10 Must-haves as a First-time Mom I Wish I Knew

I Bet You Couldn’t Guess the Last Five

1. Baby Clothes 

This one can’t be missed: the moment you find out you’re pregnant, you want to buy all those cute baby clothes. You can happily buy everything you like, but what makes it worth mentioning is that you don’t know exactly what you need. I am especially referring to first-time moms, as I had a bag full of baby clothes, yet none of them were useful, and my husband had to rush to buy what the midwife asked for.

For the first three months, you definitely don’t need any fancy clothing for them and spend a fortune. They grow out of those expensive tiny clothes before you get a chance to even wear them once. A lot of clothes always cause chaos in your cupboard, and you end up not even finding the right clothes at the right time. I still have my baby’s newborn clothes packed in the cupboard, as I feel sad giving them away and she can’t fit them anymore.

To save you from the inescapable disorder, here’s a list you need for your newborn that will suffice for the first three months without spending hefty amounts on clothes they won’t even need to wear;

2. Diapers and Wipes 

When it comes to diapers, choosing the right size and amount has always been the most difficult decision for me. I have always been ordering Pampers one size bigger than my daughter needed, as I order big saver packs, and by the time they end, my daughter hardly fits into them.

The first three months were the most miserable, as the first box I ordered was way too small for my daughter after two weeks, and I had to give it away for free to make room for new diapers. Then I learnt the lesson and started ordering a bigger size, or plus size, so my daughter can comfortably wear them without the fear of leaking.

But here’s a catch: you need to be careful, as too big a size can also lead to discomfort for your baby. So the first size of Pampers you are going to buy should be one small pack, and then analyse if that is comfortable for your baby. Only then order the same size, but keep the amount smaller in the first 6 months, as babies are rapidly growing out of their clothes and pampers.

Here is a link to Amazon where I always buy

3. Safe Sleeping Space

It’s not given enough attention and thought, but a safer sleeping space for the baby means better sleep for you as well. When the baby is comfortably asleep, you get a better sleep as well. Otherwise, if the baby is uncomfortable, you stay restless as well. I would definitely suggest buying a bedside crib with wheels and adjustable height for your comfort and your baby’s sound sleep. But you don’t need to buy an expensive crib or fancy cot. They outgrow it in 6 months, and you will be wasting your money. So look for affordable but reliable options.

Here are the best options on Amazon within your budget, according to my own experience;

• Suitable from birth to approx. 9kg
• Side sleeping allows you to sleep close to baby and develop a stronger bond
• Drop-side feature to enable either to be used as co-sleeping or crib
• Adjustable height allowing you to match the base height to your bed
• Adjustable incline allowing the crib to tilt to help with digestion, reflux and colds

4. Car-seat and Stroller 

If you are living in the UK, you must know this: the hospital won’t discharge you with your baby until they see a proper car seat. You cannot roam around without a proper baby car seat for your baby in the UK and could be fined hefty charges or even points on your licence if you fail to do so. Only in certain circumstances are babies under 2 years of age allowed to be in your lap, that too on public transport or Uber, etc. But if you have your own car, I highly recommend buying a good, safe car seat for your own child’s safety.

Given below are a few options I looked into before buying mine, and all these are my favourites;

5. Feeding Supplies

If you are planning to breastfeed your baby or bottle feed, either way you need to have a backup feeding kit for your baby. Here’s a list of everything you need, with Amazon links to products I bought for my baby and would 100% recommend 

• Baby Bottles

5 Best Baby Bottles: Anti-reflux, Anti-gas, and Anti-colic

• Formula 

6. Baby Carrier

Although this sounds a little extra, the baby carrier literally turned out to be the game changer for me. I didn’t realise it at first and didn’t even buy a carrier for one month, but carrying my baby was taking a toll on my arms. 

7. Digital Thermometer

8. Nasal Aspirator

9. Baby Bath Support Supplies 

Nuby Newborn Baby Bath

Soft Sponge 

Gentle Soap

Towel

A Gentle Moisturiser 

10. Baby Grooming Kit

Nail Filer Kit

Hair Brush with Soft Bristles 

Coconut Oil 

Sudocream