When it comes time to shop for your baby and fill out your registry, you may ask yourself, “How could someone so small need so much?!” It’s shocking, we know. While there are always the random items that a well-intentioned aunt purchased on a whim that will inevitably sit in their box unused for years, most of it is going to get used at some point or another.
Friends, family, and strangers on the internet will all make sure you know to buy the usual: a crib, an infant car seat, a stroller, clothing, and about 3 million diapers. If you have all those, you may want to keep reading, because we’ve rounded up 15 baby products no one ever tells you you’ll need (but you definitely will).
Laundry Detergent and Stain Remover Spray
Everyone talks about the diapers you’ll be changing, but rarely do they mention the amount of laundry you’ll be responsible for. Truly, it’s incredible! From diaper explosions to spit-up to leaking breasts, there’s a lot of mess to clean up as a first-time mom. Regular ol’ laundry detergent isn’t going to do the trick. You’ll want one that’s safe and gentle enough for babies in addition to a really strong stain removal spray.
Kitchen Scissors
Random, we know. But putting a pair of kitchen scissors in your diaper bag will become a lifesafer on more than one occasion. It’s a tiny hack few think to share, but you’ll soon learn their value. They especially come in handy once your baby can eat solids and wants everything you’re eating when away from home.
Washable Crib Mattress
You know you need a crib mattress, that’s a given. But you don’t want to register for just any old one. If your baby has an accident in the middle of the night, you’re going to want to get everything cleaned up as quickly as possible. A waterproof mattress that is easy to clean with soap and water will save you time, money, and much-needed sleep.
A Backpack
No question about it, you need a (large) bag for all the baby gear you’ll be packing up and carting around with you everywhere you go. But you may want to stay away from all those superchic, one-shoulder diaper bags and opt for a backpack instead. Not only will it keep your hands way more free, but it will save you a lot of shoulder pain. Plus, there are a lot of really cute ones now!
Sound Machine
A sound machine is not usually on the top of must-have baby lists, but it should be! They are super helpful for soothing fussy babies, encouraging nap time, and masking the sound of you leaving the room after putting baby down. Plus, they can help drown out noises like a barking dog, traffic, or noisy siblings that could wake baby.
Poop Bags
Yes, you read that correctly. The disposable bags you use to clean up your dog’s poop in public? They come in really handy when you’re out with your baby as well. Whether you need to change a dirty diaper and you’re not near a public garbage, or you’re handling a particularly spectacular blowout and want to be courteous about containing the odor, these work really well.
Diaper Rash Cream
Save yourself the trouble of running out when your baby is already in discomfort and get a tube of diaper rash cream now. It can be startling to open up their diaper and not have anything at the ready to soothe them. Better to be prepared!
Gentle Hand Sanitizer and Hand Soap
You’re going to be washing and santizing your hands a lot once you have a baby (and asking everyone who comes in the house to do the same). While you may not have sensitive skin now, that may change after a few thousand (or million) hand washes.
Easy-to-Use Infant Nail Clippers
There are three things that terrify most new moms: giving birth, that first after-birth poop, and cutting their baby’s nails. Those teeny tiny little daggers grow so fast, can do so much damage, and are so scary to cut! Lessen your stress by finding infant nail clippers that feel the most comfortable for you to use. They make electric versions now, and even ones with tiny magnifiers so you can see the nails super close up. Find what works for you.
Silicone Bibs With Pockets
We all love the pretty, cutesy little bibs with the nice sayings, but let’s be real, all they really do is fill up your laundry pile even more. What you want to get is a few medical-grade silicone bibs with pockets. They’re super easy to wipe clean, and they’ll catch at least some of the food that will fall from your baby’s mouth.
Nasal Aspirator
What is a nasal aspirator, you say? You’re probably more familiar with the term “snot sucker,” aka a little device that quite literally sucks the snot out of your baby’s nose. Unfortunately, despite all the hand sanitizer and extreme lengths we’ll go to prevent it, all babies get sick eventually. And even if they’re not sick, babies often get stuffy noses at night. By using a nasal aspirator, you will help relieve their discomfort, allowing them (and you) to sleep easier.
Cotton Sleep Sacks
What do you get when you combine pajamas and a blanket for babies? A sleep sack! Cotton sleep sacks help babies stay comfortable and sleep well at night without overheating them. Remember, babies shouldn’t sleep with pillows or blankets before they are 12 months old, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, so this is the next best thing!
Bottle Drying Rack
Sure, you could use the drying rack you already have, but keeping your baby’s bottles separate and all in one place does make things a lot easier. If you’re formula-feeding or pumping, you’ll be going through bottle after bottle and you’ll want them as easily accessible (and as dry) as possible.
Car Mirror
When driving your car, it can often be distracting worrying about what your little one is doing back there. A shatter-proof mirror is especially useful to see your rear-facing baby. Whether you’re sharing a smile or checking to make sure they’re content, you’ll both be a lot more at ease in the car.
Pacifier Clips
Sure, everyone’s quick to give you pacifiers, but the clips are where it’s at. They’ll easily prevent your little one from throwing their pacifiers around and losing them in the couch cushions. Save yourself the frustration and get the clips. Trust.
Psst: Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
*Disclaimer: The advice on Mom.com is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
