Being pregnant for the first time is overwhelming to say the least. Everything is new, your body is changing, your hormones are through the roof… and with the endless list of items you may be hearing you will need, you are probably even more confused about what the absolute baby must-haves truly are. This list may look a little different for you but here’s a list of ten baby must-haves for first-time moms… well, actually for all moms welcoming a newborn.

SWADDLER

Most people are usually shocked and asking me how I have managed to have both my babies sleep so well through the night so early on. I strongly believe it’s all about creating a set schedule and routine for them along with swaddling them! Some parents think it looks uncomfortable for the baby but it’s actually so much more comfortable for them. It reminds them of their days in your belly and it also helps them sleep through the night because it keeps them snuggled in and helps avoid them waking up from ‘jumping” in their sleep. My absolute favorite is the Miracle Blanket because you wrap them like a cute little burrito and then just tuck in to fit baby perfectly. Another set of swaddlers I always have near are these which are super lightweight and come in two different sizes.

BREAST PUMP

If you are planning and breastfeeding and/or pumping, invest (or add on to your registry) a good breast pump. Manual pumps are super inexpensive and good if you only plan to pump once in a while but if you’re going to do it everyday, pumping each boob manually for 15 minutes is going to feel like a lot work with everything else going on.

Both previous pregnancies I used the Medela pump and beside it being heavy to carry to work every day, I have no complaints and loved it! This pregnancy I also plan on using it and since I’ll most likely be using it at home, it should be that much easier this time around.

If you want the most convenience, you can look into a hands-free which means just that, your hands are free which means you can be cooking or even taking a nap while the pump is doing all the work for you. The two most popular are Elvie and Willow which I can’t review because I haven’t used either.

CHANGING PAD

You can either get a crib with an attached changing pad or (as we are planning on doing this third time around) a changing pad that we’ll place on top of the dresser. My mom warned me about not changing the baby on the bed because poop explosions are a real thing but of course we didn’t listen… until it happened to us. It’s a funny story now but after that we always changed baby’s diaper on the changing pad.

DIAPER BAG

This is one that sometimes we don’t give as much thought too as we actually should. You will be carrying this diaper bag around for around 2 years and you not only need it to preferably be a washable material because of all the milk and liquids you will carry around, you also want it to be fashionable! Whenever baby is with you, this bag will be with you so having it complement most of your outfits is definitely a perk.

NURSING PILLOW

These boppy pillows provide such great support while breastfeeding but will also be great once baby is a bit older and ready for supported sitting and tummy time.

GAS-REDUCING BABY BOTTLES

Whether you plan on breastfeeding of using formula, you’ll want a set or two of baby bottles. No surprise that Dr. Brown’s anti-colic bottles are loved by doctors and parents because they have an internal tube that prevents too much air from being swallowed, reducing gas and discomfort in baby’s tummy.

COMFY PAJAMAS

Don’t forget about yourself. The first few weeks, at least, you will spend most of your time at home feeding a newborn. The last thing you want is to be uncomfortable so make sure to have a few comfortable pajamas to make your days at home as smooth as possible. If you’re going to be breastfeeding, make sure to have a couple which can be quickly unbuttoned, like these.

NIGHT LIGHT

Unless if you have a dimmer in your bedroom, or nursery, you will want to get yourself a night light with dimming function. The last thing you want to do at a 3am feeding is to have to turn on a bright light, having baby think it’s daytime and time for play!

TRAVEL SYSTEM STROLLER

When you’re having a baby, everyone will tell you that you need a stroller and a carseat but they might forget to advise you to get a travel system stroller. This way if baby falls asleep in the car, instead of risking waking baby by moving them from car seat to stroller all you have do is slide car seat out of its base and snap it into your stroller. Make sure to take your time choosing which travel system stroller may be best for you and your lifestyle.

BABY CARRIER

There are so many different styles and brands to choose from but we absolutely loved Lillé six-position baby carrier. I needed something that baby felt comfortable in but that also didn’t put too much pressure on my back and this was perfect for both my husband and I to use.

LANOLIN CREAM

I know I said 10 must-haves for first-time moms but if you are breastfeeding, Lanolin cream will be your best friend! It is as magical as coconut oil but for you sore nipples. The first few weeks of breastfeeding were tough to say the least but this cream healed my -don’t want to scare you- bleeding nipples and eventually breastfeeding became completely pain-free and such an amazing bonding experience with baby.

You may also enjoy: 8 Things All Pregnant Women Should Know and Exercising While Pregnant: Do’s And Don’ts.