When we think about handmade goods, baby products aren’t the first thing that comes to mind (at least not for me). Maybe because so many baby items are mass-produced and plastic, it’s easy to forget that there are incredible artisans focused on babies and children. Often referred to as “heirloom gifts” because these truly can be multi-generational. I’ve rounded up four of my favorites below and included several discount codes (thanks to the amazing makers),

My Felt Studio – Custom Dog Mobile

We unexpectedly lost one of our furbabies while I was pregnant. She had been with us for nine years and until she passed, we had been daydreaming how she would be once the baby was here. We pictured her as Nana in Peter Pan (although she may have more realistically behaved like the 1990’s Beethoven).

We knew we wanted to incorporate her memory into the nursery and when we stumbled upon My Felt Studio’s custom mobiles, we knew we had to have one. Antonina, the Ukrainian artisan and shop owner, was amazing to work with. She even sent us photos before shipping our sweet mobile. When I told her I wanted to include her in this blog, she was generous enough to offer a discount code!

In addition to getting the likeness of both our pups, she also stitched their names on precious felt bandanas. We think about our pup looking after our son every time we put him under the mobile.

Use code JUSTKEATING for 10% off

Love for Nica – Toddler Swing

I’m actually so in love with these swings that I’m invested in the company. Love for Nica partners with artisans in Nicaragua to produce high-quality macrame hammocks, wall-hangs, plant holders, and of course, these adorable toddler swings. I had the honor to visit Nicaragua in early 2020 (right before the pandemic) and meet some of the amazing artisans.

At five months old, my little guy is finally able to start enjoying his swing. We currently have it on our front porch (although it’s pictured above in my living room) and he absolutely loves it. I love that it can be inside or out and that it’s gorgeous to look at.

Use code KEATING for 20% off. 

Little Lullaby – Custom Blanket

Oh my goodness! Finding this photo from our son’s newborn shoot gave me all the feels. He could hardly fit into newborn clothes and now he’s wearing 6-9 month onesies.

We were gifted this precious blanket so I’m linking something similar I found on Etsy. We received several great baby blankets from friends and family but if I had to guess, I bet this is the one our son will keep for years and years (until it’s inevitably tattered beyond repair).

It’s 100% cotton and we love that it’s bigger than a lot of the newborn blankets. We also love that it isn’t a traditional monogram — it feels elevated but unique.

Design Dua – Basket Bassinet 

Despite its high price tag, this was a product I kept looking at over and over again. My husband, used to my frugality, was surprised that I couldn’t get it out of my head. A friend was generous enough to get the Ghanian-made bassinet for us from our registry and I remember moving it around the house (while still pregnant) and imagining what it would be like to have our son snoozing in it.

What we didn’t expect was for this bassinet to become one of our most important items. Because I had a c-section, it was incredibly hard to get out of bed. As new parents, we also wanted our baby as close as we could have him (while still practicing safe sleep). We ended up putting this bassinet in between us in the bed and every time it was my turn to get up, I would have to wake my husband and have him hand our son to me and again to put him back in the bassinet. Those first few weeks were rough but this bassinet saved us.

After we graduated to the SNOO for sleep, we still used the bassinet in the living room and when visiting friends. Now five months in, we’re still using it. In fact, we used it this past weekend on our sailboat. Get yours here. 

What are some of your favorite handmade baby products? List them in the comments and I’d love to include them in a future round-up!