Becoming a first-time parent can be really overwhelming! There are so many baby products and services available in the market which makes it so confusing if you are shopping for your first baby.
The truth is you don’t need them all, however, there are a few products and services I wouldn’t have survived parenthood without. 3 kids later and I still can’t survive with many of these products.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to compare products and prices before making that final decision.
MOM:
For PREGNANCY:
1. Comfortable shoes
Trust me you need this especially if your feet start to swell!
When it comes to dressing in the heat, it can be hard to think about being on trend when all you want is something that will stop you melting especially when you are pregnant. Thankfully, that’s where a simple flat comes in. A style that requires minimal effort but will perk up even the simplest of summer dresses, keep it effortless with the range from Bronx.
2. Maternity leggings or jeans and a few tops
I practically lived in leggings during my pregnancies because they are extremely comfortable when you have a growing tummy. A capsule wardrobe will really work well during pregnancy.
Top Picks
Budget-Friendly:
I’ve bought several pieces from their range that lasted throughout my pregnancy.
High-End:
Yummy Mummy has a lovely bamboo material maternity range!
3. Belly cream or oil
Top Picks
Budget-Friendly:
Bio-Oil
High-End:
4. Pregnancy Pillow
Top Picks
Budget-Friendly:
High-End:
5. Vitamins
Top Picks
Budget-Friendly:
High-End:
6. Pregnant belt
I never thought this was important until recently when I did a bit of research!
In a collision, an adult person can weigh between three and five tons. In a pregnant woman, the fetus is positioned far forward and can, therefore, be subject to great strain at the moment of impact. The BeSafe Pregnant guides away the hip belt from the stomach and the fetus.
For Recovery:
7. Comfortable underwear
I love Boodywear. It’s the only brand I used during and after pregnancy.
8. Disposable underwear
Carriwell is my go-to brand for recovery.
9. Maternity pads
10. Water bottle
During recovery, while breastfeeding you get extremely thirsty. I always keep a bottle by my bedside.
11. Cooling pads and bath salts (Natural birth)
12. Belly Binder
Nice to have:
Post Birth Reshape Pants
First Year of Motherhood:
Okay, this isn’t a product but I definitely think it belongs on this list!
13. Support Group/Blogs
I know you may be wondering why I put this as a must-have… but the truth is every mom needs a tribe. You are part of my tribe. Join my group here.
A mommy group gives you the support, motivation, and encouragement you need through those long nights and overwhelming mornings.
Breastfeeding/Formula:
14. Nursing bras
Top Picks
Budget-Friendly:
High-End:
15. Breast pump
Top Picks
Budget-Friendly:
If you are budget conscious but need a good quality pump then I suggest you check out Pigeon. The brand has a ton of good products at reasonable prices!
Pigeon – Electric Breast Pump Pro
High-End:
If you are looking for a good high-end pump then Medela Maxi Electric is a must buy! This pump is amazing and worth every scent. I’ve used it for all my kids.
Medela – Swing Maxi Electric Breast pump
16. Milk-savers
Top Picks
Budget-Friendly:
We all know how precious every drop of breastmilk is. Haakaa can help catch your let down on one breast while you breastfeed your baby on the other breast.
High-End:
17. Milk Storage bags/cups for the freezer.
Top Picks
18. Bottles for baby
Top Picks
19. Bottle/Toy cleaner
Top Picks
20. Breast Pads
Top Picks
BiddyKins reuseable Breast Pads
21. Nipple cream
Top picks
Budget-Friendly:
Purity & Elizabeth Anne’s Mama Love Nipple Cream
High-End:
22. Breastfeeding Friendly Tops
I’m loving the range from Anneen Henze Collection and Kids Emporium. Many stores have been adding more maternity clothing so do check your local favourite stores.
MRP.COM also has a few nursing tops.
23. Lactation cookies or tea to increase milk supply.
24. Breastfeeding pillow
25. Baby bottle Sterilizer
Top Picks
Budget-Friendly:
I see Clicks has a sale on one! You can also try the Dr. Brown’s or just get the sanitizing bags from Medela.
High-End:
Avent 3-in-1 Electric Steam Sterilizer
26. Bottle Drying Rack
27. Burp Cloths
28. Milk Powder dispenser
Top Picks
Budget-Friendly:
Milk Powder container
High-End:
29. Baby bottle brush cleaning set/Teat cleaner
Essential items:
30. Infant Carseat
Top Picks
Budget-Friendly:
Doona is budget friendly because it is a 2-in-1.
High-End
BeSafe iZi Go Modular (without Isofix)
31. Crib/Campcot + Linen + Waterproof mattress
Top Picks
Budget-Friendly:
High-End
32. Co-sleeper
This is definitely not a must-have product for every mom but I love co-sleeping so I think sleepyhead is a must have product because it is easier to transition baby from the bed to cot than a co-sleeper attached to the side of the bed. I use sleepyhead every single day with my son.
Top Picks
Budget-Friendly (Depending on material):
High-End:
33. Clothing (Hats, Onesies, socks, bibs etc)
Top Stores
34. Muslin blankets
Top Picks
35. Sleeping bag
36. Diapers
Top Picks
37. Body Creams and Shampoo
Top Picks
Purity & Elizabeth Anne’s Special Baby Shampoo
Squeaky Clean Conditioning 2-in-1 Shampoo
Naturals Beauty Kids Shampoo & Body Wash
38. Diaper bag
Top Picks
Budget-Friendly:
High-End:
39. Diaper rash cream
Top Picks
Budget-Friendly:
High-End:
40. Baby bathtub/support + Washcloths
Top Picks
Budget-Friendly
High-End
41. Baby Monitor
Top Picks
42. Wet wipes
Top Picks
43. Grooming set
44. Baby-friendly laundry detergent
45. Digital thermometer
We absolutely love BabyWombWorld’s thermometer!
A consistent and reliable ear thermometer with forehead function (Dual Mode). Making it the easiest and most practical way to take a temperature. Delivers temperature readings with Unfailing Accuracy and quickly. Its hassle free with just 2 buttons, head and ear, this electronic thermometer is very easy to use. It comes with fever alarm, it requires no covers and the last 20 readings can be easily recalled. It measures in both Fahrenheit and Celsius.
FOR BABY (0-6 months)+ :
46. Dryer
Babies bring lots of laundry! The Spindel is perfect to dry all your washing, especially on rainy days.
47. Baby Changing station or mat
Top Picks
Found this lovely one on BabyGroup that comes with a toy.
48. Diaper Bin
Top Pick
49. Diaper caddy (also comes with changing mat)
50. Nappy Sacks
We halfway down the list! I hope you bookmarked this page. 😉
51. Wetwipe dispenser
This doesn’t try out the wipes.
52. Mosquito lotion and net
Top Picks
53. Panado
Make sure you get the one alcohol and sugar-free one.
54. Returina Drops (Probiotic)
55. Allergex
56. Karvol drops
This helps for stuffy nose.
57. Gripe water
58. Gas Reliever
59. Medicine dispenser
60. Baby sunblock
61. Bath thermometer
62. Cotton wool/Cotton buds
63. Surgical spirits
64. Snort sucker
65. Massage oil
66. Mittens
Newborns end up scratching their faces a lot.
67. Baby car mirror
68. Baby carrier
There are so many available in South Africa! Check out the following:
69. Lightweight Car seat cover
70. Nightlight
71. Humidifier
72. Take-Along mobile
From 3 months onwards, you need lots of toys to entertain your little one, especially in the car.
Top Picks
Tiny Love Meadow Days Take-Along Mobile
Oball Flex ‘n Go Activity Arch
73. Toy Toggle
74. Comfort toy/Sleep companion
We love the Lulla doll.
75. Play gym/Bouncers
Top Picks
Budget-Friendly:
Bright Starts Monkey Business Musical Activity Gym
High-End:
Bright Starts 5-in-1 Your Way Ball Play Activity Gym
Tiny Love Gymini 1 2 3 Here I Grow
Fisher-Price Newborn-to-Toddler Play Gym
76. Baby Rocker/Hammock
Top Picks
Kulala Baba Organic Baby Hammock
Tiny Love – Cozy Rocker Napper
FOR BABY (6-12 months)+:
Once the baby is mobile, things start to get a little crazy at home.
77. Mom needs lots of caffeine!
78. Baby Food Maker
Top Picks
Budget-Friendly:
Nuby Garden Fresh Steam n’ Feed
High-End:
Baby Brezza
79. Stroller
I got a few favorites, check out the post here.
80. Sippy cup
Top Picks
Nuby Snack N’ Sip Cup (12months+)
81. Maybe some wine for mom after she stops breastfeeding. 😉
82. Feeding Section Plates/Bowls + Cutlery
Top Picks
Tommee tippee aeroplane spoons and section plates
La-Boos Kids Bamboo Frog Plate & Cutlery
83. Recipe book
84. A good vacuum cleaner
85. Food pouches for travels
86. Snacks/Snack cup
87. Feeding Bibs
Also get disposable ones for traveling.
88. High chair
Top Picks
Budget-Friendly:
Antilop Baby High Chair with Tray
SmartClean Trio 3-in-1 High Chair
High-End:
89. Training Toothbrush
90. Toothpaste
Top Picks
Jack n Jill Natural Toothpaste
91. Educational toys
Top Picks (Depending on age group)
92. Busy Box
93. Bath toys/Shower cap
94. Teething Gel
95. Teething ring/necklace
96. Babyproof products
97. Swimming nappies
Top Picks
98. Comfortable shoes
Top Picks
Nike
99. First aid kit
100. Portable play tent
Great for indoor and outdoor play especially picnics.
Did I miss a product? Please comment below and let me know! 🙂
30 comments
The list is endless, but happy parents can do all.
Copper scrap procurement strategies Copper slab scrap procurement Copper scrap trade partnerships
International standards for Copper scrap Copper recycling compliance Copper scrap baling
Scrap copper safety standards Copper carbonate recycling Copper ingot scrap purchase
Aluminium recycling quality assurance Aluminium scrap reclaiming Aluminium recycling energy consumption
Aluminium recycling network optimization Aluminum scrap dealers Aluminium recyclable materials
Scrap metal inventory tracking Aluminium alloy reclamation Scrap aluminium exports
Scrap metal cutting, Scrap metal prices for aluminum cable, Metal reclaiming plant
Metal scrap reclamation plant Ferrous material material handling safety Iron scrap reclaimer
Ferrous material recycling appraisal, Iron scrap baling services, Scrap metal collection center
Metal reclamation industry Scrap aluminium identification Aluminium scrap revenue maximization
Scrap metal collection center, Aluminum cable scrap import restrictions, Scrap metal recycling facility
Metal waste packaging Aluminium scrap recycling capacity Aluminium scrap sales
Scrap metal reprocessing and recovery, Aluminum cable scrap reuse, Metal waste inventory
Scrap metal lifecycle management Ferrous metal warehousing Iron scrap recovery center
Ferrous material selling, Iron waste reprocessing operations, Scrap metal reclaiming and recycling center
Metal recovery and reclamation Aluminium recycling benefits Aluminium recycling technology
Scrap metal pricing models, Melting aluminum cable, Scrap metal reclamation handling
Scrap metal residue Ferrous waste assessment Iron scrap baling
Ferrous material recycling technology adoption, Iron waste reclamation solutions, Metal waste smelting
Scrap metal compaction Ferrous scrap yard Iron waste management
Ferrous material acquisition, Iron recycling and recovery center, Metal assessment services
Metal reclamation yard Ferrous metal reclamation and utilization Iron reutilization services
Ferrous recovery center, Iron waste recovery, Precious metal recovery
Metal scrap compaction Aluminium recycling logistics Recycling aluminium resources
Metal reclaiming processing, Aluminum cable scrap pick-up services, Scrap metal cutting
Scrap metal industry standards Aluminium alloys reclamation Aluminium scrap international trade
Metal waste recuperation, Recycling companies for aluminum cable, Metal reclamation and recovery solutions
Metal waste disposal services Ferrous material recycling marketing Iron scrap reprocessing solutions
Ferrous material recycling reliability, Iron recyclable waste management, Metal reclaiming and reprocessing facility
Scrap metal reclamation and repurposing facility Scrap aluminum recycling challenges Aluminium material recovery
Metal recovery and reclamation solutions, Aluminum cable recycling, Scrap metal inspection services
End-of-life metal recovery Ferrous material production efficiency Iron recycling facility
Ferrous scrap diagnostics, Iron scrap recycling center, Metal scrap reclamation plant
Scrap metal conveyance Ferrous material air emission control Iron scrap recycling depot
Ferrous metal transportation, Iron waste reclaiming, Scrap metal recycling depot
Copper scrap containers Environmental benefits of Copper scrap recycling Copper scrap stockpiling
Metal reclaiming and utilization center, Copper scrap market trends, Metal recycling supply
Copper alloy refining Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity and has many desirable properties that make it ideal for use in electrical wiring. Some of the reasons why copper is used for most electrical wiring are: 1. High Conductivity: Copper is one of the best conductors of electricity, with a conductivity that is 97% that of silver, the best conductor. This high conductivity ensures that electricity is transmitted with low resistance and minimal energy loss, making it an efficient choice for wiring. 2. Ductility: Copper can easily be drawn into thin wires without breaking. This is important because most electrical wires are thin, and they need to be flexible enough to be used in different types of circuits and installations. 3. Corrosion Resistance: Copper is highly resistant to corrosion and does not corrode easily. This makes it ideal for use in environments where the wire is exposed to moisture, such as in humid climates or under water. 4. Longevity: Copper is a durable material that can withstand wear and tear over time. It does not degrade easily and is not affected by ultraviolet light or exposure to the elements, making it an excellent choice for use in outdoor applications. 5. High Melting Point: Copper has a high melting point, which makes it resistant to heat damage. This is important because electrical wires can generate heat while carrying a current and need to be able to withstand this without melting or becoming damaged. Overall, the combination of its high conductivity, ductility, corrosion resistance, longevity, and high melting point make copper the best choice for most electrical wiring applications Metal reprocessing and recycling Copper scrap metal brokerage Copper recycling supply chain Copper scrap industry regulations Recycled copper material handling Metal recovery industry
Industrial copper recycling capabilities Copper is a highly sought after metal in various industries due to its excellent properties and versatility. It is widely used in electrical and construction industries, as well as in the manufacture of consumer goods and industrial machinery. Copper consumption has seen a steady rise in recent years, driven by growing demand from emerging economies and advancements in technology that require more copper production. The global copper consumption has been on a steady rise since the 1980s, with global consumption now around 24 million metric tons annually. Asia is the largest consumer of copper, accounting for over 50% of global consumption. China, in particular, is the largest consumer of copper, consuming around 11 million metric tons annually. The electrical industry is the largest consumer of copper by far, accounting for over half of all copper consumption. Copper is used in the manufacture of electrical wires, motors, transformers, and other electrical components. The construction industry comes in second, accounting for around a quarter of total consumption. Copper is widely used in plumbing, roofing, and building embellishments. Copper also finds extensive use in the automotive, aerospace, and telecommunications industries. Its excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, as well as its durability and resistance to corrosion, make it a popular choice in these sectors. The world has witnessed the introduction of electric vehicles, which are anticipated to increase the demand for copper production. Electric cars are expected to contain four times the amount of copper used in regular cars. The demand for copper is expected to increase as more countries invest in infrastructure construction, renewable energy generation, and electric vehicle production. Copper is a critical element in new technologies such as solar panels and wind turbines. The transition to renewable energy sources globally is anticipated to drive demand for copper in the coming years. In conclusion, copper consumption has been on a steady rise in recent years due to the increasing demand in various industries. Its versatility and unique properties make it highly sought after, particularly in electric vehicles as the world shifts toward renewable energy sources Metal reclaiming and utilization solutions Copper scrap trade shows Future of Copper scrap recycling Copper scrap grading system Copper scrap reclamation methods Metal disposal services
Metal waste repurposing technologies Scrap metal sustainability Iron and steel scrapping and regeneration
Ferrous metal drop-off services, Iron reuse and recycling, Metal waste remanufacturing
Copper sulfate scrap purchase Copper oxide scrap recycling Metal recycling and recovery facility
Copper cable recycling statistics, Scrap metal brokering, Copper scrap purification
Metal byproduct utilization, Copper scrap prices, Scrap cable recycling, Metal recycling logistics
Scrap metal remolding Ferrous scrap refinishing Iron recycling and recovery facility
Ferrous material transportation, Iron reclaiming plant, Metal waste inventory
Metal waste repurposing Ferrous waste recycling plant Iron waste recovery
Ferrous scrap import, Iron waste reclaiming and reprocessing, Metal waste collection solutions
Scrap metal certifications Ferrous material compaction services Iron waste brokerage
Ferrous metal collection, Iron scrap recovery strategies, Metal disposal facility
Metal reclaiming and recycling solutions Ferrous metal classification Iron waste
Ferrous metal rejuvenation, Iron recyclable waste, Scrap metal recycling best practices