Today I was chatting to a colleague about baby products, it made me think back in time on how confusing it was for me buying baby products for the first time. I went to several baby expos and there were sooo many products and brands. The sale reps were extremely good at marketing and most of them tricked me into purchasing an item.I believed every word they said because as a first time mom, I thought they were the experts.
After 18 months of being a mother, I realised the best person to give you advice about products is a person who has had a child. Remember every parent likes different brands however they still come down to the same product. For me I had certain products that I used on a daily basis and would have not survived without it.
My Top 15 products for a first time mom with a newborn:
Please note it’s in no particular order.
1. If you are going to be breastfeeding, a breast pump is essential! It helped me a lot in the first 6 months.
Once my breastmilk came, I started flowing like a river (TMI) so I needed to pump often and Medela electric swing was the best for me.
2. Bottles
Whether you breastfeeding or formula you need bottles. I bought Yoomi bottles and they were awesome. Press a button and the warmer warms the milk in the bottle. You dont have to stand there with the bottle in a mug trying to make it hot or cold. Yoomi warms the bottle to the appropriate temperature for your baby.
3. Baby Monitor
This is an absolute lifesaver! It’s not a need, it’s a MUST! Even tho we are co-sleeping now, we still use it. If Kitana makes a slight move, I can hear it on the monitor. I love the Angelcare monitor, wish I bought the one with video so I could see her.
4. Diaper Bin
This was one of the first products I thought about getting and there was no question about it. I did get one of the best ones available in the market for SA but I wish I bought Ubbi diaper pail, it recently arrived in SA and I cannot wait to get my hands on one. For me, it is the perfect bin! The best part about Ubbi is it’s the only metal bin in the world! It doesn’t stink and you can use ANY packet in it, meaning you don’t have to spend thousands of Rands a year on refills!
5. Changing Table
It is essential to have a place where you can change baby. I bought an ordinary changing mat that I could carry around the house and it worked for me however I think Stokke has a great changing table which lasts you literally forever. It’s worth it. If you looking for something to carry around, invest in something like what Close has to offer. Small and easy to carry around wherever you going.
6. Baby carrier
I used this when I wanted to carry her around the house or for short trips. I bought the babybjorn one which worked well for a while until my back started hurting. She became heavy and me being a petite person, it became a strain after 6 months. The Close one is material and much lighter on you. It actually fits like a t-shirt. I love the material.They both great, depends what type of fabric you looking for.
7. Onesies
I think this is a must for newborns. I never liked putting too many layers of clothing for Kitana when she was born. Onesies was perfect, easier to carry them and this way you are not lifting up their clothing. Korango has some great outfits and they don’t look boring!
8. Burp cloth
I think for the first 6 months you will be carrying this everywhere you go. Baby is bound to take out milk and this helps you a lot.
Babysense has a lovely burp cloth which has a simple but yet elegant design.
Extra bed sheets and blankets
I won’t number this one. There were several nights where I had to replace bed sheets in the middle of the night. You will never know when they going to make an oopsie. Always buy extra.
9. Drying rack
Im sure you dont want bottles drying all over your kitchen. I think the boon grass countertop drying rack is perfect! I’m a neat freak and I love the idea of having all babies things in one place. In the kitchen a baby drying rack was a must for me.
10. Humidifier
I think its important to have one, we still use it when Kitana is sick or has a blocked nose. It helped me a lot when she was sick in the first month.
11. Nose cleaner
Newborns have no idea how to blow their nose and having a nose cleaner can help when they are sick or have a stuffed nose. This product did wonders for me. I loved it because I was in control the entire time and it is hygienic as all parts can be washed.
12. Night light
I think its so important to have one for night feeding and nappy changing. This way baby doesn’t wake up and you can actually see what you doing.
13. Grooming Kit/Thermometer
Babies nails grow extremely fast, meaning they always need to be cut. Its important to invest in a grooming kit and a thermometer. You will always need them.
14. Diaper and wipes Caddy
I wish I bought one of these. So easy to carry around the house when you changing baby, keeps all baby’s toiletries and nappies in one place. Some even come with a changing mat.
15. Sleep positioner
I never bought one for Kitana, when she was born my cousin gifted one to me. It was one of the best gifts I received. It helped me a lot for the first 6 months. I knew she wouldn’t roll or end up blocking her nose because she just fitted in perfectly. I absolutely love this product and so did Kitana. She used it until she couldn’t fit in it anymore.
Read about my Top 15 clever baby products: https://youbabyandi.com/15-clever-baby-products/
46 comments
Love the list. The only thing I would add is the bath – stand that I bought from baby city (no longer available there but at Babies R Us). It allows you to stand and give baby a bath and I also bought the kango baby bath seat! Worked like a charm and my back didn’t suffer from bending down to give baby a bath.
Thanks for the info Marlz :). I did a post about the bath tubs I love, thats the reason I didnt add it to this list. Its the Stokke flexi bath and Tummy Tub. Thank you for reading.
I own about 10 of these lol
The one thing that I don’t have is a humidifier. Any particular brand you think would be good?
There’s so many! I’m still trying to find a good one. :/
🙂 Great post once again
I dont have a diaper bin, need to get one soon ..it’s nice to know that you can use any packet in the Ubbi diaper pail. I was given a diaper bin as a gift after my baby was born … but after looking at the cost of the refills i returned the bin…. a diaper bin is a must have as it seals the odour in the bin … if you are using a normal bin, as soon as you open the bin , the odour escapes …
I was also gifted a sleep positioner …love it & also used it till baby outgrew it 🙂
I also love onesies 🙂 still use them for my 9 month old – i just feel it’s neat and comfy … n yep you don’t have to worry about the clothing going up 🙂
It’s the first time I’m seeing the milk warmer 🙂 it’s awesome
Hi Shan,
I’m from Johannesburg and I was wondering if you knew where I could purchase the boon drying rack which appears on your list?
Hi Mandy, I did see it at Reggies and Toys r us. Hope they still stock it. Thanks for reading!:)
Hi, Thank you for the information. I am 27 weeks pregnant and have started making a list of items I need for baby.
Please may you advise where I can purchase the sleep positioner and what brand/model you have?
Thank you.
Hi Puveshree, hope you well. ClevaMama has a lovely one -> http://www.takealot.com/clevamama-clevasleep-positioner/PLID13851607 OR you can visit Babies R us. I know Dischem sells a cheaper version even Baby City. I used mine until my baby started moving all over the place. It’s perfect for the first 6 months.
Thank you very much.I will have a look at them.Take care.
Hi Shan, hope you are keeping well. I am looking into getting the Yoomi bottles and warmer.Which sterilizer would you recommend for these bottles?Thank you.
Hi Puveshree, I’m good and you? I used a normal microwave sterilizer. You can check with the brand when you purchase but I don’t think you need a specific one. Thanks for reading. 🙂
I am well thanks. I will go for a normal sterilizer, just need to make sure the bottles fit.Thank you very much.Take care.
Great list. That nose cleaner, I wonder will it work on my 18 months old?
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