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Non Toxic Baby Products For The Nursery and Registry

Check out my top choices for non toxic baby products you may want to add to your nursery and registry to lower our little ones’ exposure to harmful chemicals!

Non Toxic Baby Products For The Nursery and Registry

After researching a ton of baby products on the market, the harmful chemicals that are in so many of them, and what a newborn actually needs, I’ve picked out some of my favorite non toxic baby products that we’ve been adding to the nursery and our registry before our baby’s arrival.

Before I talk about what non toxic baby products we decided on and some other safe options you may choose to go with, I just want to share that we don’t have to change everything in our lives, but it’s definitely wise to think about reducing our exposure to toxins which are in so many of the products we use everyday, mattresses and beddings we sleep on, and things that go on our skin. Babies are especially sensitive to these substances, which is why we are being extra mindful.

We are actually quite minimalists when it comes to products (we weren’t even going to set up a nursery at first), so here’s the list of what we thought we absolutely needed in preparation for our baby!

In This Non Toxic Baby Products Guide:

SAFEST BABY MATTRESS

One of the first things I researched when it came non toxic baby products was the safest baby mattresses on the market. Since the baby will spend most of her time sleeping, this was extremely important to me and the same goes for adult mattresses as well (even more so if you are planning to co-sleep or bed-share).

So many mattresses are made with flame-retardant chemicals like polyurethane foam and contain VOCs, formaldehyde, and pesticides, and these toxins are harmful for our health and contribute to indoor air pollution. Of course, babies and kids are even more sensitive to these chemicals, which is why I wanted to invest in the safest baby mattress on the market.

Emily Natural Crib Mattress - safest baby mattress

Emily Natural Crib Mattress By MyGreenMattress

We decided to go with Emily Natural Crib Mattress, because it’s made with GOTS-certified organic cotton and Oeko-Tex certified natural wool. I also really liked that it’s made in the US!

Wool mattresses are naturally flame retardant so it doesn’t need harmful chemicals, and I love that they don’t use dyes or bleaches. I felt really great opening up the mattress when I first received it, because it didn’t have any kind of chemical smell at all.

In addition, Emily Natural Crib Mattress has an awesome firmness level, which is important for the safety of newborns. It also provides even weight distribution because it features GOTS-certified coconut coir blended with GOLS-certified natural latex.

It was also one of the most affordable safe baby mattresses on the market. We also got their Organic Cotton Waterproof Mattress Protector, because there will definitely be many accidents in the future!

Other Safe Crib Mattress Options

ORGANIC BABY CRIB SHEETS

Not only is the crib mattress important, you better believe the sheets are as well! Luckily, high quality, organic baby crib sheets are not expensive, and you can find many on the market at an affordable price. I wanted to find sheets that were unbleached and certified organic, and they were really easy to find!

organic baby crib sheets - Non Toxic Baby Products

I honestly loved the design of this Crate and Barrel organic baby crib sheet so that’s what I got to “set up” the nursery, but will probably also buy a few more from this list as backups for when it needs to be washed:

NON TOXIC CAR SEAT

The main problem with most car seats on the market is the flame retardant chemicals that they contain. While flame retardant chemicals are used to prevent the spread of fire, they accumulate in the body and do not leave, and are linked to serious health hazards like:

  • hormone disruption
  • impaired fetal and child development
  • impaired neurological development
  • liver and thyroid issues

Unfortunately, there aren’t many companies that are making car seats without these chemicals, but I did find a few on the market that use wool instead which is naturally flame retardant.

UPPAbaby Mesa Merino Wool Car Seat

This is the one that we decided to go with. I really loved the design of these UPPAbaby Mesa car seats, and they use OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified wool. On top of that, from everything I’ve been reading, they are one of the safest car seats out there.

Keep in mind that only the colors Henry and Jordan are made with merino wool and contain no flame retardant chemicals, which is why these 2 colors are priced higher than other colors. They are also really easy to install as well.

non toxic car seats

Other Non Toxic Car Seat Options

NON TOXIC DIAPERS

I was actually quite excited to see that there were a good amount of options for safer, non toxic diapers on the market. I was, at first, surprised by how much harmful chemicals were in so many diapers, just like feminine menstrual pads. Our genitals are one of the most sensitive parts of our body that absorb chemicals easily, so it’s important for me to purchase diapers that are free of toxins.

Chemicals to Avoid in Diapers

  • Dioxins (chlorine bleach) – Most diapers are bleached with chlorine, and dioxins are the byproduct of this process which leech into the diaper and the environment. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers dioxins as highly carcinogenic, and they are also known to cause skin irritations.
  • Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – These chemicals in diapers can evaporate and impair lung function, as well as causing eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, damage to the kidney and central nervous system. Some of these chemicals in disposable diapers include toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene.
  • Tributyl-tin (TBT) – Commonly found in disposable diapers, TBT is linked to skin issues, but is also extremely harmful to aquatic life by causing hormonal disruptions in aquatic organisms.
  • Fragrances and dyes – Just like in skincare, companies are not required to disclose what chemicals and specific ingredients fall under the term “fragrance.” Many times, they can include parabens, pthalates, and other harmful ingredients that are known to cause reproductive toxicity and allergic reactions.

Non Toxic Diapers – Top Choices

The more I looked into non toxic diapers, I began realizing that every diaper fits every baby differently. While one brand might have a clean option, it may leak and not be the best option for some babies.

Because of this, we decided to buy one large pack of newborn diapers from one brand, and then get free to cheap samples from several brands so we can try them out and pick what will be best for our baby later. Many companies offer samples so it’s a really great idea to take advantage of them to make sure they are right for your baby before you invest in them!

Here are some clean brands I found:

  • Thrive Market Diapers: We decided to purchase a big pack of these diapers because they were one of the cheapest ones on the market for non toxic diapers. Newborn babies change diapers about 20 times a day, so we knew we needed a lot to start out with. These diapers are made with chlorine-free wood pulp and made with plant-based liners and ink without heavy metals. They also have great reviews!
    Get an extra 25% OFF your first order + a 30 day free trial membership when you sign up at Thrive Market! (Valid on orders $49+, max $20 discount)
  • Dyper: This is a subscription based company and you pay just $64/month, and the number of diapers they send you varies depending on the baby’s age and needs. Their diapers are made of bamboo without chlorine, latex, alcohol, perfumes, PVC, lotions, TBT or phthalates. They can also be safely composted.
    Right now, they are offering a free diaper bag when you start a monthly subscription!
  • Andy Pandy: Great for babies with sensitive skin, these bamboo diapers use an aloe liner to moisturize the skin and are free of chlorine, BPA, TBT, PVC, and preservatives. They are also biodegradable and eco-friendly and I like that they have a wetness indicator. I’ve heard amazing reviews about how absorbent they are without leaks.
  • Honest Company
  • Bambo Nature
  • Parasol: These diapers use fluff pulp harvested from sustainably managed forests and they have such cute designs. They are hypoallergenic, and use safe and lead-free inks.
  • Eco by Naty: Another great option. One thing to note is that the material is partly made out of non-GMO corn, so it’s something to remember if your baby has allergies.
  • Earth+Eden
  • Pampers Pure: I love that a mainstream company is coming out with toxin free diapers, which shows that the demand is definitely out there for safer products for our little ones.
non toxic diapers and non toxic baby wipes

NON TOXIC BABY WIPES

Just like diapers, babies go through baby wipes fast so it’s a good idea to have plenty on hand. However, they are another item that contain harsh chemicals that you may not want touching your baby’s gentle, sensitive skin.

I actually found that the most popular companies included harmful chemicals that are known to be irritants, allergens, and/on toxins in their baby wipes.

Chemicals to Avoid in Baby Wipes

  • Parabens – Preservatives known to cause hormone disruption, as well as skin rashes and allergies. You can find them on the label most commonly as butlyl, ethyl, methyl, and propyl (all ending in -paraben).
  • Formaldehyde-releasing chemicals – Used as a preservative and known to cause cancer, and damage hormonal health and central nervous system. You can look for the following terms on the label: formaldehyde, quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, polyoxymethylene urea, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (bromopol) and glyoxal.
  • Propylene glycol or polyethylene glycol – These are petroleum-based mineral oils used to enhance absorption, so harmful chemicals can easily be penetrated through the skin. It’s also a skin irritant and can cause allergic reactions. These oils can also be easily contaminated with carcinogens during the manufacturing process.
  • Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate (SLS & SLES) – Used as a foaming and cleaning agent, both SLS and SLES can cause organ toxicity, reproductive toxicity, endocrine disruption, neurotoxocity and skin and eye irritation.
  • Triclosan – An antibacterial agent that passes through the skin to cause allergies and hormone dysfunction. It has also been connected to the rise in antibiotic resistant bacteria. While it’s not too common in baby wipes, they are abundant in antibacterial wipes so it’s best to avoid them if you are out of baby wipes.
  • Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) – A common preservative that most manufacturers stopped using because of its harmful effects, but I was still able to spot it recently in popular baby wipes. It is widely known to cause dermatitis.
  • Fragrances (includes essential oils) – Just like I mentioned under the chemicals you want to avoid in diapers, there could be various harmful chemicals that manufacturers could hide under the “fragrance” like pthalates, endocrine disruptors, allergens, and neurotoxins. I would also avoid using natural fragrances like essential oils. While they ARE natural, they can be potent and not be manufactured properly, and be irritating and burdensome to baby’s sensitive skin and system.

Baby Wipes by bloom BABY for Sensitive Skin

After looking at all the clean options for baby wipes, these Bloom BABY wipes were what we decided to go with, because they are budget-friendly (5 cents per wipe if you buy in bulk), hypoallergenic, and are free of “alcohol, chlorine, phthalates, formaldehyde carriers, parabens, phenols, quaternary ammonium compounds, SLS, lanolin, or most common allergens.” They are also fragrance free.

What I also like about these wipes is the quality and size of the wipes. I have read about a lot of non toxic baby wipes being too flimsy or having to use more than one at each use because they just do not hold up. However, I love that these are big and durable.

Other Non-Toxic Baby Wipes

GLASS BABY BOTTLES

Another item to consider when shopping for non toxic baby product is baby bottles and what they are made of. I’ve stopped using any kind of plastic in the kitchen for a few years now, except for the occasional use of resealable plastic bags. While there are many plastic containers and bottles that are BPA-free, BPA is not the only chemical that we need to avoid in plastics.

There are also BPS and BPF which are found in plastics, that pose a similar level of health risks and leech into the food when we eat out of these plastic containers. They can disrupt our hormonal health and cause reproductive issues, while causing inflammation and DNA damage.

The more I study the negative effects of plastics (BPA-free included) for our health and the environment, the less of it I want in my home. So when I was choosing baby bottles, there was no question that I wanted to go with glass.

Mason Bottle

glass baby bottles

Okay, I freaked out a little when I found out about this company, because the concept is just so brilliant. I was looking at a bunch of glass baby bottles on the market to choose from, and I was honestly a bit surprised at how expensive they are. However, I was willing to spend the dough for the best option for our baby.

That was when I came across the company, Mason Bottle. With the kit you purchase from them, you can convert current glass mason jars you have at home into baby bottles. The products are made with silicone and high quality and include:

  • silicone nipples (been hearing great reviews about the nipple design and how they don’t cause nipple confusion)
  • silicone sleeves to protect the glass jars
  • or you can order the whole DIY kit like me, which also comes with a cap to protect the nipples.

I love that these are affordable and if you don’t have any mason jars at home, you can easily purchase them for about a $1 each at a local craft store! They also have toddler tumbler options as well.

I tested them out and they are completely leak-proof. Plus, as long as you have the DIY kit, that’s all you need. No need to buy more expensive bottles.

Other Great Glass Baby Bottle Options

BEST BABY BATH SOAPS & LOTIONS

As a safer skincare advocate, there wasn’t a question that I would look at every ingredient on all the skincare products we may use on our baby. With my own history of hormonal issues that drastically improved after switching to safer products, I know the huge impact that harmful ingredients can have on our health. I do believe that working on my health and making this switch were what helped me get pregnant in the first place, when I initially knew there was a possibility I might not be able to.

There are hormone disrupting ingredients like fragrances, parabens, pthalates, formaldehyde, petroleum-based oils, and more, that shouldn’t even be in adult skin care products, yet you can find them in products for babies who are much more sensitive to these chemicals. These ingredients are known to cause reproductive toxicity, allergies, and developmental disorders.

Beautycounter’s Baby Products

Whether they are for adults or babies, Beautycounter makes some of the highest quality and safest products that are actually very effective. They have banned 1500 harmful or known-to-be harmful ingredients in all their products, when the US has only banned 30.

Their baby products are gentle and safe for babies, and many moms have had great success reducing diaper rashes and skin conditions with their products. They have:

  • Baby Gentle All-Over Wash – Tear free and gentle soap that has no scent. Moms with babies who have sensitive skin swear by this wash.
  • Baby Daily Protective Balm – I’ve actually been personally using this as a cuticle cream because it’s so hydrating and healing. If you have babies with dry skin spots or eczema, the combination of organic shea butter and jojoba oil is so soothing!
  • Baby Soothing Oil – A safe and lightweight moisturizer for baby without being greasy. Some moms also use it for their little one’s cradle cap with great success.
  • Baby Calming Diaper Rash Cream – I’ve been hearing from so many mamas that this zinc-based diaper cream is amazing for healing redness and irritation. They come back to this over and over again after trying out other products that just aren’t as effective, and it’s also EWG-verified.
  • Or you can purchase the discounted bundle (doesn’t come with the Diaper Rash Cream), or the entire collection which comes with an awesome diaper bag!
best baby soaps and lotions non toxic - beautycounter

Other Safe Baby Skin Care Products

OTHER ITEMS WE PURCHASED

Crib – This was the only new furniture we bought for the nursery and I wanted a wood one with low-VOC paint that was preferably GREENGUARD Gold Certified (meets rigorous emissions standards for chemical exposure and pollutants, such as VOCs, formaldehyde, and phthalates). The ones I found under this criteria were pretty pricey, but I actually discovered this Carter’s by DaVinci convertible crib that was budget friendly and minimalist. It didn’t emit any smell when I opened the package, I think it looks really nice!

non toxic crib with flame retardant chemicals

Snuggle Me Organic Lounger – Definitely not a necessity, but I’ve heard other mamas who have it who say that this was crucial for successful naps. I’m willing to invest in anything that’ll make my life easier postpartum. I love that these are GOTS certified organic cotton, and the fill is virgin polyester fiber fill, which means there are no additives or flame retardants.

Solly Wrap – I’ve studied a lot about babywearing and its benefits, and it was something I definitely want to do with my baby. After reading countless reviews and talking to a local babywearing specialist, the Solly seemed like the best option for a newborn because it’s lightweight, breathable, and doesn’t stretch easily.

Haakaa Manual Breast Pump – The more I learn about breastfeeding, it seems like manual pumps are way easier and more effective than electronic pumps. Of course, this is always determined by your personal preference, but I don’t think I want to be connected to cords with pumps that make loud noises. It’s also a pain to carry them around. I do have one on hand from my insurance company, but I have been hearing so many amazing things about the Haakaa breast pump, so that’s what I decided to go with. They are small, easy to clean, portable, and amazing for catching let-downs while breastfeeding so none of your milk goes to waste.

Swaddles – Swaddles are of those things in which there are so many choices on the market, and you just don’t know what your baby will gravitate toward in terms of style or if she or he will even like it. We did purchase several to have on hand. Some of my requirements were:

  • I wanted them to be cotton or muslin so they are safe and breathable.
  • The blanket styles had to be 47″x47″ – many parents told me that any smaller, they didn’t work as well.
  • They shouldn’t be bamboo material because they are too smooth and silky in texture, so the swaddle loosens easily.

We have 6 swaddles on hand and these are what we decided to go with:

non toxic baby products

Hope you found this extensive guide of non toxic baby products helpful! Of course, these are just my top choices and decisions based on my own research. It’s always so empowering to do your own research, as well as take guidance from experienced parents as well. Our choices may change when the baby is actually here and that’s perfectly okay. You just gotta find what works best for you and your family based on trial and error!

non toxic nursery
non toxic baby products nursery
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Our Rome to Amalfi Coast Itinerary + My Top Babymoon Tips

Read the details of our week-long trip from Rome to Amalfi Coast we took when I was 28 weeks pregnant, and my top babymoon tips for an active vacation!

Rome to Amalfi Coast - Positano

My husband and I recently came back from an epic trip to Italy (Rome to Amafi Coast) for our babymoon, and it was so much fun and relaxing! We actually started planning this trip during my first trimester, which made me a bit nervous and excited at the same time, because I had no idea if my growing body will be able to keep up with all the walking or handle the hot Italy weather.

Thankfully, I’ve been quite active throughout my pregnancy so I had no trouble keeping up with my husband and doing all the touristy things. I seriously enjoyed every minute of it!

Prepare Before Leaving

  • Purchase a SIM card. I’m so glad we got SIM cards instead of paying international data fees through our cell service company. These are SO MUCH CHEAPER, and they allowed us to not get lost during our trip, research restaurants and sites, and more, since we had service everywhere we went. This 12 GB data card was plenty for our 10 day trip (and we had so much data to spare by the end), if you connect to wifi whenever it’s available. All you have to do is contact your phone company to make sure your phone is unlocked, and just switch out the SIM cards once you get to your destination.
  • Make sure to purchase plug adapters appropriate for where you are traveling to, and check that all your chargers, hair dryers, and whatever else you want to bring are compatible to the county’s voltage unless you have a converter. We bought this pack of adapters for super cheap!
  • Check airline fees for checked bags. Most of the time, you pay less if you purchase these ahead of time. It’s a small way to save money!
  • Pack healthy snacks for long flights. The meals they give out on the flights were horrible quality filled with sugar, so if you want to feel optimal during your travels, it’s a good idea to pack some healthier snacks to munch on.
  • Research transportations to and from each location. Do this research ahead of time to save time and headache once you are there. Being prepared with this made it so much easier to know what to expect every time we were hopping from one destination to another. Also, some train tickets are way cheaper if you purchase them ahead of time so it’s a small way to save money!
  • Plan any tours or excursions. We aren’t fans of group tours since we are picky about what we want to see and we like to see them at our own pace, but if that’s something that you are interested in, definitely plan them out before the trip. This way, you’ll have plenty of time to research the tours and their reviews without having to decide last minute. We did this for our food tours, and they were so worth it!

4 Days in Rome

What’s funny is I’ve been to Rome when I was in college, but I wasn’t a fan so I didn’t expect to like it much when I went back. I just remember it being super crowded, dirty, and not pretty. This time, however, I fell in love with the city: its beauty that I somehow missed before, the people, the FOOD, and everything. It’s crazy how you see places in a different light at different stages of your life!

Where we stayed

We did a bunch of research and asking around for what area to stay while we were there. We wanted somewhere convenient enough to be close to bars and restaurants and public transportation, but away from tourists. Many people recommended the area of Trastevere, so we ended up booking an Airbnb there.

Honestly, I LOVED this area. It was young, hip, GORGEOUS, with so many great places to eat. We got to our Airbnb around midnight the first night we got there and there were still restaurants open, which was amazing because we were still on LA time zone and it was lunch time for us.

There were also bus stops 5 minutes from our Airbnb that easily took us to all the major tourist sites. They say Trastevere is the greenest neighborhood of Italy because of all the urban greens and plants of the beautiful alleyways, and it really was!

What we saw

We did a lot of the typical tourist sightseeing like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps. We also walked around a bit in Vatican City, but didn’t want to wait in the long line for the museum and the Sistine Chapel and I’ve done that in my previous trip so we opted out of it.

Rome to Amalfi Coast - Colosseum

I honestly loved all the walking around in the alleyways and checking out the local shops and streets of Rome way more than seeing the sites. My husband, who loves history and architecture, will probably tell you that he liked seeing the sites more. Whatever you prefer, Rome is just a great place filled with so much beauty.

What we ate

Food was one of the BEST parts of Rome! My husband, who thought that he didn’t like Italian food, was floored by how delicious everything was. I honestly had no trouble eating gluten free because Italy has the highest rate of celiac disease so they are very accommodating for gluten intolerances. Somehow, their gluten free foods taste so much like the real, gluten version!

Also, because their ingredient quality is so high, I found that I was totally fine sneaking in gluten from time to time there. I usually have the worst stomachache with brain fog when I get exposed to it in the US, but I was able to tolerate it much better there.

Here are some of our top favorite spots:

Iari the Vino: The best gluten free pizza near the Colosseum! Plus, the outdoor seating area is in the cutest little alleyway.

Arancio d’Oro: This is a classic Italian place with awesome gluten free pasta. The service was great, and I loved that it was away from the busy touristy area. They also have gluten free pizza, but we didn’t get to try it out.

Mercato Di Campagna: If you have the chance to cook at your Airbnb while you are there, or if you just like farmers markets, I highly recommend this lively indoor market filled with local vendors. They have the freshest of every kind of produce, bread, fruits, meat, seafood, and even flowers, and it’s just so fun to walk around. They also sell prepared food there that we unfortunately didn’t take advantage of.

Tiramisu Roma Trastevere: For dessert fans who love tiramisu, this is your spot. They make each tiramisu in front of you, and in various flavors! I LOVED that they weren’t too rich or sweet, but still tasted amazing. My husband and I never get desserts and we don’t have a sweet tooth, but we ended up demolishing ours. I really loved the pistachio flavor!

Food Tour of Trastevere: My husband pushed us into doing this food tour and I’m so glad he did! It was one of the best ways to see the Trastevere area while tasting food from local spots that we wouldn’t have found otherwise. Everything tasted AMAZING, truly. We started out with a little wine tasting with charcuterie, enjoyed several pasta dishes, and ended with dessert. We even got a bit of food history lesson and learned a lot of about Roman food.

Pizza in Rome

Getting around

Rome is a relatively small city, so we had no trouble walking everywhere. However, by the third day, my pregnancy was catching up to me so we took the bus when we could (so cheap and easy), or we took the taxi.

Unlike the US, you can’t just hail cabs anywhere on the streets of Rome. You have to find cab stands (they came up when I searched on Google Maps!) where you’ll see cabs waiting in line to service the customers.

We also downloaded the app mytaxi, which is basically an Uber in Rome and you can input your credit card in the app for payment. Since many taxi drivers do not use this app, you can wait for a long time for one of them respond, but it worked for us when we felt stranded without a taxi stand near by.

Tips

  • Make sure to taste Italian coffee. They are ridiculously strong but so delicious. If you want a regular coffee that you can get in the states, say “Americano” because they’ll give you a shot of espresso if you say “coffee.”
  • Bring/buy water everywhere! The heat is no joke.
  • Don’t be fooled by ticket scalpers who are at every tourist location.
  • Remember to bring your sunscreen.
  • Comfortable shoes are a MUST.
Rome to Amalfi Coast - Italian Coffee

Getting to Amalfi Coast from Rome

We stayed in Rome for 3 days and it was time to go to Amalfi coast (the part that I was REALLY excited about). To get to Amalfi coast, the easiest way is by train.

You’ll take a train from Roma Termini to Naples-Napoli Centrale through ItaliaRail (the tickets are cheaper if you buy them in advance). You can then take a local Circumvesuviana train from here and go all the way to Sorrento (one of the main cities of Amalfi Coast), but we decided to make a stop at Pompeii on the way to Amalfi Coast.

The transportation was really easy. There’s a short train to Pompeii, and then there’s another subway train from Pompeii to Sorrento.

3 Hours in Pompeii

Rome to Amalfi Coast - Pompeii

We only stayed in Pompeii for a few hours, but the ruins are quite amazing. It was unbearably hot when we were there and you have to walk a ton to get around the ruins, but we were able to see the major sites and take in a ton of amazing history.

There isn’t really much around Pompeii unless you are willing to walk to the main streets or take a cab. We were eager to get to Amalfi Coast so we took to train to Sorrento soon after we saw the ruins.

3 Days in Positano

My top favorite destination of our trip! To get to Positano, we took the Circumvesuviana train from Pompeii to Sorrento. From there, we took the local bus to central Positano.

I’ll be honest, the bus times were not reliable and I think we waited almost an hour for it, but it was SO worth it! The bus ride itself was so gorgeous since you drive up the mountain where you get to see the beautiful coastline. And once you finally get to Positano, every part of it is like a dream!: the vertical houses and buildings, the beach, and the colorful shops.

What we saw

Rome to Amalfi Coast - Positano

Positano is a tiny coastal town, but it’s quite vertical with steep hills so be prepared to get some exercise walking around. If you love the beach, seafood, shopping, and breathtaking scenery, then this is the spot for you.

Since there are so many other beautiful coastal towns nearby, we thought about taking the bus to them, but we were pretty tired from Rome and really just wanted to lounge and relax. We only had 3 days here so we decided to stay put and just take in everything Positano.

Rome to Amalfi Coast - Positano Fornillo Beach
  • Spiaggia Grande: The main beach of Positano that you see in all the Instagram photos. It’s gorgeous and surrounded by vertical buildings and definitely picture worthy. It does get quite crowded though, but it didn’t bother me.
  • Fornillo: I actually liked this beach more than the main one. You have to walk about 15 minutes to get to it, but it’s less crowded, cheaper, but still gorgeous and clean. It’s surrounded by green mountains and so so peaceful.
  • Best sunset: I really wanted the beaches to have an amazing sunset, but the sun sets towards the mountain in Positano. If you want to experience the beautiful pink hazy look on all the buildings, you just have to climb up the steep road (there’s only one main road, Viale Pasitea). You’ll find that one side of the road always faces the water and you’ll be able to take in some breathtaking views as you go higher.
Rome to Amalfi Coast - Positano Sunset

What we ate

It’s all about seafood in Amalfi Coast, and they are GOOD. We had some of the best mussels, fish, shrimp, and more, and while the price was higher than in Rome, it was all worth it!

  • Valle dei Mulini: This place had a cute outdoor patio and was the first place we ate at. It’s also casual and less expensive than most restaurants in the area. I can’t speak much about the seafood here, but the steak??? It was perfection.
  • Restaurant L’Incanto: This is the beach club we hung out at to lay out in, right on the Sappagio Grande beach. Yes, it’s touristy, but mussels soup was fantastic. We got it as an appetizer and we ALMOST ordered another one after because it was so amazing and not fishy at all! The shrimp risotto was delicious as well.
  • Fratelli Grassi Positano: This is a beach club in Fornillo Beach. It’s small with a limited menu, but our Airbnb host recommended it to us for their caponata (toasted bread salad). It did not disappoint and the price was great too. This was one of the time I decided to eat gluten during the trip and it was totally worth it!
  • Il Grottino Azzurro: This is a small restaurant on top of Positano where locals go, and the seafood here was amazing. The walk to this restaurant is no joke and it’s an uphill climb for about 45 minutes, and we were both incredibly out of breath afterwards. I would recommend getting a taxi there. However, the food is fantastic and so is the service.

Rome to Amalfi Coast - Mussels

Rome to Amalfi Coast - Caponata

Tips

  • Bring water shoes or water-friendly sandals. The beaches in Positano are covered with sharp dark rocks and pebbles, and it’s a bit painful to walk on barefoot. I had to wear my flip flops going into the water.
  • This is not a handicap-friendly town. The streets are bumpy, steep and narrow, so be prepared to get in some workouts getting around town, or hire a private car!
  • The beach club chair and umbrella rentals can be expensive, but I thought they were worth it because it was comfortable and relaxing. There are small sections on the beaches where it’s free, but it’s not as comfortable to lay on the bumpy rocks.
  • If you love colorful ceramics, make sure to pick up some handmade pieces from here because that’s what Positano is known for!
  • Enjoy some limoncello. They aren’t too sweet and they are so refreshing! The Amalfi Coast has some of the biggest lemons that aren’t too tart (perfect for limoncello), so that’s why limoncellos are so popular and delicious here.

2 Days in Capri

After 3 days in Positano, we headed to the beautiful island of Capri. It’s actually really easy to get to Capri from Positano. There’s a direct ferry ride to the island from Positano’s main port. However, there aren’t many ferries that go there each day, so make sure to check the schedule prior so you can be prepared to leave at the correct time.

Where we stayed

While we’ve never been to Capri, we decided to stay in the less touristy side of the island called Anacapri in the west and we LOVED it. It was quiet and filled with such cute restaurants and shops, and we had the most amazing views of the coast and the beaches being so high up in the mountain. Also, it’s really easy to get to from the port of Capri with a simple bus ride.

If you want the city and the busy downtown vibe, I would recommend the Capri side. The price is also higher there. But if you are more into relaxing and slowing down, Anacapri was perfect for that. However, the bus system is awesome and the island itself is pretty small, so you can get from one side to the other very easily through public transportation.

What we saw

Since we stayed in Anacapri and we were there only for 2 days, we mainly stayed in that area. If we stayed longer, we might have explored the east side of Capri more, but everything we saw was so beautiful so we didn’t feel like we missed out.

Rome to Amalfi Coast - Punta Carena Lighthouse
  • Punta Carena Lighthouse: One of the biggest perks of staying in Anacapri was how close we were to the Punta Carena Lighthouse. It’s on the far end of Anacapri and easily accessible by the local bus. It’s the spot for the one of the most BEAUTIFUL sunsets on the island and there’s a path along the rocky coast that you can walk on that’s just just breathtaking. There’s also a very small beach area that you can lay out in, as well as a spot to grab drinks and food.
  • Marina Grande: To be honest, the beaches in Capri do not compare to the Positano beaches. They are tiny, insanely crowded, but pretty and very clean, nonetheless. We didn’t do much laying out in Capri for this reason, but it was nice to soak our feet in this cold and crystal clear water after walking around during the day.
  • Villa San Michele: This is a beautiful mansion built by Axel Munthe, a Swedish doctor. While I have never heard of him, this villa faces the amazing views of Capri in the back, alongside beautiful Mediterranean gardens.

    You can explore the inside with an entry fee, but we decided to just walk around the villa. That was honestly enough for us because we got to see the beauty of it, but there’s a collection of Roman artifacts and interesting rooms to see inside. In addition, the walk to the villa is really fun because it’s a part of Anacapri with cute shops and restaurants that we didn’t know existed until we were there.
Rome to Amalfi Coast - View from Monte Solaro

What we ate

Since we weren’t in Capri for a long time, this will be a short list. A lot of the food here is seafood-focused, which we didn’t mind at all.

Aumm Aumm Ristorante Pizzeria: This is a casual spot in Anacapri, and we were blown away by the food. They have pizza and pasta, and are gluten-free friendly. I got the fish of the day, and my husband had the seafood pasta, and they were both fantastic and so well prepared. The back garden area is also really relaxing and cozy for dinnertime, and the price wasn’t as high as other restaurants in the area either!

La Taberna degli Amici: This is a restaurant/pub that’s actually right across the street from Aumm Aumm and we had a delicious lunch there. They had gluten free bread for me and they serve classic Italian food, as well as sandwiches and burgers. We both enjoyed our meals (a sandwich and a burger) and the service was exceptional. I also have heard that their pasta and appetizers are amazing as well, but we didn’t get to try them.

Rome to Amalfi Coast - Capri food

The Rest of the Trip

From Capri, we took a high speed ferry to Naples, and from here, we flew to Greece for a short 3 day trip. Since we didn’t do much there that you can’t find in other popular guides and the trip itself was so short, I decided to not include it in this guide. Our favorite parts were all the things we did from Rome to Amalfi Coast anyway.

Rome to Amalfi Coast - Short Stop in GREECE

If you want to check out my Instagram Stories for everything I captured during our trip, you can check out my highlights on here (part 1) and here (part 2).

My Top Babymoon Tips

Since I received so many messages and questions on Instagram about traveling while 7 months pregnant, I decided share my top babymoon tips of what worked for me during my trip. I actually thought I would have a harder time with all the walking, but it was totally fine and I enjoyed the trip so much!

  • Pack light! Unless you are going to a resort or a relaxing beach vacation, it’s important to pack just what you need for an active vacation. The European streets are mostly cobblestones, and Positano is made up of steep hills, so it was important to keep our luggage light, especially since my husband had to carry both of our loads most of the time. We actually packed both of our luggage into 1 big check-in bag so he could handle it better. Luckily, since it was a summer trip, we only really needed light, minimal clothing.
  • Check with your doctor and airlines. I probably should’ve have done this before we booked everything during the 1st trimester. Some women with high-risk pregnancies are warned not to travel at even 28 weeks. I was lucky that this didn’t happen for me, but I would check with your doctor to make sure you are good to travel. Also, every airline has different rules about when you need a doctor’s note so you can fly with them. Make sure to check this before your travel date, so you can have a doctor’s note on hand if necessary.
  • Pick and choose your activities. Don’t expect to be able to do everything. I honestly had all these hikes planned out for Amalfi Coast, but realized they wouldn’t be easy nor enjoyable being this far along. We also decided not to wait for hours to see the sites of Vatican City to conserve my energy. It’s important to listen to your body and have your partner understand your limits as well.
  • Home base for naps. While I was able to last 7-8 hours of walking in Rome each day, this was only possible because we went back to our Airbnb in the late afternoon to rest and nap before dinnertime. Make sure to have a home base where you can go back to to lounge around if you are too tired.
  • Sneakers and memory foam shoes. I think this applies whether you are pregnant or not, but comfortable shoes are crucial. If want something a bit more stylish than sneakers, these memory foam sandals were amazingly comfortable and I wore them everyday there through all the long walks. They are super cute too!
  • Backpacks. When you have pregnancy back pain and sore feet, the last thing you want to do it carry a bag on one shoulder. You’ll feel SO much better at the end of the day with a backpack, that’ll evenly distribute the weight of all the items you are carrying. I’ve had my Fjallraven Kanken backpack for a while now, and it’s my go-to for traveling because it so great with weight distribution and preventing back pain. For everyday touring during our trip, I also brought this smaller, cute backpack which worked really well and looked stylish too!
  • Compression socks and sweatpants for the plane. The flights were long for this trip (12-15 hours) and that was probably the most annoying part. To reduce swelling, make sure to wear compression socks (these worked well for me) and comfy sweatpants. I also booked an aisle seat because I seriously had to pee every hour, and I walked around the plane whenever I could to bring circulation into my legs.
  • Water. Hydration is so important normally, but even more so when you are pregnant! We always made sure we had water on us, and with the Italian summer heat, you’ll need a lot of it. All the more reason to have a backpack to keep your water in.
  • Enjoy wine. If you feel safe and comfortable, I highly recommend you fit in a glass of wine during your babymoon. It’s totally the norm to enjoy wine in Italy when you are pregnant, and I definitely took advantage of this on 2-3 occasions throughout our 10-day trip. I was asked at every restaurant if I wanted wine and I was clearly showing. If you feel okay and your doctor gives you the green light, you don’t want to miss out on the wine because it’s so delicious there!
  • Take photos. This one is an obvious one, but seriously, take all the photos! This is an amazing time of your life with your growing belly, and my husband took so many photos in all the pretty European settings. I can’t wait to show my kid one day all the places we’ve been together when she was inside me, and who knows if I’ll be pregnant again? I just know I’ll cherish these moments forever with my baby kicking constantly as we travel from one destination to another, and I want to be able to look back at them in the future.
First Day of 3rd Trimester - babymoon tips

If you have any additional questions about our trip from Rome to Amalfi Coast, or if you want to learn more about traveling when you are pregnant, leave me a comment below!

Other post you might enjoy…

What Great Grandma Ate / Jean Choi is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Regarding other affiliate links and affiliate relationships: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. Thank you for your support and understanding.

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21 Week Bump Update + GENDER REVEAL!

Sharing my pregnancy journey and 21 week bump update from symptoms, appetite, and products that’s been making my life so much easier. Plus, GENDER REVEAL of our baby!

21 week bump update

I can’t believe I’m already halfway through my pregnancy journey! During my first trimester, when I was feeling so nauseous and tired, it felt like my pregnancy would go on forever. Now that I’m finally out of that stage, time is flying by and I feel like we have so much to get done before the baby comes.

My second trimester so far has been easy peasy. Of course, there are some minor discomforts that come with pregnancy, but so far, my energy and general mood and wellbeing is how I felt pre-pregnancy.

Now, at 21 weeks, we finally know the gender of the baby (scroll down to the bottom for the reveal!) and I’m feeling more and more comfortable in my growing body and all the changes it’s going through.

21 Week Bump Update: Symptoms

  • Bacne, weird rashes: Thankfully, I’m not getting any acne on my face, but I am getting some on my back and weird bumps and rashes on my side boob. Thank you, hormones. Primally’s Pure’s Everything Spray and Beautycounter’s SOS Acne Spot Treatment have been very helpful in reducing those when used twice a day, but it’s been quite annoying with summer just around the corner!
  • No cravings/reduced appetite: I was a bit concerned about this one. I thought I was supposed to be MORE hungry during pregnancy, but I don’t have any kind of cravings and I’m not really that hungry frequently. And when I do eat, I can’t eat that much. I get full way too quickly and if I eat my normal amount pre-pregnancy, I’m uncomfortably full and it’s just not worth it. Thankfully, my recent ultrasound showed that the baby is growing healthily, and all my health markers seem fine, so my midwife said not to stress out about it too much.
  • More energy at the gym: I’m loving this. I feel like I’m pretty active these days and I can last way longer in my workouts. I only workout 3 times a week, but I feel amazing afterwards. I rotate between HIIT workouts, cycling, and yoga, and all of these have been so great in helping me feel like myself as my body changes. In the beginning of my second trimester, I was so out of breath with any little exertion, and I love that I have so much more energy these days.
  • Backaches: As someone with slight scoliosis all her life, I’m not unfamiliar with backaches and shoulder pains. However, it’s been way worse recently, especially in my upper and lower back. I massage my back nightly, take epsom salt baths, go to my chiropractor, and rub CBD cream on the pain points, and the combination of these seem to make a tremendous difference, in addition to my pregnancy pillow,
  • Sneezing and nasal congestion: This is probably the worst part of my pregnancy, and some days it’s way worse than others. From what I’ve been reading and researching, it seems that only 20% of pregnant women suffer from these symptoms and I happen to be one of the lucky ones. Personally, I’ve been noticing that it worsens if I’m stressed out or if I consume too much carbs or sugar, so I’m managing it by reducing these things in my life.
21 week bump update

Products That I’ve Been Loving Throughout My Pregnancy

In the beginning of my pregnancy, I told myself I wouldn’t buy a ton of unnecessary items that I see marketed constantly toward pregnant women. However, as my body changes and I experience different symptoms, there are some necessary items that have helped so much in providing comfort and easing some of those symptoms.

For stretch marks

I know stretch marks are genetic, but that doesn’t mean I’m not going to do everything I can do keep them from coming. These are my 2 favorite products are safe and effective without harmful ingredients.

  • Beautycounter Body Oil in Citrus Rosemary: This just feels sooo luxurious and smells amazing! It contains both grape seed oil and rosemary oil, both of which are known to be awesome for stretch marks. Although the price does seem high, it lasts a really long time because it spreads so well!
  • Primally Pure Baby Balm: I rotate between this one and the body oil I previously mentioned. The combination of emu oil and marshmallow root in the Baby Balm are so incredible for stretching skin and so many women love this product during pregnancy.

For back pain:

  • Pregnancy pillow: At first, I thought, “Is this really going to make a big difference??” And heck yes. I can say that now after sleeping with it for over a month. Pregnancy pillows are 100% worth the investment and it makes sleeping on my side so much more comfortable (I’m usually a back sleeper). It provides support at all the right places and I’ve been sleeping so much better. I do love the U-shaped one, but it does take up half of our king-sized bed. There are various shapes and sizes if you prefer a smaller one.
  • Electric massager: Probably the most budget friendly but effective purchase ever to give yourself a massage at home. I actually bought this before being pregnant, but I use and love it SO MUCH MORE now! I use it every night, and it feels amazing while getting out all my knots in my shoulders and back. It heats up and changes directions as well!
  • CBD cream: If you are uncomfortable with using CBD during pregnancy, then this may not be for you. I’ve been loving this topical cream, and I can feel the difference immediately. I’ve tried many CBD creams before and this one is truly the best and the purest!
  • Epsom salt baths: If you follow me on Instagram, you know I’m obsessed with baths. Epsom salt is amazing for relaxing your muscles and replenishing your body with minerals, and I take a bath almost everyday because it’s so helpful for my back, as well as my anxiety.

For bacne and random bumps/rashes:

  • Everything Spray: This is my go-to product for any kind of skin issues, and it’s works so well for acne, rashes, or any kind of inflammatory skin conditions. It’s calms down irritation, reduces blemishes, and I’ve been spraying it all my of my back morning and night.
  • Countercontrol SOS Acne Spot Treatment: Anytime I see a hint of acne, this is my lifesaver that kills it in just 2-3 days. I have always had it on hand for emergency pimples, but I’ve been using it way more with my annoying bacne popping up. It contains squeaky clean ingredients that are safe during pregnancy.
  • Cleansing Balm: When it comes to any kind of rashes or inflammation on the skin, the Cleaning Balm heals and protects the problem area quickly. I’ve been using it as a spot treatment on my random rashes, and I can see the difference with just one application. The nutrient-rich raspberry and cranberry seed oils, as well as the vitamin C in it work together to create this healing formula!

For sinus congestion:

  • Nasal strips: I was a bit skeptical about if these will do much to reduce congestion, but they actually made a huge difference! I could feel it working as soon as I put it on, and it’s so helpful during my sleep. I used to wake up in the middle of the night because my nose was so stuffed, but that doesn’t happen anymore with these. Plus, they look crazy sexy.
  • Nasal saline spray: If you have a Neti Pot, that will work as well, but I just love the convenience of this nasal spray. It clears up my nose right away, keeps my passage moist, and contains clean, drug-free ingredients that are safe during pregnancy.

For constipation:

  • Squatty Potty: This is another one of those products that I bought a while ago, but I appreciate it so much more during pregnancy. Constipation is quite common during pregnancy, and although I never got it too badly, I do love the Squatty Potty for regulating my bowel movement. It seems like such a simple product but works extremely well (trust me!).

GENDER REVEAL: It’s a….

21 weeks bump update

We are having A GIRL!

I couldn’t be more excited. I wanted a girl from the beginning so I can teach her to be strong and bossy as hell, and let her know she can be anything she wants to be in this world. I would have been totally happy with a boy, but I just leaned toward a girl more.

We Almost Didn’t Find Out the Gender

At our 20 week ultrasound, we were so excited to find out if we were having a boy or a girl, but we almost walked out without knowing because the baby was crossing her legs until the very end!

Our ultrasound technician told us this sometimes happens so we might not be able to find out at that appointment, but thank goodness, the baby showed us at the very last minute. It was such a magical and happy moment, and we are busy picking out names and clothes already.


Hope you enjoyed reading my 21 week bump update! I had so much fun writing this post, and I tried to address the most common questions I’ve been receiving on social media. If you have anything else you are curious about, leave me a comment below! I’ll probably do another update post before the baby arrives, and I hope sharing my experience is helpful for other women who are or will be going through this beautiful journey of creating a human. As always, thanks so much for your love and support!!

What Great Grandma Ate / Jean Choi is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Regarding other affiliate links and affiliate relationships: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. Thank you for your support and understanding.

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