As a first-time mom, there are countless things to consider and prepare before the baby arrives. Although, it’s an exciting time for the mom it can be also overwhelming preparing for the little one. If you go to Target or look at a baby registry, you will be bombarded with countless baby products at your sight. One might wonder if we really need all of these baby products. Plus, baby equipment and products can be very expensive. So, which one do we prioritize, and which products are not at all necessary?
As a mother of four with very little baby equipment, I am here to help you choose the right products to make sure you have peace of mind and also to help you save money that will be needed for endless amounts of diapers, so it feels.
One of the most important things for first-time moms to consider is what essentials they will need for both themselves and their baby. Without further ado, here are the top items that should be on your list, even as a minimalist.
Diaper and Wipes
If you live in the West consider yourself lucky, as hospitals usually gift moms with a reasonable amount of diapers but you will have to have your stash at home as newborn babies poop a lot for the first couple of weeks. Some people say that you should stock on diapers but contrary to that belief, I would advise the opposite. You don’t know if your baby will have an allergy reaction. Plus babies outgrow newborn size very quickly.
Coconut Oil
I use coconut oil for everything, from the skin to hair too, you guessed it, baby bum. Now, I know that there are a variety of natural creams and, oils out there that you can be used for your baby’s situation. But let’s face it, if there is a product that can do everything, why put money on a one-purpose product, unless necessary? When it comes to baby rash, prevention is the key, and coconut oil does a pretty good job of that.
Clothes
Babies grow quickly, so make sure you have a variety of sizes for your newborn to 3 months. Babies barely stay in the newborn size for very long and that is why for the second time around, I didn’t get any newborn-size clothes, which mean that for a while my baby was dressed in oversized clothes.
Breastfeeding and/or Bottles
If you are planning on breastfeeding that you will need a good breast pump and bottles and milk storage bags if you are planning on going back to work immediately. Since I took a year off from work I actually didn’t get an electric breast pump, I got instead a manual one which is much cheaper.
Bathtub
You’ll need a bath to safely bathe your baby. Although, for the first couple of days you can use a damped cloth to clean your child, you will need a bathtub later on, as babies are very slippery when trying to bathe them.
Swaddle Blankets
Invest in good swaddle blankets as not only do swaddle blankets have multifunction and they last forever. I have my swaddle blankets since my first child and I don’t just use it for swaddling the baby. I use it as a cover up when I’m breastfeeding in public. As you guessed it by now I like to repurpose things.
Carseat and Stroller
In the US you will not be able to leave the hospital without a car seat but here in Egypt, many people actually don’t even have car seats installed in their cars. For the women who do not drive here, they will simply just carry their baby whenever in a car. For those, who do drive a car seat is absolutely necessary. Fun fact, here in Egypt you can install your car seat on the passenger’s side in the front. Let me know if your country also allows you to install a car seat at the front of the car.
When it comes to stroller, it depends on which country you live in but a good rule of thumb is not to spend your money on very expensive strollers. However, you should consider a good quality weight stroller. As moms, we are often running a million errands a day and it can be exhausting lifting a very heavy stroller all day, every day.
Postpartum Essentials
I don’t know about you but my doctor didn’t really provide knowledge on what postpartum will look like and what women need after birth. I think they just assume their patients know but in fact, I didn’t know until I stomped upon videos on YouTube. You’ll need pads, comfortable clothing, and breast ointments in case of pain.
Baby Carrier
I can’t express enough how important a baby carrier is for first-time mothers. Trying to adjust to the new lifestyle can be hard and challenging. In order words, if you want to get anything done throughout the day, you must carry your baby on you. I like to use a baby wrap for the first couple of months and once the baby gets heavier, the baby can be carried with a carrier that provides more support for the mother.
I would like to add that I have two criteria for the baby carrier. One criteria is that the baby head has to be up where the mother can easily tilt her head down to kiss the baby’s head. The other one is that the baby’s knee’s have to be high. Please do your research before you seek my recommendation.
Have you found any of these essentials helpful? If so, which one did you not prepare for the first baby?
DISCLAIMER
Andrea Blossom is a participant in the Amazon Services Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Andrea Blossom 
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