Published on January 14, 2021 | Last Updated on December 16, 2021

Motherhood is one of the most rewarding jobs, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. It’s important to be prepared for all that motherhood entails, so I’ve compiled this list of baby essentials for you to take on your journey into parenthood. There are many products out there that are designed specifically for babies and mothers-to-be, so don’t hesitate to take advantage of what’s available! Whether you’re expecting it or not, these newborn must-haves items will help make your life easier as a new mommy.

For mama

Barefoot Dreams Robe: I throw on this robe when I get up to feed Lila during the night and first thing in the morning. It’s so cozy, like wearing a blanket, but the tie keeps me covered.

Ice Pads: No explanation needed but a necessity for the first couple weeks!

Pump Bra Attachment: I’m exclusively pumping so I have a little more flexibility in my schedule and Trent can help with feedings. This bra attachment allows you to turn any nursing bra with clips into a hands free pumping bra. Super convenient!

Nipple Butter: I put this on before I pump and it’s a game changer! It helps reduce the friction so it no longer hurts to pump! If you’ve ever pumped before you know this is saying a lot because those suctions can hurt like crazy! The formula is all-natural so if you’re nursing you don’t have to wash it off before feedings.

Tummy Compression Leggings: The high rise fit and compression waistband helps hold it all in! I have these in black and navy and I wear them pretty much everyday. Best postpartum twenty bucks you’ll spend!

Breastfeeding Drops: These don’t taste great but they seriously work! I take 1/2-1 dropper in the morning and at night. Some reviews talk about fenugreek causing an upset stomach but I haven’t experienced anything like that. These drops have increased my supply drastically! When I have a dip in my supply, I’ll up my dosage a bit for a couple days until it regulates.

For baby

Glass storage bottles: We use Comotomo bottles to feed but the silicone takes longer to heat. We try to avoid heating up anything in plastic so these glass bottles have been great for us. They fit my Spectra pump too!

Mustela Cleaning Water: Lila’s baby acne was bad the first few weeks but this really helped! I would pump the water onto a cotton pad and rub on her face twice a day. I started seeing a difference after a few days!

Bottle Warmer: I used another bottle warmer with Piper but recently learned the steam heating warmers can kill off some of the nutrients in breast milk. I’ve been really happy with this Tommee Tippee warmer! There are different settings depending on if you’re using glass, plastic or a pouch.

Swing: Piper didn’t care for swings but Lila loves this one! You can change directions of thew sway which she really likes!

Shusher: We take this with us on walks, in the car, etc! Really helpful to soothe her. Safety Tip: If you use it in the car make sure to connect it to something so it’s secure in case you stop really quick.

Playmat: She loves the lights and the sounds of this mat. I registered for a play mat with pretty pastel colors with Piper because I wanted to avoid the obnoxiously bright baby toys but the joke was on me, ha! Now I know the brighter the more entertaining it will be.

Fleece Pajamas: Piper loved the thin bamboo pajamas but Lila prefers something warmer. She sleeps really well in these fleece pajamas!

Baby Wrap or Sling: I have a Solly wrap that I love but it’s impossible to get her out of it and keep her asleep. I started using a ring sling so I can have one arm free and I’m able to slip the sling carefully off to get her out and keep her asleep!

Stretchy Swaddles: I bought a handful of muslin swaddles before Piper was born but really we only use the stretchy ones. If you need help wrapping a swaddle, you can watch this tutorial! The stretchy fabric allows your baby to move a

Frida Baby Basics Kit: So nice we bought it twice! Everything in the kit comes in handy. We use the snot sucker daily to clear up any congestion and the Windi (gas passer) whenever she’s fussy. The Frida products have been lifesavers for both girls!

Baby Soothers, Toys, And Entertainment

Toys – While it’s important to have a few toys on hand for your little one, try to stick with very simple and soft materials. You don’t want anything that could potentially cause injury if swallowed.

Teething Rings – These can come in handy to help soothe your baby’s gums as they begin to cut their teeth.

Rattles – These are classic baby toys that can keep infants entertained.

Health

First-aid kit –  Check the expiration dates of all bandages, gauze pads, adhesive tape, etc. You don’t want to be caught in an emergency situation without something that could potentially save your child’s life. Also, be sure to include ibuprofen and acetaminophen when storing medicine in your kit.

Thermometer – Purchase a quality thermometer that’s easy to read, fast, and sanitary.

Saline/Drops – Clear liquid that can be put into your child’s nose to help clear out mucus. These are safe for babies three months or older.

Baby Nasal Aspirator – Not only will this help your baby feel better by clearing their nasal passages, but it can also help them sleep better at night.

Ointment – Petroleum jelly, zinc oxide, and calendula work well to protect chapped skin.

Baby nail scissors, clippers, nail file, or emery board –  Cutting your child’s nails is necessary to prevent the possibility of them scratching their face and hands.

There are definitely other items we love like the Dock-a-Tot, Hatch sound machine, etc but I really wanted to highlight the items we couldn’t currently live without! Have you tried an item on my list? Tell me in the comments below!

What are some of your newborn must haves? Let me know in a comment below!