Life After Baby

De-Influencing: Here’s What You Really Need for Your New Baby.

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Don’t have time to read this whole post? I have you covered.

If you’re a Type B mama who’s just trying to survive and doesn’t have time to sit and read every detail—I totally get it. Scroll to the bottom for a quick roundup of the 15 things I recommend—and what I’d skip. Save your time (and your sanity).

Congratulations, mama! Your miracle is on the way, and you’re probably spending hours online searching for the perfect products to build your registry. If it’s your first baby, you’re likely inundated with countless opinions on what you absolutely need—plus all the “just wait until…” warnings. If it’s your second, third, or even sixth, then you’re likely a pro by now and will either agree, disagree, or chime in with your tried-and-trues. Either way, if you’re currently adding items to your Babylist or Amazon registry, this post is for you.

I vividly remember the day I finally sat down to start my registry—and all the times so many moms (and non-moms) chimed in with their must-haves:
“Get this detergent.”
“No, not that one—it’s full of harmful chemicals.”
“Use this dish soap.”
“No, THIS one is so much better.”

I was overwhelmed. So I did what I do best: research. After countless hours of comparison and consideration, I landed on a list of items that truly worked best for me and my baby boy.

If you’re a type A mama, you’ll probably take this list and run with it—deep diving into more research (go you!). But if you’re a type B like me, you’ll likely copy and paste—and let me be the first to say: that’s TOTALLY okay.

So here it is: the top 15 items I highly recommend adding to your registry. I can confidently say you’ll actually use these with your new baby. Anything beyond this list is a nice-to-have—but definitely not a need. If you’re on a budget, rest easy knowing that just because someone else had it doesn’t mean you have to. I absolutely pinky promise.

1. Bassinet.

There are SO many bassinet options out there. We went with the Baby Delight Beside Me Dreamer Bassinet (affiliate link), and while it has its perks, I wouldn’t purchase it again. Here’s why—starting with the good:

Pros:

  • Easy to clean
  • Easy to access
  • Sturdy
  • Comes in lots of color options (don’t look at me like that—I know you’re trying to match your home aesthetic too!)

Cons:

  • If you have a platform or floor bed, you can’t roll this bassinet under the bed to get it flush with your mattress. That leaves about a 6-inch gap between you and baby. Doesn’t sound like much, but as a first-time mom terrified of SIDS (still am!), I needed to be as close as possible. That little gap felt like a canyon at 3 a.m.
    • However, if you have a raised bed, this bassinet might actually be the perfect option for you.
  • You can’t rock your cranky newborn in it. And listen—why don’t they make those good old-fashioned rocking bassinets anymore? You know, like in Lady and the Tramp or Tarzan?! I’m not saying you need a SNOO with side-to-side fancy tech and vibrations. But for my next baby, I’m definitely getting something I can gently rock—and lock when needed. That way, during those brutal early mornings, I can just reach out and soothe them without fully getting up.

Right now, I’ve got my eye on the Dream On Me Lacy Portable 2-in-1 Bassinet & Cradle (affiliate link) for round two—or something similar.

Important: When it comes to sleep safety, please do your research and follow safe sleep guidelines. I can’t stress this enough—SIDS is scary, and it’s worth taking every precaution to keep your little one safe.

2. Bottles.

Let’s talk bottles. The right bottle matters—and it’ll depend entirely on your baby. That’s why I recommend not buying 10 of the same brand before baby arrives. Instead, grab one or two from a few different brands and test them out once your little one is earthside.

Some things that can affect what kind of bottle your baby ends up loving:

  • Tongue ties
  • Latch strength
  • Gas/colic/GERD
  • …and just plain ol’ preference (yes, newborns can be picky—who knew?)

We were lucky not to have a tongue tie situation, so finding the right bottle wasn’t too hard (please don’t jinx me for baby #2). That said, one thing I was certain about from day one: no plastic or silicone bottles.

As soon as I found out I was expecting, my mom-gut kicked in. And something about heating up plastic or silicone bottles over and over again didn’t sit right with me. I’m not a scientist—well, technically, I do have a master’s in molecular biology, so maybe I’m a little bit of one—but I just don’t buy that plastic is 100% safe when heated. There has to be some amount of microleakage happening, right?

So I went with glass. Yes, it might have its own issues, but to me, it felt like the better of two evils. Plus, my mom used glass bottles on me and I turned out (mostly) fine—proof enough.

We chose the Philips Avent Natural Newborn Glass Gift Set (affiliate link), and they are absolutely amazing. Here’s why:

  • Comes with two sizes (6 oz and 8 oz), which is super practical
  • Early on, we used the 6 oz for feeds and 8 oz for storage
  • Later, we flipped it—used 8 oz for feeds and 6 oz for storage or water
  • Comes with a silicone sleeve (perfect for not burning your hand off at 4 a.m. because you left it in the warmer too long)
  • Practically indestructible—we’ve dropped and rocket launched these and they still haven’t shattered

They’ve also been great for our slightly GERD-y baby—less spit-up, less fuss. Honestly, 10/10 recommend. Start with these and go from there if needed.

⚠️ IMPORTANT TIP: The nipples are flow-numbered based on age! Around 2–3 months, you’ll want to upgrade to the next flow level so baby doesn’t have to work so hard. We learned this the hard way—spent 45 minutes trying to figure out why our son wouldn’t finish a bottle… only to realize he was using the wrong flow nipple (facepalm).

3. Car Seat + Stroller Combo.

The amount of options out there for car seats and strollers… I can’t even begin to tell you how many hours I spent Googling and TikToking reviews. Convertible this, 360 that—it was a lot.

So, let me save you some time and tell you what worked for us.

Just like with a bassinet, car seat safety is a big deal. At the end of the day, it’s your baby and you have to choose what makes you feel the most confident and secure.

For us, safety and convenience were key. My husband works a lot, so I knew I needed something I could easily manage on my own. And beyond that, I was also thinking about my safety. Let’s be real—today’s world can be scary, especially for moms out alone with a baby. I wanted something that allowed me to be quick, alert, and not fumbling with gear in a parking lot.

We went with the Evenflo Gold Shyft DualRide with Carryall Storage Infant Car Seat and Stroller Combo (affiliate link).

Mama—when I say this was the best $479 I’ve ever spent (thank you, Black Friday!), I mean it. I’d pay full price for it again without hesitation, for however many babies we have.

People constantly stopped us when we were out and about to ask about it—so many had never seen anything like it. The convenience is unmatched:

Pros:

  • It clicks in and out seamlessly
  • Transforms from car seat to stroller in seconds
  • Never got stuck, ripped, or broke
  • Baby loved it
  • Looked sleek AND functional

Cons:

  • No storage, but easily fixed with an attachment like this one

We only purchased one (for my car) and I wish we had bought a second for my husband’s truck. Honestly, it’s worth every penny.

Personally, I don’t think it makes sense to buy a standard infant car seat only to upgrade a few months later when they outgrow it. This combo solved everything for us, and it lasted way beyond those early months. Highly recommend.

IYC: It lasted all the way up to one year for our boy. He was 25 lbs and 30 inches when I finally decided it was time to give it up and install the convertible car seat.

4. Diaper Bag.

The amount of diaper bag options out there makes my head spin. And they all claim to be “THE BEST diaper bag.” Let’s be honest—most of them are mediocre at best, and no, you do not need to spend $300+ on one. Heck, not even $100. Anything can be a diaper bag if you really believe.

I was lucky enough to be gifted the FAWN DESIGN The Original Diaper Bag (affiliate link), and I still use it to this day. Here’s what I learned about diaper bags:

  • Go for a dark color – Trust me, it’ll hide a lot. Ours has been tossed on floors, stuffed in strollers, thrown in the backseat… and it still looks great.
  • Faux leather is your best friend – Easy to wipe clean, sanitize with Lysol, and doesn’t fall apart.
  • Get one with a zipper – Because one day, someone in a 1918 Nissan will cut you off and you’ll slam the brakes… and you’ll be so glad your stuff stayed inside the bag.
  • Size matters – Every diaper bag will eventually feel too small, but I swear on my new mom anxiety, this one holds everything.

I was TERRIFIED of not having what I needed while out and about. So terrified, in fact, that I didn’t just use my diaper bag—I also carried my own purse stuffed with extras.

To paint the picture: I walked around with Genexa, Tylenol, Motrin, AND Benadryl (even though he was too young for it). TWO thermometers. Band-aids. Bug spray. You name it—I was your walking CVS.

Let me be the first to say: no amount of recommendations will stop you from overpacking in those first few months. New parent paranoia is real, and there’s no quick fix for it. So stuff that diaper bag to the brim while you’re adjusting and learning what your baby actually needs.

If your baby has GERD? Bring extra burp cloths.
Blowout baby? Extra diapers AND outfits.
Colicky baby? Backup pacis. All of them.
You’re doing great, I promise.

That said—once you’ve gotten the hang of things and start feeling a bit more confident, here’s what I’d recommend for everyday outings:

Tip 1: You’re not going into the wild.
Wherever you’re headed, chances are you’re not too far from a convenience store, Walmart, or Target. So if you forget something, it’s no big deal. You’ll be back on track in no time—don’t stress!

Tip 2: Car Caddy = Game Changer.
One for you, and one for your spouse. Keep them stocked and in the car at all times. In ours, we kept:

  • A change of clothes
  • A full (small) pack of diapers
  • Wipes
  • Diaper cream
  • Extra pacifiers
  • A jacket
  • Stroller fan
  • Burp cloths
  • Travel toys (these never left the car!)

As baby grew, we added:

  • High chair clips
  • Disposable table mats
  • Disposable bibs
  • His portable travel high chair

Seriously—this saved us so much time and stress. Knowing I could just grab the diaper bag, not dig through it like I was opening a time capsule, and GO… life-changing.

You’ll want to restock anytime you use something or do a quick weekly check. But again—best idea we ever had.

🔴 SAFETY TIP:
Even if your baby isn’t eating solids yet, I highly recommend purchasing the LifeVac Home Kit (affiliate link). Especially if you’re ever around older kiddos. We keep one in the kitchen and one in each of our cars (which we throw in the diaper bag when eating out). It gives me so much peace of mind, and personally, I don’t offer solids unless I have this nearby. It’s one of those things you pray you never need—but if you do, you’ll be beyond grateful you have it.

5. Breast Pumps.

First of all—if you’re the mama who knew from the start that you did not want to torture the titties, lord do I admire you. Please teach me your ways.

But if you’re still here, welcome in. Let’s talk.

I was so nervous about breastfeeding and the journey that came with it. Just like diaper bags, strollers, and car seats, the number of pump options out there is overwhelming—but this one might be the TOUGHEST decision of them all. Why? Because it really depends on your girls.

Here’s what I’ll say:

  • If you have insurance, use it. Most plans cover a hospital-grade pump.
  • If you have mom friends, ask to borrow their machines (just not too early before baby arrives!).
  • Consider getting two pumps: one hospital-grade, one mobile.

I ended up with:

This is a safe space, so I’ll be real: after baby, I ended up with two completely different breast sizes. Yep. RIP symmetry. This made pumping tricky and really frustrating.

Here’s my advice to help you avoid some of that struggle:

BUY A FLANGE MEASURING KIT – Seriously, it’s like $5 and makes all the difference. It’ll help ensure you’re using the correct flange size to get the most milk out and avoid pain. I recommend the Latched Flange/Breast Pump Sizing Ruler (affiliate link).

Larger-chested mamas, listen up – Hands-free/mobile pumps can be HARD to get right. Not all were made with busty gals in mind.
DO. YOUR. RESEARCH. Look for pumps that specifically mention they work well for larger breasts—don’t rely solely on those 4.5-star reviews. Those are often based on comfort or aesthetics, not output. The wrong pump can leave you with frustration and a whole lot less milk (and less money).

9. Toys.

Did you know you need to start entertaining babies at, like, 30 days? Tummy time? Yeah—I wasn’t ready either.

If I remember correctly, I had maybe one toy on my registry because I figured it’d be months before my baby would actually play. Well, let me be the first to break it to you: they need toys. Nothing wild—but a few every day, tried-and-true favorites will go a long way to keep them stimulated and give you a moment to breathe.

Here are the top four 1–3 month toys/items we used every single day with our little guy:

1. Baby Einstein 4-in-1 Kickin’ Tunes Music and Language Play Gym and Piano Tummy Time Activity Mat (affiliate link)
Anything labeled “18297329-in-1”? I’m sold. This one grows with baby: they can kick the piano, swat at the dangly thingys, and do tummy time all in one spot. Really stretches that dollar.
Pro Tip: Know a mom who’s just gotten past this stage? Ask if you can borrow or buy theirs to save some cash.

2. A lounger/rocker
We used the Maxi-Cosi Kori 2-in-1 Baby Bouncer Seat (affiliate link), which all the moms raved about. And while it’s great, I’ll be real with you—you do not need to spend that much.
There are plenty of affordable options that get the job done just as well, like the Baby Delight Alpine Deluxe Portable Bouncer (affiliate link).
Don’t get tricked by marketing. You just need a comfy, safe place to set baby down.

3. Baby Einstein Sea Dreams Soother Musical Crib Toy and Sound Machine (affiliate link)
Ya’ll… when I say this thing carried the team, I mean it. This magical little machine entertained our baby on a 3-hour car ride.
We never actually used it in his crib—but it came everywhere else: car rides, tummy time, bath time, play time. Total MVP.

4. Anything that crinkles.
One day during a TJ Maxx stroll, I grabbed a $5 crinkle book—and boom. Instant favorite. Something like the “Let’s Count” Soft Book – World of Eric Carle (affiliate link) will do the trick. Great for sensory play, teething, and just… keeping them occupied.

10. Nursery Recliner.

Please. Please. Please. Heed my warning: DO NOT FALL VICTIM TO AESTHETICS ON THIS ONE.

I know how tempting it is—you want the beautiful nursery. The Instagram-worthy setup. The soft hues, the Pinterest board dreams. But if you love your back, just hear me out: invest in a comfortable recliner.

I spent so many nights in ours, and I am forever grateful I listened to my gut—and not my mother-in-law. 😅

As I write this, I vividly recall the conversation with her:

“Kari, this is so ugly. Are you sure? Let’s pick something a little nicer.”

NO THANK YOU.

Here’s what I didn’t want:

  • Leather (too cold at 1 a.m.)
  • A narrow frame (needed space to sprawl AND safely position the baby with pillows)
  • Something overly sleek that screamed “decor” but whispered “discomfort”

What I did want:

  • Plush comfort
  • A back-saver
  • A piece I could stretch out in, basically like a mini bed

And that’s what I got. The recliner I chose was around $300 and yes, it was “ugly-ish.” Actually… it’s really not that bad. And let me tell you, it was a lifesaver. It lays almost completely flat, making middle-of-the-night feeds and naps so much more manageable.

Best part? When it’s time to upgrade the nursery or turn it back into a guest room, I won’t feel bad donating it. It wasn’t a huge splurge, and I’ll absolutely buy another one for baby #2.

(And don’t give me that look—we’re LOCKED IN on this starter home and there’s zero storage space for long-term furniture rotation, especially with current interest rates.)

The exact recliner I got is now out of stock, but a very similar one is the Large Manual Glider Rocking Chair Nursery, Swivel Rocker Recliner Chair (affiliate link). Highly recommend.

11. High Chairs.

Okay, real talk—you likely won’t need a high chair until your little one can sit up on their own. BUT, it’s still smart to add one to your registry early so you don’t have to shell out for it later.

I’m recommending two options: one for home, one for travel.

Travel High Chair:
Inglesina Fast Table Chair (affiliate link) – Portable, durable, and clamps right onto most tables.

Now let me circle back to my mom paranoia for a second: I am deathly afraid of my child getting Hand, Foot, and Mouth (HFM). The horror stories? Terrifying. So I will do everything in my power to avoid communal high chairs at restaurants and gatherings. This is where the Inglesina chair comes in. It’s compact, easy to carry, and chef’s kiss in terms of convenience.

And yes, because I’m me, I always slide a chair underneath it for extra peace of mind—but honestly, it’s sturdy as heck. Highly recommend grabbing one, or checking Facebook Marketplace for a deal.

Home High Chair:
Abiie Beyond Junior Wooden High Chair (affiliate link) – Adjustable, grows with your baby, and super easy to clean.

Did I need to spend $200 on a high chair? Probably not. Was I a victim of the “if it’s not expensive, it must be trash” mentality? Absolutely.

But with that said… this thing is pretty freaking nice. It’s easy to assemble, easy to clean, looks great in the kitchen, and it converts as your child grows. A solid investment if your budget allows.

Budget Option:
Graco Slim Snacker High Chair, Ultra Compact – 26,000+ reviews and a 4.7-star rating.

I can’t personally vouch for it, but I had this one saved as a runner-up, and I know several moms who swear by it. Compact, foldable, and way more wallet-friendly.

12. Travel Crib.

Alright, this might not be something you need immediately, but as you gain confidence to leave the house (and you will!), you’ll probably start dreaming about a weekend getaway. And when that happens, you’ll want a travel crib.

We went with the Bugaboo Stardust Playard (affiliate link), and I snagged it for $100 during a Black Friday sale.

And let me tell you—girllll, this thing is NICE.

  • Compact
  • Incredibly easy to set up and break down
  • Comes with a bassinet insert so you can keep baby up top or lay them flat
  • Surprisingly sleek and space-saving

We actually use ours almost daily as our “downstairs/outside” playpen when we’re not traveling. My favorite part? It takes up so little space. When we’re not using it, it fits perfectly under the crib or in the closet. When traveling, I just slide it flat over or under our suitcases—zero hassle.

We also have the 4moms Breeze GO Portable Travel Playard (affiliate link)—a hand-me-down we keep at our family’s vacation home. It’s also a great option, especially for the easy one-handed setup.

Ironically, our baby prefers to sleep in the Bugaboo over the 4moms (kids, right?), but both are solid choices and worth considering.

13. Travel Gear.

This one. This one might just be my best secret yet.

Let me set the scene:
We were three months postpartum and heading out on our first family vacation. Can you imagine the packing list?
Clothes, backup clothes, tiny shoes he never wore, crib, crib sheets, backup crib sheets, bottles, bottle brushes, medications, diapers… it never ended.

While our diaper bag is basically superwoman, even she couldn’t handle all of this. On my first packing attempt, I was surrounded by bags—a suitcase, the diaper bag, a tote, another bag… just bags on bags on bags.

And then I had a stroke of genius.

I invested in the FORTEM Car Trunk Organizer with Cooler (affiliate link) and to this day, it continues to deliver.

  • Fits ALL the baby essentials—diapers, meds, outfits, you name it
  • Keeps everything visible and organized
  • Super easy to travel with and pick from
  • Collapses when not in use

If I could recommend one travel item to every parent, it’s this.

Crib Cover = Game Changer
We brought the Pack n Play Blackout Cover for Travel Crib (affiliate link) and WOW. If you actually want to enjoy your vacation, get this.

Baby boy sleeps like a champ in it—which means we sleep like champs too. You’re not always going to get blackout curtains or a spare walk-in closet to turn into a “nursery,” so having this breathable blackout tent on hand is a life-saver.

Bath Time Lounger
Another 18923-in-1 win. We brought the Summer Deluxe Baby Bather (affiliate link), and it was perfect for:

  • Hotel sink or tub baths
  • Mini beach chair moments
  • Keeping baby upright and comfy
    It folds flat and is incredibly easy to travel with. Worth every penny.

Extension Cords. Seriously.
When we travel, I bring everything:

  • Nanit camera
  • Owlet sock
  • Hotspot to connect both
    The issue? Not enough outlets—or no outlet near the crib.
    Solution? Bring a standard extension cord. It sounds so minor, but you’ll thank yourself when you’re not crawling behind hotel furniture at midnight trying to plug in baby gear.

14. Miscellaneous Essentials.

Alright—if you’re still here, first of all, thank you. Truly. And second, let’s wrap this up with a handful of random-but-actually-essential items I highly recommend having on hand for your baby.

Daily Must-Haves.

1. Burp Cloths
Any kind will do, but we loved the Looxii Muslin Burp Cloths (affiliate link) – 100% cotton, extra soft, and super absorbent.
You don’t need 100. Two packs (6 in each) will be plenty. You can always order more.

2. Crib Sheets
Two is all you need—one on the crib, one as backup for blowouts or spit-up emergencies. Keep it simple.

3. Wash Tub / Bath Chair
We loved the Angelcare Baby Bath Support for newborn days, then upgraded to this Baby Bath Seat with Suction Cups when our son became a tiny stand-up comedian. Both are sturdy, comfortable, and parent-sanity approved.

4. Bottle Sterilizer
Paranoid mama here 🙋‍♀️ and I use the Baby Brezza Bottle Sterilizer & Dryer Machine every. single. day. Sometimes multiple times. Worth every penny.

5. Bottle Basin
If you’re not a germaphobe like me, skip it. But if you are, this Foldable Baby Bottle Washing Basin keeps bottles separate from the family sink and away from dirty dishes. Huge win in my book.

6. Bottle Warmers
We have two. Yes, two. One upstairs, one downstairs—because convenience is queen.

  • Upstairs: We use the Momcozy Bottle Warmer (affiliate link) in the baby’s room every night to warm his bedtime bottle. Truthfully, we hated it at first but once we figured out how to use it, we realized we couldn’t live without it. Set the timer, and you’re golden.
  • Downstairs: We keep the Baby Instant Warmer – Glass Water Boiler (affiliate link) for daytime bottles. Originally bought when we switched to formula (classic “first-time mom trap”), we ended up loving it. We just leave it on the “keep warm” setting and drop in bottles when needed. Warm bottle in minutes, no stress.

Safety Items You Won’t Regret.

1. Owlet Dream Sock® – FDA-Cleared Smart Baby Monitor
This is the gift I now bring to every baby shower. My kid will wear his until he’s 18, no joke.
Yes, there’s a bit of a learning curve (I spent an hour trying to put it on right that first night home 😅), but I refused to let my baby sleep without it.

Do I mind the occasional false alarm? Not at all. I’d rather deal with a false one than miss a real one.

Personal story: One night around 2 a.m., the alarm went off while I was holding him. I don’t know what triggered it—but that moment confirmed this purchase was 100% worth it. If you’re only splurging on one item—make it this. It could truly save your baby’s life.

2. Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor & Floor Stand
Yes, there are a million baby monitors out there. But in my opinion, this one is the best.

It’s sleek, reliable, and comes with a built-in sound machine (hello, two-in-one functionality!). That means no need to invest in a separate Hatch machine. 🙌

We used the free trial of their advanced features and didn’t feel the need to upgrade afterward—the basic live monitoring works great for us. I don’t need recordings of my baby flipping over 100 times a night. Just knowing he’s safe right now is enough.

15. Everything You Don’t Need.

Let’s end on a high note: here’s a list of things I bought (or almost bought) that, in hindsight, were totally unnecessary. Save your money, your space, and your sanity.

1. 10,000 burp cloths
I bought nearly 50. I now use most of them as dish rags. Two packs (6–12 total) are more than enough.

2. 10,000 blankets
You only need 1–2. Maybe a personalized one for sentimental value. That’s it. Don’t stockpile like the baby is moving into a cabin in the woods.

3. A sound machine
If you’re getting the Nanit, it already comes with one. Many monitors do—do your research before buying extras.

4. A wipe warmer
I thought I needed it. Bought it. Used it once. The wipes got musty, and they cool the second they’re exposed to air. Pointless.

5. An electric swing and a lounger
Pick one. Trust me. Your baby will still cry, and you’ll still have to pick them up. These are for convenience, not miracles.

6. A portable sound machine
You have a phone! Put it on Do Not Disturb, download a white noise track from Apple Music or Spotify, and set it to loop. Voilà—white noise on the go.

7. A Diaper Genie
A regular trash can works just fine. Just toss the poop diapers immediately (not at the end of the day) and empty your trash as often as you would any bathroom bin.

8. A diaper cream spoon
Y’all. This did not exist back in the day, and babies survived just fine. Save the $8. Use your finger and wash your hands.

9. Mittens
Skip the mittens. Just buy pajamas with built-in hand and foot covers. Way more functional, and you’ll save money in the long run.

10. An Artipoppe $300 baby carrier
I said what I said.


You don’t need to spend hundreds on a carrier to feel like that mom. A Solly Baby Wrap in Cream Houndstooth (if you’re feeling bougie) is a dreamy newborn option, and either the Momcozy Baby Carrier or Infantino Flip Advanced 4-in-1 (affiliate links) will get the job done just as well—for a whole lot less.

Final Thoughts —

So there you have it—15 categories of baby items we can’t live without… and a few we definitely can. There are a handful of daily-use products like detergent, dish soap, and baby shampoo that I chose to leave out, because honestly, those are preference-based and you’ll figure out what works best for your family.

If you made it this far, thank you. Truly—thank you for being here.

I hope this post brings you a little peace during a time when anxiety and anticipation can run wild. Being a mom is hard. Being a first-time mom is even harder. But if I can leave you with one parting piece of advice, it’s this:

Trust your mom instincts.

The moment those two little lines turned pink, you inherited them. No one knows your baby better than you. Opinions are nice, but yours is the only one that truly matters.

Congratulations, mama. You’ve got this. And always, always remember—the best is yet to come. 💕

✨ Quick Recap: What I Do/Don’t Recommend✨

1. Bassinet
Look for one you can rock and keep close to your bed—like the
Dream On Me Lacy Portable 2-in-1 Bassinet & Cradle

2. Bottles
Philips Avent Natural Glass Baby Bottles

3. Car Seat + Stroller Combo
Evenflo Gold Shyft DualRide with Carryall Storage

4. Diaper Bag
FAWN DESIGN The Original Diaper Bag

5. Breast Pumps
Spectra S1 Plus Premier Rechargeable Breast Pump
Momcozy Hands-Free Breast Pump S12 Pro
Latched Flange Measuring Ruler

6. Toys (0–3 Months)
Baby Einstein 4-in-1 Kickin’ Tunes Activity Mat
Maxi-Cosi Kori 2-in-1 Baby Rocker or Baby Delight Portable Bouncer
Baby Einstein Sea Dreams Soother
Eric Carle Soft Crinkle Book

7. Nursery Recliner
Large Manual Glider Rocking Chair Nursery, Swivel Rocker Recliner Chair

8. High Chairs
Abiie Beyond Junior Wooden High Chair
Inglesina Fast Table Chair
Graco Slim Snacker High Chair

9. Travel Crib
Bugaboo Stardust Playard
4moms Breeze GO Portable Playard

10. Travel Gear
FORTEM Car Trunk Organizer with Cooler
Pack n Play Blackout Cover
Summer Deluxe Baby Bather

11. Daily Essentials
Looxii Muslin Burp Cloths
Angelcare Baby Bath Support
Baby Bath Seat with Suction Cups
Baby Brezza Sterilizer & Dryer
Bottle Washing Basin
Momcozy Bottle Warmer
Baby Instant Water Warmer (Glass Boiler)

12. Safety Items
Owlet Dream Sock®
Nanit Pro Smart Monitor & Floor Stand

❌ What I Don’t Recommend

  • 50+ burp cloths (2 packs are plenty)
  • 10+ baby blankets (1–2 is fine)
  • Separate sound machine (check if your monitor includes one)
  • Wipe warmer
  • Both an electric swing and a lounger—choose one
  • Portable sound machine (your phone does the trick!)
  • Diaper genie
  • Diaper cream applicator
  • Baby mittens (go for PJs with hand covers)
  • $300+ baby carrier (alternatives below)

Agree, disagree, or have your own baby must-haves?
I’d love to hear from you! Drop them in the comments so other mamas (and dads!) can benefit too.

One last thought: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you decide to purchase—at no extra cost to you.
Signed,
A tired mom who’s just trying to retire, LOL. 😅

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● ABOUT ME.

Hi, Mama! I’m Kari — a new mom on a mission to get her pink back.

I’m a little moody, a little earthy, vibrant — a coastal cowgirl at heart who dreams of living between the land and the sea.

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