14 must-haves for first-time moms
There are so many baby products out there – but these are the ones we swear by!
Anyone who’s ever been pregnant will tell you that there’s no shortage of baby and new mama products out there – everything from diaper warmers to a glove designed to feel like a human hand that “hugs” your baby to sleep (sidebar: no thank you!)
For first-time moms, the choice can seem overwhelming. We’ve curated a list of our 14 must-haves, and why we love them. These are the products we recommend to friends and buy again and again. As time goes on, you’ll need more, but we think it’s best to begin with the basics, and see how you go from there. We’re only ever a click away!
14 products for first time moms
As most first-time moms discover pretty quickly, not all nursing bras or tanks are created equal. This innovative nursing tank, from premium maternity wear brand Blanqi, leaves your bust exposed for easy feeding wherever you are. The tank itself is made of stretchy, supportive fabric that hugs you close and keeps you feeling firm in those first few weeks of new motherhood. Of course, our favorite part is simply how comfortable this is – it’ll make nursing a breeze.
2. Blanqi Everyday Highwaist Postpartum Nursing Support Leggings
By the end of pregnancy, your legs and lower back are feeling the brunt of carrying a baby – and all the baggage that goes along with them. Enter the Blanqi legging, made of high-performance, close-knit breathable fabric that supports your core and lower back while also wicking away moisture. Extremely comfortable (think soft like butter!) but also stylish, you can easily wear these under dresses or long sweaters by day, and with your favorite PJ top at night.
Our top selling product, The DockATot Deluxe+ dock is the ultimate docking station for your baby ages 0-8 months old. Multi-functional and multitasking, the Deluxe+ offers a safe and comfy spot that lets baby rest, lounge, play, cuddle, do tummy time and get diaper changes. With a unique, non-heat harboring mattress that allows baby to breathe openly and unobstructed, the DockATot is a place where you can lay your baby down to sleep that’s free from harmful chemicals and substances – so you can rest easy yourself.
4. Nook Sleep Systems Niche Organic Feeding Pillow
For both nursing and bottle-feeding mamas, a comfortable feeding pillow is a non-negotiable. Babies feed a lot during these early weeks, so you need to feel at ease while you’re doing it. We love the Niche feeding pillow – it doesn’t move, is made of non-toxic materials, and is both soft and firm. AND you can use it as a pillow for yourself once you’re no longer nursing!
5. Babybjorn Bouncer Balance Soft
For all those times you want to keep baby close, but you just can’t hold her (when you’re showering, for instance, or getting ready to go out), the Babybjorn Balance Soft is your best friend. Comfortable, lightweight for easy portability and versatile (you can use it until baby is two), this is a must-have for new mamas.
6. Naturepedic No Compromise Organic Cotton Changing Pad
Whether you set up a mobile changing station in your main living area for easy access, or you have a dedicated space in the nursery, you’ll need a changing pad. The Naturepedic No-Compromise Organic Cotton Change Pad features a luxurious GOTS certified organic cotton fabric with a clear polyethylene food-grade waterproof coating. Non-allergenic and easy-to-clean, the safety buckle helps secure baby while changing and snap screws included to secure the pad to a dresser while at home. You can’t go passed it.
7. Naturepedic Organic Cotton Changing Pad Cover
Made from GOTS certified organic cotton, the Naturepedic Organic Cotton Changing Pad Cover is soft, absorptive, non-toxic and machine washable.
Finding a stroller that suits your needs can be like Goldilocks figuring out which porridge to eat – sometimes none of them are just right. But we assure you: the Bugaboo Fox is! With a two-way seat (ie reclining and reversible), height-adjustable handlebar and a large underbasket for storage, this stroller is lightweight, easy to maneuver and even features recycled fabrics. The best part, though? It folds down in one simple step. Because as any first-time mom will tell you, trying to wrangle a stroller that JUST. WON’T. FOLD is sometimes worse than labor.
While many car seats are heavy and bulky, and therefore can’t be lifted easily between the car and stroller, or home, the Nuna Pipa Lite LX weighs in at just 5.7 lbs – that is, less than most babies! It exceeds American safety standards and features durable, comfortable aeroflex foam to keep baby safe and happy when you’re out and about. Also, because it’s made with certified Oeko-Tex® fabric, this car seat is free from Azo colorants, formaldehyde, pentachlorophenol, cadmium, and nickel. Its Merino wool and TENCEL™ lyocell fiber blend, means there are no added fire retardant chemicals.
10. Halo Organic Sleepsack Swaddle
Some sleepsacks can only be worn for a certain period of time – until baby begins rolling, for instance. Not so with the Halo Sleepsack Swaddle, which can be worn three ways in place of normal bedding. The sleepsack (made of 100 per cent organically-grown cotton) allows your baby to sleep comfortably, without fear of loose blankets covering their face.
11. HART + LAND Organic Baby Clothes
HART + Land Baby Basics was inspired by The Tot Founder, Nasiba Adilova’s passion for finding the cleanest and healthiest products for her family, the collection includes bodysuits, leggings, swaddles and tees as well as matching PJ sets for the whole family. This unisex HART + LAND gift set is thoughtfully curated and ready to be enjoyed. Made from 100% organic pima cotton, each piece has been chosen for its functionality and comfort. The set includes a Long sleeve footed bodysuit, a Long sleeve, lap shoulder bodysuit, one pair of Leggings, a Short sleeve crew tee, a Baby hat and one Swaddling blanket.
12. Ergobaby Four Position 360 Air Carrier
Some things just can’t be improved on – but sometimes, even iconic products get better with a little tweaking. We’ve always loved Ergobaby’s carriers, but this Four Position 360 Air design blew us away. Designed to accommodate baby in four different positions (each ergonomically sound for the parent and the baby), this carrier allows maximum comfort and support, meaning you can wear it for hours on end should you need to (and in those early days, you may need to!). We also love its breathable 3D Air Mesh lining that keeps baby cool year round.
Made Of high-capacity diapers do the dirty work without dirty words like petrochemicals, phthalates and parabens. They even let you know when they’re wet. Meet the better way to keep bottoms dry. 36 in a pack.
14. Bambo Nature Tidy Bottom Baby Wipes
Free of chemical nasties and dermatologically safe, these environmentally-friendly baby wipes are the only wipes we’d let near our babies’ bottoms!