Postpartum was a whirlwind for me, especially dealing with postpartum anxiety. There were days when it felt like everything was just too much to handle. But some of my favorite products helped me get through those tough times and conquer being a first-time mom with postpartum anxiety. I have to admit, when I was making my baby registry, I was totally focused on cute toys and clothes โ things I didnโt really need. I mean, who knew you could have too many cloth bibs and hooded towels? (Spoiler: I still havenโt used most of them!)
Now, five years later, Iโm updating this blog with the real essentials. Here are the must-haves for new moms on your baby registry โ the products that will actually make your life easier and help you feel more prepared. So, whether youโre putting together your baby registry checklist, baby shopping list for first-time moms, or just looking for baby must-haves, these are the nine items that have stood the test of time and motherhood.
Baby Must Have: 4moms MamaRoo Multi-Motion Baby Swing
The 4moms MamaRoo Multi-Motion Baby Swing was an absolute lifesaver for us. My daughter absolutely loved it, and it became my go-to spot to place her while I was washing dishes, eating, or even taking a shower (where I could keep an eye on her, of course!). The soothing motions and gentle rocking kept her entertained and calm, and we used this thing so much until she couldn’t fit in it anymore.
This swing features 5 parent-inspired motions, 5 speeds, and 4 built-in sounds to keep your baby soothed and entertained. The Find Your Roo function on the 4moms app takes the guesswork out of finding the perfect motion and speed combination for your little one. With Bluetooth functionality, you can stream your favorite music and easily adjust the motion, speed, or sound. It also boasts Wi-Fi smart home integration, allowing for voice control with Amazon Alexa and Google Home (currently in Beta phase). The convertible harness can switch from 5-point to 3-point as needed, and the toy mobile with interactive, reversible toy balls includes a rattle, mirror, and crinkle ball. The adjustable recline ensures your baby is always comfortable. This swing truly made those early months so much easier and more manageable.
The 4moms Breeze Plus Portable Playard was an absolute game-changer for us, especially in those early months. We actually used it right beside our bed when she was first born, which made those nighttime feedings and diaper changes so much easier. As she got older and started crawling, this playard grew with her. We could remove the bassinet part and use it to contain her when I needed to use the restroom or wash dishes, giving me peace of mind knowing she was safe.
The Breeze Plus is the easiest playard to set up and take down โ just push down to set up and pull up to take down. (I had to put that in red because kids and baby products are not simple. When you find something actually easy to travel with you want to scream it from the rooftops!) Anyways, It comes with a bassinet, changing table, and travel bag, consolidating your babyโs essential care into one portable place. The bassinet offers a comfortable spot for rest, and the convenient flip changer allows for quick diapering and clothing changes. As your baby grows, you can remove the bassinet to provide a safe space for relaxing and playing. The Breeze Plus Playard is safe, durable, and makes traveling with kids a breeze, whether youโre headed to grandmaโs for the night or on a family vacation.
Iโve posted so much about our Hatch Baby Sound Machine, and I SWEAR by this thing! My daughter has used it since the day she was born, and I think weโll be packing it for when she goes to college. Seriously, itโs that good. Now, five years later, we are still using the original Hatch Baby Sound Machine โ not even kidding.
The Hatch Baby Sound Machine is a must-have for every nursery, offering customizable sounds and a nightlight to create the perfect sleep environment. Itโs controlled via an app, making it super user-friendly and ensuring your baby gets the rest they need from day one. This sound machine has been a lifesaver for us, providing consistent, soothing sounds that help my daughter sleep soundly through the night. It’s one of those baby registry must-haves that you’ll be grateful for every single day.
Pinxav will always have a special place in my heart. Weโve used this non-toxic diaper rash cream since the minute she was born, and it gets rid of her rashes within 1-2 uses. Addy has super sensitive skin, so we use it at least 1-2 times a week. And guess what?! I still have the SAME tube I bought before she was born! (Sheโs 5 years old now.) It lasts FOREVER.
Pinxav Diaper Cream features a powerful, non-toxic formula that provides quick relief from diaper rashes and irritation. Its gentle ingredients are perfect for sensitive skin, making it a staple in any nursery. This diaper cream is a baby must-have and a lifesaver for new moms dealing with diaper rash. Add it to your baby registry checklist and thank me later!
The hype around Comotomo bottles is REAL!! And I swear, THE Comotomo Bottles taught Addy how to latch. When we first brought her home, she wouldnโt latch, so I was pumping for her. EVERY bottle we tried gave her such painful gasโexcept the Comotomo Bottles. Then, about two months later, I decided to try latching her randomly, and she did it with NO problem for the first time ever. The Comotomo Bottles closely mimic the breast, have airflow to prevent gas, and are FREAKING AWESOME. Donโt waste your time or money on any other bottle than the Comotomo Bottles.
Comotomo Bottles are designed to make feeding time a breeze for both mom and baby. Their unique design closely mimics breastfeeding, making it easier for babies to transition between breast and bottle. The anti-colic vents prevent gas and fussiness, ensuring a comfortable feeding experience. These bottles are definitely a baby must-have and should be at the top of your baby registry checklist. Trust me, you won’t regret adding them to your baby shopping list for first-time moms.
I could not have survived seven months of exclusive pumping if it wasnโt for the Baby Bottle Sanitizer. I was able to easily sanitize my pumping bottles and pump parts between every use, ensuring they were always clean and safe for Addy. This Baby Bottle Sanitizer doesn’t deteriorate the bottles and gets them the cleanest possible. We’ve had this sanitizer for almost 10 months, and it is still going strong. It’s steam-based, not UV, which I prefer. This sanitizer is a true baby must-have and a lifesaver for any mom who is pumping or bottle-feeding. Add it to your baby registry checklist to make your life so much easier.
Okay, every baby is different when it comes to what pacifier they will take. We tried every pacifier under the sun, and still to this day, Addy will only take the MAM Pacifiers. Sheโs weaned off the pacifier during the day and only uses them for naps and bedtime now.
MAM Pacifiers have been a game-changer for us. Their unique design and orthodontic shape make them a favorite for babies, providing comfort and soothing relief. If you’re putting together your baby registry checklist or baby shopping list for first-time moms, these pacifiers are a must-have. They might not be the cutest, but they WORK, and thatโs what matters most.
Okay, so EZPZ Plates & Silicone Bibs were something I wish I had registered for so I didnโt have to stress order on Amazon. When Addy first started eating solids, she ate directly off her high chair. Let me tell you, it is a pain to have to clean the high chair tray and seat EVERY TIME. Thatโs why I LOVE EZPZ Plates. They have a variety of bowls and plates depending on age and skill level, and all EZPZ plates stick to the tray so your baby canโt take the bowl and dump it all over the floor. Plus, theyโre BPA-free and 100% silicone! The best part is you will use these plates for 4+ years, so it is worth every penny! Add this to your baby registry checklist so you can stock up and not need to rush order when youโre cleaning eggs off the floor.
The Owlet Dream Duo 2 Smart Baby Monitor is an absolute LIFE SAVER, especially for moms like me who dealt with postpartum anxiety. When Addy was a newborn, my anxiety was through the roof. I wouldnโt let anyone sleep while she was asleep โ we had to be watching her at all times. Thatโs where the Owlet came in and saved us.
This incredible monitor features a 1080p HD video baby monitor paired with the Dream Sock to provide comprehensive monitoring of your baby’s sleep patterns. The Dream Sock tracks heart rate, oxygen levels, and sleep trends, giving me the peace of mind I desperately needed. We took shifts, and knowing I could see her vitals in real-time was a lifesaver.
The HD video monitor offers crystal-clear video and sound, allowing me to keep a close eye on Addy from anywhere in the house. The Owlet app integrates seamlessly, providing real-time notifications and insights into her sleep and wellness. We used the Owlet until she literally grew out of all the sock sizes, and I am so grateful for the peace of mind it offered as a first-time mom.
If youโre putting together your baby registry checklist or baby shopping list for first-time moms, the Owlet Dream Duo 2 is an investment that grows with your baby, ensuring safety and comfort throughout their early years. Trust me, this monitor is worth every penny.
Thanks for reading! I hope this list of baby must-haves helps you navigate your journey as a first-time mom. Putting together a baby registry checklist can be overwhelming, but these are the products that truly made a difference for us. If youโre already a mama and have a product you couldnโt live without, Iโd love to hear from you! Let me know in the comments below or shoot me a DM on Instagram @pickingdaisiesblog. Your insights might just help another mom with her baby shopping list for first-time moms.
XOXO,
Mariah