There are SO MANY new and innovative gadgets, gizmos and garments available for new mommies these days. It’s hard to know what’s worth the money and what isn’t. I can only speak for my family, but if my homework is helpful to you, then I’m doing what I intended with this website!

First, if you have health insurance, do not buy a breast pump! Your insurance will cover it, along with free virtual breastfeeding classes that can be rescheduled as many times as needed. I rescheduled several of my classes and finished my last one the week before I gave birth to my son. The sessions I completed though Aeroflow were informative, professional and friendly, and I recommend them to any new mom who isn’t confident about breastfeeding OR only needs a gentle refresher on best practices!

Absolutely buy as many double-zipper footed sleepers as you want. Snaps are not fun, and I have never liked pulling onesies over a tiny newborn’s head and arms. Having two zippers makes it easier to change baby’s diaper without getting him completely undressed, and since they have footies, you won’t have to try to keep socks on him. Cute and convenient, check and check.

Next, MUSLIN BLANKETS. Get several. You need them. They provide just enough stretch for baby to stay comfortable without being lose enough for him to break free of his swaddle. Stiff receiving blankets are no fun, sometimes not the right size, and may cause you to have to re-burrito your baby multiple times. If you prefer not to swaddle with an actual blanket, I recommend sleep sacks from Nested Bean, Baby Mori, or Halo!

A car seat cover is a great way to shield baby from germs and keep people from bothering you while you’re out and about. I have used a simple fabric cover for each of my babies. They are easy to wash, and they also keep the sun out of baby’s face for the car ride.

Both of my babies have preferred Philips Avent bottles and pacifiers. My daughter simply rejected any other brand of bottle or pacifier. The same may or may not be true for your littles, but if you aren’t sure what to try first, this is what worked for us. We have fed a combination of breastmilk and Similac Sensitive formula with both of my babies.

The Baby Brezza is on my list of must-haves. I’ve heard people say it’s lazy and unnecessary, but it is also incredibly convenient, so get one. You don’t need to expend time and energy when you don’t have to, and it makes preparing bottles quick and easy.

You may have read my post talking about my daughter hating her Halo bedside bassinet. Well, fortunately, my son loves it. It was not cheap, but it has already been a lifesaver in our first week at home together. I don’t have to worry about what he’s doing or not doing, and I can easily reach him without putting him in the bed with me and jeopardizing safe sleep practices.

It goes without saying that you will want a baby monitor of some sort. I have used several kinds, but the important thing is that I test them out first so I trust them to alert me if something is wrong with baby. I can sleep when baby’s sleeping, go on an adventure to another room in my house, even take out the trash. Makes me feel a little less paranoid and a little more like a regular person.

The bottom line is… taking care of a newborn can be challenging, so give yourself a break, and buy some things to make it a bit easier. I’m not saying you need every last innovation in order to raise your kid, but a few won’t hurt! Good luck, mama.