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First-Time Mom Checklist
70
items I wish the list in the market is less salesy, I put together this list to share my authentic experience - check it out!
Sections
9
Must-Haves For Breastfeeding Essentials & Pumping
Must Have for Feeding Essentials
Must-Haves For The Nursery
Must Haves For Cleaning
Optional, but good to have
Must Haves For Out & About
Must-Haves For Breastfeeding Essentials & Pumping
I did both breastfeeding predominantly, and pumping milk for storage.
3X Nursing Bra or Nursing Tank Tops: I hate to wear only the pumping bra because you will need to change it every few hours, depending on what stage of your baby. Just wear this and call it a day.
Momcozy Hands Free Pumping Bra 2 Pack
You will need this for regular pumping and portable pump (only use when your supply is established). You will be able to wear this in varies occasions
Momcozy Hands Free 4-in-1 Pumping Bra, Maternity Nursing
This is hands down the pump that works for general population. There are S1 and S2, S1 is portable and S2 is plugged to the wall. I know they are better version, but definetly look into this brand.
*Make sure you check with your insurance before purchasing it.
*Make sure you check with your insurance before purchasing it.
Spectra - S1 Plus Electric Breast Milk Pump
1
3x nursing tank tops: Look for soft, stretchy fabric that has a cup that gives allow easy access and without additional bra. This will also be convenient for you when you breastfeed in the public.
Under Control Nursing Cami Tank Tops 3Pack
1 Nursing Cover-Ups. You can buy nursing cover-ups, ponchos, or use your scarves or using the swaddle, but this cocoon is very stylist and that's all you need. I use it for his blanket, baby seat cover, in all season.
Natural Cocoon+
Look for as natural as possible. Honestly you don't need that much, check if your hospital provides it. If so, don't have to buy it. If you get bruises or hurt after pumping, there is a sign that you need to check your flange size.
Medela Purelan Lanolin Nipple Cream, 1.3 Oz
Many usage for Hakka Pump - 1) When you breastfeed, you can use it to manual pump the other side 2) Sometimes when you breastfeed, your other breast will start leaking milk so you can use it to catch it 3) Use it to clear clogging issue as well
Haakaa Silicone Manual Breast Pump, BPA Free
1 Manual Breast Pump: Get ready for this traveling, pump on the car, just in case your portable pump out of power. This is also good in clearing clog.
Medela Manual Breast Pump with Flex Shields
1-2 Boxes of Milk Storage Bags. These products are designed to withstand freezing and thawing.
Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags, 100 Count
2-3 Sleep Bras - Use it for gentle support for your breast at night. You need bra that is comfortable, easily pull-aside cups with no clasps in front or back.
Caramel Cantina 4 Pack Nursing Bralette Bra
8-12 Nursing Pads - Look for the ones that are soft, absorbent, and made of cotton. Tuck inside your bra is important. Pads come in 3 types: Disposable pads, reusable cotton pads, silicone pads.
Kindred Bravely Organic Reusable Nursing Pads
Disposable pads come in handy when you are out and about
Lansinoh Stay Dry Disposable Nursing Pads, 200 Ct
2 Nipple Shields - This accessory is helpful if your nipples need protection while healing.
The Original Silver Nursing Cups - 925 Silver
This is perfect when you are traveling and need to sterilize your bottles
Medela Quick Clean MicroSteam Bags, 12 Pack
This is great when you need to clean your bottle but has no access to water or soap. Best for outdoor activities!
Dapple Baby Breast Pump Wipes, 25 Count
This one will be flexible when it comes to bottle sizes
Breastmilk Travel Cooler
ok A lot of portable pump out there is very big (and loud too) and obvious and I don't want that. Based on my research, a lot of nurses like this because they can pump as they work, and it is not obvious at all, i pump this at work at the same time and no one noticed the size of my boobs and the sound as well. I know there are more versions out there but definetly check how it looks.
Elvie Stride: Hospital-Grade Electric Breast Pump
Must Have for Feeding Essentials
Baby Key functions: 1) Eat 2) Sleep 3)Poop 4) Bath 5) Play
Just get this set and you are cover. It has different flow and you will be pretty set for the first year!
Comotomo Baby Bottle Bundle, Green, (7 Piece Set)
You will have to get this in advanced because it is out of stock all the time. This is great because you can supplement your baby until your milk comes in which may take awhile depending on individuals
Enfamil NeuroPro Ready to Feed Baby Formula
This is all you need to get in amazon, you don't need more than that. They are soooooo soft and you want to be soft to your baby. Don't get synthetic material.
Yoofoss Muslin Burp Cloths for Baby 10 Pack
Suitable for all types of bottle and the best thing is - it heats up fast.
Papablic 5-in-1 Ultra-Fast Baby Bottle Warmer
High quality. You just need a few brush
OXO Tot Water Bottle & Straw Cup Cleaning Set
This is so clean and no crazy smell
Dapple Baby Bottle & Dish Soap Liquid Plant-Based
A cute one if you want an extra one. We use this in our bathroom for nighttime feeding.
Boon Cacti Bottle Cleaning Brush Set
You will need a separate basin to wash baby bottle. Soak the bottle in warm water in this basin
Baby Basin
I have this in my living room. This allow you to adjust your shoulder height compared to others in the market
The Nesting Pillow- Organic Nursing Pillow
Must-Haves For The Nursery
I didn't design like the ones on Pinterest, but opting for practicality but doesn't lose the asthetic.
This will last you in awhile! Grow with the baby, storage, and looks good in the nursery.
Graco 5-in-1 Convertible Crib and Changer with Drawer
This comes in handy! Get the one where you can put your feet on so you can relax as well. This one is affordable and get the job done. I have two at home when my baby is little. One in our room and one in our living room.
Nursery Gliders & Rocking Chairs in ...
Trust me, you want to be ably to check your baby right away when you are sleepy. Don't get the one that covers, because you will need to wake up to check on the baby
Co-sleeper: Baby Products
Opt to 100% so that it's soft and breathable for all seasons
Cotton : Crib Sheets
No changing table(baby outgrow fast), just get a dresser - save money & space. This one is always out of stock in Ikea.
White Dressers & Chests of Drawers
It doesn't matter what design. You need 1 for dirty cloth and 1 for clothes that are outgrown - just toss it in when your baby can't fit anymore
Laundry Hamper
My husband wants no wifi, but if wifi goes down, you will not have access to the monitor.
8 Best Non-WiFi Baby Monitors of 2023
Must Haves For Cleaning
Been using this one, no problem!
Make sure you also buy a smaller version of it. It will be handy and cute when you are traveling.
As my son grows old like 7 months, we only use this to wash his baby bottles. The rest, we use our regular dish soap.
Make sure you also buy a smaller version of it. It will be handy and cute when you are traveling.
As my son grows old like 7 months, we only use this to wash his baby bottles. The rest, we use our regular dish soap.
Baby Dish Soap
This is all you need. 3 brushes and brush is so soft that it brush the bottles easily.
Note: be careful with the bottom of the product as it keeps the water underneath. You need to open it up clean it periodically.
Note: be careful with the bottom of the product as it keeps the water underneath. You need to open it up clean it periodically.
OXO Tot Water Bottle & Straw Cup Cleaning Set
This drying rack is very cute but it does take up some space.
Note: make sure you open the bottom to clean up the water underneath!
Note: make sure you open the bottom to clean up the water underneath!
Boon Grass Countertop Drying Rack, Green
❌ do not mix your baby bottles and wash them with your dishes. You need a different basin like this one to put warm water to wash your bottles. This is good is because it is collapsible and you can use it for traveling as well.
The quality is good, if you get a cheap one you will see mold quickly.
The quality is good, if you get a cheap one you will see mold quickly.
Babyhood Multi-Purpose Collapsible Wash Basin ...
This is a cute addition! I live in a townhome so I have another set of brush in my bathroom, so that I can wash the bottles at night.... this happens when your baby is still young and you need more frequent wash.
Boon Cacti Bottle Cleaning Brush Set
Optional, but good to have
It's not a must, but it does a bit. See my notes for reference!
We use it good for 3 months. The issue, it doesn't go well with suction in general. Also, it will be difficult to get him/her out.
Stokke® Tray
We use this until my boy turns 4 months old. I love it because he can join us for dinner and family gathering:)
Stokke® USA Shop | High Chairs, Baby Strollers, Nursery ...
I've only use this a short time because my son tries to get out. However, if you want to do something and when your baby isn't super mobile yet, this is going to be helpful. Another thing is, this is big and will take up space!
Baby Playpen
You probably heard of diaper-pail? Honestly, just get a trash can with lid. For poppy diaper, make sure you wrap it with waste bag. That's it!
Nursery Waste Bins
Must Haves For Out & About
When I was in the maternity leave, i got a bit crazy by just staying at home, so I went out a lot !
I like this a lot! It's high quality and compact. The only issue is, there is no space to put the detergent.
OXO Tot Travel Size Drying Rack with Bottle Brush
Always get ready this in your car or diaper bag, just in case there place has loud music. This is a must- have item if you go to disney or stadium, etc.
Alpine Muffy Baby Ear Protection for Babies
This will be handy, but it could be short-lived. FYI
Hatch Rest Go | Portable Sound Machine for Babies
Life savier when you want to have a moment of piece when dining out!You will notice that your baby always throw things out, so you need this to strap the toy so you don't need to consistency to pick it up. You can use this on a stroller, booster chair, etc.
Toy Straps for Baby - 5 Pack Toy Straps
Most of the stroller has a basket and maybe a cup holder. This is a handy organizer will allow you to easily grab things
Momcozy Universal Stroller Organizer
This is a must have! They are all about the same.
Best Portable Changing Pads
After some intensive research, we ended up with this stroller. This is not a cheap stroller but I like it a lot, especially the lay flat feature, your baby can just there when you are out and about. This is not lightweight, so this is not for the pla...
Nuna Strollers | Comfort For Baby & Convenient ...
The changing pad is quite handy when the baby is small, but they will outgrow eventually. We even use this in our living room:) there is a version that comes with basinet and we never use it, don't even get that one
Pack 'n Play Playards & Playpens
You can see your baby when you are driving!
Rear Facing Car Seat Mirrors
Start using sunscreen when they turn 6 months old. I have been using this natural sunscreen for my boy, no problem. Since it is natural sunscreen so it has white cast
Water Babies SPF 50 Lotion
Not necessarily this design, but you get what i mean.
Baby Hats
Must-Haves Safety
Once your babies are on the move, there's no stopping them! But I also want to keep the esthetics of the house without comprising the functionality.
I like this one because it is not visible and opening it super easy!
No Show & Easy Open Cabinet Locks
I don't want to compromise on the look.
Stylist Socket Covers
This is clear and doesn't take away the design of the furniture. Also, it is wider so it sticks better.
Clear Furniture Edge & Corner Guards
Must Have Baby Care
Forget about nail cutter which is dangerous, this is the best.
haakaa Baby Nail Trimmer Electric Safe
This is the only lotion my pediatrician recommended. No need special baby lotion. This can be used by entire family
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream 19oz - Dry Skin
My son never has diaper rashes because we applied this every time he wears diapers, the trick we learned in the hospital has served us well!
Aquaphor Healing Ointment Skin Care Set
The best! Even adult we used. But it's not cheap for a small bottle ($4~), just get the bottle, once finish, get the babyganics form sanitizer bottle for about $6 then refill to this spray bottle, they function the same - no drying, non sticky, safe ...
Hand Sanitizer Spray | Honest Co.
Baby Must Haves 0-6 months
0-3+ months are the toughest months, sharing my expereince here that I learned a long the way. Remember, everyone has a different journey so they require different needs/solution. I want to make sure you are fully informed, so do read the notes that ...
**Peace of Mind for Parents** Baby sleeps well in this “magic” suit! They sleep through the night with this.
Also, this is so much easier than the fancy swaddle, the zip function is must because in this stage you still need to change diaper a lot. Fancy swaddle will drive you crazy.
When you purchase this, you should check the “pounds” size.
Also, this is so much easier than the fancy swaddle, the zip function is must because in this stage you still need to change diaper a lot. Fancy swaddle will drive you crazy.
When you purchase this, you should check the “pounds” size.
Baby Merlin's Magic Sleepsuit 3-6 Months - Blue
I wish I got this! Nobody will tell you that at the begining you will need to supplement milk because they want you to nurse but honestly not all of us can produce. This is the one that recommended by mom but honestly do your research.
Baby Brezza Formula Pro Advanced Dispenser
This is the **life-saver** when you are on the go! This is handy and comes with adapter to fit with whatever bottle brands you have.
Hopebig Portable Bottle Warmer with Adapters
**Must have for out and about or working mom**There is some expensive and fancy one out there but it required pouring, etc. Anyway, I use this one, not big, works fine!
Medela Breast Milk Storage Cooler Bag Set
I have both the manual one or the electric one, the manual one takes a bit of learning curve but not the electric one
GROWNSY Baby Nasal Aspirator with Music
Though this is the cheapest one in the market, it works magic though:)
Equate Infants' Drug and Alcohol Free Saline Spray/Drops, All Ages, 1 fl oz
Your baby is so tiny, everything is tiny, and this tool will comes in handy! Perfect for picking nose buggers, eye buggers and ear wax. It gets everything without having to worry about hurting your baby:)
Frida Baby 3-in-1 Nose, Nail + Ear Picker
These PJs are fantastic!! Made from 100% organic cotton, they’re *super soft* compared to others I purchased. We love these PJs so much.
Tips: The zip front makes changing easy!
Tip for sizing: Make sure you don't get many newborn size because they grow up fast!
Tips: The zip front makes changing easy!
Tip for sizing: Make sure you don't get many newborn size because they grow up fast!
Burt's Bees Baby Boys' Organic Cotton PJs
You will be using this rocker a lot, even now I'm still using it!
Storkcraft Premium Hoop Glider & Ottoman