While I was pregnant and creating my baby registry, I was browsing a few friends old registries to see if there was anything I needed or yearned for. After being a new mom for a month, I’ve come to learn what has been super useful and what hasn’t. Here are my top 10 new mom must-haves (in no particular order).
1. Munchkin Warm Glow Wipe Warmer
I cannot rave about this product enough. I love it so much I even bought a second one to keep in our bedroom since our little nugget will sleep with us till she’s around six months old. We use Water Wipes and this warmer works wonders on a baby’s tush. No crying because of a cold wipe and it also helps get the pee and poops off her legs faster since it’s warmer.
2. Arm’s Reach Concepts Inc. Clear-Vue in Natural
This bedside bassinet is everything. I had the pleasure of meeting the owner of the company when I attended the ABC Kids Expo back in October for Red Tricycle and got to see this in person before someone bought it for me from my registry. One side folds down so you can keep a close eye on your little one while they’re sleeping. Perk: it’s on wheels, meaning it goes everywhere I do around my house. Also, baby can sleep in it up to six months, which is great since we’ll be transitioning her to her crib at that point.
3. Comotomo Natural Feel Baby Bottle in Green and Pink
Since our little one is having a hard time latching, I’ve been pumping and bottle feeding. Ultimately, I think this is the way we’re gonna go for a while, so I’m glad I discovered these. The slow-flow nipple is ideal so she doesn’t eat too quickly and with this bottle, she still attempts to latch to my breast, so there’s no confusion.
4. Little Martin’s Drawer Baby Nail File
courtesy of Amazon.com
This has been a lifesaver when it comes to “clipping” our little one’s nails. Instead of using actual baby nail clippers (which can nick their skin), it’s actually a nail buffer like what you see at nail salons. It truly doesn’t damage your baby’s skin if you accidentally touch their finger instead of their nail. Our little one loves getting her weekly manicures with this item. Note: it’s easier if you attempt while they’re dozing or asleep. They’ll be less likely to move!
5. Ubbi Odor Locking Steel Diaper Pail in Mint
If I could afford–and if it wouldn’t be stupid–two of these, I would. I’d keep one in my bedroom for those late night diaper changes and the other in the nursery. This thing is truly amazing. It does such a great job of hiding the odor from those dirty diapers and is easy to throw out once the bag is full. Just tie a knot at the top and toss it in your trash bin.
6. BEABA Babycook 4 in 1 Steam Cooker and Blender in Cloud
courtesy of Amazon.com
While I still have some time before I’ll be using this, I was able to see this product in person and get a walk through of it at the ABC Kids Expo this year. Once my little nugget will be introduced to blended solids, I’ll be using this like crazy to make my own blends.
7. Philips AVENT Microwave Steam Sterilizer
As a new mom, you hear horror stories of bottles and pacifiers and other necessities for your newborn getting bacteria and other nasty things on them because they aren’t sterilized. Instead of having to boil water multiple times a day, I wanted to find something that could be really useful for bottles, my pump equipment, pacifiers and basically anything that needs sterilizing. I just put everything in this sterilizer, put in the microwave for around 4 minutes and voila! Everything is steam sterilized and ready for use (once it dries, of course).
8. Boon Grass Counter Top Drying Rack
This goes hand-in-hand with the AVENT Microwave Steam Sterilizer. Once I’ve sterilized all my goodies, I’ll just throw them on this rack to air dry and within about a half hour, I can use what I’ve cleaned. Plus, it keeps things separate from my other dishes.
9. TaoTronics Cool Mist Humidifer
My little one is a tad bit congested, so having a cool mist humidifier in our room has been really helpful. We turn it on at night and set the timer for 10 hours and it distributes a cool mist in our room, keeping our baby’s nose from drying out (although we’ve been using saline drops in her nose, too) and keeping the air not too dry. I highly recommend getting a humidifier for your little one during the winter months.
10. Metene Medical Forehead and Ear Thermometer
Since our nugget has been congested, I’ve been checking her temperature religiously to ensure that she doesn’t have a cold. This thermometer literally takes her temp in two seconds and can be used on the forehead or in the ear. It really looks like something out of Star Trek (nerdy pun!) and is truly a lifesaver.
What were your new mom must-haves? Even if you’re a second or third time mom, what are your go-to essentials. Let me know in the comments below!
