When it comes to preparing to welcome a child into your family, life can get a bit overwhelming. Not just because you are about to be solely responsible for the life of another human being, but also because there is just so much stuff to choose from. So that’s why we got some help making this must have baby items list!
From types of prenatal vitamins and maternity clothes to car seats, strollers, and so much more. So we talked to new mom of one, Kayla McClelland —who is a holistic health coach and fitness instructor—to see what she has found to be the most helpful during her first experience with pregnancy and what she had waiting for her little boy in his nursery.
It’s the must have baby list for other first-time moms who just feel overwhelmed by it all, or any expectant mom looking to see what they could do differently the second, third, fourth time around.
Here are 27 must have baby items to help you navigate pregnancy and joys of it all once your little one arrives.
These are her “must have baby items while pregnant”:
Prenatal vitamins
$26.76 at the time of publication
Prior to taking any sort of medication while pregnant, make sure you consult with your doctor. However, these specific prenatal vitamins for expectant moms come highly rated by thousands of users. Prenatal vitamins are also good to continue to take even after giving birth as they are known to help mothers who choose to breastfeed.
Prenatal DHA or Fish Oil
$17.61 at the time of publication
Equally as important as prenatal vitamins, it’s also important to for expectant moms to add a prenatal DHA supplement or fish oil to their daily routine. As this new mom points out, prenatal DHA is “very important for baby’s brain development.” This vitamin is sustainably sourced, as well as gentle and pure.
Natural Vitality Calm
$20.99 at the time of publication
Another supplement this expectant mom suggested other moms take is magnesium. And she suggested this Natural Vitality Calm brand. Magnesium will help soon-to-be moms “keep their stress levels down, help with sleep issues, and keep digestion moving!” Like we said before, always consult with your doctor before taking or adding any supplements to your regiment.
Belly Butter and Lotion
$11.93 at the time of publication
Belly butter and other types of lotions, like this Burt’s Bees Belly Butter, are imperative for helping your skin adapt to your growing belly and also help prevent stretch marks. As this mom-to-be revealed her favorite belly butter is this Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter, Fragrance-Free Lotion. However, it is said that the best type of lotion to help prevent stretch marks is cocoa butter.
Belly/Body Oil
$16.49 at the time of publication
Packed with vitamin A and vitamin E, this body oil is also perfect for keeping stretch marks at bay during pregnancy. It also helps with the appearance of scars if you have a c-section. According to Amazon, it’s “clinically proven and dermatologist recommended to help repair skin damage and scars from pregnancy, surgery, injury, acne, C-section, aging, and more.”
Maternity leggings
$15.73 at the time of publication
Stay comfy, chic, and supported all pregnancy with these maternity leggings which have a special” seamless stretch maternity panel that grows with you throughout your pregnancy.” This are also perfect for those moms who intend on sticking with their daily workouts during pregnancy! Worn by more than 2,500 moms, these leggings have maintain a four-and-a-half star review, making them a must have.
Maternity T-shirts
$39.99 at the time of publication
As our mom-to-be let us know, she has the short and long sleeve tops. While the long sleeve ones can be found at Amazon, the “short sleeve ones are best found at Target!” The best part is that these maternity shirts go great with the leggings above and perfectly hug that incredible belly that’s housing the incredible miracle.
Pregnancy Tracker App
Free!
This expectant mom has thoroughly enjoyed using a pregnancy tracker app to track how her baby is progressing. She tells Mamas Uncut that the app created by The Bump is her “fave!” You can find the app on their website.
And these are her “must have baby items before welcoming your babe”:
Stroller and Car Seat Combo
$359.99 at the time of publication
As our mom-to-be points out, there are so many options when it comes to stroller and car seat combos. She says this “travel system is the best bang for your buck, but the UppaBaby strollers are apparently REALLY nice and worth the money” as well. We linked both for you so you can decide what best suits you!
Car Seat Mirror
$34.99 at the time of publication
As many parents know and as many experts suggest, kids should be in rear-facing car seats for as long as possible. According to the AAP, “all infants ride rear-facing starting with their first ride home from the hospital” and stay there until they hit the age of two or older. As a result, it’s difficult for those in the front seat to keep an eye on their little one. This mirror solves that problem.
Cold Weather Car Seat Cover
$29.99 at the time of publication
Like our expectant mom revealed, these covers are especially important “for folks in the Northeast, Midwest,” and other cold-weather areas. It’s like a snowsuit to keep your child snug as a bug in a rug while safe in their car seat carrier. You’re also able to keep it at a good temperature no matter “the weather by unzipping the flap or removing the top entirely.”
Normal Car Seat Cover
$36 at the time of publication
And for the warmer months and for the moms who live in warm weather states, these seat covers are perfect for protecting them from the sun and other elements while carrying them around. Many moms say they have also used these as a cover-up when breastfeeding their little ones. Talk about multi-faceted.
Boba Wrap Carrier
$39.95 at the time of publication
This carrier is perfect for when your baby is a newborn, our mom lets us know. For this particular wrap, the max weight is 35 pounds. But don’t worry, she also shared a carrier that can be used until your little one hits 45 pounds. And with more than 11,000 users, it still bodes a four-and-a-half star rating!
Boba Wrap Carrier
$138.40 at the time of publication
This is the carrier “for when your baby is getting bigger.” Like we mentioned above, the max weight this Ergobaby carrier can hold is 45 pounds! Amazon also says this carrier is perfect “for a curious, developing baby who wants to start exploring beyond her caregiver to see the world.” It too is highly rated among its users.
Boppy Original Newborn Lounger
$32.83 at the time of publication
Tired of using your baby carrier, this allows your baby to be propped up while you have the ability to use hands-free. In fact, moms love this so much, after more than 6,500 reviews it still has a perfect five-star rating. Now that’s a product moms will want to have!
Boppy Breastfeeding Pillow
$39.99 at the time of publication
Equally as important and equally as highly rated by other moms, this Boppy breastfeeding pillow is another mommy must-have. And it’s not just for breastfeeding. It can also be used for propping once they are three-and-a-half months, tummy time once they are six months, and sitting once they are nine months. It also should only be used when the baby is awake.
Unisex Diaper Backpack
$39.99 at the time of publication
As our mom-to-be pointed out, this is not a purse. “I’ve been told diaper backpacks are helpful because you’ll be carrying the baby around so much, the last thing you want is something with one strap on your shoulder.” Valid point! Backpacks are much easier to carry around and can often hold more things, making you always feel prepared.
Baby Bjorn Baby Bouncer
$249.99 at the time of publication
As the mama revealed, “you can find [these bouncers] for FAR less, but this one has the absolute best reviews from all the momma websites.” As she explains, many moms and parents have described the Baby Bjorn baby bouncer is “like a magic baby shusher.”
Baby Joy Rocking Travel Bassinet
$149.99 at the time of publication
This bassinet is “perfect if you’re a couple that plans to travel with your newborn/infant” our mom told us. As Amazon describes it, it’s “solid, durable, and safe and as ASTM-approved and “provides a comfortable and secure bed for newborn babies and infants up to a max of 25 pounds.” And thanks to gets carrying case, you can take it with you on every trip.
Babyletto 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
$379 at the time of publication
This item is perfect for parents who hope to get the most bang for their buck when it comes to keeping the items they buy for their little one for as long as possible. This particular crib can be used for all stages of your little one’s first years of life until it is time to move them into a big kid bed. As our expectant mom reveals “you’ll need crib mattresses, but those are more generic than the crib. You want to look for ones that are SAFE!”
And this one “has been tested for over 10,000 chemicals and passes the most stringent emission standards. It contributes to cleaner indoor air, creating a healthier environment for your baby to sleep, play, and grow.”
Play Mat for Tummy Time
$53.99 at the time of publication
Perfect for tummy time, playtime, quiet time, and everything in between. This mat is also known to boost your child’s sensory skills development thanks to all the sights, colors, and sounds, according to Amazon. It’s also a great gift for those looking to surprise a new mom with something special.
Newborn to Toddler Tub
$19.99 at the time of publication
It’s another product that moms and parents can use for years. Like the pictures show, the insert allows you to use the tub when your baby is just an infant, but take the insert out and now the tub is big enough for when they grow into toddlers.
Baby Monitor
$165.99 at the time of publication
Always have an eye on your little one even when you are in a different room with this highly rated baby monitor. This one by Infant Optics was the 2020 Award Winner for Babylist’s Best Baby Monitors Of 2020. Now, this is something as a parent you can feel good about relying on to keep your baby safe.
Hatch Baby Rest Sound Machine
$60 at the time of publication
This sound machine will allow moms to control both the nightlight and noise filtering through their child’s right from her phone. The Hatch system creates the ideal sleep environment — recommended by sleep experts — for her child, which intern means she will get a good night’s sleep too. As our mama says, this is “another product moms SWEAR BY.”
Velcro Swaddles from Aden + Anis
$33.12 at the time of publication
This is another product moms and parents can feel good about buying as the swaddles “secures an adjustable fit that grows with baby.” Equally as important, the swaddle also “zips open for easy diaper changes.” And when it come to their four-and-a-half star rating, they are clearly a fan favorite.
BIBS Pacifiers
$14.99 at the time of publication
There are plenty of pacifiers out there for moms to choose from for their little ones. But for our mom-to-be, these pacifiers designed by BIBS are her favorites. And nearly 1,000 moms agree. These pacifiers have a five-star rating. BPA, PVC, and phthalates-free, these binkies have been “a favorite for both moms and babies for over forty years.”
Pacifier Clips
$6.99 at the time of publication
As unpredictable as babies are, you never know when that pacifier that was once calming them down is going to be something they no longer want. These adorable pacifier clips make sure that even when the pacifier isn’t in their mouth, it doesn’t hit the ground and that it is always accessible when your little one wants it again.
There you have it! Straight from the mouth of a new mom! From the best cribs and pacifier clips to swaddles and carriers, having any of these waiting in your nursery will have you feel more prepared for the moment your little one arrives.
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Let us know what you purchased from this list. And if you’re looking for other products or gift ideas, check out Mamas Uncut’s shop page. We have a large variety of products for everything and every occasion. Including the best toys for your newborn, especially when it comes to their early development.
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