First Time Mom Must Haves For 0-3 Month Baby

This may sound silly, but a part of the fun of being a first time mom, is that you can’t fully comprehend what your life will look like until the baby arrives! You learn as you go, and you find your rhythm together. It’s a beautiful wonder! With that said, there are some items that will undoubtedly make your transition into motherhood smoother. Here is a comprehensive list of all the things I find essential and worth purchasing for this precious newborn phase of life! 💖✨

nursing

Nursing Stool: Nursing is all about ergonomics! Believe it or not, most couches and chairs are not designed with breastfeeding mothers in mind. That’s why having a small stool to prop your legs up is helpful because it brings the baby closer to your chest and allows you to have good posture without killing your back from leaning over all the time.

Brest Friend Nursing Pillow: You’ll see many moms use the boppy pillow for nursing, but honestly, the brest friend is waaaaaay better if you ask me (and a lot of other moms who are familiar with brest friend pillow.) While the boppy is good for many other things, the brest friend is truly your best friend while nursing! It supports the baby in all the right ways and has an adjustable strap that wraps around your waist so you can get the perfect height to help baby latch.

The Womanly Art Of Breastfeeding Book: No joke, The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding was my breastfeeding bible in the beginning days! In the index, you can find just about any word, subject, or question related to breastfeeding. It also has excellent illustrations of various nursing positions.

Nipple Shields: Nipple Shields help with sore nipples, latch difficulties, amongst many other things! Most lactation consultants do not recommend using nipple shields unless necessary, but there are some cases when nipple shields are indeed needed! I used them for the first handful of weeks out of desperation, and I’ll probably use them again next time around!

Organic Nipple Cream: Nipple cream must be an essential item for most moms because I see so many moms recommend it! As for me, I didn’t end up using it, except for occasional chapstick 😜.

Disposable Nursing Pads: Leaky boobs are a struggle for the first couple of months. Nursing pads are key if you want to step foot outside the home for a quick minute.

Nursing bra: I found some nice ones at H&M that I really like!

Nursing Night Light (Dimmable): These lights are awesome for middle-of-the-night nursing! They have auto dusk to dawn sensor and you can adjust the brightness to your liking. My only minor complaint is that it’s a led light. Next time around I’ll probably get one with an amber light.

Muslin Nursing Blanket: I’m not the best at covering up while nursing, but I find muslin blankets to be the easiest to use when I must. I like how breathable and soft the material is. 

Breast Pump: Even if you plan on solely breastfeeding, it’s a good idea to have a breast pump because there will be days when you’ll have an oversupply of milk (especially the first three months), and you want to save that precious milk and store it for later.

Tip: Check with your insurance company before purchasing a pump. Many insurance companies will supply you with one. I linked (in the title) the exact pump that our insurance company provided- It works great!

Cosomotom Baby Bottle: Cosomotom bottles are a favorite for many moms!

Dr. Browns Bottle Warmer: This is a fantastic bottle warmer. All you need to do is fill its reservoir with water and add a timer for 3-5 minutes, and voilà, your mother-milk is ready!

Breast Milk Storage Bags: Storage bags with the twist lid work best!

Baby Bottle Brush: If you are bottle-feeding your baby, you will want a quality bottle brush. 

Toys & Play

Baby Play Mat: We spend a couple of hours every day giggling, lounging around, and just being merry on the mat. However, sadly, I can’t recommend the brand we have because it has started to peel after only a few months. On to another search for a PEEL-FREE, non-toxic, waterproof, easy to assemble, and cute design baby mat- is that too much to ask for?

Baby Books: Gotta love the public library to keep the baby book flow fresh!

Crinkle Books: Crinkle books are a fun way to introduce different textures, colors, and sounds. Naomi really enjoys this from amazon.

Infant Baby Chair: The first baby chair we had was a hand-me-down. I frequently see these infant chairs on the marketplace for suuuuper cheap. I’d check there before buying a new one.

Baby Music: I have a playlist for Naomi on my Spotify account. Her most favorite song is Snowflake (no matter the season). I get a smile out of her every time!

sleep

Video Baby Monitor: A baby monitor is a must-have. I like this one because it’s an affordable price, comes with a zoom lens, and just gets the job done (2020 Award Winner).

Portable Blackout Curtain Shade with Suction Cups: Black-out curtains are a game-changer. I particularly like these curtains because they don’t require a rod to hang them; instead, they use suction cups (that actually stick). Also, the curtains are portable, so you can take them with you when you’re traveling.

White Noise Machine: I didn’t start using the sound machine until four months, but I thought I’d add it now if moms want to start integrating it sooner.

Bedside Bassinette: We have a bedside bassinette. However, we don’t use it because we are co-sleeping. Either way, you’ll want to consider what you will need for your sleeping arrangements.

Frigg Pacifiers: These are the only pacifiers we own, and they are just stinking adorable. They are made in Denmark, so of course, they are quality material (free of BPA, PVC, and phthalates) and beautifully designed. I love the neutral colors. They blend beautifully with soft baby skin. 

Sleep Sacks: We don’t use sleep sacks, but I know a lot of mamas who swear by them. Halo Brand seems to be popular amongst my friends. If I were to go the sleep sack route though, I would try to find one without the front zipper. The KYTE baby brand checks all my boxes. They have them on Amazon as well.

Swaddle Blanket: This brand is seriously amazing!!! Their blankets have the softest material. I swaddle my girl up in it every night. Simply love Lou Lou Company!

baby care supplies

Baby Hamper: Go splurge on a cute baby hamper! It’s pretty adorable to see a mini hamper in the baby’s room.

Also, separating the baby’s clothes from yours will help protect the baby’s skin from getting irritated.

Unscented Sensitive Skin Baby Laundry Detergent: We use the seventh generation sensitive skin baby brand and haven’t had any issues with it.

Diapers: As of right now, I don’t have a favorite brand. I am still in the process of trying out the different ones. All I can say about diapers is to put them on your registry!!! And ask for bigger sizes. You will be grateful to have some stocked up and ready for the future.

Unscented Water Wipes: Unscented water wipes just make the most sense for the baby! Actually, I don’t see the purpose in ever using fragranced wipes (yuck, chemicals).

Skip Hop Diaper Pail: I did a lot of research on diaper pails, and I landed on this fantastic Skip Hop Diaper Pail as the winner. I tried to like the diaper genie everyone swears by, but I couldn’t bear using those bright orange bags. I also knew I wouldn’t be able to keep up with purchasing them. So I returned it and got myself a Skip Hop Diaper Pail, and I’m incredibly pleased with it!

Baby Bath: One of my favorite items on the list is this baby bath! I like that baby can lounge and be comfortable without needing me to support her head the whole time.

Baby Body Soap: I have used a couple of different organic soap brands, and I haven’t noticed much difference. I mainly look for fragrance-free, natural products and have the least amount of ingredients. We are currently using the honest baby soap.

Mustela Cradle Cap Foam Shampoo: Little Naomi had a moderate case of cradle cap. At one point, she was even losing her hair because of it (tear). I used this french product for two months, and the cradle cap went away with some careful scrubbing. My only regret is not using it sooner when I noticed she had something going on with her scalp.

Organic Unrefined Virgin Coconut Oil: We use coconut oil instead of baby lotion. I lather Naomi up in coconut oil every night after her bath, and she smells so delicious! I don’t recommend buying it from Amazon, though. I’d go to your local grocery store instead.

Also, don’t fall for the expensive products labeled as coconut oil “for skin and hair.” Just go down the baking aisle and look for Organic Unrefined Virgin Coconut Oil. You’ll save money that way.

Nose Frida: How could I not add the famous nose sucker? As disgusting as it may sound, it’s a newborn essential. We use it all the time! 

Baby Finger Nail Clippers: Babies’ fingernails grow so stinking fast!!! It seems like I’m clipping Naomi’s nails every other day.

Baby Thermometer: A baby thermometer is one of those first aid items every family should have in their medicine cabinet.

Baby Tylenol: Baby Tylenol is also nice to have on hand.

Muslin Burp Cloths: I have several different brands of burp cloths, but my favorite is the organic muslin cotton cloths!

travel

Solly Wrap: MY ALL-TIME FAVORITE ITEM ON HERE! Baby wraps are the best for feeling attached to baby, and baby attached to mama. Babies feel most safe and secure when near your chest and can hear your heartbeat. It reminds them of being in the womb. If you live in a warmer climate, solly wraps are great. If you are in a colder climate, I’d go with a boba wrap.

Infant car seat: Unfortunately I can’t recommend a brand here because Naomi did not like the one I got her from Amazon. If I could go back in time, I would purchase a nicer one.

Baby Car Mirror: I returned a few others before landing on this car mirror. I like that it’s easy to adjust the position and stays in place.

Baby Car Sunshade: I haven’t found a great sunshade that I am 100% pleased with yet from amazon. But Target has some decent options.

Baby On Board Sticker: I found adorable “tiny human on board” stickers on Etsy. It makes my heart happy every time I see the one we have.

Bamboo Waterproof Changing Pad Liners: Whenever we are on the road we use these pads to lay baby on while changing her.

Travel Bag (Aka Diaper Bag): If you are a trendy mom then you’ll likely find a bag that is super duper cute and has all the perfect little compartments for all things baby. But if you are anything like me, and land more on the frugal (not so trendy) side, you can just use any large bag, backpack, or tote. It does the job just fine! 

clothing

Organic Cotton Bodysuits from Etsy: Okay, I am genuinely obsessed with this Etsy shop!!! A friend gifted us these funky bodysuits, and now it’s all we use for sleeping and chilling around the house. I like that it doesn’t have any buttons or zippers in the front, so it doesn’t disturb the baby’s skin. It’s made with thick material so you can rest assured baby is warm & cozy, especially during the winter months.

The sizes run bigger, which I like because baby Naomi is all chunk. I especially love the pants, like love, love, LOVE them. They are stretchy and expandable, so nothing restricts her waist area. Little Naomi can breathe and let that baby belly hang out. Bonus: the shop is a gender-neutral line.

Kyte Bamboo Body Suits: I love these basic bamboo bodysuits. They are super soft, stretchy, and breathable. I’m all about soft and comfortable clothing, can you tell?? The short-sleeve ones are good for combatting summer heat, and the long sleeve bodysuits are perfect for layering up during the winter months.

These Classic Booties: I tried several booties from amazon and returned them all because they just didn’t measure up to these classic booties. 

Socks: These are the only socks that don’t fall off Naomi’s feet, so I’m a fan!

Gowns: You’ll want a handful of gowns for the baby’s initial arrival. You will thank yourself later if you buy several pajamas rather than all the cutesy stuff. The focus needs to be on warmth, comfort, and security while the baby is getting oriented to their new world.

Receiving Blankets: Blankets, blankets, blankets, you literally can’t have enough of these.

Baby Caps: For those first few weeks, I had Naomi in a cap the majority of the time (even when sleeping) to ensure she maintained a good body temperature.

Baby Hangers: Little bitty baby hangers may not be essential, but they sure are darling!

items I wish I would have purchased with my first baby:

Swing: If I could go back in time, I would purchase a swing just to give myself a break here and there.

DockAtot: Every baby I see in the dockatot looks so cozy and snug. I’ll for sure get one of these next time around.

What This Mama Is Currently Loving:

Foam Roller: I’ve been using my foam roller to aid with back pain from bending over all the time. 

WEIGHTED BLANKET: I love a good self-care item. I use my weighted blanket to feel grounded. 

Sama Tea: The most gorgeous tea blends out there! 

WALNUTS: Consuming a handful of organic walnuts every day to combat mood symptoms.

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