10 Baby must-haves for first-time moms
Getting ready for your first baby? While no one can fully prepare for the joyful and chaotic adventure of parenthood, you can ready your home by stocking up on the basic essentials as well as a few unique baby must-haves for first-time moms.
In this article, we’ll list items that we consider baby must-haves for first-time parents. Some are more unique items that may not have occurred to you. Others are more common baby products that you won’t want to forget. All of them will make your life easier.
After you check out the list of must-haves for your baby, keep reading for a few items that are must-haves for you. After all, you’ll need to take care of yourself as a brand-new mom, too!
Baby must-haves for first-time moms
1) Infrared thermometer
As a first-time mom, taking a rectal temperature (yes, that means up their tiny bottom) may be intimidating to you. If that’s the case, rest assured that there’s another option.
An infrared thermometer, such as a touchless forehead thermometer, allows you to check your baby’s temperature in a less invasive way.
2) Disposable changing pads
You probably have a changing table and changing pad on your baby registry, but we think disposable changing pads are also baby must-haves.
These pads are exactly what they sound like — changing pads that can go straight in the trash when you’re finished. With a disposable changing pad, you can put your baby on a clean surface for a diaper change no matter where you are.
Whether you’re on an outdoor excursion, on a plane, or changing your baby’s diaper in the back of your car, disposable pads are your new best friend.
3) Stroller
A stroller might seem like an obvious baby necessity, but it’s important to remember that not every stroller is created equal! Just like families come in all shapes and sizes, strollers do, too. When choosing a stroller, consider your family, your favorite pastimes, and where you live.
For example, if you’re looking for an all-terrain stroller, turn to our Fox 3 with its advanced suspension and fingertip push.
For a light-footed wanderer of a stroller, go with the Lynx, which is our lightest full-size stroller. Meanwhile, with its compact design and comfortable build, the Bee 6 is the perfect city stroller. Or choose our ultra compact stroller with a one-second fold, the Butterfly.
And, finally, if you’re expecting twins, choose a double stroller, such as our Donkey 5, that offers room for two with space to spare!
4) Sleepers with a zipper
If you’ve changed a baby’s diaper, especially in a rush or in the sleepy stupor of the middle of the night, you’ll know: Nobody’s got time to deal with snaps on sleepers.
Sleepers with a zipper (instead of snaps) are a baby must-have for a new mom. They offer easy-on and easy-off for diaper changes.
5) Sleep sacks
If you already have swaddles on your baby essentials list, don’t forget to add sleep sacks, too.
Swaddling helps your newborn feel cozy and secure, but your alittle one won’t always sleep in a swaddle. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends transitioning your baby out of a swaddle when they start trying to roll over — usually when they are three or four months old.
When that transition comes, put your baby to sleep in a sleep sack since it isn’t safe for them to sleep with a blanket at that age.
6) Baby monitor
Some baby products are especially effective at helping you rest easy. A baby monitor will put your new-mom heart at ease since it lets you keep an eye on your snoozing baby while you’re in another room.
7) Car seat
A car seat is a must-have from birth on. In fact, you won’t be able to go home from the hospital without it. Purchase your baby’s car seat early and install it in your car well before your due date.
To easily transition your baby from the car to the stroller, we recommend a car seat stroller. This means the car seat fits into the stroller base (called a chassis) as well as the car seat base in your car.
The Bugaboo Turtle One by Nuna are our two car seats, which are both compatible with all current Bugaboo strollers. From car to stroller without skipping a beat, these car seats keep your baby secure and make your life simpler.
8) Play yard
While you’ll create a warm and welcoming nursery in your home, use a play yard to give your baby their own special place when you’re traveling — even if it’s just from room to room.
A highly portable play yard, the Bugaboo Stardust unfolds in one second and folds back in three seconds thanks to its all-in-one design and built-in mattress.
The zip-in mattress is adjustable to two heights, making it easy to lift your newborn in and out without bending over. Plus, count on comfort for your baby with breathable mesh, increased airflow, and durable, chemical-free, high-quality fabrics.
9) Humidifier
If you don’t have a humidifier, you might want one once you have a baby in your house. Because a humidifier pumps moisture into the air, it’s useful to help relieve a stuffy nose and soothe dry skin.
10) Portable white noise machine
Sleep is precious for new parents. A white noise machine drowns out street noise to help your baby sleep like a log.
Consider purchasing a portable white noise machine as well so that your baby can snooze as soundly as possible no matter where life takes the both of you.
Must-haves for moms
Must-have baby items should be on the top of your list, but don’t forget to take care of yourself, too. Before we wrap up, we’ll offer a few items that we consider essentials for new moms.
Stroller accessories
A stroller lets your baby ride whether you’re weaving through city sidewalks or strolling in the neighborhood. With the right stroller accessories, the stroller turns into a baby product that makes life easy and comfortable for you as well.
While a parasol, seat liner, or snack tray adds comfort and ease for your baby, a cup holder, smartphone holder, and stroller organizer make the stroll enjoyable for you, too.
Diaper bag
A diaper bag is an obvious must-have but, just like with stroller accessories, we’d encourage you to think about a diaper bag that serves you as well as your baby. After all, you’re the one carrying it.
The Bugaboo changing backpack lets you carry all your baby’s essentials while staying fashionable. In addition to being cute, it offers a rainproof outside, a spill-proof inside, and multiple pockets, including a 17” laptop compartment.
Feeding pillow
You may be able to stack a few pillows to support your arm while you’re nursing or bottle-feeding your baby, but why not treat yourself to a breastfeeding pillow?
They’re specially designed to provide the support you need so you can get into the ideal position and stay comfortable while you’re at it — no matter how you feed your baby.
Baby carrier
Holding your baby close makes both of you feel good. With a baby carrier, keep them snuggled up to you while also keeping your hands free. If there’s one thing that a new mom always needs, it’s extra hands.
Special pillow for sitting
If you have a vaginal birth, sitting could be uncomfortable for a few days. But breastfeeding and taking it easy usually involve a lot of sitting. What’s a new mom to do? Get a donut cushion.
A donut cushion is a special pillow that’s designed to help you sit comfortably postpartum.
Cold packs and a heating pad
Speaking of discomfort, for any post-delivery aches and pains that you might have, turn to a cold pack and a heating pad.
Note: If your intuition tells you that your discomfort goes beyond normal postpartum woes, call your doctor.
Ready and waiting with baby must-haves for first-time moms
Expecting your first baby is an exciting time but can also come with its fair share of nerves. Prepare for your baby’s arrival by purchasing the baby must-haves for first-time moms that we mentioned in this article.
Opt for an infrared thermometer, disposable changing pads, a stroller that jives with your family, and other handy products, like a Turtle One by Nuna car seat and a Stardust play yard.
Finally, don’t forget essentials for you, such as stroller accessories, a stylish diaper bag, and a special pillow for sitting.
When you’re stocked up on what you and your baby will need, all that’s left to do is eagerly await their arrival!