10 Things First Time Mom's Don't Know They Need
10 Things First Time Mom's Don't Know They Need Photo by Kelly Sikkema on
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First-time moms are inundated with advice on what to do and not do when the baby arrives. They also receive all sorts of solicited and unsolicited advice on what to buy, or not to buy for the baby. This is a pretty confusing time for any first time mama who just wants the best for her little one.

While the advice that comes from well-meaning friends and family can be really important, sometimes minor yet important details are often left out. The most important items that you'll need may often be overlooked by bigger and more obvious items.

What Every New Mom Needs

Every new mom needs all the right equipment to make her new adventure that much easier. But while you're stressing over the perfect crib, you might be missing out on the most important items that can save you time, energy, and sanity. We've noticed this gap and are here to offer some, uh, unsolicited but pretty worthwhile advice. From our research, we've come up with a list of 10 essential items that any first-time mom will probably have missed as you prepared for the baby's arrival.

These items might seem to be obvious but you can't ignore their value. We scoured the internet for the best of the best in each product category to make your shopping easier. The features we looked at included versatility, durability, ease of use, and cost -- babies are expensive enough already!

These are the top 10 products that we came up with.

Nursing Assistants

Nursing a baby may seem to be a pretty natural and instinctive thing to do. However, not all new moms will have a smooth ride and may need a few gadgets to make this easier for you. From breast cups to catch any leaks from your breasts to nursing pillows, these are the two most essential items in this category.

Breast Shells

One of the main issues that first-time moms may encounter is leaky breasts which can be quite annoying. Instead of going for the usual breast pads, why not invest in breast shells which collect any extra breast milk for storage.

These breast shells are worn in your bra and are great for protecting your sensitive nipples from any friction from clothes as well as keep chapped nipples away from any more abrasion. They're reasonably priced and come in packs of 4 reusable shells that are easy to clean.

My Brest Friend Original Nursing Posture Pillow

There are nursing pillows and then there's this nursing pillow. It keeps your posture correct for an easier and more comfortable nursing session. It has a wrap-around design that helps to keep your back straight and your chest flattened to keep the baby from rolling off. The cover easily comes off for an easy machine or hand wash, and it has a handy pocket to keep any supplies you need close.

Moving Around With Baby

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You'll need an easy way to move around with your baby once you're ready to start running your errands. We settled on two of the best products in this category to help you keep your hands free while keeping your baby with you as you move around in and out of the house.

Ergobaby Carrier

With this baby carrier, you can carry your baby in all positions comfortably both at home and when you are out shopping. You can use it anytime when the baby is 0 to 48 months. It is made from 100% premium cotton and has padding on the back and shoulder straps.

Another great feature is the UPF hood for protection from the sun as well as privacy as you breastfeed. It's durable and easily machine-washable.

Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Stroller

You'll be itching to get out after a few weeks cooped up indoors with your baby. This jogger and stroller combination is great for brisk walks and jogging when you finally feel up to it. It comes with great features which include large bicycle tires that can move easily over any surface, a reclining seat as well as baby and parent trays with two cup holders each.

Travel High Chairs

Once your baby is finally old enough to join you as you eat out, you will need a travel high chair to make it easy for them to sit up, as well as free your hands for your own meal. Here are the two top chairs that we picked.

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Inglesina Fast Table Chair

This award-winning travel high chair attaches to dining tables fast and securely. It allows your baby to sit at the table with you from 6 to 36 months. The material is strong, durable, and easy to keep clean by machine washing.

Easy Seat Portable High Chair

This product is highly portable and is used by simply attaching it to chairs with a back. It's easy and convenient to install and use. Another great feature is that it's easy to carry around in a small bag that can fit in your purse.

Disposable Changing Pads

Your baby will need lots of changes throughout the day and night. Accidents are bound to happen on the changing mat leading to a pile-up of laundry. This is where disposable changing pads come in handy. These are our top two picks in this category.

Peekapoo - Disposable Changing Pad Liners

These pads are waterproof and leak proof. They're also highly absorbent and are a great travel companion for those diaper changes in public restrooms. These liners come in packs of 50 at a super competitive price.

Munchkin Arm and Hammer Disposable Changing Pad

Another great product for any accidents and spills on the changing table both at home and away. These liners are made of paper and are super-absorbent. They also prevent odor thanks to the baking soda that's infused in their fibers.

Teething Toys

Babies grow faster than you anticipate them to. One minute they're all gummy and cute, and the next, they're chewing on everything to soothe their shifting teeth. You'll definitely need the best of the best in terms of teething toys, including the two we settled on below.

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Tinabless Infant Teething Keys Set

This product is manufactured using food-grade silicone for your baby's safety. Each of the pieces has a perfectly shaped stem that fits easily into your baby's tiny grip seamlessly. They're also brightly colored to keep your baby distracted for a while.

ANGELBLISS Baby Teething Toys

Made from silicone that is 100% BPA free and organic. They are great for soothing and massaging swollen gums as well as massaging little, new teeth once they sprout.

Enjoy That Baby

Those precious infant years are shorter than you think, though they seem to last forever. Before you know it, your little one will be walking and talking. Using these great products can take away some of the stress of being a new mom, so you can enjoy time snuggling with your baby.