Becoming a mom for the first time is very exciting, nerve-wracking, magical and overwhelming. There is so much that goes through your mind from what kind of mom you hope to be to creating matching outfits for you and baby. When you’re on your journey to becoming a first-time mom, you will get advice or recommendations from everyone, and I mean EVERYONE. Taking in so much advice will have you daydreaming about tiny baby clothes and newborn snuggles, to doing a deep search on Google wondering if you need a wipe warmer or a $500 bassinet that rocks your baby to sleep (spoiler from a mom of 3: you don’t).
I’ve been there when I was pregnant with my first baby girl. I’m going to be real it’s a lot and it can be overwhelming. The amount of baby products that were out there 12 years ago DON’T compare to the amount there is today lol. As a first-time mom, I purchased things I thought I needed but I honestly didn’t use them. After having my 3rd daughter in 2024 I have become an expert (in my opinion lol) on which products that are game-changing essentials that will benefit you the most.
First, if you’re prepping for motherhood congratulations to you. Secondly if you’re interested in the products that are actually worth buying, continue to read below. I put together a list of my favorite affordable Amazon finds that made my life so much easier in those first few months! Just click the link and it’ll bring you directly to the products.
1. Affordable Hands-Free Breast Pump (Because You’ll Want Your Hands Back Lol)
Let’s be real breast pumps can be crazy expensive. After a lot of trial and error (and my own personal experience), I found a hands-free pump that actually worked and didn’t cost a fortune. Having a wearable pump is a total game-changer because you’re not stuck next to an outlet while pumping and you can actually move around to get stuff done.
The last thing you want is to feel like a human milk machine strapped to the wall lol. My go-to hands-free pump is by Kmaier on Amazon. Super easy to use, great battery life, and the reviews speak for themselves.
2. Three Tier Utility Rolling Cart (Why Not Make Life Easier)
Okay, this is HANDS-DOWN my favorite postpartum purchase because it made my life so much easier. The best part about this is you can switch it up as your baby grows to fit whatever your needs. It takes away the running back and forth a million times to get what you need.
You can just roll it around the house with all your essentials right there. Plus, it comes in different colors, so you can grab the one you like the most (obviously, I went with pink lol). This 3-tier utility cart is a must-have!
3. U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow (Because Sleeping Will Get Hard)
As your belly continues to grow, getting comfortable at night can feel impossible. All of the tossing, turning, and aching is all part of the experience (trust me I’ve been there 3 times lol, you’re not alone!). The Mom Cozy U-Shaped Full Body Pregnancy Pillow was an absolute lifesaver.
It gave me the extra support my belly and hips needed, especially in those last four weeks of pregnancy. This pillow wraps around your whole body, giving you support exactly where you need it all at the same time. Seriously a game-changer
4. Ginger Chews (Lifesaver If You Dealt with Serve Morning Sickness)
I had severe morning sickness with all my pregnancies (lucky me, right? lol). Honestly, I don’t know why they call it morning sickness because I was sick from sunup to sundown. There were barely any foods that I could keep down, and it was hard for me.
But one thing that helped me get through it was Prince of Peace Ginger Chews. Did they magically cure my nausea? Nope lol. However, they definitely made it a lot more bearable. If you’re anything like me or just dealing with morning sickness in general, trust me these are a must-have.
5. Grow with Me Baby Bathtub (Because Baby Needs a Bath Too)
Baby bathtubs are absolutely a must-have, but picking the right one is key because your little one will be using it for a while. Getting a tub that grows with your baby saves you from having to buy a new one down the road. The Frida Baby 4-in-1 Grow-with-Me Baby Bathtub is hands down the best one out there!
My daughter is 1 now, and we’re still using it. I plan to keep using it until she’s around 2 years old. It comes with a sling insert that’s perfect for the newborn stage, and once your baby can sit up on their own, you can open the flap to place their legs through for extra support. Once your baby is old enough you can remove the sling and just use the tub. It’s the perfect size and makes bath time so much easier.
6. No-Touch Thermometer (Because Fevers Happen!)
First-time mom paranoia is so real. The moment your baby feels a little warm or seems like they might be getting sick, you need a fast and accurate way to check their temperature without waking them up or causing a fuss.
That’s why a No-Touch Thermometer is the best thing to have around, it is a total lifesaver! I used it for my baby so many times, but honestly, it’s been just as useful for my two older daughters. And I’m going to be honest, I’ve even used it on myself. This is definitely one of those must-have products every mom needs around
7. Burp Cloths (Buy More Than You Think!)
Babies spit up a lot. Some more than others, and honestly, you won’t know until your little one arrives. That’s why burp cloths are a must! Babies have zero control over when or where they spit up, so these will save your clothes, sheets, and even their bed from constant messes lol.
There’s isn’t a correct number for how many you will need, but trust me, it’s way better to have too many than not enough. My go-to was the 100% Cotton Muslin Burp Cloths because they’re super absorbent, extra soft, and don’t take up a lot of space. Plus, you can use them as a quick changing pad or a nursing cover.
8. A Car Mirror (Because You’ll Check on Them Constantly!)
This is the one product I wish I had with my first baby! I didn’t buy one until I had my third child in 2024, and the first time I used it, I knew it was an absolute must-have. Those first few car rides with a newborn can be really nerve-wracking (and yep, I did them without a mirror, big mistake lol).
You’ll find yourself constantly wondering, Are they breathing? Or Are they okay? A Baby Car Mirror allows you check on them from the front seat without pulling over every 10 minutes or stressing the entire drive (that was me lol). It’s a total game-changer and such a peace-of-mind product, especially for new moms!
9. A Shopping Cart Cover (Keep The Germs Away)
This is another one of those products I wish I had as a first-time mom. I honestly didn’t even know it existed until I was pregnant with my last baby. There were so many times I held my baby while trying to push the shopping cart because I refused to put her in it. Ugh germs everywhere!
A Shopping Cart Cover is amazing. Let’s be honest, babies love to lick everything and put stuff in their mouths. The shopping cart cover helps to keep all those cart germs away. It makes shopping so much easier and gives you peace of mind knowing your baby has an extra layer of protection.
10. Diaper Cream (Because a Diaper Rash Will Happen!)
Babies have really delicate skin, and some are more sensitive than others. Diaper rashes are super common. It’s nothing you’re doing wrong, they just happen! That’s why having a good diaper cream that works fast is a must. It helps soothe the rash and makes things more bearable for your little one.
There are tons of diaper creams out there, but let’s be honest, some take forever to actually work. I originally used Destin, but I didn’t love how long it took, and I hated seeing my baby uncomfortable. Then I found Boudreaux’s Butt Paste Maximum Strength and let me tell you almost instantly. Trust me, add this to your must-haves because you’ll definitely need it at some point!
Mom-to-Mom Takeaway: You Don’t Need Everything, But These Products Are Lifesavers!
As a first-time mom, we all feel like we need every baby gadget ever made lol but trust me you don’t. These Amazon must-haves are the things that actually made my life easier in so many ways. These products helped me to feel relaxed, removed the feeling of being overwhelmed and just overall allow me to enjoy being a mom instead of worrying about ever little detail.
If you’re preparing for your baby’s arrival (welcome to Motherhood), start with these essentials, and you’ll be way ahead of the game! 💕 Don’t forget after you have your baby, you’re important too. Check out our Self-Care for Moms Blog for tips!
📢 Moms, what baby products saved your sanity in those early days? Drop them in the comments. I’d love to hear your must-haves!
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