Whether you’re a new mom, a seasoned pro, or somewhere in between, we all have our tricks of the trade that we couldn’t imagine life without when raising our sweet little ones. Having the right essentials on hand is important as a mom and can make life a little easier during those hectic early days! As we just had our third baby, I have been reintroduced or introduced to all the baby things again, making me feel fresh and holding on tight to my baby essentials. So, I wanted to share some of my mom must-haves that have been absolute lifesavers with and when raising our babies in hope that they can help you too. Let’s get into it!
Baby Edition
I love this baby carrier so much. It’s comfortable, easy to wear, and can be tossed in the wash when needed. I have spot-treated it for little incidents, and it’s cleaned up nicely, but I’ve also needed to toss the whole thing in the wash, and I’ve been super impressed with how well it’s held up. It has maintained its structure (which is important to support your baby’s head and hips) and still looks new. I can accomplish so much of my regular routine and things, from babywearing to doing the laundry and working. I love that Mama (or Dad!) and the baby can bond while the baby is in the carrier. We do a lot of contact naps here, and it’s so sweet! Babywearing also helps strengthen the neck muscles. My dad has even worn this carrier to help Navy fall asleep – I don’t leave the house without it. It’s made running into the store or being out and about so lovely when I need to be hands-free.
This is a #1 best seller in baby sleep soothes on Amazon, and for good reason! We used this so much that we bought a second, so we always have one on the charger when the other is in use. It clips onto a stroller, car seats, the baby carrier- you name it! There are multiple setting options for sounds or types of white noise, and you can adjust the volume. I have a couple of other sound machines as well, but this one seems to be Navy’s favorite, and I love it for the setting options and recharging feature (I don’t have to plug it into an outlet, which is so nice for this one) and taking it on the go!
I have tried several different burp cloths, and these muslin burp cloths from Amazon are my favorite because of how absorbent and soft they are. They wash well, can be folded up super compact, are affordable (you get several in a pack), and come in different colors. We also love using them at bath time to keep Navy warm. Moms know that in those first few months, you can never really have too many burp cloths! We go through multiples a day.
This bouncer has been such a favorite of ours—I move it all over the house, and Navy is just learning to kick her legs so she can bounce in it. It can be adjusted at the base for the angle at which it holds the baby, and you can add a toy bar (which we did, and Navy loves). This simply keeps her entertained while giving me both my hands to get more mom stuff down, which is always much needed!
A cozy blanket! I have two favorite blankets, and both are cozy and stretchy for snuggling. The first is a stroller-size blanket from the Style Collection—this has become our go-to blanket when we go out because it’s cozy without being hot. The checkered buttery blanket is SO soft! Having this comforting element always adds a touch of relaxation and calm to the crazy, mom-filled day, which makes a difference!
If there’s one “toy” I would recommend, this is it! Not only is it a toy, but it is also doubled as a sound machine. The soft light gently brightens the room, creating a calming ambiance that helps lull little ones to sleep like magic. What sets this crib toy apart is its versatility – it entertains and soothes babies during bedtime and can serve as a delightful sensory experience during playtime. It has been our tried and true product for all three babies. I can’t explain what it is, but my babies are mesmerized by it!
These are just a few of my mom must-haves that have been helping our family navigate life with three little ones. Every mom’s journey is unique, so I encourage you to find what works best for you. I hope these baby essentials help you! I would also love to hear some of your mom favorites! Remember, amidst the chaos and craziness, don’t forget to take a moment to cherish those sweet newborn snuggles—they grow up way too fast! Sending love to all moms out there!
