As for Bamboo Bum, their biodegradable disposable nappies feel like silk.

We absolutely love their softness compared to other disposable brands, including highly rated Huggies or Checkers Lovies nappies, both of which we have also tried.

What’s more, Bamboo Bum’s nappies are yet another lovingly made, local option.

But what really made me so excited about and grateful to Bamboo Bum is that they are one of the only eco-friendly disposable nappy brands that I could find without aloe/aloe vera added into their nappies.

This isn’t a major deal for most people – but, as someone with an alarming aloe allergy, it’s so frustrating to constantly find great eco-friendly products that we can’t use because they contain aloe.

Lastly, another thing we love about both Pokkelokkie and Bamboo Bum is how these brands are affordable and give real bang for their buck.

They both offer nappy bundles that provide an affordable option. Especially in the newborn phase when you can easily go through +/- 6-10 nappies a day.

I also love the reusable breast pads and liners from Pokkelokkie.

And I am very excited to try the eco-friendly wipes offered by Bamboo Bum (again, no aloe!).

Snuggletime: Moses Basket, After Bath Change Mattress and Pregnancy Pillow

 Another South African brand we truly love is Snuggletime.

Making everything from bibs to pregnancy pillows and after bath/changing mattresses, Snuggletime offers so many excellent, travel-friendly essentials for parents and babies.

A Versatile Pregnancy Pillow for Pregnancy-, Breastfeeding- and Postpartum-Comfort

My top pick as a pregnant or postpartum woman is definitely their Body Comfort Pillow. This was my lifesaver throughout pregnancy!

It is what I firmly attribute the little sleep, comfort and pain-free rest I did enjoy to. (Especially as I suffered from low-key insomnia and chronic nausea throughout my pregnancy, on top of my pre-existing sciatica.)

Not only is the cover easily removable for washing – but the pillow offers a firm, yet comfortable lower back support, ideal for sitting or sleeping.

You can also use the pillow for breastfeeding and baby’s tummy time, something we find handy on both accounts.
From my first month of pregnancy right up until several weeks postpartum, this pillow has been my comfort.

I will take it anywhere I travel for overnight sleep.

After Bath Change Mattress

Beyond their pillows, Snuggletime also sells a basic, yet excellent and affordable after bath/changing mattress, ideal for nappy changes.

Perfect for use on a compactum or the floor, it is also waterproof and has an anti-roll profile.

It is such an essential to us. I love how quick and easy it is to clean, disinfect and dry.

Again, this is another travel must-have, especially for babies who wriggle, roll or kick around a lot like ours.

Snuggletime Moses Basket

Lastly, we have the beautiful, yet efficient Snuggletime Moses Basket and Stand. We bought this as a backup after a tiresome issue with our big cot’s delivery – but honestly, we ended up loving the basket.

It provides an affordable, elegant and practical bed for little babies. Particularly as it comes with a stand and an easily transferrable rope basket. Meaning you can easily load it into your car or carry it around the house.

Suitable from birth up until six months or 9 kgs, whichever comes first – this basket is such a handy travel essential. Especially for remote working parents or eager travellers.

We were so excited to use it and, although our baby is not a bassinet fan in the slightest, I have heard really good things about it from online reviews.

So I remain convinced that it is ideal for convenient travel and above all, safe sleep. (Although we always removed the bumper-like padding around the sides before placing baby down onto the bassinet’s mattress).

Checkers Lovies: Nappies, Creams and Body Washes

Another local baby brand that has had my attention and approval since at least my second trimester is Checker’s Lovies brand.

They have a range of Lovies products – everything from nappies to baby wash – and at least three of those have been integral to our parenting journey thus far.

Baby Body Wash for Gentle, Sensitive Skin

First of all, during pregnancy I decided to test their Lovies Baby Head-To-Toe Wash (300ml). And, as someone with extremely sensitive, dry skin, I was impressed from the get-go.

This hypoallergic, gentle body wash not only has a more natural approach to skincare (it contains no sulphates, dyes, colourants or parabens) – but it smells amazing and really lasts for ages!

We haven’t used it on baby yet – but once baby is older, it is definitely a product I will keep in mind.

Till then, it has been my body wash throughout pregnancy, birth and yes, postpartum too. I love how soft it keeps my skin and I adore the smell, so I have no plans to switch any time soon.

It’s also the perfect travel essential, which is an added bonus.

For our hospital stay, I decanted some of the Lovies body wash into a little travel bottle. It’s perfect for your holidays, domestic flights and even international trips.

Keeping the Stretch Marks Calm

Another Lovies product that has been a constant part of my skincare regime since my second trimester (when my growing belly caused dry, itchy and taunt skin), has been their Lovies for Mom Stretch Mark Cream (200 ml).

With Vitamin E, B3, shea butter and glycerine, this stretch mark cream smells great, while also keeping your skin feeling soft and cared for.

By the end of my pregnancy, I had my fair share of stretch marks. And, while stretch marks cannot be prevented or removed per se, you can still use this cream to keep the itchy, angry feel of them at bay.

Even postpartum, this cream has remained part of my night-time routine. It’s also affordable, as it lasts ages.

For both expectant or new mums, this cream is a travel essential. Best of all, you can lock the dispensing pump/nozzle in place to stop spillage during travel. (Or, as I did for our hospital stay, store some cream in a mini travel-friendly jar.)

Affordable Disposable Nappies

Lastly, we are big fans of Checkers’ standard Lovies nappies. (They also offer a premium range – but, due to my aloe allergy, we avoid those.)

Still, their standard Lovies nappies, which come in a range of sizes (based according to weight in kilograms) are pretty decent and affordable as far as disposables go.

While I wish they were more eco-friendly, we have so far found these nappies to provide a good fit; last well overnight (up to the 12 hours promised, in fact); and be relatively gentle and soft on baby’s skin. In fact, we’ve honestly had no issues with them since birth.

Their only major downside is that, as mentioned previously, they are not eco-friendly. (Also, they do not come with a pee indicator if that’s a dealbreaker for you.)

Overall, though, they are a good nappy alternative, especially if you are not convinced by more natural nappies, like the bamboo or cloth variants that we ultimately prefer.

Still, for travelling or overnight, these nappies certainly pass the test and perform well.

Stylish Nappy Backpacks for Modern Parents: Totes Babe

One thing I have been clear on from the start of my pregnancy and our journey into parenthood is making our lives as easy as possible, especially when we travel.

This is why I wanted a stylish, yet convenient, travel-friendly nappy bag, or bsckpack, rather, that both suits our busy lifestyle and doesn’t feel like a cumbersome addition to our travels.

Thankfully, after extensive research, I came across the excellent Totes Babes Accessories’ nappy bags.

This brand believes that “motherhood deserves both style and convenience”. Which is why their nappy bags are functional and thoughtfully designed for modern parents like ourselves.

With ample storage space and smart organisation, their nappy bags are both fashionable and practical.

Supporting the Planet and Local Communities

I also love that this local brand uses recycled materials, ensuring a more eco-friendly option.

They also empower local community projects, meaning they support the environment and South African community in one.

For us, it was a no-brainer to get Totes Babe’s Alma Convertible Diaper Bag.

This durable, light-weight backpack offers multiple, cool features, including a handy, compact portable camp cot, complimentary travel changing mat, insulated bottle compartments, multiple pockets for storing nappy essentials and even USB charging ports for tech-savvy parents.

Honestly, even from the hospital, this nappy bag has been a practical, yet exciting product for us.

It’s easy for me to carry and fits perfectly into our stroller’s storage compartment.

Best of all, it fits a lot of nappy goodies and takes up very little space, making it perfect for everyday errands, road trips or outings.

Note: Totes Babes nappy bags are available on Takealot, other local online stores or at Babies R Us. (This is where we purchased our trusty Alma from.)

Safe Sleep with  the Portable Movement Monitor: Snuza Go!

A proudly South African sleep- and travel-essential is the Snuza Go!, a portable movement monitor.

This portable baby movement monitor detects even your baby’s slightest abdominal movements and alerts you if movement stops.

It’s perfect for safe sleep at home or when you are out and about, as it conveniently and gently clips onto your baby’s nappy. (It works with disposable or cloth nappies alike and is safe from birth, even when baby still has their umbilical cord stump attached.) This means there are no extra wires, sensors or cords hanging around.

The Snuza Go! has a series of warning lights and an alarm, which you can adjust to 15, 18 or 20 second delays.

Honestly, the Snuza Go! gives us a lot of peace of mind. It is a reliable, highly rated movement monitor.

I know that lots of people favour the Owlet sock but, to me, it feels far pricier and more high maintenance.

And, after doing extensive research and product comparisons, I decided against the sock – and set my sights firmly on the Snuza brand. And I am so glad I did!

Sleepy Time Sounds

Another bedtime essential we have heavily utilised since birth is our incredible Little Weasel Sleep Sound Machine.

This handy white noise speaker and night light in one is a highly customisable tool designed to create a calm, tranquil sleep environment.

It offers 29 different soothing sounds (from white noise, womb- and ocean-sounds, and trains on a railway track to everything in between), high fidelity sound, easily adjustable volume and night light settings (with a slew of colour options from red to blue and beyond), a handy timer setting, an easily rechargeable, long-lasting battery and above all, a helpful portable design that is perfect for cars, strollers or nurseries.

Our baby loves the white noise and ocean sound settings in particular and this Little Weasel white noise machine has often helped our baba fall asleep.

Truthfully, it is a gamechanger, especially when you are in the thick of the newborn trenches.

I feel it has a calming effect on the whole house; I think even the cat likes it!

Eco-friendly, Gentle Baby Products for Tender Skin: Oh Lief

Another local brand we love is Oh Lief. Offering a gorgeous range of eco-friendly skincare products that are suitable for the whole family, Oh Lief is another travel baby brand essential.

Although we haven’t yet started using our Oh Lief bamboo wipes (as per my dermatologist’s recommendations, I am keeping things simple with water-based wipes till baby is six months old) – we can’t wait to!

These wipes, which are made using the purest, most natural ingredients (but thankfully not aloe with my allergy!) are not only gentle on baby and the planet but they also smell incredible.

I love that they are suitable for the nappy area, body, face or hands too.

In the meantime, though, my partner has tested some of their other skin products and raved about them.

These natural, organic goodies truly leave your skin feeling and smelling great!

We purchased some big packs of their wipes, as well as a beautiful Oh Lief Natural Gift Box, which includes:

• 1 x 100ml Natural Olive Bum Balm
• 1 x 10ml Natural Olive Baby Wax
• 1 x 10ml Natural Olive Outdoor Balm
• 1 x 10ml Natural Olive Tummy and Nipple Wax
• 1 x 100ml Natural Olive Baby Shampoo and Body Wash
• 1 x 50ml Natural Olive Aqueous Cream

Planting Trees for the Future

I also love that, since 2015, Oh Lief has partnered with Greenpop and together, they are helping to plant indigenous trees every month in support of the Platbos Reforestation Project between Gansbaai and Stanford.

As a special touch, when you open your gift box, you find your baby’s tree certificate, which has GPS coordinates to the special tree that has been planted on their behalf.

This is such a thoughtful inclusion and feels like an important way to teach our little ones to do a better job than we have with our planet, even from the youngest ages.

I have such love for Oh Lief’s baby range – and am happy to share that, in addition to their standard baby range, they even offer baby-safe sunscreen.

Yet again, Oh Lief’s baby products are ideal travel companions, perfect for your handbag, stroller, nappy bag or car – and ideal for at-home nursery use too!

Travel in Safety and Style with Noola

All along, one of our biggest investments was obviously going to be our car seat and stroller.

For us, we really loved the idea of a bassinet stroller, especially ideal for when baby is under six months – as well as safe, yet long-lasting car seat options.

Fortunately, I had my heart set on a pioneering South African brand, Noola, that impressively offered both.

Noola has been making waves on the baby travel system front for a while now – and they have been on my radar long before my baby was even a thought in my mind.

Noola offers a wide range of quality products, from travel systems to kids’ trikes, accessories, high chairs and co-sleeper bassinets and so much more.

And, although Noola offers a wonderful range of travel sets and strollers specially suited to your respective needs as a family, we personally had our hearts set on their Luxe 5-in-1 travel system.

For us, it was the perfect combination of quality, safe baby products but with a long-lasting, value-for-money nod.

Although quite pricey, we knew this was a worthwhile long-term investment – and so far, it has met and actually exceeded our every expectation and hope.

From the first trip home to our endless medical check-ups and even some tentative neighbourhood drives and walks around our complex, this 5-in-1 travel system has been a solid help and worthy purchase.

The Luxe 5-in-1 set comes with the following:

• 1x Luxe 2in1 Stroller
• 1x Stroller Frame
• 1x Pair of Front Wheels
• 1x Pair of Back Wheels
• 1x Bassinet/Toddler Seat Frame
• 1x Hood
• 1x Handlebar
• 1x iSize Car Seat
• 1x Pair of Car Seat Adapters for the Luxe Stroller
• 1x ISOFIX Base for the iSize Car Seat
• 1x ONE360 Car Seat (includes built-in ISOFIX Base)

As a bonus, the stroller is elegant,  lightweight and above all, sturdy and safe.

As for our car seats, so far we have only used the iSize car seat, which we have been very happy with.

Handily, this can also be attached to the stroller using some travel adaptors – although we generally prefer the stroller’s bassinet option for our little one.

We are very happy with our Noola travel system and are already eyeing future baby products from the brand, including their high chair and potty.

In our experience, Noola is the epitome of an efficient, responsive and high quality brand. We love their beautiful baby products!

Snookums: A Trusted Brand with Baby Essentials

Another highly recommended, absolute travel essential we invested in very early on (literally one of the first items I ordered from Disc-Chem’s Baby City) is our Snookums medical starter kit.

Snookums is another proudly South African brand that offers many excellent baby products. And, so far, their medical kit has been a wonderful investment and help to us.

This essential set comes with the following:

• a medicine spoon
• nasal aspirator
• baby tweezer
• medicine dropper
• and a digital thermometer

It is BPA-free (something I am pedantic about for baba), EU safety tested and suitable for six months plus – although personally, we use some of the starter kit goodies already.

Again, this travel set is compact and easy to take with you on getaways, long road trips and more.

Great, International Finds Sold Locally

ergoPouch and StarSweepers: Promoting Safe, Calm Sleep

Probably one of the most essential, beloved brands in our parenting journey so far are the sleep sacks and sleep suits from Australian brand, ergoPouch.
Locally, these are distributed by the excellent StarSweepers.

Ergopouch has a beautiful range of safe sleepwear for everyone from tiny newborns to active toddlers and even pre-schoolers (so essentially from birth up to age 6).
Their products are high quality, breathable and multi-functional and come in a range of styles and colours.

They also helpfully have a TOG rating, which is used to help you measure the room temperature and appropriate dress code for your little one.

Made from primarily organic cotton, their products allow for comfort, cosiness and convenience for naps and night-time sleep, while giving parents peace of mind too.

The two-way zippers on many of their products allow for easy, sleepy nappy changes or placing sleep monitors.

The outfits are non-toxic, feeding friendly and super stretchy and don’t require any blankets to be used with them, provided you layer up or down, according to the TOG ratings.

I also love that some of their items, like their Cocoon Swaddle Bags, come with a TOG temperature guide and room thermometer to make safe sleep and bedtime dressing a little bit less stressful!

Since the hospital, our baby has quite literally lived in these swaddle bags and sleep suits.

In fact, for our first few days in hospital, it’s all we kept baba in. We garnered so much interest and received so many compliments about this incredible swaddle bag, which allows you to leave baby’s arms free or closed, as desired.

ergoPouch’s products are top among our favourites and are perfect for travelling with when you need to put baby down for a nap or night-time rest in a new setting.

They are super lightweight, easy to wash and beyond comfy. We love them so much – and so does baby!

Korbell Nappy Bin

Adding More as We Grow

As baby grows, I intend to add more handy, primarily SA-made baby products to the list.

Until then, let me know in the comments if you have any items you can recommend based off your own parenting experiences!