10 Must-Have Baby Items for First-Time Moms

A no-brainer. But you need one that can also pass for a purse (because you're not going to cart around two bags), has lots of pockets (for baby's stuff), comes with a changing pad and, first and foremost, one that is comfortable. A messenger bag might typically be your style, but when you've also got a baby in your arms, that changes everything. Try 'em all out (backpacks, shoulder bags, convertible ones, etc.) and you might be surprised by what you go with.

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Obviously your baby is going to have a stroller. You're not a monster who plans to tote your baby in your arms everywhere you go. But you have to remember not to get just any stroller. You need a good travel system, where the infant carrier can slide in and out of the base with ease, while the stroller itself has excellent foldability so you have room for more than just it in your trunk.

You're going to want somewhere to put your baby down, but that isn't always easy. Aside from giving your arms a break, you also want something that is similar to the feeling they get when they are bounced by you; hence, a baby bouncer. Not only will baby bounce happily in it, it's also a safe, portable place where the little one can fall asleep, giving you the time to fold some laundry, use the bathroom or close your own eyes. Yeah, that last one, definitely.

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This one's for parents who need peace of mind and don't have eyes in the backs of their heads. A video monitor is great when determining if a child is sleeping or awake and quietly playing, as well as helpful when sleep training and knowing if you should or shouldn't enter the room. You can find ones that include sensor pads for under the crib mattress and audio that allows you to speak to your baby, because sometimes all they need is to hear the sound of your voice.

Newborns (and beyond) will typically sleep anywhere, anytime. And sometimes, that means sleeping on you. So to lighten the load, a carrier will be your saviour. Be sure to try it out before you buy it (with baby or something mimicking the weight), but what will play a huge factor on whether you get a wrap or a strappy backpack (or frontpack) is how easy or difficult it is to get on and off. If you need another pair of hands to assist, then it's not the one for you.

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If you want to feel helpless, watch a baby wail as their teeth are coming in. There's nothing you can do, except get the little one something to chomp the pain away with, whether it's a rubber giraffe or a nubby ring that can be shoved in the freezer to add a little extra relief.

Babies are adorable, but they're also gross as hell. Dirty diapers speak for themselves, but cute tiny humans also burp. Often. So you need a hefty supply of burp cloths to throw over your shoulder when lightly tapping their backs or simply to wipe up spit-up. But invest in soft ones, because they also make great washcloths.

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You may have received one of these bad boys as a shower gift, yet have no idea what it is or does. It might even be packed in a cute little case with other items you recognize (a thermometer, nail clippers), so now you're really confused. Turns out, it's an nasal aspirator or bulb syringe, a device you never knew you needed until now. It shouldn't be surprising that babies don't like getting their itty bitty noses squeezed to expel snot and while they don't love this either, it's quicker and less torturous than the other route. And, so much easier for you.

If you're OK with your baby putting their mouth on things other babies have put their mouths on, then click to the next slide. But if the mere thought sends shivers down the back of your neck, then you're going to want to invest in a travel high chair. Whether it's for a trip to the in-laws or your favourite restaurant, one that snaps easily onto the side of any dining table will make meal time a little less stressful.

You definitely need a nursing pillow at home and it'll be worth every penny. But no one mentions what happens when you're away from the comfort of your bed/recliner/glider chair and your baby needs to be fed ASAP. There are inflatable ones that come in handy when you're travelling and there are smaller support pillows that you can shove in the basket of your stroller if you're heading to the mall. Your body will thank you.

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