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Things I Actually Used as a First-Time Mom
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items Becoming a first-time mom is overwhelming — there are SO many products people say you “need.” This list is everything I actually used, loved, and reached for constantly during pregnancy, newborn life, and beyond. From baby gear that made life easier ...
Sections
6
Newborn Essentials
Feeding Favorites
Sleep & Bedtime Musts
Baby Gear Worth the Money
Bath Time Favorites
Best Toys for Babies
Newborn Essentials
The products that helped us survive those overwhelming newborn weeks. These are the items I reached for constantly during the sleepless nights, endless diaper changes, and figuring-it-out phase of first-time motherhood.
One of the best hacks for never losing a pacifier.
Philips Avent Soothie snuggle - Giraffe: Silicone, Cotton, Rubber, BPA-Free
I was terrified to cut her nails. This made it so easy and is easily the most used item I bought.
Frida Baby Electric Nail Buffer - Baby Nail File, Nail Clippers + Trimmer Kit - 4 Buffer Pads, LED Light + Case
This is the best diaper trash out there because you can use standard trash bags. Seals in smell great.
Ubbi Stainless Steel Diaper Pail - White
2-way zip is the best for over night diaper changes!
Carter's Just One You® Baby 2pk Animals Sleep N' Play Footed Pajamas - Gray Newborn
Feeding Favorites
From bottles and pumping supplies to snack hacks and feeding tools, these are the products that made feeding my baby easier, less stressful, and way more manageable day-to-day.
These were the best bottles we used. Our girl never had gas issues using these and rarely spit up.
Dr. Brown's 4oz Anti-Colic Options+ Narrow Baby Bottle with Level 1 Slow Flow Nipple & HappyPaci Pacifier - 0m+
This cup is the reason our baby could use a straw at 6 months.
Dr. Brown's Milestones 9 fl oz Baby's First Straw Cup - Sage: Silicone, BPA-Free, Sippy Cup
Great for baby led weaning when you are serving messy foods!
Long Sleeve Bib - Dinosaur - Cloud Island™
Helped our girl learn how to use utensils in a safe way!
Munchkin Gentle Dip Self-Feeding Spoons - Coral/Purple - 3pk
Such a life saver for your arm muscles.
Boppy Nursing Pillow - Gray Beige Leaves: Botanical Leaf Pattern, 20" Length, 5.5" Thickness, 16" Width
This was amazing on the go.
Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump with PersonalFit Flex
Hands down the best pump on the market.
Spectra S1 Plus Portable & Rechargeable Hospital Strength Double Electric Breast Pump: Adjustable Speed System
Sleep & Bedtime Musts
Anything that helped my baby sleep better instantly became priceless. These are the sleep products and bedtime essentials that made naps, nighttime, and routines smoother for all of us.
This was the best to know my baby was close but also in a safe sleeping area.
AmourLil Baby Bassinet Bedside Sleeper with Wheels & Storage Tray, Portable Crib for Newborns
Was so easy to swaddle baby and you can use as a sleep sack when they start rolling which I loved.
HALO Sleepsack 100% Cotton Swaddle Wrap Disney Baby Collection - Winnie Frolic S: Infant, Sleeveless, Front Full Length Zipper, Adjustable Sleeve
Baby Gear Worth the Money
Not every baby product is worth the hype, but these absolutely were. These are the bigger purchases that made everyday life easier and earned their keep in our home.
If you have mom anxiety, it’s worth it. I would stare at my baby to make sure she’s breathing and this brought peace of mind.
Owlet Dream Sock - Smart Wearable Baby Monitor with Live Heart Rate & Oxygen Alerts - Mint: Bluetooth & Wi-Fi Enabled
When your baby is stuffed up this works quick to clear it. We still use this and now she’s a toddler.
Frida Baby Electric NoseFrida Nasal Aspirator - 5pc
More affordable than the Doona but the same great quality. Makes pediatrician appts easy and any outings.
Evenflo Shyft DualRide Travel System with Carryall Storage - Boone Gray
Worth it to save time washing bottles.
Baby Brezza Bottle Washer Pro Sterilization Device - White: Cleaning Tools & Accessories, Single Pack
Bath Time Favorites
Bath time became one of our favorite routines thanks to these products. From gentle baby care to practical bath essentials, these are the items we consistently used and loved.
The only set that keeps my daughters eczema from flaring. The ointment is a godsend.
Tubby Todd The Regulars 3-step Fragrance Free - 8.5 oz
We still use this! Easy to pour and make sure it doesn’t get in baby’s face.
Frida Baby Control The Flow Rinser - Cup: BPA-Free, Drainable Scoop
Great if you have a small tub. If you have a large tub, I wouldn’t recommend because you need to fill the water quite a bit.
Angelcare Baby Bath Support - Pink
Great set if you’re an older mama like me. Saves your knees and arms from leaning over.
Skip Hop Moby Baby Bath Set with Four Bathtime Essentials - Gray - 4pk: Bath Arm Rests, Faucet Covers, Rinse Cups
Great for tough boogies and ears!
Frida Baby 3-in-1 Picker: Ear Health Tool With Storage Case
Best Toys for Babies
This was hours of fun for my little one. Helped Tummy time and helped her sit up because of the piano.
Fisher-Price Glow & Grow Kick and Play Gym - Blue
Life saver for the first few months. The only thing she would relax in so I get get things done.
Graco Simple Sway Baby Swing - Blythe
Entertained my baby for long periods of time!
Skip Hop Baby Activity Center - Explore & More 3-Stage: Adjustable Height, Converts to Play Table, Developmental Toys