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Essentials for First Time Moms
By an Amazon.com customer
Bella Band LaceBella Band Lace
Buy new: $28.00
I lived in my bella bands for weeks (which is like years when you're pregnant!). They were also great for post-partum while waiting for my normal clothes to button again. I think these are a must-have for any expecting mom - they seem to be most helpful starting around 12-14 weeks.
Original Maya Wrap Sling (Not Padded)-Medium -OLIVE GREENOriginal Maya Wrap Sling (Not Padded)-Medium -OLIVE GREEN
Buy new: $54.89
I LOVE my ring sling. Couldn't get by without it. I purchased mine through another company, but they're all the same idea. My suggestion is to get one that adjusts easily - your size (and your baby's!) will change often. It's great for around the house, quick walks, even grocery shopping. Keeps my baby close, comfortable, and my hands are still free.
Ju Ju Be Packabe Diaper Bag, Blue BouquetJu Ju Be Packabe Diaper Bag, Blue Bouquet
Buy new: $120.00
My family members all said that the Diaper Bag is the place to splurge, and I couldn't agree more. This thing is great - it seems to have a place for everything. The best feature is that it can be used over the shoulder or as a backpack - it's hard to carry an infant seat and then swing a diaper bag over one shoulder! The backpack option is VERY handy!
The First Years Close & Secure SleeperThe First Years Close & Secure Sleeper
Buy new: $42.00
I was always opposed to co-sleeping, but as a nursing mom, sometimes you'll do anything to get some sleep! This was a God send - it let me keep my baby within arms reach to nurse easily but gave me peace of mind that I wouldn't smother her while sleeping.
Aden & Anais Muslin Wraps 4-Pack - Zoo AnimalsAden & Anais Muslin Wraps 4-Pack - Zoo Animals
Buy new: $42.99
These blankets are my favorites. I use them for everything! They are big enough to get a swaddle done tightly (and tuck in the ends to secure it!), yet they are light enough for summer babies. They're also great nursing covers - they allow plenty of air through so baby doesn't feel
BumGenius 3.0 One-Size Cloth Diaper-RibbitBumGenius 3.0 One-Size Cloth Diaper-Ribbit
These are great - they grow with your baby, so you only have to purchase one set for all their diaper years. I recommend 20-24 for a set, but they don't work for babies under 8lb. I used the Kissaluv brand until my daughter hit 8lb - they have a special set for newborns.
gDiapers Flushable Refills, Medium/Large, 32-Count Bags (Pack of 4)gDiapers Flushable Refills, Medium/Large, 32-Count Bags (Pack of 4)
Buy new: $52.00
I use g-diapers when on-the-go with my daughter. You do have to put a little effort in before flushing away the disposable inserts, but I don't have any problems with them. I like that they're much softer on the environment than a generic disposable diaper. They're also easier on her bottom as they don't have all the chemicals in them.
Boudreaux's Butt Paste, Diaper Rash Ointment, Tube 4 oz (113 g)Boudreaux's Butt Paste, Diaper Rash Ointment, Tube 4 oz (113 g)
Buy new: $10.55
We had one case of serious diaper rash to deal with, and this paste cleared it up SO fast. We used samples from the doctor's office (using cloth has really kept her bottom rash-free) and I was really impressed. After years of fighting with Desitin through younger siblings, babysitting, and job with small children, I am a Boudreaux convert!
California Baby Super Sensitive Shampoo and Body Wash, No Fragrance, 8.5-Ounce Bottles (Pack of 3)California Baby Super Sensitive Shampoo and Body Wash, No Fragrance, 8.5-Ounce Bottles (Pack of 3)
Buy new: $29.85
We started out using Johnson's and my baby kept getting red rashes. This stuff keeps her skin very clean and clear - and the aromatherapy works wonders on both of us! I follow bath time with CB lotion - she seems to really enjoy her "massage".
Lansinoh 20265 Disposable Nursing Pads, 60-Count Boxes (Pack of 3)Lansinoh 20265 Disposable Nursing Pads, 60-Count Boxes (Pack of 3)
Buy new: $19.50
These are great for nursing moms who are on-the-go. They are individually wrapped and easy to throw in a diaper bag or purse in case of a surprise leak.
Gilligan & O'Malley® Women's Full Sling Nursing Tank - Dark BrownGilligan & O'Malley® Women's Full Sling Nursing Tank - Dark Brown
Buy new: $16.99
LOVE my nursing tanks. Who wants to bare their post-partum belly while nursing? These are perfect for layering and let you remain (more) discreet when nursing in public. MUST HAVE in my opinion.
Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump with Shoulder BagMedela Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump with Shoulder Bag
Buy new: $249.99
I had a lot of problems nursing and had to get a pump - this one has plenty of settings and is lightweight. It also came with a car adapter - VERY handy for travelling. Consider buying this one used - they're SO expensive and lots of women look to unload them. They're very easy to sanitize.
Dr. Brown's BPA Free Polypropylene Natural Flow Wide Neck Bottle, 8 oz - 3-PackDr. Brown's BPA Free Polypropylene Natural Flow Wide Neck Bottle, 8 oz - 3-Pack
Buy new: $14.88
I don't know how gassy my daughter would be without this vent system, but I do know that we've never had problems with trapped gas and she rarely spits up. There are a lot of small pieces, though - if you plan to clean in the dishwasher, it's worth picking up the cleaning basket to keep track of it all.
BabyLegs Fresh Leg Warmers - AnenomeBabyLegs Fresh Leg Warmers - Anenome
I thought these were a frivolous purchase at first, but I use them all the time. They make diaper changing faster (no snaps) and work great under gowns, too. I keep a set in the diaper bag during the summer in case the temp drops - they work great for tiny thighs sticking out of a Bjorn, too!
Fisher-Price Soothe n' Play BouncerFisher-Price Soothe n' Play Bouncer
Buy new: $23.99
This was the first thing I could really put her in that she interacted with - she babbles to the creatures while I shower. I recommend restraint when purchasing things like this - I let her try out a friend's swing before purchasing one - good thing, as she hated it! No baby needs everything, and babies really do have opinions.
Boppy Bare Naked Expandable Miracle Middle PillowBoppy Bare Naked Expandable Miracle Middle Pillow
Buy new: $29.99
I rarely use my Boppy for nursing, but find tons of other uses for it. I think it's worth the investment, especially if you can find one used. My daughter naps in it, has tummy-time in it (she hates being on the activity mat so far), and if I cover it with a black cloth, it makes a great photo backdrop.
Bumbo Baby Sitter Lime GreenBumbo Baby Sitter Lime Green
Buy new: $44.95
I wasn't on board with the Bumbo chair at first, but at 3 months I started putting my daughter in it. I was amazed at how it helped her develop neck strength. I keep it in the laundry room so I can set her down while I work - very helpful.
Fisher-Price Space Saver High Chair - TanFisher-Price Space Saver High Chair - Tan
Buy new: $53.43
I loved the idea of the baby being a part of the table. We have a small dining space, so fitting in a stand-alone chair was not an option. This is a great compromise - very sturdy, yet compact.
Graco SnugRide Infant Car Seat, Tango in the TongoGraco SnugRide Infant Car Seat, Tango in the Tongo
Buy new: $86.98
It seems like everyone I know uses the Snugride - and everyone is happy with it. Shopping for the "perfect" carseat can be so stressful - this seems to work for almost everyone. I also purchased the stroller frame - it's not great for taking walks over bumpy sidewalks, but does fine while shopping. It's compact and really easy to collapse/set up.
Britax Marathon Convertible Car Seat OnyxBritax Marathon Convertible Car Seat Onyx
Buy new: $279.00
We have this in my husband's car and are very happy so far - again, it's a lot of work deciding on a car seat and reading the reviews. This one seemed like a good balance between quality and price. It was at the top of most of the lists I saw. It is a little big - we purchased a Britax Roundabout for my parents cars (it's a smaller variety) and are just as happy with it so far.
The Girlfriends' Guide to PregnancyThe Girlfriends' Guide to Pregnancy by Vicki Iovine
Buy new: $10.20 / Used from: $2.21
LOVED this book. I read at least ten different parenting books while pregnant, and this was the most helpful. The rest started to sound the same after a few chapters. This one helped me relax and remember that being pregnant and having a baby is stressful, but also FUN!
The Happiest Baby on the Block: The New Way to Calm Crying and Help Your Newborn Baby Sleep LongerThe Happiest Baby on the Block: The New Way to Calm Crying and Help Your Newborn Baby Sleep Longer by Harvey Karp
Buy new: $10.20 / Used from: $2.50
I found this book was a pain to read, but it had some very helpful information. There is also a video you can watch - that may be easier (I think you can purchase it on Amazon). Dr. Karp's system really did seem to help my daughter sometimes - it's worth reading and having a few "tricks" up your sleeve for those tough nights!
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding: Seventh Revised Edition (La Leche League International Book)The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding: Seventh Revised Edition (La Leche League International Book) by La Leche League International
Buy new: $13.00 / Used from: $9.49
I used this book to trouble shoot all kinds of nursing problems - I was well on my way to mastitis, but was able to catch it early through this book. You do have to get past the agenda-pushing, but I think it's a great resource for any nursing mom.
JJ Cole Essentials Diapers and Wipes Caddy Cocoa StripeJJ Cole Essentials Diapers and Wipes Caddy Cocoa Stripe
Buy new: $25.18
I didn't have this specific item - I just used an old basket I had lying around - but if you have more than one level to your home, having a "station" on each level for diaper changes (with burp rags and a blanket, too) can be really helpful!