When I became a mom, I quickly realized how overwhelming it can feel trying to figure out what you actually need for your baby. With two little ones, I’ve tested my fair share of products; some were total game-changers, and others… not so much.
This list is filled with the items that made my parenthood journey smoother, calmer, and a little more joyful. Whether you’re a first-time mom or looking for smart additions for baby number two, these are the products I’d recommend to every parent.
Sleep Essentials
Love To Dream Swaddle • Two-Way Zipper Onesies • Humidifier • Dummies • Blackout Blinds • White Noise Machine
Sleep is everything in those early months, for baby and for you. These sleep essentials helped us create a cozy, womb-like environment that encouraged longer stretches of rest.
The Love To Dream Swaddle was a lifesaver, with its arms-up design allowing both my babies to self-soothe while staying snug.
Two-way zipper onesies made those middle-of-the-night changes so much easier (because who wants to fumble with snaps at 3 a.m.?).
A humidifier kept the air gentle on their little noses, and blackout blinds, along with a white noise machine, turned the nursery into a calm, sleep-friendly space. And let’s not forget dummies, they worked wonders to settle my little ones when nothing else would.
For monitoring, I used both a smart security camera and a baby monitor, which let me keep an eye on my little one without disturbing their sleep, while the Owlet/Snuza Hero breathing monitors gave me the extra reassurance that they were sleeping safely.
These are the products that gave us the gift of precious sleep—and we all know how much that’s worth.
Bathtime Favourites
Angelcare Baby Bath Support • Frida Baby DermaFrida SkinSoother & Cradle Cap Treatment • Cetaphil Baby Wash & Lotion • Soft Wash Cloths & Towels • Rinse Cup
Bath time went from intimidating to one of my favorite parts of the day thanks to these essentials.
The Angelcare Bath Support made washing a tiny, wriggling newborn so much safer and more comfortable. I loved draping a warm washcloth over their belly and gently pouring water over it to keep them cozy. In the first three months, I kept things simple—just warm water and a little Cetaphil Baby Lotion for hydration. Later, I introduced the gentle Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo, which quickly became a favorite.
For cradle cap, the Frida Baby SkinSoother paired with their treatment system worked wonders without irritating my baby’s sensitive scalp. Add in soft towels, gentle washcloths, and a simple rinse cup, and bath time became less about stress and more about sweet, splashy memories.
Diapering Must-Haves
Skip Hop Baby Changing Pad • Kopi Baby Portable Changing Pad • Disposable Changing Pads • Butt Paste • Diaper Caddy • Quality Diapers & Wipes
Diaper changes may not be glamorous, but with the right setup, they don’t have to be chaotic.
The Skip Hop Changing Pad was perfect for our nursery with its wipe-clean surface and cushioned design. For quick changes on the go, the Kopi Baby Portable Pad and Disposable Changing Pads saved me so many times.
A diaper caddy became my secret weapon for keeping everything organized and within reach, diapers, wipes, creams, all ready no matter where I was in the house. And for protecting those tiny bottoms, nothing worked better for us than Boudreaux’s Butt Paste.
Feeding Essentials
Burp Cloths & Receiving Blankets • Bottles • Bottle Warmer • Bottle Sterilizer & Brush • Bibs
Feeding a newborn often feels like a full-time job, and these essentials made it so much smoother.
Soft, absorbent burp cloths and receiving blankets were always within arm’s reach for spit-ups and spills. Finding the right bottles for my babies reduced gas and fussiness, and the bottle warmer was a game-changer for late-night feeds.
Daily sterilizing felt far less overwhelming with a reliable bottle sterilizer and brush, and bibs saved countless outfits from milk stains. These items kept both me and my babies a little happier (and a lot cleaner) during those endless feeding sessions.
On-the-Go Favourites
Carrier & Wrap • Diaper Bag • Kopi Baby Portable Changing Pad • Window Sun Shade • Disposable Nappy Bags
Leaving the house with a baby is no small feat, but these products made it manageable, even enjoyable.
A soft wrap and ergonomic carrier kept my babies close and content while giving me hands-free freedom. Window sun shades kept car rides cool and comfy, and disposable nappy bags were a must for dealing with messes (and smells!) while out and about.
A well-organized diaper bag stocked with all the essentials (including a portable changing pad) meant I was always prepared for surprises.
Why These Essentials Made My List
Motherhood is full of challenges, but the right tools can make such a difference. These are the products that saved my sanity, soothed my babies, and turned the everyday moments into something a little more beautiful.
Whether you’re building your registry or looking for those “why didn’t I buy this sooner?” items, I hope this list helps you feel more prepared and a little less overwhelmed.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you.
