Fisher Price Swing
“This is the only thing that my baby would actually fall asleep in for the first three months of his life. It keeps him in constant motion, rocking him to sleep, so I can get some shut-eye too. It also has music to play and a mirror and mobile to keep him entertained. This is an absolute must.”
– Juliana M.
To buy: Fisher Price My Little Snugabear Swing, $140
Aden + Anais Muslin Blankets
“These luxurious swaddle blankets are soft, durable and can be used for so many different things. It can be a swaddle, burp cloth, nursing cover, car seat shade, blanket or a lovey! These are the top-of-the-line in swaddles and totally worth the splurge. Plus, they come in an array of cute patterns for whatever your style may be."
– Katie R.
To buy: Aden + Anais Swaddling Blankets, $50
Medela Double Electric Breast Pump
“An electric double pump is great for relief for the breastfeeding mom and easy to use for the pumping mom. A breast pump makes on-the-go feeding easy and convenient. Investing in a quality one that does the work for you is worth every penny!”
– Carrie F.
To buy: Medela Freestyle Breast Pump, $322
Britax B-Ready Stroller
“Now this is a stroller! It’s great quality, durable and is a comfortable and safe ride for my baby. I bought the bassinet attachment for when he was an infant and I am so glad I did! He loves his stroller, and to this day if he’s fussy, I can just take him for a walk around the block and he’s content!”
– Michelle H.
To buy: Britax B-Ready Stroller with Bassinet, $585
Video Monitor
“A video baby monitor is great for peace of mind in knowing that your baby is safe and sound. It allows me to check on my baby without disturbing him and helps the overprotective parent (guilty!) pause a bit before running to their baby’s aid. And peace of mind is absolutely something you cannot put a price on.”
– Melissa C.
To buy: Motorola Digital Color Monitor, $240
Baby Carrier
“I love babywearing, and am a huge proponent of baby carriers. I love that I can have my baby close to me and still have my hands free to get things done around the house! The Infantino is super comfortable for both me and the baby. She loves the thing and it was cheap as hell.”
– Steph A.
Keryn M. adds that a baby carrier is great for “traveling, hiking, flights and train rides!”
To buy: Infantino Flip Infant Carrier, $30
Bassinet
“Having something to put right beside the bed for those middle of the night changes and feedings is priceless. Just roll over and grab the baby — no midnight zombie walking required!”
– Kimberly B.
To buy: Delta Sweet Beginning Bassinet, $47
Boppy Breastfeeding Pillow
“Breastfeeding is hard, painful and tiring. You’re going to want a pillow to make it just a little bit easier. The Boppy is the perfect breastfeeding pillow that gives your arms a break and gives your baby a comfortable place to lie on. Comfortable breastfeeding for mama and baby is important, and the Boppy offers just that. Plus, you can get a cute cover for it, which is fun. Check Etsy for unique patterns and designs!”
– Lauren M.
To buy: Boppy Breastfeeding Pillow, $44
MORE: Real Moms Share The Best New Parenting Advice They've Ever Received
Pampers Sensitive Wipes
Changing your baby can be one of the most loving moments of the day. With Pampers Sensitive wipes’ unique Softgrip Texture, your baby will enjoy less wiping for more gentle cleaning, which is a win-win for both mom and Baby.
Plus Pampers Sensitive wipes are 20% thicker than Pampers regular wipes which makes changing time easier for Mom and happier for Baby’s skin. So play that extra game of peek-a-boo on the changing table or blow a few more raspberries on their tummy, Baby won’t mind!
Sophie the Giraffe Teether
“Yes, she is pricey. Yes, she is worth it. My baby is obsessed with Sophie. It tastes good, it’s fun for him to chew on, it gives his gums and teeth a break and it even squeaks when squeezed. Plus, it’s totally adorable, which I personally love.”
– Lindsay G.
To buy: Sophie the Giraffe, $23
Bravado Nursing Bras
Finding “a great nursing bra that grows with you is totally worth the money,” says mom of two Lyz L. “Also, as a caveat, if you are well-endowed, it is difficult to get one that grows with you.” So invest in a good nursing bra and try a few on to get a gauge of their comfort and flexibility.
To buy: Bravado, $34
Rock and Play
“Babies love motion and some only want to be constantly held, which can make for a whole lot of non-productive days. This is why I love my Rock and Play. It lets me set my baby down for a bit so I can have a break. This thing is a lifesaver! Always.”
– Lyz L.
To buy: Fisher Price Rock and Play, $44
Diaper Bag
“When I got pregnant, I made it my mission to get myself a diaper bag that is cute, stylish and functional, but that also doesn’t scream 'DIAPER BAG!' I love this one, since it allows me to carry around the kitchen sink and still feel and look fashionable. Because I’m a mom, but I’m also still me.”
– Katie R.
To buy: Nest North South Diaper Bag, $200
4-in-1 High Chair
“A good high chair that will last years is so worth the splurge! I love that it grows with the baby into toddlerhood and beyond! You’ll definitely get your money’s worth.”
– Lucy N.
To buy: Graco 4-in-1 High Chair, $157
Bouncer
“I don’t know what I would do without my bouncer. My baby loves sitting in it and watching the world around her. The bird mobile on this one keeps her entertained, it plays music and the vibrate mode is great for infants. Plus, when she starts kicking her feet, she can bounce all by herself! It keeps her content and allows me to get some cleaning done, or even take a shower. Shocking, I know. Trust me, you’ll want one.”
– Kara S.
To buy: Fisher Price My Little Snugapuppy Bouncer, $55
Jogging Stroller
“If you’re active, a good jogging stroller is a must. It allows you to get back in shape with your baby in tow! When I had my baby, I couldn’t wait to get back out and running, and since I am a stay-at-home mom, a jogging stroller is a must! My baby loves going on jogs with me and I love not being confined to my house all day! Everybody wins!”
– Kate N.
To buy: Jeep Adventure Jogging Stroller, $187
White Noise Machine
“A white noise machine or an app or CD helps your baby drift off into dreamland without any distracting outside noises. It also mimics the sounds in the womb, which is great for when Baby is in the fourth trimester! I love my white noise machine because it’s got a lot of soothing sleep sounds to choose from. And I’m so used to the white noise now, I can’t sleep without it!”
– Andrea R.
To buy: Homedics Sound Machine, $20
