Baby Prep Must-Haves from a Mom of 3 (That I Actually Use)
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As a mom of three, I've learned the hard way which baby products are truly essential—and which ones end up in the daunting Amazon return pile. Whether you're a first-time parent or preparing for baby #2 (or #3!), here's an honest and vetted guide to baby prep essentials that are actually worth adding to your cart.
1. The Newborn Basics
When you're running on no sleep, you need products that just work.
Diaper Caddy Organizer – Keep diapers, wipes, and creams in every room. Trust me.
Velcro Swaddles – Save your sanity (and your sleep). These make swaddling foolproof.
Portable Bassinet – You’ll take the baby in this everywhere—kitchen, bathroom, bedroom.
Diaper Caddy Organizer
Bathing Items – Soaps, towels, tub.
Gripe Water – to soothe an upset tummy.
More diapers than you can imagine – I use Huggies, I think they are the softest for baby.
2.Hospital Bag MVPs
Don’t overpack. Do bring these.
Comfortable Blankets for you and your SO – Hospital provided blankets may as well be made of cardboard! Feel at home with some soft cheery blankets.
Hospital Nightgown – Comfy, cute-ish, and makes skin-to-skin easy. This isn’t something you’ll get many wears out of, but it is oh so worth it to be comfortable while giving birth.
Long Phone Charger – Yes, hospital outlets are that far away.
Your Favorite Water Bottle – Labor and nursing make you so thirsty.
A heating pad – So necessary for cramping postpartum.
3. Nursery + Home Setup
A few small prep moves make the 4th trimester smoother.
Crib – So nice, I bought it twice! There are a lot of expensive cribs out there, but after purchasing a premium crib with my first child, I decided against splurging again with my second and third. My goal was to find something that was safe, simple to put together, and looks nice. This is the difference between spending hundreds vs. thousands.
Two crib nursery
Baby Monitor or Camera – Peace of mind is priceless. We use google nest cams across the house so we just leverage these as our monitor.
Dimmable Nursery Lamp – Midnight feeds without blasting your eyeballs.
Spare everything – Sheets, changing table covers, blankets.
A high quality power recliner – You will spend many hours nursing, feeding, rocking. This is something that is worth spending a little more on.
Keepsake storage– You’ll accumulate lots of memories and items you will want to keep safe, starting with the baby’s hospital bracelet and hospital hat! I opted for these trunks as I can have one per child, they look great, and they double as a side table!
Keepsake Storage for nursery
4.Mama Musts
After baby arrives, make sure to prioritize caring for yourself, too, Mama!
Frida Mom Peri Bottle – I didn’t think this would be SO different than the hospital provided bottle - but it really is easier to use. And for an item under $10, do yourself the favor and get it.
Postnatal Skincare– Many moms get hives, PUPPS rash, and other skin issues. This cream is delightful in soothing those discomforts.
Reading/Bed Pillow – Hopefully you spend at least a few weeks resting and in bed with your newborn. Splurging on a pillow like this that allows you to sit comfortably in bed is worth it! I am sitting on mine now!
Posh Peanut Robe– For maxing and relaxing in comfort and style.
Don’t stress about having everything. Focus on products that keep your baby safe, help you rest, and save you time. You can always Prime what you need later (been there, done that).
