Eileen’s Edit: New-Mama Essentials

Updated on: November 14, 2022

Photo courtesy of Babaà Knitwear

EILEEN’S EDIT

Eileen is goop’s fashion and market editor, which means she’s really good at discovering amazing new designers and finding pieces that will become treasured classics, and everyone at goop HQ wants to raid her (itsy-bitsy) closet. Plus, she surfs on the weekends.

My son, Jack, is now seven months old. Maternity leave was spent focusing fully on him—I was essentially living in a baby bubble. During the fourth trimester, it took me a while to notice that my recovery was slower than I had anticipated. I didn’t mentally or physically “bounce back” like I expected to. But I’m working on it! At my own pace, giving myself plenty of slack and self-care.

When it came to navigating reentry into the workforce, I found so much support and practical, truly helpful tips from friends, colleagues, family, even strangers pushing strollers on the street (I love having this newfound tribe of fellow mothers). These are the things I’ve picked up along the way that make this new way of life as a mama more manageable.

Go-To Baby Brands

Baeo Baby
Bare Suds
goop, $22 SHOP NOW

100 percent clean products for babe that I sometimes use myself.
Baeo Baby
Bare Face
goop, $13 SHOP NOW
Baeo Baby
Bare Booty
goop, $20 SHOP NOW

100 percent clean products for babe that I sometimes use myself.
Bonpoint
Set
Bonpoint, from $389 SHOP NOW

I realize that there will come a time that he won’t let me dress him, but until then, I will indulge in Bonpoint sets. The French really know baby clothes.
Babaà
Knitwear
Babaà, price varies SHOP NOW

These beautiful mommy-and-me knits are made in Spain; the slouchy cardigans can serve as super chic nursing cover-ups.
Mori
Multipacks
Mini Mori, $69 SHOP NOW

Really sweet printed onesies and sleepsuits (organic and sustainable, which is great) that you can buy in bulk packs.

Tools of the Trade

Lalo
The Chair
Lalo, $195 SHOP NOW

This high chair is beautifully designed, it’s super easy to clean, and it’s comfortable for both the little guy sitting in it and the adult trying to sneak some sweet potatoes in his mouth. It also shrinks down to a play chair as the baby grows. And who doesn’t love a twofer?
BabyBjörn
Baby Dinner Set
BabyBjörn, $50 SHOP NOW

BPA-free, and the catchable bib is a game changer: It’s the perfect little foodie kit.
Artipoppe
Baby Carrier
Artipoppe, $728 SHOP NOW

Particularly in the leopard print, this carrier looks more fashion accessory than baby bear. The softness and comfort for both baby and whoever is doing the carrying, however, are very much on par with the super tricked-out carriers out there.
LouLou Baker
Book
LouLou Baker, $125 SHOP NOW

Beautiful watercolor illustrations and thoughtful prompts for recording first memories and photographs.
DockATot
Cabana Kit
DockATot, $75 SHOP NOW

Our DockATot goes anywhere Jack
goes—airplane, beach (check out the cabana kit!), couch. He loves the huglike sensation, and I love that it’s a safe place for him to hang out.
SNOO
Smart Sleeper – Rental
Happiest Baby, $112 a month SHOP NOW

So many goop moms swear by Snoo, and now that it offers monthly rentals, even more families can give Dr. Karp’s magical bassinet a try.
STORQ
Kit Bag
STORQ, $48 SHOP NOW

A changing kit to keep diaper changes tidy and organized wherever you are. Especially helpful if you’re like me and opt out of using a traditional diaper bag.
UPPAbaby
Stroller
UPPAbaby, $430 SHOP NOW

When it comes to motherhood, the schlep is real. This stroller is lightweight and easily collapsible and zips through the grocery store like a tiny go-kart.

Resources

The New York Times
Parenting
The New York Times SHOP NOW

The new parenting site from The New York Times addresses all sorts of parenting questions in a way that’s approachable, well researched, and kind of hilarious, too.
Janet Lansbury
unruffled
The Washington Post SHOP NOW

Janet Lansbury’s approach to parenting and discipline is rooted in respect, meaning that both the child and caregiver deserve it. Each podcast episode addresses real listener questions, which are always relatable.
Alexandra Sacks, MD &
Catherine Birndorf, MD
What No One Tells You
Amazon, $11 SHOP NOW
Harvey Karp, MD
Happiest Baby
on the Block
Happiest Baby, $9 SHOP NOW

Required reading.
Heidi Murkoff
What to Expect
the First Year
Amazon, $10 SHOP NOW
Dr. Oscar Serrallach
The Postnatal
Depletion Cure
goop, $27 SHOP NOW

Required reading.
Photo courtesy of Julia Chesky

Loom
Classes
Loom, price varies SHOP NOW

From pregnancy to parenting, Loom has schooled both me and my baby daddy. The supportive classes and seminars—everything from lactation to birth to mommy-and-me classes—are designed with new and expecting parents in mind.
Hatch Collection
Events
Hatch Collection SHOP NOW

Yes, the maternity clothes are great, but so is the in-store programming in the NYC and LA locations. There are jam sessions for mama and baby, lactation Q&As, even piercing parties.
Erika Bloom Pilates
Pilates Studio
Erika Bloom Pilates, price varies SHOP NOW

For me, a Pilates practice had a tremendous effect on healing my body and strengthening my pelvic floor. Thanks to the work I’ve done with Erika and the lovely teachers at her LA studio, I’ve reconnected to my body though bodywork and breath. Tip: Take morning classes to implement the teachings through the day.

Subscriptions

Lovevery
The Play Kits
Lovevery, subscriptions from $36 a month SHOP NOW

At first glance, these just look like aesthetically pleasing baby toys. What they actually are: science-backed, sustainably made play kits designed specifically to complement a baby’s brain development. There’s a kit for every stage of development, from baby to toddler, and each one comes with instructions for parents on introducing and incorporating the toys.
Yumi
Meal Delivery
Hello Yumi, from $5 a day SHOP NOW

Organic, creative baby-food blends delivered right to your door. Now that Jack is experimenting with solids, this is a real stress-saver for a busy working mom.
25/8
Food Delivery Service
25/8, price varies SHOP NOW

I found that staying conscious about what I was eating was actually causing me extra stress, because ultimately, if I’m hungry, I eat what’s in front of me, whether it’s healthy or not. Erica Mock’s weekly food deliveries are organic, gluten-free, refined-sugar-free, and seasonal. And they’re all made to support women at whatever stage they are in—thinking about conceiving, pregnant, postpartum, or menopausal. Oh, and they’re delicious.

Breastfeeding

Oat Mama
Lactation Cookbook
Amazon, $23 SHOP NOW

This is an entire book full of recipes that nourish breastfeeding mamas.
Kala
Nursing Bra
Kala, $85 SHOP NOW

What’s great about this sustainable intimates line is that it’s meant to serve women from pregnancy on. The nursing bras are soft, allow for easy access, and come in an inclusive range of sizes.
Elvie
Pump
Elvie, $499 SHOP NOW

This pump is next-level. Whether you’re a working mom or a stay-at-home mom (just as much work, if not more), there are always things to be done. With no cords and a gentle pump, sometimes I forget this is even on.
Milk Stork
Breast Milk Shipping
Milk Stork, from $79 SHOP NOW

This brilliant service will safely collect, package, and ship your pumped breastmilk anywhere in the US. So no pumping and dumping and your little one gets to have his milk.
Majka
Lactation Bites
Love Majka, $24 SHOP NOW

Back to my point about eating what’s in front of me. These little snacks support lactation, yes, but they also taste good and energize.

Back to Work

Let’s just say I’m not jumping back into my high-waisted trousers anytime soon. These days, for work, I gravitate toward looser-cut, cropped jeans; slightly oversize men’s shirting; and, of course, jumpsuits (thank you, G. Label). Plus: a new charm necklace to remind me of Jack.

Weekends

For days off, I want pieces that I can put on in the morning and don’t have to change out of till bedtime. They have to be comfortable for lounging around at home and look put-together enough for stroller walks and emergency diaper runs. I also finally understand the appeal of Birkenstocks.

At-Home Wellness

Everyone is different, but my skin turned into a desert after I gave birth. These are the products that have helped me moisturize and revive. The rest are not exactly essentials, but they do go a long way in the self-care department.