Non-Obvious But Super Helpful Items for New Moms

As a 1st time mom, you never really know exactly what you'll need once baby arrives. 

Despite everyone's well-meaning advice and endless lists of "must-haves" online, you may end up buying stuff that prove useless and not even know about something that could make your life so much easier. 

Here are issues I struggled with after giving birth and the items (hyperlinked for easy ordering) that I found to be super helpful. No, I'm not getting paid to promote these items.

1) Sore arms and back from holding baby for long periods of breastfeeding

My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow - Lots of versions, I actually got gifted another nursing pillow that didn't wrap around but I wish I'd gotten this one!

2) Painful sitting while healing from giving vaginal birth

Donut Pillow - So helpful because you'll be sitting a lot. And it's easy to bring with you around the house.

3) Dreading the hassle of using an electric breast pump

Haakaa Manual Pump - I absolutely hate the hassle of assembling, maneuvering, washing, and drying electric breast pump parts. This is useful for collecting some breastmilk to relieve engorgement when you don't want to pump and are unable to feed the baby (if you're away from home, baby is sleeping, etc.) OR to collect breastmilk on one side while you're feeding the baby on the other side. This is a simple convenient lightweight one-piece pump that was super useful. 

4) Painful nipples from starting breastfeeding (makes it hard to wear bras or clothes)

Silverette Nursing Cups - Magic metal shields that help your sore bloody cracked nipples heal between feedings. Forget the nipple creams, those just wipe off easily. They do look weird under clothes so wear loose tops but you'll likely only need these for a few weeks.

5) Leaking breastmilk through your clothes

Nursing bra pads - You'll only need these for a few weeks until your milk supply regulates but they will be so useful in the meantime! Remember to change them often enough so you don't get infections. If you're leaking a lot of milk, use the Haakaa to collect it instead so you can save it for later. There are disposable and reusable versions. 

6) Constant risk of waking the baby

White Noise Machine - Lots of versions. This will also help the baby fall asleep, especially if you need to do things that make noise. But be sure to keep it at a safe volume and distance from the baby (check the box and download a decibel reader on your phone). Super convenient because it can use batteries and be portable. 

7) Fear of dropping or drowning the baby while bathing in the sink or bathtub

Baby Bath Tub - Lots of versions. Find a version that'll adapt to your growing baby so you don't have to buy more than one before they can use the regular tub. Worth the money to save on the stress of hurting your baby while bathing them. 

8) Baby's fast-growing nails that they scratch themselves with

Baby Nail Clippers - Lots of fancy versions (including electric ones) but I found I could get by with the simple version if someone else distracts the baby - much easier with 2 people! 

9) Newfound boredom and cluelessness about what to do with your baby all day

BabySparks subscription - Lots of baby apps out there but I didn't bother looking through a million. This one is expert-led and affordable (they usually have a promo code). You won't need this for the first couple months but then I used it everyday until my baby learned to crawl. 

10) Not knowing what toys are appropriate and optimal for each stage of baby's development

Lovevery playkit - Awesome company that sends you a box of Montessori toys every 2-3 months but you can start with one playkit. It's $80 every 2 months until age 1, $120 every 3 months after age 1 - so it averages out to $40/month, which is way less than what I was spending just researching on my own and ordering various toys on Amazon. The toys are great quality, beautiful, work well together, and teach your child useful skills. I love that none of them require batteries or make obnoxious noises. 

I'm sure this list could be updated often with all the amazing resources and items that are constantly being created for babies and new parents. But don't feel pressured by any of it. These are just suggestions that were helpful to me. You may not need any of it or need totally different things. Babies do grow up pretty fast so think about what's useful to you now and what will have lasting value.