As silly as it sounds, it can be so challenging knowing what you need and creating a registry as a first time mom. Especially if none of your friends or family members have had a baby recently, how are you supposed to know what products your baby needs and that you’ll actually use? It can be overwhelming, there are so many new items for first time moms. We all know the basics – diapers, wipes, clothes, bassinet, monitor, changing table, etc. But when it comes to knowing which new or trendy products you may need or even how much of certain things, it can be tough. How do you know the best and most useful items for first time moms?
I knew I didn’t want to get or ask for things I didn’t really need or wouldn’t use. I definitely didn’t want to waste money or have people in my life that were choosing to be so generous with me, waste money either. Every baby is different, some things I heard other moms rave about I never used and some things that I used and loved, other moms told me they never liked. Therefore – it does depend on your baby to some extent. But, I do think there are some products and items that are really needed (and not needed) that apply to most babies.
I wanted to make a list of top 10 most used items (aside from the basics) that I found helpful as a first time mom. I also wanted to make a list of the top 5 least used items, that in hindsight I probably could have gone without. The goal was to make a listicle about items for first time moms. Hopefully, this list can help first time moms navigate shopping for their baby and take some of the confusion/stress out of the process! 🙂
Top 10 Most Useful Items For First Time Moms
1. Play Mat/Activity Center
My daughter loved her play mats. We started with a high contrast (black, white, and red mat) when she was newborn. As she got older we moved to more colorful and advanced playmats with activity centers attached and music. These mats encouraged back/tummy time and eventually rolling and scooting. I loved how these also encouraged some independent play and exploration for my baby.
Links: Black & White Newborn Mat, Activity Center Mat
2. Wearable Baby Carrier
I loved my baby carrier. I used/use it all the time. You get to keep your baby close and they feel like you’re holding them, but you can have your hands free. I use it at home and out and about. This is worth the investment. Definitely one of the most useful items for first time moms!
Link: ErgoBaby Carrier
3. Baby Bathtub For Sink
I do not have a bathtub in my home, so I have a bathtub that attaches to your kitchen sink. I realized that even if I did have a bathtub, it would be better for my body to be at sink height rather than bending down when bathing my baby. Especially when your baby is so little and can’t sit up in the bath, the kitchen sink tub is a great option!
Link: Sink Bath Tub
4. Baby Bouncer Seat and Sit Up Activity Seat
My baby started out in a baby bouncer seat and then transitioned to a sit up activity seat when she got a little bigger. My daughter felt comfortable in these chairs and it was a stationary place she could hang out/play. I love these because they are portable to bring places, I would bring it along if we were going to a friends house.
Link: Bouncer Seat
5. Boppy Pillow
I actually got one of these because I heard you could use it when breastfeeding. I didn’t end up using it a lot for breastfeeding, but my daughter did use it. While she was learning to sit up, I would prop her up in it on the floor and allow her to play. It kept her supported and comfortable.
Link: Boppy/Nursing Pillow
6. Contrast/Sensory Cards or Learning Cards
I used these a lot, especially in the first few months. I got high contrast/sensory cards that had different levels to them that she grew into as she got older. These helped to develop her visual system and there are even cards she can still use to learn basic words and objects.
Link: Sensory Cards
7. Play Pen
I love the play pen. It keeps all of my daughter’s toys in one area and sets aside a special spot that is just hers. These are great when your baby starts to scoot, roll around and eventually crawl to keep your baby in one area. There are so many different kinds of playpens out there, one can definitely fit the needs of your baby and home.
Link: Convertible Play Pen, Wooden Play Pen
8. Baby Ninja Food Maker & Storage Containers
I made my own baby food. I loved doing this because I could make sure the ingredients in her food were high quality and not overly processed. It didn’t take too much time and wasn’t too difficult. I enjoyed prepping her food for a week or two and freezing it. I bought little glass jars, and even though she’s not on purees as much anymore, I still set aside solid food for her and save it in her little containers.
Link: Baby Ninja, Glass Containers
9. High Chair/Shopping Cart/Changing Table Cover
I have a cover that can be used as a high chair, changing table and shopping cart cover. I love it! It keeps my daughter protected from some of the germs on the surface she is on. It also provides some cushioning and makes it more comfortable for her. The one I have is so easy to fold up and take with you!
Link: Multi-Use Cover
10. Cover for Carseat for Winter
I had an insulated cover that went over my baby’s infant car seat cover that I used in the winter. This kept my daughter warm and guarded from the cold of the winter. It also was so much easier than dealing with super thick coats in the car seat.
Link: Carseat Cover
**Tip: Choose Specific Brand Of Diapers/Wipes
I did not have a specific brand when I registered. People still gave me diapers and wipes (which was so nice!) and it was fine to try out different options. You may not know what works best for your baby, but do research ahead of time to see what brand you like and ingredients you are okay with.
Top 5 Least Useful Items
1. Expensive Baby Swing
I was so excited about this item and really thought my baby would love it. For some people, they say it was a life saver. My baby personally didn’t love the swing and didn’t spend a ton of time in it. Regardless, I do think there are plenty of reasonable options out there where you probably don’t need to spend hundreds on a swing.
2. Bassinet and Play Yard System
My daughter’s nursery was all set up with a crib. The plan was to have my daughter in my room in a bassinet for at least the first few months. I got a bassinet/playpen/play yard combo. I thought having an all in one would be best, but in hindsight I wish I did it differently. In hindsight, I wish I got a bedside bassinet, it probably would have worked better and for longer. I also ended up getting a separate playpen anyway. The crib ended up moving into my room, so she could be in the same room with me for longer. Do what ever works for you!
3. Wipe Warmer
Some people love it. I never plugged mine in. My daughter didn’t mind regular wipes. And the thing with the wipe warmer is that your baby still has to use regular wipes if you change them in another room or when you’re out. So if they get too dependent on warm wipes, they may get really fussy with changes using regular wipes.
4. Two Infant Car Seats
I registered for and got two infant car seat carriers and bases. Yes, if you have two vehicles your child will be in frequently you want to have a separate one for each car. But, in hindsight I didn’t need two car seat carriers, probably just two bases. I did use the two bases, but I only ever used the one carrier.
5. Breastfeeding Cover
I thought I would be really uncomfortable breastfeeding in public and that I needed a really fancy cover. I ended up feeling so comfortable right away. I’m just feeding my baby! I would keep myself covered up, but nursing tops and loose clothing help you drape and do the trick, without the hassle of a cover.
I hope you enjoyed reading about (in my opinion) the most and least useful items for first time moms! 🙂