Becoming a first-time mom is a beautiful and stressful time. There’s so much to look forward to, but there’s a lot to prepare for as well! Before baby arrives you’ll need to do everything from plan your maternity leave and find a pediatrician to take a car seat course and pack your hospital bag. If you want a full list, here’s everything to do before you have a baby. One of the biggest tasks you’ll find on your list is to create your registry!
Your registry doesn’t just act as a list of gift ideas for baby showers and other celebrations, it’s also a checklist of everything you need to have ready before your newborn arrives! And, most first-time moms are surprised by how much they really need to have to really be prepared for life with your new family edition. So, to help you get ready, we’re sharing our list of our must-have baby items for new moms.
Here’s what you should add to your registry:
Breastfeeding Must-Haves for New Moms
Breast Pump
If you’re planning to breastfeed, a breast pump is an essential! Even if you don’t plan to pump every day, at some point you and your little one are probably going to have to separate (even if it’s just for a few hours, so you can get a mom break!). A pump will ensure that your baby can be fed even when you’re not around.
Some of you will need to pump every day while you’re working, and if that’s the case, we recommend you look into getting a hands-free pump as well. It’ll help give you the freedom you need while still providing for your little one.
Breast Pump Cleaning Supplies
It’s super important to keep your breast pump clean. That means it needs to be wiped down after every use. Cleaning wipes can come in handy to quickly take care of any mess to ensure no bacteria or mold can grow between pumps.
Manual Pump
A manual pump is great to have for emergencies. Whether you forgot your pump, weren’t prepared to be out as long as you were, or your mechanical pump breaks, a manual pump can save you discomfort and save your supply! Keep it in your car and make sure to always travel with one. (Here’s our baby travel checklist.)
Breast Milk Storage Bags
If you’re pumping, grab reusable breast milk storage bags. This way, you can store plenty of extra milk in the freezer for later. Reusable bags are a bigger investment in the beginning, but will save you lots in the long run.
Nursing Pads
Leaking is normal with breastfeeding. Washable nursing pads in your bra can help prevent the milk from soaking your bra or showing through your clothes. It’ll also help you stay comfortably dry!
Nipple Cream
Breastfeeding can cause a lot of pain, even before they get teeth! Nipple cream can help prevent and treat sore and dry nipples.
Breastfeeding Pillow
A breastfeeding pillow can help you get your baby in the right position to latch properly. Plus, the support it provides means you’re arms aren’t doing all the work! You’ll likely find lots of other uses for the breastfeeding pillow as your baby grows, too!
Nursing Bras
Nursing on the go means you need easy access to your breasts. Special nursing bras and nursing clothes can make that easier. Make sure you have a good stash, since you’ll probably be wearing them going forward!
Nursing Cover
Privacy isn’t required when breastfeeding. There’s no shame in feeding your babies! However, if you prefer a little coverage, a nursing cover is essential for your registry.
Feeding Must-Haves for New Moms
Bottles
Whether you’re breastfeeding or formula feeding, you’ll probably need some bottles. However, we don’t recommend getting all one type of bottle as a first-time mom. You never know what will work best with your little one, so we recommend getting a sample pack or buying a few different kinds.
Bottle Brush Set
A bottle brush set will help you ensure your bottles get clean with every hand wash, even when you’re sleep-deprived or thinking about twenty other tasks. We recommend a set with a bottle brush as well as tools for cleaning the nipples and extra parts.
Bottle Drying Rack
It’s best to handwash your bottles, so a dedicated bottle and bottle part drying rack makes the whole process more practical!
Formula
Here’s another one you’ll definitely need if you don’t plan to breastfeed full-time! However, every baby has different needs and tolerance levels with formula. So, we don’t recommend you stock up on a bunch of formulas you hope will work out. Instead, establish a formula fund on your registry!
Portable Formula Dispenser
If you’re formula-feeding, you won’t want to lug a huge container of formula in the diaper bag. A portable dispenser will ensure you can make bottles on the go. We like this one the best, because the formula slides right out of the container with ease!
Bottle Warmer
Not every baby will require warmed milk, but if you usually breastfeed and supplement with formula, your baby will probably prefer warmed milk! A bottle warmer comes in handy so you can avoid potentially dangerous heating methods like the microwave.
Bibs
Milk bibs are great for dribbles or spit-ups. It prevents you from having to change a whole outfit every time there’s a little mess!
Burp Cloths
Baby needs to be safely burped throughout their feeding. They may have a little spit-up with those burps, so where bibs keep baby clean, burp clothes keep you clean!
High Chair
Your little one won’t start eating solids until they can sit unassisted. This is usually around 6 months. When that time comes, you may want a high chair to keep meals as tidy as possible.
Baby Spoons
Baby spoons are a good idea for when your baby starts eating solids. You may choose to go with baby food pouches, in which case you wouldn’t need them. However, if you plan to use jars, containers, or homemade baby food, you’ll need some spoons!
Insulated Bag
If you are traveling with pre-made bottles or breastmilk, you’ll need an insulated bag to keep the milk or formula at a safe temperature.
Sleeping Must-Haves for New Moms
Baby Monitor
An essential item for baby’s safety is a monitor. When your baby starts napping or sleeping in other rooms, a video/audio monitor will help you ensure that your child is always safe and content.
Breathing and Heart Rate Monitor
Recently, the FDA cleared the Owlet Dream Sock, which monitors your baby’s breathing and heart rate. It’ll alert you if anything drops below safe levels, so you can quickly tend to your baby even if something happens while you’re both sleeping. It’s a great tool to help prevent SIDs and give you peace of mind.
Bassinet
It’s usually recommended that your baby sleep in the same room as you for 6 months – 1 year. A bedside bassinet is a great way to keep your newborn safely close by without taking up too much space. It’s important that you have your child in their own bed, rather than sleeping in the same bed as you or sleeping in a bedside co-sleeper, which can increase baby’s risk of injury or death.
Bassinet Sheets
Extra bassinet sheets are handy for cleaning up after leaks or blowouts. Many bassinets don’t require sheets, but we think it’s a good idea to protect the bed from getting soiled in the middle of the night!
Swaddles or Wearable Sleep Sacks
It’s unsafe to have blankets or anything else in the bassinet or crib with your child for the first year. However, newborn babies love to feel cuddly and safe. Swaddles and wearable sleep sacks are a great way to provide the comfort of a blanket without the suffocation risk!
Sound Machine
A sound machine can mimic the sounds in the womb and block outside noise to help improve your new baby’s sleeping patterns! In those earlier months, any product that can safely help everyone get a good night’s sleep is on our must-have list.
Diapering Must-Haves for New Moms
Changing Pad
You’ll be changing lots of diapers when your little one arrives, especially in the beginning, when your newborn is wetting their diaper sometimes every hour or two! A changing pad is a handy and safe way to change your baby on an elevated surface.
Changing Pad Covers
Your changing pad is bound to get soiled from time to time. Have extra covers on hand so you can keep using your pad even if the cover is in the wash!
Changing Mat
A changing mat is best for on-the-go changes. You can store this in your diaper bag and use it anywhere to create a clean and safe surface for your baby to lay on. These are wipeable, so you don’t have to worry about them getting soiled!
Diaper Cream
Diaper cream isn’t always essential, but what you need it you NEED it. Diaper cream can prevent, soothe, and treat diaper rash or irritation. There’s nothing worse than seeing your newborn in pain or uncomfortable, so always keep some diaper cream on hand!
Diapers
Of course, you’ll need plenty of diapers for your new baby! If you’re using disposable diapers, stock up on newborn and size 1 diapers before baby arrives. If you’re cloth diapering, get adjustable diapers for your little one since your babies may not be in the newborn size of anything for very long, depending on their birth weight.
Wipes
Wipes are another must-have for new parents! Not only will you be changing a lot of diapers, but you’ll also be cleaning up a lot of messes, period. You’ll find yourself reaching for wipes over and over again for quick clean-ups!
Wipe Dispenser
A wipe dispenser isn’t required, but it makes changing diapers much easier when your hands are already full! You can keep your baby still and safe, swap out the dirty diaper for a clean one, and wrestle with the diaper cream tube, all while easily snatching wipes out of the dispenser. Additionally, if your baby doesn’t like diaper changes because of the cold wipes, a wipe dispenser and warmer can come in handy!
Baby Gear Must-Haves for New Moms
Car Seat
When baby arrives it won’t need much. The hospital will provide nearly everything you need! However, you will need a car seat to be discharged from the hospital. It is the single most important piece of baby gear for your newborn’s safety! It’s essential you have an appropriately fitting car seat that’s properly installed in your vehicle prior to baby being born.
For newborns, you can get an infant car seat or a convertible car seat! There are pros and cons to each, but don’t get overwhelmed by the decision-making process. We can help! We have pages of trusted car seat reviews, a step-by-step guide to choosing a car seat for your newborn, and a super helpful infant car seat buying kit! Safe in the Seat can help make the process of buying a car seat that suits your lifestyle, budget, vehicle, and unique needs.
Window Shades
No one likes it when the sun shines in their eyes. Your baby won’t like it either! Plus, the UV rays from the sun can not only heat up the car seat temperature, but it can damage skin as well. So, putting up sun shades from the start is a great idea!
Car Seat Sun Shade
If you live in an area where it gets hot at any time during the year, a car seat sun shade is extremely helpful for ensuring your car seat stays at a safe temperature for your newborn. The shade fits over the seat, keeping it insulated and cool even as the car heats up.
Car Seat Cover
Conversely, if you live anywhere where temperatures drop pretty low, a cozy cover for your infant carrier can help protect your baby from frigid conditions, wind, and snow. Just make sure the cover fits over the car seat, and is not threaded through the straps in any way.
Stroller
A stroller is essential for any family, whether you’re on the go every weekend or you’re a homebody. You’ll need a stroller to go on walks, run errands, attend events, and explore together as a family. You can either get a travel system that is compatible with your infant car seat, or you can get a stand-alone stroller that suits your needs. If you need help choosing, here are our favs and how to pick a stroller or wagon!
Soft-Sided Car Seat Mirror
Though you want to avoid distracted driving, it’s important you have a way to check in on your infant from time-to-time when driving. However, it’s not easy when your child is rear-facing (which they will be until about 5 years old!) A soft-sided mirror in front of your child combined with your vehicle’s rear-view mirror will give you a safe view of your little one!
Carrier or Wrap
In recent years, moms have re-discovered how a baby carrier or baby wrap can make your life easier for new parents! All babies like to be nice and close to their moms and dads, but it’s hard as a parent when you need to get things done. A wrap or carrier allows you to hold your little one and keep your hands free for whatever you’ve got going on for the day!
Portable Crib and Blackout Tent
A portable crib (AKA a play yard or “Pack-n-Play”), combined with the Slumberpod, allows you to provide safe sleep anywhere. Whether you’re headed on vacation or baby is spending the night at grandma’s, a portable crib ensures you can always follow safe sleep guidelines.
Diaper Bag
Your diaper bag will go with you everywhere when your child is small! Find something that fits your taste, lifestyle, and specific needs. Think about the things you need to put in your diaper bag: Do you need to bring your pump? Are you cloth diapering? Will you need to bring formula? These are the kinds of questions that’ll motivate your diaper bag purchase!
It’s a good idea to also consider what you like about other bags you own to choose a practical style, whether that be a messenger bag, a tote bag, a backpack, etc. Once you get your diaper bag, make sure you start packing it for the hospital!
Health & Safety Must-Haves for New Moms
Thermometer
A thermometer is essential for monitoring your baby’s health. We recommend a no-touch option that allows you to take your infant’s temperature even when they’re resting.
Nail Clippers or File
This is no parent’s favorite thing, but it has to be done. Your baby may even come out of the womb with some seriously long nails! Before long, you’ll need to clip or file your baby’s nails, so make sure you’re prepared for that.
Basic First Aid Kit
A basic first aid kit for the house and diaper bag will be good for your peace of mind. You’ll always have what you need to mend a minor injury.
Essential Medications
No one wants to drive to the store (potentially in the middle of the night) when they need medication for their little ones. So, we recommend you have things like saline nasal spray, gas relief drops, and fever reliever ready to go. That way, you’re ready for everything!
Nasal Aspirator
When your baby is stuffed up, everyone is miserable! Traditional snot suckers just don’t do the job, but a manual or automatic nasal aspirator can be a lifesaver when your baby can’t sleep or relax because of a plugged up nose.
Pacifiers
Not every baby takes a pacifier, but they can be helpful if your infant decides sucking on one is comforting! You won’t know what type of pacifier your little one will like, so it’s a good idea to get a variety of styles.
Blankets
You’ll probably be gifted plenty of these, but a few blankets for swaddling is a good idea! Just remember safe sleep practices say no blankets in the crib (aside from a tightly wrapped swaddle) until at least one year old.
Baby Brush and Comb
Will your baby have hair? Cradle cap? Either way, a brush and comb can be useful for baby bath time.
Humidifier
Keeping the air in baby’s room moist can help them sleep better and help maintain their delicate skin. As we said earlier, anything we can safely do to help get everyone quality sleep is essential!
Baby Proofing Supplies
You don’t need to baby proof much until your infant is mobile. However, it’s best to get it done before baby arrives, rather than finding time in the thick of early parenthood! You need things like outlet covers, baby gates, corner protectors, and cabinet door locks.
Bathing Must-Haves for New Moms
Baby Bathtub
You can do the baby bath the old-fashioned way in the sink, but if you’d prefer the tub, a baby bathtub can help keep your baby in a safe, comfortable, and practical position for bathing. We’d like to note that even with a baby bathtub, you should always be supervising your infant in the bath.
Baby Towels and Wash Cloths
Smaller, thinner, and gentler towels and washcloths are more practical for bath time. We recommend you grab a set of baby towels and washcloths to make bathing easier on you and on your infant’s skin!
Spout Cover
Once baby starts sitting up and crawling around, you may decide to give them some freedom from the baby bathtub! However, the metal spout can be a danger if your child were to slip, fall, and hit their head on it. So, a spout cover is a good idea.
Bath Thermometer
Getting the right temperature for a baby’s bath can be nerve-wracking for a new mom! You don’t want it to be too cold or too hot! A floating bath thermometer can give you peace of mind that the water is the perfect goldilocks temperature.
Baby Wash
As we’ve mentioned, a newborn’s skin is sensitive and delicate. Special baby wash will ensure you get baby clean without causing irritation!
Baby Lotion
Lotion after bath will help keep the skin hydrated and healthy! Just ensure you grab a lotion made for infants so that it won’t irritate the skin.
Rinse Cup
When washing your child’s hair, you’ll want to avoid getting soap in their eyes. A handy rinse cup like this makes it easier to direct the flow of water and avoid pouring soapy water over the face.
Nursery Must-Haves for New Moms
Crib
As we said earlier, it’s recommended that your baby sleep in your room with you for 6 months – 1 year. However, at some point, they’ll need to move to their own room! Whether that’s after the full year or earlier than due to various factors. Any crib you purchase new will be compliant with the most updated safety guidelines to be a healthy and risk-free place for your child to sleep.
Make sure to read the max height and weight requirements for the crib and avoid buying any used crib made before 2011. It could have archaic and potentially dangerous features, like drop-side rails, wider slat gaps, lead paint, etc.. Additionally, don’t add anything to your crib like crib bumpers, crib tents, or mobiles. These can all pose safety risks.
Crib Mattress & Mattress Protector
Like cribs, as long as you buy new, your mattress will be compliant with safety guidelines. The mattress should be firm and fit snugly in your crib. You can also look for crib mattress with additional safety features like GREENGUARD Gold certifications and enhanced breathability.
While sleeping in their crib, babies will likely leak through their diaper from time-to-time and let’s not mention blowouts, spit-up, and other potential fluids that may end up on the bed! Since not all mattresses are super easy to clean, it’s best to have a mattress protector to make the cleaning process much easier and more thorough!
Crib Sheets
Some crib mattresses allow babies to sleep directly on the mattress fabric. However, when you do this, you have no protection if the infant soils the mattress. Sheets make sure your baby’s skin stays protected from potentially rough mattress covers and also provides extra protection if there are any leaks or blowouts! Plus, they’ll help tie your nursery together!
Changing Table and Dresser
A changing table isn’t essential, but many parents find having an elevated surface to do the diaper changes is really handy. The changing table often has additional storage for clothes and other supplies as well.
Glider or Rocking Chair
A glider or rocking chair will be useful for everything from bedtime stories to late night nursing sessions. You may be spending a lot of time here, so make sure to pick something comfortable!
Hamper
Keeping a small hamper in the nursery for dirty clothes and blankets will help you keep the floor safe and tidy.
Organization Essentials
As you can see, babies need a lot of stuff! Make sure you have a good way to organize all of your supplies and items for easy access.
Clothing Must-Haves for New Moms
Onesies/Bodysuits
We recommend you have 5-10 onesies/bodysuits in your baby’s closet! You’ll likely need newborn and 0-3 month size to start.
Bottoms
The same goes for bottoms! Have at least 5-10 in newborn and 0-3 month. However, you may need more or less depending on the season. For example, a summer baby will probably spend a lot of time in just an onesie/bodysuit whereas a winter baby will need long pants when they go out.
Sleepers/Footies
Realistically, your baby will probably spend most of their time in sleepers/footies. They’re just easy! Have at least 5-10 in newborn and 0-3 month sizes.
Booties or Socks
Your baby won’t often need socks or booties, so you probably need 5 pairs at a minimum. However, this may also differ based on when they’re born.
Hats
Keeping your newborns temperature regulated is important in those early months! Having 2-4 thin hats on hand is a good way to keep baby protected when you’re out and about.
Mittens
Newborns don’t have much control over their hands in the early weeks and months. Mittens can protect them from scratching their face and hurting themselves. However, you don’t want them on all the time as fine motor skill development is important at this age! So, a few pairs worn periodically is best.
Outerwear
For those colder days and months, your baby will need outerwear protection too! However, make sure that you dress them wisely and safely if they’re riding in their car seat. Here’s our guide to safely bundling up for the car seat.
Gentle Laundry Detergent
Standard laundry detergent (especially if it includes heavy fragrances, bleach, or other additives) can be too harsh on a baby’s skin. It’s best to have gentle laundry detergent specifically for your infant’s clothes.
Playtime Must-Haves for New Moms
Bouncer and/or Swing
Baby wraps and carriers are great for keeping your hands free throughout the day, but no one wants to baby wear 24/7. Other ways you can keep your baby soothed and entertained while you do other things are with a bouncer or swing! Just ensure that you follow all the safety guidelines expressed in the manuals.
Activity Gym
It won’t be long before baby is ready to play! Reaching for things, chewing on toys, rolling over, lifting their head, and more are all ways your baby is growing and advancing. Toys like activity gyms can help promote healthy development.
Activity Table and/or Jumper
As your baby gets a little older and gains some head control, an activity table or jumper are other useful pieces of baby gear that can keep your little one engaged and developing.
Books
It’s never too early to start reading to your babies! Early reading has actually been shown in studies to increase brain development, improve future academic performance, and better life outcomes. It’s invaluable!
Toys
You don’t need a lot of toys for a newborn, but a few can help with development and bonding in that first year! Just make sure whatever you purchase or register for is appropriate for the infant stage.
Car Seat Safe Toys
Keeping your baby content in the car seat often means keeping them entertained and distracted! So, it’s wise to invest in a few car seat safe toys to keep them occupied. These toys need to be soft-sided, so they’re not a projectile risk in a collision.
Play Mat
Your baby will spend a lot of time on the floor or on the ground while they play. To create a safe surface for them to lie down or sit while they play, you’ll want a wipeable play mat!
Postpartum Must-Haves for New Moms
Postpartum Pads/Mesh Underwear/Postpartum Underwear
We haven’t forgotten about you, mama! Once a baby is born, you’ll need some care too. One thing you’ll likely need is some type of absorbent pads or clothing to catch the discharge and fluids you’ll still be expelling post birth. Get something that feels comfortable and practical for you!
Peri Bottle
A peri bottle can be handy when you have stitches or tears postpartum. Wiping can be painful, so a peri bottle allows you to clean up after you use the restroom without causing pain or irritation.
Ice Packs
Speaking of pain, ice packs specially made for your vaginal area can help keep you comfortable while you heal.
Stool Softeners
Straining in the bathroom after a vaginal delivery or c-section can cause pain, so stool softeners can help make your first few bowel movements easier to pass. Of course, talk to your doctor before taking anything.
Pain Relievers
Recovering from a major ordeal like birth is a big deal! Often, your doctors will prescribe you some over-the-counter medication. Talk to your OBGYN about what you should have on hand.
Belly Binder
A belly binder can help provide support after giving birth! It can help with abdominal muscle healing, pain relief, posture improvement, and swelling reduction. Again, discuss using one with your doctor before making the choice to wear one.
These must-have baby essentials will help you be prepared for anything as a new mom!
If you’re expecting, congratulations! You’re embarking on the most incredible journey out there. However, like with any new adventure, there are a lot of unknowns. Having the right supplies can make all the difference when learning how to do life with your new baby.
As you navigate parenthood, make sure you bring Safe in the Seat with you! We provide trusted car seat and vehicle safety information that will help you keep your whole family safe on every ride. Browse our blog and keep us in mind any time you have a car seat question! We have the answer!
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