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As we prepare for warmer weather, it’s no surprise that moms in the What to Expect community spent the last month stocking up on seasonal gear. Our community of moms and moms-to-be have been filling their carts with summer must-haves, like pregnancy-safe sunscreen, baby-safe bug spray and a handy stroller fan to keep their babies cool on walks.
But even with summer around the corner, they didn’t forget about everyday essentials necessary for pregnancy and parenthood. Some popular purchases included a high-powered breast pump, as well as cradle cap shampoo that moms swear works like a charm.
In order to figure out what moms were most excited about last month, we analyzed internal (anonymous) shopping data and determined the items readers purchased the most in April.
Curious to see what else What to Expect moms added to cart last month? Here is a look at their most purchased items.
A way to keep baby cool on summer walks
A stroller fan is a must-have summer product, especially if you live somewhere that gets hot. We are particular fans (pun intended) of this Amazon option, given its higher power and low price. With three different power modes, you can easily twist the legs so they snuggly wrap aout your stroller handle. You can even bend the legs to make this a standing fan if you’re at the park or outside and need extra, stationary relief.
Super-nourishing (but not greasy!) belly oil
Made with a gentle plant-based formula, Hatch belly oil receives constant praise for relieving itchy pregnancy skin and reducing the appearance of stretch marks. This is due largely to the hydrating ingredients like sweet almond oil and calendula. The best part? Readers swear that it doesn’t leave a greasy residue — and it smells great. It’s no surprise this was named one of our top picks for pregnancy stretch mark creams and oils.
A miracle-working cradle cap shampoo
What to Expect moms love Mustela products, because the ingredients are gentle on baby’s delicate skin. But a particular go-to for community members is the Mustela cradle cap shampoo. Named the best cradle cap shampoo by editors, Mustela’s formula is free from parabens and phthalates so as not to further irritate the skin. It also contains ingredients, including avocado, to better rinse away flakes without drying out the hair or scalp.
A mattifying sunscreen that won’t clog your pores
You can’t go wrong with Supergoop’s line of sunscreens, but the Mineral Mattescreen is particularly good if you’re looking for a pregnancy-safe sunscreen. Dermatologists love that the formula is free from chemicals and rich in zinc oxide, while moms-to-be appreciate that it goes on smooth without leaving behind a white cast. Ashley Jones, a writer and mom of two, praises Supergoop’s Mineral Mattescreen for protecting her sensitive skin without clogging her pores — something other mineral sunscreens weren’t able to achieve. Follow her lead and get a mini travel size tube to keep in your purse at all times!
Super popular maternity leggings at an amazing price
Whether you need a pair of maternity leggings for yoga or comfortably running errands, the Beyond Yoga Spacedye Love the Bump Leggings are the answer. Made of a polyester and lycra blend, these leggings have a ton of stretch to comfortably fit and support your bump without feeling too tight. And, the moisture-wicking fabric will keep you dry, which is especially important for anyone gearing up for a summer pregnancy. Normally a splurge, these maternity leggings are on major sale right now; only $53 instead of the usual $108. We’re not sure how long the deal will last, so you’ll have to act quickly. And while you’re at it, you might want to see what other Beyond Yoga maternity clothes are on sale!
A mattress that perfectly fits most pack and plays
Parents may switch out their pack and play mattress because they don’t fit properly or aren’t super comfortable for the baby. And many What to Expect community members choose the Hiccapop Pack and Play Mattress as their replacement. Parents say the lightweight mattress fits their pack and plays perfectly with zero gaps, which is recommended for safe sleep by the American Academy of Pediatrics. As far as comfort goes, it’s more similar to a crib mattress than the board-like options that come with most playards.
A wagon stroller with plenty of space and comfort
What to Expect parents snagged the Graco stroller wagon when it was on sale at Walmart last month, but it’s features make it worth the full price. To start, it’s significantly lighter than other stroller wagons; 30 pounds compared to the heftier 50 pounds most other weight. Yet despite it’s light weight, it’s sturdy enough to hold up to 100 pounds of kids and cargo. It’s also compact and folds flat so you can easily transport it in your car. Though the current discount isn’t as deep, you can still get a deal on this summer must-have: $299 instead of the usual $450.
An upgrade to our favorite PJs
At What to Expect, we’re kind of obsessed with Target’s Stars Above apparel: We’re constantly raving about their maternity-friendly pajamas and sweats. Now we can add the new silky-smooth satin PJ set to the list, too. They have the same features we love in their other pajama sets, like an adjustable drawstring for growing with your belly as well as easy-to-use buttons that make breastfeeding easy.
A tried-and-true baby-safe bug spray
Unless you plan on spending the whole summer indoors, you’ll need a powerful bug spray. But some of the best repellents may not be safe for your baby. Enter the Avon Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard. This baby-safe bug spray uses picaridin, not DEET, to ward off mosquitos and other insects. The formula is rich in aloe and vitamin E, so it’ll nourish baby’s skin while keeping them bit-free. We also like that it’s an aerosol-free way to apply bug repellent.
A pregnancy pillow with over 100,000 reviews
The Pharmedoc pillows are easily the most popular pregnancy pillows among our readers: Our community members voted it Best Pregnancy Pillow in the What to Expect Sleep Awards two years in a row. (Not to mention, our staff has also crowned it the Best Pregnancy Pillow.) The U-shape design receives constant praise for making side-sleeping easier during pregnancy — especially for those who typically sleep on their back or front. The firm, but forgiving filling better supports your belly, back, knees, neck and hips, alleviating the pregnancy pains that keep you up at night. Though some may find it large, there’s a detachable “leg” that you can remove to save on space.
You can often snag this pillow on sale — just like right now, with it offered for a 23% off discount.
A breezy maxi dress to wear everywhere this summer
Every summer wardrobe needs a cute dress you can wear for any occasion — and that goes double when you’re pregnant. For many of our readers, this Target shirtdress does the job. Although it isn’t specifically for pregnancy, the waist is stretchy and roomy, while the cinched design will give you some shape. Postpartum moms will appreciate the button-down top part that allows for easy breastfeeding access.
An easy-to-use and powerful pump
There are a lot of breast pumps on the market, but one of our favorites is this Medela Pump In Style pump. A popular choice among What to Expect parents, Medela’s pump allows for powerful suction without any of the confusing, complicated controls. Our own Associate Commerce Director, Leah Rocketto, used this pump and recommends it for how easy it is to adjust and that it’s pretty compact and easily portable. “[It] takes up the same amount of space as a pair of sneakers,” she says. And, unlike many other double electric pumps, this one isn’t too pricey at $145.
A stress-free way to rent maternity clothes
As our favorite maternity clothes rental service, Nuuly receives lots of praise for providing a wide variety of maternity and maternity-friendly clothes. is perfect for moms-to-be. Not to mention its super easy to use: Just pick six items each month to rent that you can return, hold on to for the next month or buy at a discounted rate. Now is an especially great time to test it out, as the summer season is often filled with weddings and baby showers.
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