Mommy Must-Haves

Today, I thought I’d share some of my favorite “Mommy Must Haves” with you… You know, just for fun! 😉

These are things that I feel like every new mom should have on hand. A few of these baby items have been a life saver and I wish with I would have known about them my first go-around!

Here are my top 16 all time favorite baby items.

The Boppy:

AHHH… That funny shaped horseshoe pillow! Great for nursing, propping baby in, tummy time… it has so many uses. It’s FANTASTIC and I highly recommend it! Go get yours today!!!!

Baby Swing:

Monster loved it and I hope Bug is a fan too! Ours has lights, music, and swings back-n-forth and side-to-side. It’s like the Cadillac of swings and in my opinion worth the splurge!

Rock N Play Sleeper:

This makes the list because it’s an awesome light-weight portable sleep option for newborns. Way better than carting around a Pack N Play or leaving them to sleep in a car seat when visiting family and friends. It’s soft, has a small incline (great for reflux babies) and has rock ability to sooth baby to sleep.

Car Seat/Stroller Combo:

So convenient to just pop the car seat out and put it right on the stroller. Won’t wake baby, no need to fuss with removing baby from seat to stroller or into a sling. A little pricier but worth it!

A Durable Diaper Bag:

Don’t cheap out. Get a nice diaper bag. Make sure it’s durable and going to hold up over time. And make it big enough that it can double as a purse. Nothing is worse than having to lug both.

Mylicon (Gas Drops):

Used these for Little Miss Monster at every feeding. The first 2 weeks home, she would fuss, arch her back, not burp well and her tummy would be hard. My poor girl had gas and I didn’t know how to relieve her of it. In walked Mylicon and instantly transformed my cranky baby into a pleasant little thing. These work wonders. Maybe you won’t need them… BUT if you do, it’s better to have them on hand JUST IN CASE!!!! I don’t wish a 5 hour crying fit in the middle of the night on anyone.

Good Nursing Bra (if nursing):

Make sure it’s comfortable and easy to maneuver. You don’t want to be struggling with a bra when your baby is crying of hunger! And don’t spend too much on it. They don’t need to be fashionable. I got mine at Wal Mart for about $12.

Breast Pump (if pumping):

If you’re gonna pump, do yourself a favor and get yourself a double electric pump. It will cut your pump time in half. Before purchasing your pump though, CALL YOUR INSURANCE!!!! See what they will provide. My insurance covered my pump 100%!!!! You may need to pay a little extra for a double electric style but much cheaper than paying the entire cost out-of-pocket!

Pumping/Nursing Needs:

Lansinoh cream, breast pads, milk storage bags

Free and Clear Laundry Detergent:

I used to splurge on Dreft, the all popular “baby detergent”, but any fragrance free sensitive detergent should work and for a fraction of the price!

Diapers (Newborns and 1s):

I recommend having both sizes on hand. You never know what size you will need. You may need the Newborn’s, but don’t open them though. If baby is too big for them you can return them for another size.

Desitin:

My go to diaper rash cream. Use it as a barrier before rash hits as a preventative measure. Some babies are more prone to diaper rash than others!

Johnson & Johnson products:

The best baby soaps and lotions in my opinion! I ALWAYS go for the purple bottles though. It’s the night-time kind but smells soooo good! There is nothing wrong with the pink or yellow kinds, but I could sniff my baby bathed in the purple stuff for days!! 🙂

Swaddle Blankets & Burp Cloths:

Not sure you can ever have enough of these! Make sure you have a supply handy. You’ll be surprised how quickly your baby will leak, dribble or throw up on them!

Sleep CD:

I don’t know that all babies need this but Monster slept so much better with one. We have a classical CD we played in her room 24-7 that seemed to soothe her like nothing else. We will be using it again for Baby Bug!

Hand Sanitizer: