When it comes to having a baby there are tons of products that are pushed towards new mothers. Here are some of my favorite practical items I used in the first 3 months with my baby girl.

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1. Swaddle Blankets

When we first brought our little girl home she would not sleep if she wasn’t swaddled. Well, I mean she didn’t sleep much the first few days home, I’m not sure any babe does at least my kids, but when we were working on safe sleep swaddling was the way to go.

The classic cotton muslin blankets didn’t work the best for us since our little girl was a big mover! But these elastic breathable material swaddles were perfect, allowing for movement but also kept her warm and secure. 

Another option of these that I did love the first couple weeks was the zip up swaddle. My daughter was born in the summer, and our house was always a little warm, so having the zip up swaddles allowed for her to stay secure and move but also not have any layer’s underneath to stay cool.

I have also heard that the velcro swaddles work great, I just didn’t like how they did not give her any room to move around. 

2. A good Car Seat

 I know this is obviously the most important item that is needed when you’re having a baby but having a good car seat that can come out of the car was a must for us!

When they are little, it is such a hassle to get the baby in and out of the car seat when running errands, especially when my girl was a screamer when being put in the car seat the first few weeks. Being able to carry them and also set the car seat in a stroller or cart when shopping is amazing!

I liked this Graco Brand set because there are so many options in their brand. I recommend getting it with the stroller because its cheaper than buying them separately. Also, until I was pregnant, I didn’t realize how expensive strollers were! Getting something budget friendly was a must!

But I understand if your budget doesn’t allow you to get this in the beginning that is 100% fine, there is nothing wrong with getting the car seat that grows with the baby and stays in the car.

3. A Baby carrier

This item was the best thing I used in the early months and still also use months later. I had a couple versions of the baby carrier, but I found using this Infantino flip 4-in-1 it was my favorite to use.

My baby always wanted to be on me, so if I wasn’t just holding her, she was in the carrier. It was great for getting the baby to nap when she wouldn’t sleep any other way and also, I carried her for 9 months, so it was nice for me as well being able to hold her close and have my arms.

I also find it great when shopping and I didn’t want her in the car seat. Also, I love the passive tummy time they offered.

4. Baby Swing 

This was an item that I refused to get before my baby arrived. I got a jumper thinking she would do great in just that, but I was so wrong! Trying to shower and having a baby scream in the jumper was not fun. There is something about movement from the swing that calms them.

I got this swing that goes back and forth, and it seems that it works better than the fancier one that goes side to side.

Every baby is different though so it depends on what your baby prefers, I would recommend the cheaper option first instead of what I did and get the fancy one out of desperation. 

5. Baby Bathtub

This item is definitely one of the most used items for obvious reasons, but having a baby bathtub has been amazing. One of the reasons is because it doesn’t take long to set up and in those beginning months when I was still fresh postpartum, bending over a tub was not an option for me. We got this 3-in-1 bathtub, and I love being able to have her lounge back and kick her feet in the water.

And since we are on the topic of baths, I recommend avoiding the microfiber towels, I know it is said to be better for the baby’s skin, but they don’t absorb the water at all. With trying to keep her warm and drying out perfectly before getting a diaper back on, I found the cotton baby towels to work best. 

6. Activity Mat

This was another item that I avoided getting, but once I got it, I understood they hype behind it. Back time and tummy time is important for a baby and having a spot for them to play and enjoy it is a must! I got this one with a piano and she loved being able to kick and make noise. 

Also, the music is cute so that’s a plus. (You know since you are probably going to hear it nonstop all day!)

7. A small basket or diaper cart

Ok I know this one may be odd but hear me out. For the first few months your baby is going to need constant diaper changes, and I was not the one to go to a specific spot in a room across the house. A good basket that holds everything you need like diapers, wipes, burp cloth, etc. was nice to grab and bring wherever I was.

I would also have one sitting at the end of my bed at night for those late-night diaper changes, I didn’t even need to get up from the bed. Having something with everything is nice especially when you are still healing from birth. 

8. Breast Pump

If you plan on breastfeeding or just pumping when the baby arrives, getting a breast pump is important! Hand breast pumps are nice for on the go, but getting an electric breast pump is a must! It is so much faster.

It is recommended that you get an electric pump for your Primary pump, but the hands-free pump is very nice! Being able to pump and either do dishes, hold your baby (my little girl never wants to be set down!), or just read without one hand holding your pump is nice! You can get a pumping bra as well or cut some holes in a sports bra!

9. Bottle sterilizer

Piggybacking off the breast pumps, pumping brings dirty bottles and pacifiers if your baby takes them. Having a quick and easy bottle sterilizer was amazing! Some say that sterilizers are pointless, but this was something my household used every day!

10. Electric nail file

There is nothing worse than trying to cut little baby nails. Getting a nail file is a must! I accidentally cut my babies finger while trying to cut her nails, I felt absolutely terrible. So, save yourself the pain, get the electric nail file and don’t be like me!

At the end of the day, you will find what works best for you and they may be different than what works for me. But that is what is fun about motherhood, finding what works for your little one!

 I hope this is helpful and if you want more tips and products check out my latest posts! See you soon!