Bambino Life, Upgraded.
On this page, I’ve curated a collection of my favorite products, books, and resources for parents (and some for teachers, too). I hope you’ll love them as much as I do!
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. View my full disclosure here.
Books for Parents
The Happiest Baby On the block
Dr. Karp, known for creating the Snoo, gives practical ways to soothe a newborn. Especially helpful for first-time parents; I read this while pregnant with my oldest and found it indispensable in those first few bleary-eyed weeks.
How to talk so little kids will listen
Strategies for engaging children aged 2-7 in conversation. Great for reducing tantrums and building relationships. There’s also a targeted version called How To Talk So Kids Can Learn.
simplicity parenting
Motivation and strategies for streamlining your home environment and schedule to minimize overwhelm and make space for deeper relationships. I particularly recommend this for anyone interested in slow living or family minimalism.
oh Crap! Potty Training
A no-nonsense approach that could save you a fortune on Pull-Ups. Ideally, the author recommends training with this method between 20-30 months of age, though it could be done any time.
Building a non-Anxious Life
After having my second baby, I really struggled with anxiety. This book gave me language to explain how I was feeling while also helping me take action in the areas I could control.
Playroom Organization & Toys
Multi-use pouches
Extremely useful, especially in the large A3 size. I keep a pouch full of books in the car, use them to store puzzles and other toys for toy rotation, and even use them like “packing cubes” when we take trips with the kids.
baskets
Just about any basket can work for playroom storage, but I like that the pattern on this one is fun while still being neutral enough to blend in with my minimalist home decor. It’s also available in a larger size.
bookshelves
Though popular, cube-style shelves are like black holes for books. Shallow racks allow cover art to double as decoration and can be mounted low to give kids better access to their favorites. I also love this scalloped one.
pikler triangle
A climbing set like this one is so beneficial for gross motor development. I’m also impressed by the imaginative ways my older son plays, like pretending it’s a race car or a camping tent for his stuffed bunny.
magna-tiles
My kids use Magna-Tiles alongside their Duplos and wooden blocks to build amazing cities. (BTW, as much as I love a bargain, I prefer the name brand tiles because I trust their safety standards.)
Baby Gear
boba wrap
This wrap is stretchier and thicker than other brands, which makes it supportive and comfortable. It was the only carrier I used until my baby was almost a year old, at which point he was more comfortable in my WildBird Ring Sling.
hatch rest+
We have two Hatch sound machines; this model is my favorite. I like the variety of sounds (including lullabies) and I love that it can also function as an audio monitor and a time-to-rise light for toddler quiet time.
gathre high chair mat
Save yourself the trouble of crawling around on the floor to pick up crumbs after every meal. There are cheaper mats out there, but I really love the look and feel of the material on this one and found it to be the perfect size.
Portable booster seat
This handy folding chair can be strapped to a standard dining chair (great when you’re at grandma’s house!) or used on the ground. It’s designed for ages 6 months to 3 years.
uppababy Travel system
I’ve put over 200 miles on my Uppababy Vista and even though it has a premium price tag, I would repurchase in a heartbeat. With two under four, I’ve got my eye on a wagon-style stroller, but for one baby, this option cannot be beat.
Other Favs
podcasts & Youtube channels
Each link leads to one of my favorite episodes/videos from these creators, but I definitely suggest browsing further.
- Storyline Online (picture book read-alouds by celebrities)
- College Essay Guy
- Simple Farmhouse Life
- The Minimal Mom
- Really Very Crunchy
- Madisun Gray
cookbooks
- Daily Sourdough: Healthy Recipes for Every Meal
- The Homemade Pantry
- 100 Days of Real Food
- Magnolia Table
- Not a cookbook, but a transformative food-related read: In Defense of Food
Books for teaching literature
Blogging Tools
- Web hosting and domain registration: BigScoots
Shop Deals on Healthy Swaps
Non-Toxic Cleaning
During my first pregnancy, I switched all of my household cleaning supplies to Branch Basics and I’ve never looked back. They work great and I don’t worry about harsh fumes.
Get $10 off your first Branch Basics order with the link below.
Holistic Skincare
I use Primally Pure products on myself and on my kids because the ingredients are SO clean. My favorites are the Blue Tansy Deodorant, the Clarifying Cream, and the Baby Balm.
Get $10 off of your first Primally Pure order of $50 or more with the link below.
Healthy Groceries
Organic and minimally processed food can be expensive. Thrive Market has pantry basics and specialty items at great prices, especially under their private label.
Get 40% off your first Thrive Market order with the link below.