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When I was pregnant with my first child, the time flew and I needed to come up with my baby registry. I wondered what new moms usually put on their registry. There were a lot of videos that offered recommendations. When I watched them I thought, “Do I really need this? I would only use this for a couple of months. That’s a waste of money!” So, I carefully selected products that would allow me to get the most bang for my buck. I wanted the things that I could continue to use as my daughter grew rapidly. If you’re looking for the same thing, then I’ve done the research for you! Here is a list of new mom must-haves that you can still use after the first year! Awesome right? You’re welcome! 😉
What Are Must-Haves for a New Mom?
There are so many gadgets available for new moms! Sometimes it can be hard to determine what is necessary when this is your first child. Ultimately, it’s important that you select items that you like and that you believe will meet the needs of your growing family. Congratulations by the way!
The list below is a guide to help you consider things that you will need while making great use of them. If you’re like me, you don’t want to pay hundreds of dollars for something that you can’t use anymore after 2 months. These are products that I used when my daughter was a newborn, and I still use them now that she is a toddler. Talk about a win!
1. A Place to Sleep
This one is important and I spent a lot of time looking at potential options. While co-sleeping may be a possibility for you, I want to offer a second option as well. I did co-sleep with my daughter very early on. We enjoyed this Dok-a-Tot alternative called the CosyNation Baby Lounger. When she was a couple of months old we transitioned her to the Graco Pack ‘n-Play which is very similar to this one.
The amazing thing about this is that it comes with a newborn bassinet attachment and a changing table attachment. As your baby grows, you can remove these attachments and allow your child to sleep in the Graco Pack ‘n-Play if you choose. If your baby is big enough and you find yourself looking for a more comfy mattress that fits the Pack’n-Play, that is an option too. Just do your due diligence and become familiar with the safety regulations and recommendations if you choose to go this route and add the mattress.
2. Car Seat
If you plan to go out and about at any time with your bundle of joy, then you’re going to need a car seat. This Graco SnugRide SnugLock Extend2Fit 35 Infant Car Seat is a great buy because it has a 4-position extension panel that allows for extra leg room as your baby grows.
I love the things that grow with my baby. Even at 17 months, my daughter is still using this car seat! To top it off, its Click Connect technology allows you to easily convert it into a stroller with a one-step attachment! The Graco SnugRider Elite Car Seat Carrier | Lightweight Frame Stroller is great too! We took many smooth walks using the stroller attachment.
3. ErgoBaby Embrace Carrier
This ErgoBaby Embrace Carrier has become one of my all-time favorite baby items! My daughter is 17 months and she fits comfortably in it just as she did when she was an infant. I love this thing!
It’s great for the on-the-go momma who needs to multitask. I use this carrier when I’m cooking, cleaning up the house, doing laundry, going to the store, etc. I can get things done and know my child is safe and right there with me.
My daughter happens to enjoy it too, and she is exceptionally calm and relaxed while she’s hanging out with me in this carrier. Another perk is that if you breastfeed you can nurse your baby or toddler while you are getting things done- hand free! It’s a game-changer! It’s worth the money, saves you time, and peace of mind! I highly recommend it!
4. Boppy Nursing Pillow
A Boppy Pillow is great because it’s multifunctional. You can use it during pregnancy to sit or sleep more comfortably. It can be used as support as you breastfeed or bottle-feed your newborn. This pillow is also great support for babies during different stages of development.
You can use it to cradle your baby in, practice tummy time, prop her up, play, etc. Another great use for the Boppy Pillow is to use it as a seat cushion during postpartum. It can also help you sit up straighter if you place it behind you against your back. This pillow is definitely versatile!
5. Earth Mama Organic Diaper Balm Multipurpose Baby Ointment
Earth Mama Organics is a great brand that offers products that are made with organic ingredients. The Earth Mama Organic Diaper Balm is one of my favorites! I love the formula and the texture of the diaper balm. My daughter hasn’t had any major diaper rash and I believe this product contributes to that.
Not only is it a diaper balm, but it is also a multi-tasking skin salve! You can use this on scrapes, burns, boo-boos, etc. It’s great for the baby and everyone else in the family! There are other amazing balms and products too! I also enjoyed the Organic Perineal Balm and the Organic Herbal Sitz Bath during postpartum. From sunscreen to nipple butter to organic tea Earth Mama Organics has something for the whole family!
6. The First Years Sure Comfort Deluxe Newborn to Toddler Tub
There are various ways to get your little bundle of joy clean. If you’re like me and you are looking for something that makes you feel safe, then you’ll probably opt for a baby tub. I wasn’t comfortable with the idea of holding my newborn over the kitchen sink, so I used this Newborn to Toddler Tub.
This tub is amazing because it grows with your child. I was able to use it when my daughter was a newborn and we continued to use it until just after she turned 1. You can use it beyond your child’s first birthday, but by that point I was comfortable with allowing her to simply sit in the bathtub.
This cute little tub comes with a newborn mesh sling for support and comfort during those first baths. Once your child grows, you can remove the sling and allow them to sit int the toddler tub. I consider this a good investment for such a reasonable price!
7. Baby Nasal Aspirator NoseFrida the Snotsucker
You need this! Add it to your new mom must-haves list. The Nasal Aspirator NoseFrida is undoubtedly better than the traditional nasal aspirator bulb thingy! In fact, I have them both. My daughter doesn’t like the traditional bulb, but she finds the Nasal Aspirator NoseFrida quite amusing. She doesn’t mind it! I love the fact that it gets the job done in an inconspicuous and sanitary way. It gets the nasal passage nice and clear. It’s genius really. I love this thing! Trust me, you need it!
8. Baby Nail Clippers 20-in-1 by Royal Angels Baby
Does the idea of clipping tiny baby nails with a nail clipper make you nervous? No need to worry, there is a great solution for that! Baby’s nails are unbelievably sharp. Ouch! They often end up scratching their cute little faces with those nails.
These Baby Nail Clippers by Royal Angels Baby are perfect. This is actually a soft electric nail file that will not damage your baby’s cuticles or nails. It’s quiet, AA battery powered, and has a helpful LED light. This is all I use and it has been a breeze keeping my daughters nails trimmed with this thing! You definitely need to add this to your new mom must-haves list.
9. Dr. Bronner’s – Pure-Castile Liquid Soap (Baby Unscented, 16 ounce, 2-Pack)
You may not need this one right away because you may simply choose to bathe your newborn with water. However, when you are ready to use soap, Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Liquid Soap is a great choice. There are many baby soap options out there, but I chose this one because the ingredients are organic and safe.
I chose baby unscented when my daughter was an infant and as she got older I started using other fragrances. The choice is yours. Dr. Bronner’s soap will provide a nice lather and get your baby nice and clean without all the harsh chemicals.
The bonus is that you can use it for the whole family, the dog, and to clean the house too! Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap is versatile and the liquid soap goes a long way. Consider making it a household staple!
Learn more about Dr. Bronner’s Liquid Castile Soap.
What Are the 10 Things Every Baby Needs?
This is a simple list of baby basics to add to your new mom must-haves arsenal. In case you’re suffering from the all-too-common “mommy brain” be sure you have the items below. With these items, you can still consider options that you can use for many months and even up to a year.
There are options like cloth diapers and reusable cloth wipes. There are swaddles that you can purchase that last for months and help your baby sleep better. My favorite was the Nested Bean Zen One. Be creative and open to possibilities outside of the traditional norm. You may just fall in love with it.
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Clothes
- Pajamas
- Burp Cloths
- Swaddles
- Changing Table
- Bottles (if you’re not exclusively breastfeeding)
- Swing or Rocker
- Diaper Bag
Final Thoughts on New Mom Must-Haves
I hope this list of new mom must-haves gives you a great place to start as you prepare for your sweet little angel. There are so many amazing gadgets and products out there, so choose what works best for you and your family. I just wanted to offer you some ideas of products that you could use for many months to come.
The most important thing that you can give your baby that wasn’t included on the lists above is love. If you are prepared to shower your little blessing with unconditional love and nurturing, then you’re off to a great start already!
