweet almond oil, resulting in an amazing skin conditioning treatment that promotes skin elasticity during pregnancy. It effectively prevents stretch marks and relieves itchy skin. It’s also unscented for sensitive moms. It has no parabens, no phthalates, and sulfates. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “I love this product! Halfway through pregnancy and no signs of stretch marks. It really does feel like butter on your skin, in the best way. It’s not a lotion or cream, much thicker, so but just need to press your fingers and scoop up and rub between your hands before use. Scent is natural and you can tell it’s made from high quality ingredients.” Melanie
Save: Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter
Made with only the finest ingredients from nature, Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter is carefully formulated to maintain skin’s softness during and after pregnancy. It’s specially formulated for moms-to-be to soothe and condition skin during pregnancy and help restore skin after pregnancy. It features a natural blend of hydrating cocoa, shea and jojoba butters, without strong fragrances. This 99% natural belly butter does not contain phthalates, parabens, petrolatum, or SLS. Rated 4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “I used this butter in conjunction with the Mama Bee Body Oil while I was pregnant. I used the oil on my bump and this butter everywhere else. One container lasted me a good while and the formula was nice. It absorbs into the skin and moisturizes nicely without being heavy or sticky. The oil prevented stretch marks on my belly and this prevented them everywhere else! Highly recommend!” Lauren D.
2. Pregnancy Pillow
Spend: Meiz 55” Pregnancy Body Pillow with Velvet Cover
Featuring a wider and longer upgraded shape and straight sides for your utmost comfort, this pregnancy body pillow is extra soft and features an adjustable filling that retains fluffiness for longer. It provides more support for the head, back, belly, knees, and hip for the best sleep and rest for pregnancy moms. It can help alleviate leg swelling and back pain, fibromyalgia, sciatica, poor posture, hypertension syndrome, tossing and turning. It helps improve blood circulation while you sleep, as well. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “I’ve wanted a pregnancy pillow with all my pregnancies and finally got one this time around. This thing is amazing my husband even tries to steal it. It’s the perfect thickness. Works well to prop you up or switch from laying side to side. Cover removes for washing. I’d definitely buy it again!” E.S.
Save: PharMeDoc Pregnancy Pillow
Featuring a detachable extension that can be used as its own full body pillow or attached to the main body pillow for additional back or belly support, this pregnancy pillow is a versatile and functional pillow to keep pregnant women comfortable. It measures 53″ inches long, 31″ inches wide, and 7″ inches high, offering support for the back, hips, knees, neck, and head, to help ease the discomfort from pregnancy and a range of other ailments. It features a 100% cotton pillow cover that’s zipper-removable and machine-washable. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “The pillow is full and doesn’t take as much space as you would expect. I have purchased other small pillows with previous pregnancies that have helped but this one is by far the best for all around support to the belly, back, and legs.” G.S.
3. Tea for Morning Sickness
Spend: Pink Stork Morning Sickness Tea, Ginger Peach
No day should be ruined with morning sickness. Thankfully, there’s Pink Stork Morning Sickness Tea, which comes in a fun ginger peach flavor from natural ingredients. It is crafted from ginger and Ceylon black tea, which effectively eases nausea and the symptoms of severe morning sickness. It also helps promote relief from cramps, constipation, diarrhea and motion sickness by relaxing the intestinal tract. This product is 100% organic, gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO so you know you’re getting all the goodness of natural ingredients. Rated 4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “First of all, the packaging is so super cute! Secondly, the tea bags are biodegradable. And lastly, this product really helped me feel almost like a normal person should. I would recommend this to anybody, and definitely will! I make mine hot and it really soothes my sickness in the morning. At night, I usually just drink it cold. Either way, it tastes wonderful. If I’m too nauseous in the morning to even drink it, I just slowly sniff the tea bag and that helps me until my water is ready!” Amazon Customer
Save: Earth Mama Organic Morning Wellness Tea Bags
Say goodbye to morning sickness with Earth Mama, which is especially formulated for pregnancy, with ingredients such as settling ginger root, chamomile and lemon balm, a hint of mint and a twist of orange peel for a citrus pop of flavor. These organic herbs are traditionally used to prevent and alleviate morning sickness and pregnancy nausea. This product is USDA certified organic and caffeine-free so you know it’s safe to use during pregnancy. Rated 4.0 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “Wow, I truly love this product as heartburn has been hitting me so hard during this pregnancy that it was often keeping me up at all hours of the night. I tried everything and this is the only thing that provided instant and long lasting relief.” Dulcinea
4. Pregnancy Body Oil
Spend: Bio-Oil Multiuse Skincare Oil
This best selling scar and stretch mark oil effectively helps improve the appearance of uneven skin tone, dry and aging skin, and the appearance of stretch marks formed during pregnancy or periods of rapid weight gain. Its unique formula harnesses the power of vitamins, plant extracts, and oils that together increase the moisture in skin and reduces itching caused by stretching. Its vitamin E nourishes the skin, while its lavender and rosemary oils act as a mild antiseptic. This product is free of parabens, sulfate, fluoride, and formaldehyde. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “This really helps when you have an itchy belly. So far I haven’t had stretch marks but I still have 2 months to go. I would definitely get this product again for my next pregnancy.” Amazon Customer
Save: Weleda Pregnancy Body Oil for Stretch Marks
This pregnancy body oil from Weleda harnesses the power of arnica, which fine silica content counteracts the pain and discoloration of bruises, bumps, or contusion. It also diminishes the appearance of stretch marks and visibly increases skin elasticity and smoothness while maintaining skin’s moisture. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “I love this body oil. I used it throughout my pregnancy and it prevented stretch marks on my skin beautifully. I only got one tiny stretch mark on my belly within the last 2 weeks of my pregnancy. It also prevented the “itchy” feeling that occurs as your belly grows during pregnancy. This oil makes my skin feel and look amazing. I apply it somewhat generously after the shower to my entire body, not just areas of concern. My skin looks and feels well hydrated and conditioned after use.” JoRuth
5. Maternity Tops
Spend: Larace Women Short Sleeves Flare Tunic Tops
When you’re pregnant, you want things to be as simple and hassle-free as possible. Same goes for clothing. This versatile tunic top provides comfort and easy wear for pregnant women. It is made of lightweight material that will keep you cool and a figure flattering style that’s great with leggings, also a pregnancy staple. Comes in a range of gorgeous colors you can mix and match with any bottoms. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “Perfect maternity top. If I weren’t pregnant, I likely would have found this shirt to be too big…the length seems a little long for a tunic, and too short to switch as a dress. But for my situation, it’s exactly what I needed it to be! Super comfy, very soft fabric, for my growing belly, well into the end of the pregnancy now!” Renée J
Save: Liu & Qu Womens Maternity Classic Side Ruched T-Shirt
This versatile pack of three maternity tops is a best-selling product made with 95% rayon and 5% spandex for high elasticity. It features soft fabric that offers comfort and a simple yet versatile style that goes with pants, leggings, and other bottoms. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “Love these maternity shirts! They’re super long so you’ve got plenty of room for the bump to grow. They run just a tad large, just enough that they fit really comfortably, without being too big (no need to size down unless you like your maternity shirts tight?) The fabric is comfortable and light weight without being see through!” Allie Sherman
For Maternity and Baby
1. Nursing Pillow
Spend: Boppy Original Nursing Pillow and Positioner
When the baby arrives, make sure you’ve invested in a nursing pillow that provides comfort during feedings, propping, tummy time, sitting or playing. The Boppy nursing pillow provides ergonomically correct positioning for breastfeeding or bottle feeding and also provides balance and support for toppling and wobbling babies. It features a cotton cute removable slipcover that’s easy to zip on and off. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “This is the best thing a mother could have specially for women who are planning to breastfeed baby. With our first child we did not have this but with the second one we got this and I have not seen my wife complaining about discomfort or pain. Both baby and mother smiley face makes it completely worth. We also use it for tummy time for my little one it’s a great product to have which makes your life easier.” Harish
Save: My Brest Friend Original Nursing Posture Pillow
New parents are going to love this nursing pillow that promotes proper posture to alleviate back, neck, shoulder, and arm pain. it features a wrap around design that lets both mom and baby feel secure and comfortable. It also includes convenient storage pocket to access various breastfeeding essentials such as nipple cream, water, lip balm, or other things you need to keep within reach while feeding baby. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “I got this during my baby shower and it is such a great design! I can strap it on so it doesn’t slip while I’m feeding baby. Also, I love the pocket because I can keep my nipple guards, burp clothes, and vitamin d drops there. It’s super portable and light so we ended up getting two (one for the car and one at home).” Charlotte Cheng
2. Nipple Cream
Spend: Motherlove Nipple Cream Organic Herbal Salve
Breastfeeding doesn’t have to be a terrifying experience. Fight the discomfort of sore, cracked nipples with Motherlove’s Nippe Cream, which is crafted with all USDA Certified Organic ingredients, including calendula and marshmallow root. This product is free of lanolin so you know it’s safe for you and your baby. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “This stuff is incredible. On my third baby and I have tried it all. It is very emollient and melts down so quickly there is no residue no sticky feeling and very soothing! Very impressed had to write a review, worth every penny.” Alexa
Save: Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream for Breastfeeding
Made of pure lanolin with no harmful additives, Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream effectively replenishes skin that has been compromised from breastfeeding. Its pure lanolin content goes through a proprietary filtration process gently removes impurities, detergents, trace pesticides. It has no preservatives, additives, and parabens. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “I attribute at least half of my success breastfeeding to this product. In the beginning I was so sore I could hardly stand it but this cream was truly a life saver. Doesn’t have an odor and a little bit goes a long way. You won’t regret this purchase!” Victoria Barrett
3. Baby Wash
Spend: The Honest Company Truly Calming Lavender Shampoo + Body Wash
Make bath time easier and more hassle-free with this all-in-one baby shampoo and body wash. It effectively cleans, gently soothes and nourishes baby’s skin without drying it. This body wash and shampoo has a gentle, tear-free formula that’s made with zero sulfates or parabens. This product is thoughtfully designed and uses smart ingredients from renewable sources. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “I love this shampoo/body wash for my newborn baby. It smells so much better than lavender-scented body wash I’ve purchased from other brands. I really love that I can use this on my newborn guilt-free without being concerned about harsh chemicals. I would definitely recommend it!” Naomi Gillett
Save: Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo with Organic Calendula
Especially designed for baby’s sensitive skin, this baby wash and shampoo from Cetaphil effectively cleanses without drying skin. It has a tear-free formula that contains no parabens, colorants, or mineral oil. Instead, it has nourishing organic calendula, vitamins E and B5, and aloe vera for perfect skin nourishment.Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
on Amazon.
Promising review: “This stuff smells amazing, I used it in my son who has extremely sensitive skin and it does not irritate him at all. It is so moisturizing. I even put some in my dry hand with no water and rub it and it felt like lotion.” Arrissa
4. Swaddle Cloth
Spend: Aden + Anais Silky Soft Swaddle Blanket
Crafted from super soft viscose made from bamboo, these luxurious swaddle blankets from Aden + Anais will provide your baby with comfortable breathability and versatility. This high quality bamboo muslin swaddle blanket is light enough to provide cool air to pass through but comfortable enough to provide warmth. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “This is the second bundle of bamboo blankets we have purchased and my first born loves them! I am excited to have 3 new ones for the new baby.” Amy Wall
Save: Bunny Palm Muslin Swaddle Blankets
Made of 100% organic bamboo, these swaddle blankets from Bunny Palm can be used as a bedside bassinet sheet, sun shield, nursery receiving blankets, muslin burp cloths, wearable blanket, and more. Made of organic cloth that gets softer with every wash. Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “We love the option of using these swaddles for anything from swaddling to burp cloth – they’re a good size that gives us flexibility for any reason we may need an extra soft piece of fabric.” Romain & Brittany
5. Baby Wipes
Spend: Burt’s Bees Baby Chlorine-Free Wipes for Sensitive Skin
These 99% natural wipes are non-irritating and fragrance free, so it’s safe on baby’s sensitive skin. It is infused with aloe and vitamin E for extra nourishment. These hypoallergenic wipes have a cloth-like texture for baby’s comfort. Rated 4.0 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “I love these wipes when I don’t have access to a bowl of water and gauze sponges to clean my baby. They are gentle on the skin and I have used them on baby’s face, hands, diaper area, anywhere without any irritation to the skin.” T.N.
Save: Mama Bear 99% Water Baby Wipes
Made with 99% purified water, these baby wipes are hypoallergenic, fragrance free, and formulated without alcohol, parabens, or phthalates. Comes in convenient reclosable bags. Rated 3.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “Great product. My major concern is always skin reaction and my child did not exhibit any sensitivities to the product. The wipes are thick which I like but did leave lint behind. This is more so noticeable if you wiped other areas like hands.” P.J.
For more on baby and mama care, make sure to check out the links below.
Best Skincare Products for Pregnant and Lactating Women
10 Pre-Natal Must-Haves You Need to Buy Your Pregnant Wife Right Now
Top 10 Skincare Products that Every Pregnant Mom Needs
Just a disclaimer – We have partnered with these companies because we use their products and/or proudly trust and endorse them – so we do receive a commission if you make a purchase or sign up for services. Often, we are able to negotiate special discounts and/or bonuses, which we will pass on to you via our links. We often get short notice on sale items available for 24-48 hours as we will pass these savings onto you.
