Welcoming a baby into your life is the most amazing thing you’ll experience—and yet SO overwhelming. With so many baby products out there, it can be tough to know what you really need. As a first time mom, these are the items I reached for DAILY during the first three months. Not only are they practical, but they also make life with a newborn easier (and let’s be honest, we all need that).
Here’s my list of tried-and-true baby essentials, perfect for the 0–3 month stage. Everything is linked for your convenience below!
1. Haakaa Silicone Pump
This little guy is a lifesaver for breastfeeding moms. The Haakaa is perfect for collecting letdown milk while you nurse on the opposite side. It’s easy to use, easy to wash/clean, is completely silent, and requires no cords or batteries to pump. Plus, you can stash away extra ounces of milk without the hassle of setting up a bulky pump.
I personally have not touched my super expensive Spectra S2 pump this entire time! Pumping has always intimidated me with all those parts and buttons. The Hakaa has collected all the extra milk that comes out from the opposite breast for me while I’m feeding baby, and I’ve already accumulated a hefty milk stash in my freezer.
2. My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow
Forget juggling pillows—this nursing pillow offers sturdy support to help position your baby at just the right angle for feeding. Its wrap-around design ensures comfort for both you and baby while promoting a good latch. Bonus points for the built-in pocket, perfect for storing a burp cloth or a snack for you (you’ll thank me later). Easy to wipe clean, replace the cover, and super convenient. Loved being able to clip this around me and be mobile while feeding baby!
3. Hatch Rest Go Portable Sound Machine
This portable sound machine is a game-changer for getting your baby to sleep at home or on the go. It has soothing white noise, mimicking the sounds of the womb, helping baby feel calm and secure. Lightweight and rechargeable, it’s perfect for car rides, stroller walks, or overnight stays at grandma’s. Theres only 3 buttons on it, making it super easy to use. The on/off button doubles as the forward button to change the sound, and there’s a button to lower and increase volume. That’s it!
I personally use this one in my bedside bassinet, and the larger Hatch Sound Machine stays planted in our nursery!
You can purchase this individually (Hatch Rest Go Portable Sound Machine) or as a set with the larger Hatch machine that comes with the portable piece.
4. Soft Cloth Crinkle Black and White Baby Books
Newborns love high-contrast images, and these soft cloth books are perfect for stimulating your baby’s developing vision. The crinkle material keeps them entertained, and the lightweight design makes it easy for tiny hands to explore. We have these scattered all over our house to make tummy time more fun! This book set we use comes with a bunch of different books to explore different categories.
5. Maxi-Cosi Iora Baby Bassinet Bedside Sleeper
For safe and cozy sleep, this bedside bassinet is a dream. It keeps your baby within arm’s reach for those nighttime feeds, and its adjustable height fits seamlessly next to the bed. It includes a storage basket at the bottom for keeping diapers, wipes, and onesies close by during those middle-of-the-night wakeups. We personally love how sleek yet functional this bassinet is, and it doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb with the rest of our bedroom furniture!
6. Angelcare Baby Bath Tub
Bath time is much less daunting with this simple yet genius tub. Its ergonomic design supports your baby comfortably, keeping them safe while you wash. The perforated mesh bottom allows water to flow through, and it’s quick to dry, preventing mold or mildew buildup. We couldn’t do bathtime without this thing. Makes our lives so much easier, and bath time so fun!
Did I miss any of your favorites? Let me know in the comments! For more mom-life tips and baby product recommendations, follow along on Instagram and subscribe to my blog for weekly updates.