Just like many other first time moms, a friend of mine had some questions about having a baby. Being a mom to a toddler & to a new baby I was happy to answer any questions. After all, what else do us Moms talk about other than our kids right? What was provided at the hospital? What classes were helpful? Do your boobs really leak that much from nursing? What do you REALLY need for the baby when he/she arrives? I decided to break it down into a 3 part blog series providing my personal insight on all things baby starting with my personal fave must-haves for baby! (Stay tuned for hospital & breastfeeding must-haves)
OK let’s be honest the only thing you REALLY need is diapers, clothes & boobies (or formula!) to keep your baby alive, BUT things are SO helpful & cool nowadays so let’s just talk about what isn’t totally NECESSARY to survive but super HELPFUL!
*Note: This post contains Amazon & Target Afffiliate links. This allows me to share the products I truly love and use myself, while also earning a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Visit disclosures page for further details.
Some of these items you will find on every list you read from any other blog or article! That’s because they are tried & true & so many other mamas love them so make sure you add them to your must have list or registry as well. Others are things that have been very helpful to me that you may have not thought about. ALL items I personally own & love!
- Boppy Pillow– not only great for breastfeeding but for tummy time, or propping baby up for a different view!
- Halo Bassinet I literally don’t even have to get out of bed at night to feed or change the baby! The extra features like the vibration, light & music are a bonus!
- Snuggle Me Organic Pricey but worth it in my opinion if you have a baby who has trouble sleeping. This is a great lounger for the baby that you can use on the couch or bed etc & don’t have to worry about the baby rolling off.
- Monitor A MUST for peace of mind at night.
- Bordeaux’s Butt Paste My go-to for a red butt or diaper rash
- Sound Machine I also have this portable one perfect for car rides or walks!
- Black Out Curtains. I have these in my son’s room & these in my daughter’s. Nice & dark room equals sleep & helps to sleep in the morning even when the sun comes up, which hopefully in turn equals more sleep for mama!
- Light Switch Dimmer If you don’t have a dimmer switch on your lamp this is perfect! Often just turning on your lamp during a night time feeding or changing is too bright. This switch can be used for your lamps to add a dimmer option so you don’t have to wake up the baby in the middle of the night with bright light.
- Car Sun Shade to keep the sunlight from shining into poor baby’s eyes!
- Car Mirror so you can see your little one while you are driving
- Sleep N Plays I love this brand at Target because they are so soft!
- Rock N Play perfect for naps with hands free rocking!
- Bouncer I personally use this to put baby when I’m cooking or cleaning, eating dinner, even grabbing a quick shower!
- Activity Gym Babies get bored too! They need to start “exercising” around 2 months when they can really kick & grab & focus on things!
- Baby Carrier or Wrap Especially great for babies who want to be held all the time! Get stuff done around the house while wearing your baby! Also great if you have more than 1 kiddo or for trips to the store, zoo, etc.
- Baby Bum Diaper Cream Brush No more diaper cream on your hands or under your fingernails!
- Sleep Sack Swaddle This is a lifesaver! Makes swaddling SO easy
- Safety Spout Cover Trust me, they WILL bonk their heads on the faucet!
- Humidifier for when they are sick
- SLEEP TRAINING! The one thing I wish I would have known about with my first child to be fully prepared is sleep training! Learn how to get your baby on a schedule with feedings, naps & nighttime & get them SLEEPING THRU THE NIGHT! It will seriously be the best thing you ever purchased!!
Note: I’m a breastfeeding mama so I have no clue or info on anything that involves formula or bottles, just FYI! I do have a fave bottle for breastfed babies that has a special nipple & I will include that in my next breastfeeding must haves!
These must haves are obvious but I will list what I use!
- Pacifiers Don’t forget to replace them appropriately as your baby ages!
- Diapers With my first child I used these but with my second I’m using these. I love both!
- Wipes
- Thermometer & this one Read THIS for info & guidelines on taking babies temp!
- Crib, Mattress, Mattress pad
- Stroller & Car seat System Don’t forget the base!
I’m a total Amazon & Target mom! Delivery & drive up pick up?? SCORE! Try Amazon Prime for FREE for 30 days HERE! All my favorites I’m listing for you came from either place. So this makes it not only easy on you but for anyone shopping your registries as well. YES, you can register on Amazon! And don’t forget to check out Amazon’s Subscribe & Save where you can get all the goodies delivered right to your door on a monthly basis! Do it!!
I hope this provided some first time mamas some helpful insight! What is something you can’t live without? I’d love to hear!
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