Congrats, Mama!! Whether you’re soaking up newborn snuggles or counting down the days until your little one arrives, I’m so glad you’re here.
These are the tried-and-true items I’ve actually used (and loved!) during my first three months with my baby. No fluff. Just real, helpful things — with a few smart splurges where they really count.
- Parker Baby Diaper Caddy | $23. I love this diaper caddy so much, I have two! One stays on the changing table, and the other lives on a rolling cart that follows me around the house. It keeps everything I need for quick diaper changes right where I need it — diapers, multiple packs of wipes, creams, and even extra room for pacis, burp cloths, or anything else you want within arm’s reach. It’s a total sanity-saver!
- Graco Simple Sway Swing | $120. Those first few days at home? My baby would not let us put him down — not even for a second. We introduced him to this swing early on, and it quickly became our saving grace. It was the only place he’d rest without being held, and to this day, he still loves chilling in it while I fold laundry or knock out a few chores nearby. Total game-changer for reclaiming a few hands-free moments!
- Bumkins Waterproof Wet Dry Bag | $20. This wet/dry bag is my go-to for life on the go. I stash extra clothes and burp cloths in the dry pocket, and when baby inevitably has a spit-up situation or a diaper blowout, the wet pocket is perfect for keeping the mess contained. It’s compact, easy to clean, and one of those little things that makes a big difference in my diaper bag!
- Ergobaby Evolve Bouncer | $200. When I was shopping for my little one, I knew I wanted a bouncer that was both safe and would last. This one is definitely a splurge, but it’s worth every penny. It’s recommended by pediatric orthopedists, and with the newborn insert, you can use it right from the start. What makes it even better? The adjustable positions grow with your baby — and the highest setting turns it into a toddler chair for extended use!
- Serene Swells Toy Bar | $49. If you go with this bouncer, you have to grab this ocean wave toy bar too. Not only is it super stylish, but my baby is obsessed with it! I still remember the first time he noticed it — just watching me spin it for him. Now he’s spinning it himself, smiling, babbling, and actually playing. It’s the sweetest thing to watch and makes the bouncer even more worth it!
- HALO SleepSack Swaddle & HALO SleepSack | $30. One thing I quickly learned? I’m not a pro swaddler. The nurses at the hospital had my baby perfectly bundled, but once we got home, I could never get it tight enough for him to feel secure (or stay put!). Enter: the sleep sack swaddle. Total game-changer. You just zip your baby into the sack and then wrap the velcro swaddle around them — so much easier and more effective. Once my little one started showing signs of rolling, we began wrapping the swaddle piece loosely around his tummy with his arms out. And after he outgrew the swaddle version, we smoothly transitioned to a regular sleep sack. Now, it’s a key part of our bedtime routine — the second we zip him in, he starts to settle.
- Gerber Burp Cloths | $16. You’ll quickly realize that burp cloths are pure gold. I’ve collected so many — in all shapes, sizes, and fabrics — but I always get excited when these are clean and ready to use. They’re thicker than most others I’ve tried and so soft. The best part? They actually absorb well, which means they last way longer throughout the day. No constant swapping or double layering — just grab one and go.
- 3-Tier Rolling Cart | $39. Maybe you’ve had a long day and your baby needs yet another diaper change — and the thought of climbing the stairs again? Nope. Or maybe there’s a surprise spit-up situation and you need a burp cloth fast. This rolling cart solves all of those problems. I keep mine stocked with a diaper caddy, a few extra sleepers, burp cloths, and any other daily must-haves. It follows me around the house and turns those frantic “I need it now” moments into easy, quick-grab wins.
- Joie Ginger & Rue Travel System | $450. This travel system was hands-down my proudest baby gear find. I knew I wanted a stroller with a bassinet option, but I wasn’t about to drop $1,000+ to get it. The Joie Ginger and Rue Travel System checked every box. It has all the luxe features of those high-end models, but at less than half the price. It looks and feels premium, and most importantly, it makes getting out of the house with a baby feel doable. I feel confident using it solo — which says a lot.
- Philips Avent Glass Bottles Gift Set | $60. I knew from the start I wanted to use glass bottles to avoid microplastics as much as possible. I watched Instagram reel after Instagram reel, read bottle reviews for hours, researched what pediatricians recommend, and even went to the store to compare options in person. After all that, I chose the Philips Avent glass bottles — and I’m so glad I did. My baby caught on quickly, and these bottles truly make it easy for him to switch between nursing and bottle feeding. They rarely leak, and when they do, it’s 100% user error (#oops). The gift set includes both bottle sizes and silicone sleeves to help prevent breaks — but honestly, they’re so durable. I’ve dropped them without the sleeve before and didn’t even get a crack.
- Philips Avent Soothie Heart Pacifiers (4 pack) | $12. My baby isn’t a huge pacifier fan, but he definitely needs one to help soothe him for naps and bedtime. The Philips Avent Soothie pacifiers are the only ones he’ll take. Every other kind? He gets angry when we try to put them in his mouth. I originally bought the same style they give you at the hospital (just the regular round shape), but on the go, it was a struggle since there wasn’t anywhere to attach a pacifier clip. The heart-shaped version is the exact same pacifier, just a different shape — and it has a hole to attach the pacifier clip. Best of both worlds!
- Pacifier Clips | $9. Speaking of pacifier clips, these do the job perfectly and come in the cutest patterns. I’ve linked my favorite set that I use regularly. Not only are they functional, but they match any outfit and add style.
- Washcloths – for Baby Boy Diaper Changes | $6. Calling all baby boy moms! If you take away one thing from this post, let it be this: boy diaper changes are a whole other level of challenging. Maybe you’ve been speed-racing to avoid the dreaded splash zone, but these washcloths are a lifesaver. You can cover before the fountain starts, so you don’t have to worry about cleaning your little guy’s stream off the wall… again.
- Lovevook Diaper Bag | $40. This diaper bag is stylish and holds everything you need while on the go with a newborn. For such a tiny person, they sure do need so much stuff! This bag does it all, and the price is unreal. I simply couldn’t bring myself to spend $200 on a diaper bag — or ask someone else to — when I added this one to my registry. It doesn’t sacrifice any of the essentials, all while keeping the price super affordable.
- Graco On the Go Pack ‘n Play | $80. Mom hack: You don’t need both a bedside bassinet and a pack ‘n play. This one has an option to raise the mattress to bassinet height — which means it doubles as both! Instead of buying a pack ‘n play for travel and a separate bassinet for bedside sleeping, you get two in one. My baby sleeps in this every night right next to my bed and has been sleeping through the night since he was 2 weeks old!
- Battery Operated Stroller Fan | $24. Another item I own two of — and for good reason. Living in the South, it’s HOT. I knew I needed a fan for my baby’s stroller to help keep him cool on walks. This one is battery-powered and has flexible legs so you can stand it up or wrap it around a stroller or car seat bar. Why do I have two? Because I quickly realized I needed one blowing on me too! Now we both get a little heat relief and can actually enjoy our time outside.
- Angelcare Baby Bath Support | $20. This baby bath seat is simple, affordable, and gets the job done. It sits right in your regular bathtub and gives your baby the support they need while you get them clean. What I love most? No need to mess with draining a bulky baby tub — and no fabric means no mildew or weird smells to deal with. Easy to use, easy to clean, and easy on your budget!
I hope you find at least one of these items helpful, but even if you don’t, I hope you walk away feeling encouraged. Whether you’re in the thick of sleepless nights and unexplained fussiness or anxiously awaiting your little one’s arrival — you are doing great, and you will do great. Your baby is so blessed to call you “mom.” It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. It’s okay to admit it’s hard. But also — don’t forget to soak in the sweet moments when you can. You are your baby’s whole world. What a privilege that is.
You’ve got this, mama. 💕
More guides and favorites coming soon – stay tuned!
Heads up! This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!) if you make a purchase through them. I only share products I genuinely love or think you will too — thank you for supporting my little corner of the internet!