10 Must-Have Baby Products for New Moms
- The Real Mom Diaries
- Mar 23
- 10 min read
Updated: Mar 24
Real Mom-Approved Essentials to Make Life Easier
Hey Mama, I See You!
You’re about to start the most incredible (and exhausting) journey of your life—motherhood. And let’s be real: the baby aisles are overwhelming! With endless products claiming to be “must-haves,” how do you know what’s actually worth your time (and money)?
As a fellow mom who’s been there—surviving sleepless nights, endless diaper changes, and those what-the-heck-am-I-doing moments—I’ve put together a list of real mom-approved baby products that will make life easier. No fluff, no gimmicks—just the good stuff that actually helps.
1. A Reliable Baby Monitor (Because Sleep is a Luxury)
💡 Why you need it: So you can check on your little one without ninja-crawling into their room.
I used to tiptoe into my baby’s room 100 times a night, only to accidentally wake them up. A baby monitor saved me SO much stress and is definitely on the list of Must-Have Baby Products.
I love, love, LOVE the Bonoch MegaView Baby Monitor. This monitor has come in handy both in home, and traveling! One of my favorite features about the Bonoch MegaView monitor is it's ability to connect to your babies cameras, completely WiFi Free. This ensures a secure and private live stream that is only for you, and protects you and your family from privacy leakage.
Bonoch sells options that connect up to 4 cameras at a time, and view 2 at a time. I still use this feature, which connects both my 3yo and 1yo bedrooms at the same time, which allows you to keep an eye on both babies on the screen side by side with a split screen function. The 7" 720P HD display provides crystal-clear quality with sharp pictures and 10X more detail.This baby monitor features real-time sound, two-way talk, and temperature detection.
You can get alerts when they cry and use 2-way talk to comfort them, or quickly return to their side. The baby camera lens pans 355° and tilts 115° to capture all corners of the room, while 4x zoom lets you get a closer look.
I will tell EVERY single new mother I'll ever meet to get Bonoch MegaView Baby Monitor. It has been such a huge convenience in our home!
2. Swaddle Blankets (A Mom’s Secret Sleep Weapon)
💡 Why you need them: Because newborns love being wrapped up like tiny burritos.
My babies went from flailing around to peacefully snoozing the moment I started using the HALO Micro-Fleece Sleepsack Swaddle. I highly recommend Velcro or zipper swaddles—because trust me, wrapping a baby at 2 AM is NOT a skill I mastered.
The 3-way adjustable swaddle allows Arms-In to reduce startle reflex, One-Arm-Out for self-soothing, and Two-Arms-Out for easy transition from swaddling to Halo's SleepSack
When my daughter was born, she LOVED being swaddled with both arms in, but two years later my son came along, and let's just say... he wasn't quite as much a fan. This Swaddle came in handy for both babies, allowing them their own options for comfort while still controlling that pesky Moro Reflex.
The HALO Swaddle also has an inverted zipper that opens from the bottom for easy diaper changes without undoing the swaddle. It's sleeveless to reduce the risk of overheating, and it has arm and neck openings sized for a safer fit.
My biggest appreciation for the HALO Micro-Fleece Sleepsack Swaddle is that this wearable blanket replaces loose blankets in the crib for a safer environment. The 3-way swaddle ensures your baby's best sleep and an easy transition when it's time to stop swaddling. Most of all, it's the number 1 choice of hospital nurseries to promote safe sleep... and that's a BIG deal!
3. A Diaper Bag That Holds Everything (and Your Sanity)
💡 Why you need it: So you don’t end up carrying diapers, bottles, and wipes in random grocery bags.
I went through THREE diaper bags before I found “the one.” Get one with tons of compartments, insulated bottle holders, and easy-to-clean material—because, mama, spills WILL happen.
The Qualyphant Expandable Diaper Bag was thoughtfully designed for the parents’ experience. I've done everything from short trips to cross-country travels with this bag. I loved it so much, I bought a second one in another color!
This diaper bag has such large capacity, it can let you bring more baby necessities for fun. It boasts 2 spacious compartments and 19 pockets (2 wet clothes + 4 insulated pockets) to help organize baby supplies. It also has four big bottle pockets that fit wide/tall bottles.
All of these features allow an easy transition as your baby grows into a toddler. I STILL use it for my almost 4 year old's essentials.
is also durably constructed with waterproof oxford fabric on the outside and easy-to-clean nylon lining inside.
New parents will appreciate the durability and remarkable performance of this huge baby backpack. My husband and I love the Qualyphant Expandable Diaper Bag, and we don't go anywhere with it!
4. A Hands-Free Baby Carrier (Because You Have Things to Do)
💡 Why you need it: So you can hold your baby and still, you know, function.
Babies love to be close to you, which is sweet… until you realize you need to make coffee, answer texts, or go to the bathroom. A good baby carrier gives your arms a break while keeping your little one snug. Lifesaver!
The MOMTORY Safety-Certified 6-in-1 Baby Carrier was a massive lifesaver for me personally - especially when I went from one baby to two!
MOMTORY explains it best - this baby carrier is very versatile and designed to carry children from infancy to toddler hood. The adjustable shoulder straps and waist stools are suitable for parents and children of different body types, accompanying you on your journey!
It is made from 100% premium cotton for skin-friendly snuggles.
This carrier has 6 carrying positions, baby hip seat for healthy hip positioning, baby carrier (facing in, facing- out , and back carry).
The MOMTORY Safety-Certified 6-in-1 Baby Carrier also has convenient pocket storage, so you can keep your essentials like wallet, phone, and keys within arm's reach. Plus an exclusive drool bib... Who doesn't need a drool bib! Need I say more?
5. A Sound Machine (Because You’ll Do Anything for More Sleep)
💡 Why you need it: White noise = longer naps = a happier mom.
The Hatch Rest+ Sound Machine was a GAME-CHANGER. It drowns out barking dogs, doorbells, and the sound of you trying to sneak out of the room. Pro tip: get a portable one for car naps too! This sound machine is sure to keep your little one dreaming with sounds like white noise, wind, rain, and lullabies. It's WiFi enabled, so you can control it from anywhere on your phone.
The Hatch Rest+ has an accompanying Night Light feature. I love that you can adjust the brightness levels as well. My 1yo son has the night light feature enabled on the lowest setting. It's just enough light for me to see where I'm going during his nighttime wakings, but not too bright to keep him stirring.
This sound machine is also built with portability in mind. It sits on a charging base, and when you need to switch rooms in a pinch (for example, sometimes my 1yo wants to come lay with mommy, but can't sleep without the white noise), you can simply pick the machine up off it's base and use it for up to 8-hours.
It also has "time-to-rise" and "time-for-bed" features that you can enable, so it becomes very useful when your wee-one starts growing into that big kid bed! I HIGHLY recommend the The Hatch Rest+ Sound Machine. I promise you won't be disappointed!
6. A Nursing Pillow (For More Comfortable Feeding Sessions)
💡 Why you need it: Saves your arms, back, and posture during those endless feedings.
Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, this pillow will be your best friend. I even used mine to prop baby up for tummy time later on. Multipurpose win!
The Boppy Original Nursing Pillow is a personal favorite, because it was designed by a mom. Whoo! Moms for the win!
I used this Boppy pillow for both of my babies, and it was so hard to part ways when they no longer required it. I loved this pillow so much for so many reasons.
This nursing pillow provides relief to your arms and back by lifting your baby to a more ergonomic position when breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and bonding.
The best part? You have options! Its C-shaped design allows for multiple feeding styles—cradle, cross cradle, football hold, bottle feeding. This pillow is Machine washable and dryable, because messes happen!
I HIGHLY recommend the Boppy Original Nursing Pillow to any mom/baby duo looking to make the most out of comfort and bonding.
7. A Baby Bathtub (Because Slippery Babies Are Stressful)
💡 Why you need it: So bath time is fun, not a wrestling match.
I learned the hard way that a regular sink isn’t the best place for a squirmy newborn. A baby bathtub with good support makes bath time way easier and safer.
I've had to have tried at least 8 different baby baths until I found the right one. From inflatables, to soft baths, and everything in between. It can be so challenging, especially when it comes to something that can not only support your newborn's floppy head, but the rest of them as well! Most of the ones I've tried, I found difficulties with support, comfort, convenience, ease of use, and so much more. That was until I came across the Skip Hop 4-in-1 Infant to Toddler Bathtub
One of my favorite features about this bath is that this set includes a bath tub, a machine-washable mesh sling with cushioned head support for newborns, and a removable sit-up support insert. Each piece is designed to cater to your baby’s growing needs as they transition from lying down to sitting up during bath time.
This bath has all the "Grow-With-Baby" Stages: It grows with your child through Infant Bather (0-6 months; up to 15 lbs), Upright Bather (3-9 months; up to 20 lbs), Sit-Up Support (6-12 months; up to 25lbs), and Open Tub (9 months to 2 years; up to 25lb).
The Infant Bather and Upright Bather provide bathing up to when your baby can sit unaided. Then you can transition to the Sit-Up Support once your little one can sit without help, up to when they try to stand by themselves.
The Skip Hop 4-in-1 Infant to Toddler Bathtub truly is made for convenience and peace of mind for parents, as well as comfort for your little one as they grow. I used this tub for both of my kids, and my 1-year-old still loves it!
8. A Portable Diaper Changing Pad (An Absolute On Must-Have Baby Products)
💡 Why you need it: Changing diapers in the backseat of your car isn’t fun, but at least you’ll be prepared.
Public restrooms? Nope. Having a waterproof, foldable changing pad means you can do diaper duty wherever, whenever. Bonus: keeps your couch and bed safe from unexpected blowouts.
The Pillani Portable Changing Pad is a massive favorite of mine. I used this handy little item on a number of cross-country trips (flying and driving), and it has been a huge lifesaver when you're in a pinch!
This compact and foldable diaper changing mat provides a clean and comfortable surface anywhere you go. One thing I loved the most was that this changing pad has a rapid-open buckle that allows you to effortlessly fold/unfold the changing mat single-handedly while holding your baby.
Another really cool perk is the 2 inner mesh pockets, front storage bag (key holder and outer pocket), and easy-access wipes holder. You can take just about anything you need on the go!
9. A Bottle Warmer (Because No Baby Likes Cold Milk at 3 AM)
💡 Why you need it: Because waiting for water to heat up while a baby screams is NOT fun.
Okay, I'll be honest. I never used a bottle warmer... I used something WAY better! Hear me out.
The Formula Ready Baby Water Kettle is quite literally a "1, 2, 3" operation. Even my toddler could do it in her sleep!
I tried the bottle warmers. The intricate cleaning, operating instructions, and worse - the dangers of heated plastic were all very off-putting and overwhelming to me. I had a toddler and a newborn who both required consistent attention. This water kettle SAVED me!
There's absolutely no guessing whether the water is too hot or too cold. It defaults to 105°F after boiling out and sterilizing your water. You can keep the water in the pot for up to 24 hours, so anytime you need a bottle, you just fill, shake, feed! It's honestly a no-brainer in my book, and quite possibly my number one favorite baby item! Do yourself and your hungry babe a favor... just get the Formula Ready Baby Water Kettle.
10. A Baby Swing or Bouncer (For Those "Please Let Me Have 5 Minutes" Moments)
💡 Why you need it: Because sometimes, mama just needs a break.
This was my secret weapon. A good baby swing or bouncer gives you hands-free moments while keeping your baby happy. Pro tip: choose one with soothing motions and sounds!
While my daughter was pretty independent from the very beginning, my son was a whole different story. He had extremely bad colic. So bad, in fact, that he would only let me put him down for about 5-10 minutes at a time for the first 3 months of his life. The Graco DuetSoothe Swing and Rocker really gave me the few moments of peace I needed from all the crying and discomfort.
This swing features an ingenious seat that doubles as a portable rocker, giving you the flexibility to move around the house while keeping baby cozy and close by. In swing mode, 3 swinging directions and 6 speeds allow you to customize the swing to your baby's preferences. With additional features including 2-speed vibration, an overhead toy mobile, and soothing songs and sounds, the Graco DuetSoothe Swing and Rocker gives you even more options to keep baby content.
You really can't go wrong with an item like this for your little one. They'll thank you, and you'll be thanking yourself!
Final Thoughts, Mama
I know how overwhelming this baby gear stuff can be, but these essentials will make those first few months a little less chaotic and a lot more manageable. You’ve got this!
💬 Which baby item saved your sanity as a new mom? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!
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