33 Must-Have Items for New Moms

33 Must-Have Items for New Moms

(This article contains affiliate links which simply means that these brands pay for my honest recommendations)

The Ultimate Baby Shower Registry Guide: 

Im so stoked! My friend announced her pregnancy! Along with name choosing, and blurby ultrasound photos, I remember this being an exciting time for me and many mom friends. Take it from me (a mom of 2 girls), creating your baby shower registry is an anticipated milestone, which can also feel overwhelming. With so many products on the market, how do you know what’s worth adding to your registry? I asked mom friends if they could send me a list of cherished items from their babies' first years. Items they loved so much and were passed down to the newest editions. From safety and quality to space-saving and budget-friendly finds, this guide will help you choose the best essentials for your growing family.

Questions to Consider When Choosing Baby Products

Before diving into the top-rated baby products, here are key questions to keep in mind:

  • Budget – What’s your price range for each item? Will you include a mix of high-end and affordable options?
  • Organic & Non-Toxic – Are you looking for organic or chemical-free products?
  • Quality & Durability – Will it last through multiple stages (or even multiple children)?
  • Space-Saving – Do you need compact, foldable, or multi-use items for a smaller space?
  • Portability & Travel-Friendly – Is it easy to transport for travel or errands?
  • Efficiency & Convenience – Does it make life easier for parents (e.g., quick assembly, easy cleaning)?
  • Longevity – Will your baby outgrow it quickly, or does it adapt as they grow?

Now, let’s dive into 33 highly recommended baby products that moms swear by!

A mother with long blonde hair holding her baby who is wearing a light blue outfit. The mother is smiling while the baby looks at the camera. They are posed against a neutral background

Baby Gear & Travel Essentials

  1. UPPAbaby Vista V2 Stroller – A versatile, high-quality stroller that grows with your baby and even accommodates multiple children.
  2. Doona Infant Car Seat & Stroller – A car seat and stroller in one, perfect for busy parents who want a space-saving, option. "If you're tall, you may be hunched forward with this stroller"
  3. Tush Baby Adjustable Hip Seat – A safety certified, comfortable waist carrier and diaper bag. "I only have big babies and I don't know how I survived without this"
  4. Infantino 4 in 1 Baby Carrier  – A comfortable, ergonomic baby carrier that works from newborn to toddler.
  5. Hatch Rest+ Sound Machine & Night Light – Doubles as a sound machine and nightlight to help with sleep training.
  6. LÍLLÉbaby Complete All Seasons Carrier – Offers lumbar support and multiple carrying positions.
  7. Skip Hop Portable Changing Pad – A compact, travel-friendly changing station. "The strap is convenient because I can easily carry it on my wrist instead of searching through my baby bag. I used the velcro to fold a diaper and wipes inside"
  8. Baby Jogger Compact Stroller – A lightweight, space-saving stroller for city moms or frequent travelers.
A mother in a white cardigan and ripped jeans sitting on the floor of a nursery, joyfully lifting her baby in the air. The baby is wearing only a diaper. Next to them is a gray diaper pail and a white crib. The nursery has a light, neutral color scheme.

Nursery Must-Haves

  1. 4moms MamaRoo Bassinet – Helps soothe babies with built-in white noise and rocking motion.
  2. Newton Baby Breathable Crib Mattress – A 100% breathable and washable crib mattress for safety and hygiene.
  3. Hatch Baby Grow Smart Changing Pad – Doubles as a scale to track your baby’s weight.
  4. Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib – A stylish crib that transitions into a toddler bed.
  5. Owlet Smart Sock 3 Baby Monitor – Tracks your baby’s oxygen levels and heart rate for peace of mind.
  6. FridaBaby 3-in-1 Humidifier, Diffuser & Nightlight – A multifunctional nursery essential.
  7. Ubbi Steel Diaper Pail – An odor-locking diaper pail that works with regular trash bags. "Use any brand refill bags cause they're all the same"
Baby lying on a striped blanket drinking from a gray Boon Nursh reusable silicone baby bottle. The infant is wearing a light blue outfit and holding the collapsible silicone bottle with both hands while feeding

Feeding Essentials

Does mom plan to breastfeed? Contact your health insurance provider. You'd be surprised by the quality, modern pumps they offer for no cost.

  1. Spectra S1 Plus Electric Breast Pump – A hospital-grade, portable breast pump.
  2. Boppy Nursing Pillow – Provides support for feeding, tummy time, and lounging.
  3. Comotomo Baby Bottles – Made of soft, squeezable silicone to mimic breastfeeding.
  4. Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Bottles – Designed to reduce gas and colic. "Smaller nipples let milk flow slower and at baby's pace. If baby is sucking hard, size up a nipple. If baby's mouth is full of milk, size down to avoid choking"
  5. BEABA Babycook 4-in-1 Food Maker – A convenient tool for making homemade baby food.
  6. Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair – A stylish, adjustable high chair that grows with your child.

  7. Medela Freestyle - Wearable, hands free breast pump with App connectivity.
  8. Moonkie Silicone Bibs – Easy to clean and perfect for messy eaters.
A smiling baby sitting in a Skip Hop 3-Stage Smart Sling Baby Bath Tub. The infant is wearing a wash cloth and is supported by the tub's mesh sling insert. An adult's arm is visible holding the baby securely in the white bathtub.

Bath Time & Diapering Essentials

  1. FridaBaby Baby Basics Kit – Includes grooming and healthcare essentials for mom and baby.
  2. Skip Hop 3 Stage Baby Tub – A convertible tub that grows with your baby.
  3. Mustela Cleansing Gel – A gentle formula doesn't strip baby's natural skin oils.
  4. Pura Diapers – High-quality, organic diapers that are chlorine-free. "Request more than you think you need and exchange for a larger size"
  5. Water Wipes – Made with 99.9% water and perfect for sensitive skin.
  6. Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment – A versatile product for diaper rash, dry skin, and minor cuts. "Consider using raw coconut oil for diaper rash. Its less messy and baby's butt will smell like popcorn"
Baby lying on their back on a Skip Hop Tummy Time Mat, a 3-in-1 activity play gym with Silver Lining Cloud design in grey. The infant is wearing blue clothing and looking up at hanging toys including a plush elephant and cloud suspended from arches over the padded mat.

Playtime & Developmental Essentials

  1. Lovevery Play Gym – A Montessori-inspired play gym designed for all stages of development.
  2. Skip Hop Silver Lining Cloud Activity Center – Converts from an activity center to a toddler table.
  3. Baby Einstein 4 in 1 Kickin Activity Mat – Encourages sensory and motor development.
  4. Manhattan Toy Wimmer-Ferguson Infant Stim-Mobile – High-contrast visuals for newborn development.

Final Tips for Your Baby Registry

  • Register at Multiple Stores – Amazon, Target, and BuyBuy Baby offer universal registries with completion discounts.
  • Include a Variety of Price Points – Give friends and family a range of options.
  • Opt for Gift Cards – If you’re unsure about certain products, let loved ones contribute to bigger purchases.
  • Think Beyond the Newborn Stage – Babies grow quickly! Consider items that will be useful for 6+ months.

Building your baby registry should be fun and practical. Focus on products that fit your lifestyle and make parenthood a little easier. Let me know in the comments section if you found this list helpful and want more insights about the products. Oh! Add some of your favorite products in the comments below. Ill feature them in the next article.

Happy registering!

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