The Top 10 Must-Have Items for New Moms
(From an Experienced Mom Who’s Been There)
So you’re a new mom? Congrats! Welcome to the most rewarding yet exhausting club of your life. I’ve been there—sleep-deprived, googling “How to make a baby sleep” at 3 a.m., while covered in spit-up. After surviving those chaotic first months, I’ve compiled a list of the top 10 must-have items for new moms that will make your life easier, your baby happier, and your sanity intact (ish). Let’s dive in!
1. The Holy Grail: A High-Quality Breast Pump
If you’re breastfeeding, a good breast pump is essential. Trust me, not all pumps are created equal. Look for one that’s portable, efficient, and easy to clean. The Spectra S1 Plus is a lifesaver for new moms. I love the portability of this pump and storage for the milk if you happen to be out. The ease of cleaning is an excellent perk. Bonus: It’s quiet enough not to wake the baby (or the husband).
SPECTRA S1
2. Swaddle Blankets: The Baby Burrito Magic
Babies love being wrapped up like a Chipotle burrito. Swaddle blankets like the Halo Sleepsack will help calm your baby and (fingers crossed) get them to sleep longer. These are 100% Cotton, so breathable yet cozy. Plus, they come in cute patterns that make those middle-of-the-night diaper changes a tad more bearable.
HALO SLEEPSACK
3. A Comfortable Nursing Pillow
The first weeks of breastfeeding feel like an Olympic sport. Enter the Boppy Nursing Pillow to save your arms and your back. This thing is a life saver. Otherwise I was consistently stealing pillows. I loved using it for photos, helping them to sit as they age and pro tip it doubles as a tummy time cushion once your little one is ready.
BOBBY NURSING PILLOW
4. Diaper Bag: The Mobile Command Center
Say goodbye to your chic handbags and hello to the Skip Hop Diaper Backpack—because having two free hands is priceless. I had a sling one and a purse style on each had certain perks to those but I found this and fell in love with the backpack style. Bonus my husband loved it too. With compartments for diapers, wipes, bottles, and your sanity (kidding, sort of), it’s a must-have for every new mom.
5. Baby Carrier: Your Hands-Free Helper
Want to eat a sandwich while soothing a fussy baby? You need a baby carrier. The Ergobaby Omni 360 is ergonomic (your back will thank you) and lets you carry your little one in multiple positions. I had my kids close in age almost 2 yrs apart. I needed my hands to keep my baby safe. This worked like a charm. Wish I would’ve had one with my first. I tried a few cheaper ones but my back killed me. This one solved this problem.
ERGOBABY OMNI 360
6. White Noise Machine: The Sleep Whisperer
Babies are noisy sleepers, and you’re going to need all the help you can get to tune out those grunts and squeaks. The Hatch Rest doubles as a white noise machine and nightlight, making it a two-for-one deal that’s worth every penny. My daughter still loves this thing.
HATCH REST
7. A Reliable Baby Monitor
Peace of mind is everything. The Nanit Pro Baby Monitor not only lets you see your baby but also tracks their sleep patterns. It was the one thing that was number 1 on my list of gadgets to get. I was so scared of everything while they were sleeping. You hear stories or read things and as a first-time parent it seemed to set a fear in me. So I got this bad boy. It’s like having a nanny on standby without the extra salary.
NANIT PRO BABY MONITOR
8. Portable Changing Pad: Diaper Duty Anywhere
Public restroom changing tables are… well, let’s just say gross. I would snap this guy in my car. It was always with me and hand sanitizer was always a staple. The Skip Hop Portable Changing Pad is compact, easy to clean, and perfect for on-the-go diaper emergencies.
SKIP HOP PORTABLE CHANGING PAD
9. Bottle Sterilizer: Because Germs Are Everywhere
Who has time to boil bottles the old-school way? The Philips Avent Microwave Sterilizer is fast, efficient, and doesn’t take up half your kitchen counter. Milk gets in the nooks and corners of those bottles. These are
PHILIPS AVENT MICROWAVE STERLIZER
10. A Rocker or Glider: Your New Best Friend
You’ll spend hours feeding, soothing, and bonding in this chair. The DaVinci Swivel Glider is comfy enough to survive marathon rocking sessions without breaking your back.
Trust me, these essentials will make the crazy, wonderful journey of motherhood a little smoother. And hey, remember: you’ve got this. (And if you don’t, there’s always coffee and now you can have a friend in me.)
If you found this helpful, click here to explore even more must-have items for new moms as I created “Ultimate Mom Gear Guide” This guide will help you get set up for mom life and list some essentials to help you be organized, ready, and informed for your sanity. For even more life-saving products and gadgets. Don’t forget to share your own mom must-haves in the comments below for a chance to be featured in our next post!
