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What to Consider Before Buying Baby Gear

Being a new mom is overwhelming, and if you’re shopping for essentials, it’s easy to get caught up in all the endless options and reviews. But before you start adding everything to your cart, take a moment to think about a few key factors.

Things to Consider First

Before buying baby gear, ask yourself:

• Will I breastfeed? If so, I may need a pump, storage bags, and nursing accessories.
• Do I have support? A single mom may need more hands-free, time-saving items, while a mom with a strong support system may have more flexibility.
• Affordability vs. luxury? Organic vs. non-organic? Baby products come in a wide price range, so decide what’s worth the splurge.
• What is my lifestyle? Do I travel often? Am I a minimalist or do I tend to collect things? The answers will impact what products will be practical.

As a mom of two, I’ve learned that simplicity, functionality, and quality matter most. Here’s what my mom friends and I swear by.

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New Daily Essentials for Mom

For Feeding

• Hands-free breast pump – Great for multitasking.
• Breastmilk storage bags – Preferably medical-grade silicone reusable ones, which can later be used for snacks.
• Formula sampler packs – If supplementing, it’s helpful to try different formulas to see what works best for the baby. I am told the UK formulas are great but can go out of stock quickly, so plan ahead.
• Baby Breeza - Automatic formula dispenser "saves time and saved me many midnight feedings by taking the guess work out of measuring the right amount of formula to water ratio"
• Glass bottles with silicone nipples – My girlfriend with her 3rd baby says "I only keeps four bottles. They’re easy to clean, and I don’t use a separate bottle sanitizing rack or formula mixer." 
• Philips Avent Bottle Sterilizer - Small, convenient, and it works well. "Worked like a charm and saved space"
• Ubbi Bottle drying rack - baby bottles, nipples, and accessories all in one place

For Sleeping & Comfort

• Full recline highchair – Can fit a newborn and grows with the baby. "I love my Peg Perego; it’s worth the investment and doesn’t take over the kitchen."
• Boppy pillow – Essential for breastfeeding and later for tummy time.
• Sleepsack – A game-changer for sleep training. "its like a swaddle with a zipper"
• 12 Hours, Sleep by 12 Weeks Old - The book that helped me sleep train my youngest actually works
• Nursery camera - " I liked this one because it has secure transmission and doesn't need wifi"

For Changing & Organization

• Dresser changing station – This reminds me of a family story - when my aunt was born, my grandmother didn't have money to purchase a crib so she slept in a dresser drawer lined in blankets. Moms are some of the most creative people I know. Another ingenious idea from my designer girlfriend "Skip the bulky diaper caddy. Store diapers and wipes in a drawer for a cleaner look." I do the same with Leila's PullUps. Her PullUps are stored in the lowest drawer so she dresses herself. "We always used to change baby on our bed instead of a changing pad"
• Foldaway baby gear – If you want to reduce clutter, go for compact items like a travel-friendly pack and play and a foldable dish rack.
• Multi-use Caddy - For easy access to frequently used items. "Get two, one for the house and another for the car"

For Travel & On-the-Go

 

 

• Diaper bag with compartments – A well-organized bag makes life so much easier.
• Travel formula dispenser – A must if using formula.
• Sippy cup that grows with the toddler – The Pura bottle has interchangeable mouthpieces, so it lasts for years.
• Foldable activity table – Great for small spaces and travel.
• Boppy Shopping Cart Cover - antibacterial and disposable option, fits over shopping carts and swings. Machine washable
• Carseat cooler pad - cools baby off in the summer
• 3 in 1 Bassinet Diaper Bag - This bag is a traveling bassinet, changing station, and diaper bag in one.
• Waterproof wet dry bag - for baby's soiled clothes, used cloth diapers, or wet swimsuit. "I wish I had known about these bags earlier. I was not prepared for explosive diaper changes. Always pack two extra onesies"

For Feeding Solids

 

 

• Glass baby food mixer – I love that mine can blend anything, and because it’s glass, I don’t have to worry about plastic chemicals leaking into the food.
• Spoons in different sizes – Babies’ needs change fast, so having a variety helps.
• Push Pop Baby Feeders - popsicles for breast milk and introducing fruit
• Nutribullet Baby - blends, chops, and purees. "I love the customizable expiration dates on each container. We continue to use the smaller blender for the girls' individual smoothies"

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Final Thoughts

When it comes to baby gear, less is often more. Think about what’s truly essential for your lifestyle, and don’t feel pressured to buy everything marketed as a “must-have.” The key is to invest in items that are versatile, space-saving, and will grow with your baby.