15 Baby Essentials Every Mom Needs
When it comes to having a baby, there are endless options for the things that you can buy for them and their nursery. However, not all baby items are created equal. As you start using products, you’ll learn what’s important to you and what isn’t important. However, there are some essential items for babies that are good things to try right away. Here’s a list to get you started!
1. Swaddle
One thing that every new baby needs is a swaddle blanket. When babies are born, they are used to being in a tight enclosed space. So, they love being snugly swaddled to sleep. Once your baby no longer wants to be swaddled, the blanket can also be used as a floor blanket, nursing cover, diaper bag blanket, or spit-up wiper.
2. Car Seat
In order to even take your baby home from the hospital, you’ll need a car seat. Make sure that you pick one that has good safety ratings and is comfortable for your baby. Before you even have your baby, install the base of the carseat in your car and practice taking the seat in and out a few times. It will save you time and fumbling as you’re trying to leave the hospital with your new baby. Also, keep in mind that carseats can expire. So, always make sure yours hasn’t before using it.
3. A Backpack Diaper Bag
Backpack diaper bags are a must for all moms because if you have more than one kiddo, you need to have both of your hands-free. It’s also nice to not have to worry about your diaper bag falling off your shoulder. Some diaper bags also come with stroller attachments so you can have your stroller do the heavy lifting, as well!
4. Cry Activated Sound Machine
As your baby gets older and starts sleeping in their own room, it can be hard when they cry out at night. You need sleep and so do they. So, get a Munchkin Sound Asleep Nursery Projector. It is cry-activated. So, if your baby starts crying in the night, the projection will turn on the ceiling and the white noise will kick on. It’ll soothe the baby right back to sleep.
5. Baby Shampoo and Bubble Bath
Your baby’s skin is sensitive and delicate. Make sure that if you splurge on anything, it’s the baby soap and shampoo you use. Make sure the soap is geared toward babies, and if your baby has especially sensitive skin, there are sometimes hypoallergenic options.
6. Knotted Baby Gowns
A great outfit for you little to wear is a knotted baby gown. They are loose on the bottom and unrestrictive for the baby’s legs. However, since the gown is tied at the bottom, it also keeps little legs warm.
7. Baby Monitor
There are several different kinds of baby monitors. You can get one that is sound only or one that includes video. Some parents like monitors that connect to wifi so they can see their baby, even when they are home with a babysitter. Other parents prefer cameras that don’t connect to wifi, for security reasons.
8. Sleepsack
Since babies can’t sleep with loose blankets, a great alternative is a sleepsack. Sleepsacks are wearable blankets that zip up. They come in long and short sleeves and they have swaddle options!
9. Zip Romper
When you’re dressing your baby, you’ll notice that outfits that have too many pieces are tedious to take on and off. That’s why it’s nice to dress your baby in a simple zip romper or double zip onesie. The rompers are adorable, and they are a great all-in-one option to keep your baby warm and comfortable! You can also add a bow or a beanie to add to the look.
10. Bottle Cleaning Supplies
If you’ll be using bottles for your baby, you’ll need some cleaning supplies. A bottle drying rack and a bottle brush will be your new best friends when it comes to cleaning.
11. Two of Their Favorite Thing
Hear me out, when a baby gets attached to a stuffed animal or blanket, they will want to take it everywhere! That comfort item will start to get ragged and dirty, but if you try to replace it, your baby or toddler will know. So, start planning early. When your baby starts showing a strong preference toward a comfort item, buy two of that item, and alternate them out for cleanings. That way, the toy or blanket will be less ragged, cleaner, and if one ever gets lost, you always have the other one on hand. Just make sure they don’t find the second one!
12. A Solid Stroller
Having a good reliable stroller is so important. Pick one that suits your needs (jogger, regular, etc.) and keep it in the trunk of your car. It’s always helpful to have it so you don’t have to carry your baby around at the mall, at the park, or in public spaces.
13. Mama Hook
This might sound like a weird one, but it’s so helpful! A Mama Hook is a large carabiner. You can hook it to your stroller, and it can hold so many things for you. You can hook water bottles, changing supplies, shopping bags and more to the hook. It’s super sturdy! Just make sure you don’t load it up too much and have the stroller become so heavy it tips backwards!
14. Diaper Trash Bags
You can buy a diaper pail, but changing out the bags can be really stinky, and the refill bags are expensive. So, opt for individual deodorizer bags for diapers. Carry a few in your diaper bag and keep a few at your home changing station. You’ll be able to put dirty diapers in them and dispose of them in any trash can without leaving a stinky smell. As an added bonus, the bags are great for putting dirty blowout clothes in when you’re out and about.
15. Nosefrida
If you’ve ever had a sick baby, you know how helpless you feel when your baby gets her or his first cold. Young babies can’t take medicine so it’s hard to help them feel comfortable. The Nosefrida allows you to suck out the blockages in your baby’s nose. I know it sounds gross, but it really works, and there is a filter so you don’t get any germs. Your baby will sleep so much better once their nose is cleared out!