Approaching March brings us and our winter-weary brains one month closer to summer — and the shopping habits of What to Expect readers have followed suit. Our community of moms and moms-to-be spent the last month stocking up for summer with cartfuls of baby-safe sunscreen, super-popular postpartum swimwear and gorgeous maternity dresses tucked away at Target.
Of course, it’s not about enjoying the sun. The top-bought list also featured some reliable, cross-seasonal items dedicated to making pregnancy more comfortable and breastfeeding easier. How do we know? We analyzed internal (anonymous) shopping data to determine which items WTE readers bought the most in March.
From an award-winning pregnancy pillow to a comfortable two-in-one bra, here are the top 10 items parents couldn’t resist adding to cart last month.
Mom’s favorite baby-safe sunscreen
Rated the Best Baby Sunscreen by dermatologists and What to Expect staff members, Thinkbaby SPF 50+ sunscreen is a summer must have. Mineral sunscreen uses zinc oxide to block 98 percent of UVB rays. And because it’s free of oxybenzone, parabens and phthalates, you don’t have to worry about any “junk” getting on your baby’s sensitive skin. Regarding the texture, What to Expect parents say it is “silky” and “easy to rub on,” which is a big plus if you’re dealing with a wiggly baby.
What to Expect Moms stocked up on Thinkbaby sunscreen during the Amazon Big Spring Sale when it was 40% off. Fortunately, the deal is still going on, so you can grab a tube (or 10) for $9 each.
An award-winning pregnancy pillow
We’re not kidding when we say the Pharmedoc pregnancy pillow is an award-winner: Our community members voted it the Best Pregnancy Pillow in the What to Expect Sleep Awards two years in a row. (Not to mention, our staff also crowned it the Best Pregnancy Pillow.) The U-shape pillow receives constant praise for facilitating side-sleeping during pregnancy — especially for common back- and front-sleepers. The firm, yet forgiving filling better supports your stomach, back, knees, neck and hips, easing those pregnancy aches that keep you up at night. While some may find it bulky, there is a detachable “leg” that you can remove to save space.
The pillow is 36% off during the Amazon Big Spring Sale. While the discount isn’t as deep, it’s still currently on sale for 23% off — meaning you’ll save $15.
The only swimsuit postpartum moms want to wear
The Kona Sol one-piece caught our attention after seeing some moms appreciate the suit for giving them an extra boost of body confidence. “This is my first summer postpartum and I was so nervous about finding a swimsuit that would make me feel confident but it delivered,” wrote one mom, with several others agreeing. The side ruching gives the suit a little extra stretch, which is helpful as your body continues to change postpartum. Meanwhile, the cups have padding for extra breast support and can be tucked away for easier care. We also love that the scallop neckline adds some extra style.
An easy-to-clean teether
Although we highlighted Infantino’s carrot teether as a Easter basket filler, it’s a great buy regardless of the time of year. Made of BPA-free silicone, the teether provides a soft biting experience to help soothe baby’s sore gums. (There’s even a textured section for added comfort!) But it’s sturdy enough that your child won’t chew on it. The handles make it easy for even the smallest hands to hold without assistance, freeing your hands to tackle other tasks. And since it doesn’t have a ton of corners, you can easily wipe it down with a cloth.
The most popular (and supportive) belly band
Some bad news: Many moms-to-be experience pregnancy pains because of that precious bump. The good news: Many have found relief with the help of Azmed Maternity Belly Band. What to Expect, Moms consider this the best belly band, saying it’s easy to put on and take off thanks to a single Velcro fastener. And, most importantly, they praise the wraparound band for providing “superior comfort” and “instant relief.” And if you act fast, you can get it for 23% off, bumping the price from $31 to $24.
The summer must-have maternity dress
It can be hard to rationalize spending money on maternity clothes, but mums say they’re happy to put their money towards new Ingrid and Isabel got dressed at Target. (Granted, it’s under $40, so you won’t be breaking the bank!) This is the kind of all-in-one outfit you want when it’s hot outside — especially when you’re pregnant and just want something to throw on. Made of stretchy polyester and Spandex, it will grow with you and your bump. Bonus: There’s a pair of built-in shorts to prevent dreaded summer chafing.
A hospital-grade wearable breast pump
More and more brands are introducing wearable breast pumps, but the Elvie Stride Wireless Breast Pump remains a favorite among What to Expect staff and community members. (That’s why we named it the Best Wearable Breast Pump.) Moms love that the pump provides hospital-grade power without requiring electricity from an outlet. What to Expect moms also appreciate that the Elvie Stride is quiet, especially compared to other breast pumps, and can be easily operated via an app. Bonus: It’s currently 22% off!
A two-for-one postpartum bra
Kindred Bravely Sublime Hands-Free Pumping and Nursing Bra
$52 $42 See More
Available from Kindred Bravely
Kindred Bravely is synonymous with comfort and convenience, which is probably why it was voted Best Nursing Bra Brand at the What to Expect Feeding Awards. And although all Kindred Bravely bras are great, we named the Kindred Bravely Sublime Hands-Free Pumping and Nursing Bra the Best Nursing Bra. Made of ultra-stretchy nylon and Spandex, this bra has two layers of fabric: One that pulls down to reveal horizontal slits that hold the pump flanges, and a second that exposes the entire bust for in direct feeding, so you can wear it while pumping or nursing. In addition to the genius design, we love that Kindred Bravely has a pretty wide size range: up to 3X and cups up to H. (Psst, right now you can get this bra for 20% off with the code GETPUMPED! )
A safe way to keep baby warm while they sleep
Halo’s SleepSack won both the What to Expect Sleep Award and the What to Expect Mom Must-Have Award because, well, it’s the best sleep sack; this keeps baby comfortable and gives parents peace of mind that their child won’t overheat. New parents especially appreciate how easy it is to use: Instead of being secured with crinkly Velcro or awkward snaps, the Halo has a two-way zipper. (It also makes nappy changing easier!) It comes in a range of fabrics, so you can find the right one for your climate: the 100% cotton sleep sack can be used all year round, while the fleece option is great for winter use.
A non-maternity bra you can wear while pregnant (and after, too!)
We love pieces that can transition from maternity wear to postpartum wear and beyond, making this SKIMS bralette an absolute winner. This is one of our favorite maternity bras for a straightforward option that’s simply comfortable. Plus, it comes in sizes from XXS to 4X, which is more expensive than many other brands. WTE moms say they love it for being super comfortable, thanks to its underwire-free design. But you don’t have to sacrifice shape for comfort: The elastic band under the bra gives a little lift and the smooth band gives shape without restriction. You’ll be wearing it days after your postpartum too!
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