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Baby’s First Year: Must-Haves & Favorites

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This list contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them. No extra cost to you. All the must haves that made my baby’s first year easier and more fun. From practical gear to toys. These are the things we used ...
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Labor & Delivery Favorites: Don’t Leave Without These

These are the things I truly relied on during labor and delivery. Simple, helpful, and totally worth it.
 
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I wasn’t sure I’d use it, but it was a total game changer. Way more comfortable than a hospital gown, gave me extra privacy, and it even has pockets.
Delivery and Nursing Gown
 
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Easy to put in, take out, and kept my hair out of the way when I needed it most.
Satin Scrunchies
 
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Keeps your phone charged so you can take photos and stay connected without worrying about running out of battery.
Portable Charger
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Postpartum Survival Kit

Practical must haves and little comforts that makes life after baby so much easier.
 
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Stores plenty of water and makes drinking throughout the day easy. The handle is perfect for on the go and it fits in cup holders. A simple way to stay hydrated!
40 OZ HydroJug
 
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A must have for the early days of breastfeeding. Soothes and protects, keeps things comfortable, and makes feeding a little easier for both mom and baby.
Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream
 
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A total lifesaver for breastfeeding! They catch leaks, save every drop. Make your breastfeeding journey a little less messy.
Elvie Catch Milk Collection Shells, Set of 2
 
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Even if you have an electric pump, having a hand pump is perfect for quick sessions, travel, or when you need a backup.
Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump with PersonalFit Flex
 
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Skip water fatigue and make staying hydrated easy. The flavor cartridges keep water exciting and drinking enough water effortless every day.
Cirkul Plastic Bottle with Blue Lid and 2 Flavor Cartridges (LifeSip Fruit Punch and FitSip Mixed Berry) - 22oz

Baby Books

 
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A bedtime classic that never gets old. Perfect for winding down, calming little ones, and creating a cozy nightly routine.
Goodnight Moon - By Margaret Wise Brown ( Hardcover )
 
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A fun, colorful read that keeps little ones engaged. Great for learning animals, colors, and building early reading skills!
Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See? - by Bill Martin (Board Book)
 
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My personal favorite! A classic story that’s fun, colorful, and perfect for teaching counting.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar - by Eric Carle (Board Book)
 
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Perfect for little hands and curious minds! Engaging textures and bright visuals make learning fun while helping babies explore with their senses.
See, Touch, Feel: A First Sensory Book

Feeding

 
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A total lifesaver for messy meals! Easy to clean, soft on baby’s skin, and catches all the crumbs so mealtime is way less stressful.
PandaEar 3 Silicone Baby Bibs Waterproof
 
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Easy to hold, easy to clean, and perfect for feeding. The wide neck makes mixing formula or milk a breeze, and baby seems to take to them really well.
Evenflo Balance Wide-Neck Anti-Colic Baby Bottles - 9oz/2pk
 
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These are easy to add to breastmilk to help make sure your baby gets enough vitamin D. Always check with your pediatrician, but if you’re exclusively breastfeeding, a supplement is usually recommended. Simple and convenient!
Mommy's Bliss Baby Organic Vitamin D Drops
 
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Definitely worth the hype. Makes snack time a little less messy
Flipping Holder Food Pouch Holder No Squeeze, flips over to hold drink boxes and juice pouches, easy grip handles and lid (Blue)
 
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I love these because they are stretchy, comfortable, and make nursing so much easier. Perfect for everyday wear while keeping things simple and cozy.
Women's 2pk Nursing Unlined V-Neck Bralette - Auden™ Black/White XL
 
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Keeps drinks spill-free and easy for little hands to use. My kid loves it, and it makes hydration on the go so much easier.
Dr. Brown's Milestones 9 fl oz Baby's First Straw Cup - Sage: Silicone, BPA-Free, Sippy Cup

Toys & Activities

 
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Easy to attach, fun to spin, and perfect for grabbing attention during mealtime.
Sassy Wonder Wheel High Chair Tray Toy
 
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Perfect for little hands! Easy to hold, fun to shake, and keeps babies entertained while helping develop grip and coordination.
Bright Starts Oball Easy Grasp Rattle Sports Car
 
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Keeps babies entertained and curious! Stick them to high chair trays or tables for easy, mess-free play that encourages fine motor skills.
3PCS Suction Cup Spinner Toys for 1-3 Years
 
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Keeps baby active and entertained! Fun to kick and play, helps develop coordination, and the music always gets a smile.
Fisher-Price Kick & Play Piano Gym Navy
 
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Perfect for little ones learning to lift their head! The high-contrast colors keep them engaged while strengthening neck and upper body muscles.
URMYWO Black & White Baby Tummy Time Toy
 
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Soft lights, gentle sounds, and perfect for helping little ones relax or nap.
Baby Einstein Sea Dreams Soother Musical Crib Toy and Sound Machine - Blue
 
Security Check
 
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Makes bath time safe and stress-free! Quickly shows if the water is just the right temperature so baby stays comfortable and happy.
Nuby Penguin Bath Thermometer

Sleep

 
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Keeps baby cozy while still allowing arms to move! Makes bedtime easier, helps them sleep comfortably, and is a total lifesaver for tired parents.
Love to Dream Swaddle Up Transition, Zip-Off Wings, 13-19 lbs, Gray
 
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Specifically the Purely Soft sleepers. These were essential for the first few months. Super cozy and easy to change.
Baby 2-Pack PurelySoft Sleeper Gowns - Green
 
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Keeps baby snug and secure, makes swaddling easy, and helps little ones sleep more peacefully.
Omni Swaddle Wrap & Arms up Sleeves & Mitten Cuffs - Heathered Gray with Stripe Trim 0-3 Months

Diaper Bag

 
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Every diaper bag needs one! Perfect for unexpected messes on the go, and honestly one of the most overlooked but essential items for parents.
babygoal Wet Dry Bags 3 Pack Waterproof
 
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Makes diaper changes so much easier and cleaner! Portable, soft, and perfect for home or on-the-go diaper changes.
KeaBabies Ezee Portable Diaper Changing Pad, Portable Diaper Changing Mat, Waterproof Foldable Diaper Changing Pad (Black Geo)
 
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A must-have for on-the-go! Keeps hands clean after diaper changes, errands, or playground trips.
Wild Watermelon Power Mist Hydrating Hand Sanitizer - Touchland | Ulta Beauty
 
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‼️ Parenting hack ‼️ This Tushbaby supports feeding AND saves your back when holding your little one. The only complaint I have is why didn’t I get one sooner?
Tushbaby Original Hip Seat Carrier, Grey, 45 lbs

Teething Toys

 
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A lifesaver for fussy teething babies! Soft, safe, and easy for little hands to chew on.
Smily Mia Baby Teething Toys 0-6M, Penguin
 
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My baby loves how firm it is to chew on! Keeps him entertained and happy while soothing his gums.
Chuya Baby Teether Toy TV Remote Shape Black

Swimming

 
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Easy to use, comfortable, and perfect for introducing little ones to pool time fun.
Swimways Sun Canopy Spring Float with Hyper-Flate Valve - Splash N Play: Infant Pool Lounger
 
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Keeps baby comfortable in the water, easy to wash, and perfect for pool or beach days.
Green Sprouts Baby Swim Diaper - White 24M