First-time mom essentials

As a first-time mom, everything is scary. My mom, other moms, and of course, google were my best friends. I had to ensure I was doing everything right and had everything the baby needed. I was what you would call a serial searcher. From breastfeeding, are walkers good or bad for babies’ development, which bottles to get, which swing set I need, how to sleep train, the best diapers, best toys, best strollers, car seats, clothes, the list goes on and on and on. The truth is, your baby won’t need half the stuff you get for a while.

As a mother, we want to feel prepared for every scenario, and that’s completely fine. But what sucks is when you have five different chairs built around the house, and only one is being used. Or all the toys you thought your baby would love, but instead, the box or blanket are their favorite things to play with and hold. We want the best for our babies, but is becoming a victim of capitalism what we want? I mean, babies will have us breaking the bank at Target or on Amazon because there are so many cute things we want our babies to have and play with, but truth be told, our babies will always want us over that brand-new toy.

Below I’ve made a list of my First-time mom essentials. Hopefully, this list will help you save money and think about what you choose to buy for your baby moving forward as they grow.

1. Baby Car seat and Stroller

Now a baby car seat is at the top of the list because this will be what your baby rides home in. Of course, it is the most critical decision ever since it will keep your child safe and secure. Plus, we want it to be as comfortable as possible for the baby. After doing intense research, I found the car seat of my choice was the Chicco Bravo 3-in-1 Trio Travel System. This chair was passed down from my firstborn to my second and will soon be used for my third child’s arrival. It comes with a chair and has a stroller and seat for when your baby is old enough to sit up by themselves, making a pleasant stroll outside easier. It also has ample room in its basket for your and your baby’s items, with an adjustable handle for different heights. It’s comfortable and cozy in the winter, easy to take in and out of the car, and will keep the baby safe! Now my needs may differ from yours, so consider your situation thoroughly. My family is constantly on the go to visit family, take day trips, and get to those Dr appointments. If you’re lucky enough to be within walking distance for many of your needs, then maybe a car seat isn’t necessary. Here is an excellent alternative, yet a little pricey, the UPPAbaby Cruz V2. I like this one because you can purchase the travel system or buy the stroller and car seat separately. It is also adaptable with Infant Snugseat insert and bassinet, which can be used for the newborn stage and up, or the Mesa Car seat, which needs no adaptors.

2. A Boppy or nursing pillow

Boppy’s, also known as breastfeeding pillows, are designed to provide support and comfort for a breastfeeding mother and her baby. They can help position the baby correctly for breastfeeding, reducing strain on the mother’s arms, shoulders, and neck. They can also prop, allow baby to sit, play on or help support your little one during tummy time.

In my opinion, here is the best boppy I’ve found—the Momcozy Nursing Pillow.

3. Nipple Balm

If breastfeeding, this one goes without question; your nips will be chapped and sore. A nipple balm can soften the skin and reduce cracking. Some people use lanolin-based creams or coconut oil on the nipples after breastfeeding. Some also put breastmilk on their nipples and let it dry; this can prevent cracking and has antibacterial properties. In my experience, breast milk can be a little sticky, so it is not my go-to.

On the other hand, lanolin is a wax made from sheep wool. Kind of a turn-off for me, but hey, that’s just my opinion. I prefer a more natural product since my baby will eat the cream while feeding. So coconut oil, breast milk, and nipple balms like Earth Mama are my go-to. Earth Mama comes in 2fl oz but will last you a long time. I’m on my 3rd baby and still have a pack of Earth Mama that I received from my first baby shower. Not only does it make your nipples feel soft and moisturized, but it can also be used as a lip balm for the family.

4. Thermometer

No one wants their little one to get sick, but it happens. It’s better to be prepared and keep a good thermometer on hand. There are many ways to check your baby’s temperature, but the most accurate reading comes from the rectum. Eventually, you can start using a forehead thermometer or under the tongue, but when your baby is tiny, we want to make sure we’re getting a proper reading, a reading from under the tongue is impossible with an infant, and forehead thermometers tend to be off by 0.5 to 1 degrees. I always suggest the FridaBaby Quick-Read Digital Rectal Thermometer. It has a flexible tip, a parent-proof stopper (to avoid hurting the baby), and a quick 10-second read.

5. Baby Carrier

This is needed when you need to do things that leave your hands free, such as washing dishes, doing laptop work, cleaning, or if you want to go on a walk without bringing your stroller. There are so many different baby carriers for different needs and looks. Make sure to find your favorite one; just be mindful that each baby carrier has its pros and cons. Here is my favorite one and why. I was gifted the Ergobaby Omni, and I love it.

The pros: It’s great if you have any back pain. Moms can use it in all ways, front carry facing mom, front carry facing out, hip carry, and back carry. There is a head, and neck support pillow for the baby, a lumbar support waistbelt, a baby hood tucked away, and extra padded shoulder straps. In the long run, all of this is worth supporting your back and carrying your baby.

Cons: It’s a bit pricey, so if you buy this, make sure to gift it to another mom to make the most use of it.

6. Self-care regimen

Lastly, make sure you get lots of rest when you can. It is ok to put things aside for later and take care of yourself first. As first-time moms, we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to try and make everything look perfect. The most important part of being a first-time mom is to understand you will look and feel like a hot mess for a while, so get to know yourself as a new mom. Don't get distracted by the outside world, such as Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook, or even friends and family. Accept the help, put things off until you're ready and able to do them, be kind to yourself, spend as much time as possible with your baby, and understand you're learning just as all moms had to at one point. The great thing about being a mom is that there is no one way to do something. A great mom will never stop learning. Know that you're doing a fantastic job as long as you give your best.