There’s a seemingly endless list of gadgets and products made for new mothers and their babies. We don’t blame you for being overwhelmed and confused about what is absolutely essential. It’s already difficult enough to anticipate which needs you should accommodate in the early stages of parenthood, let alone compare hundreds of similar products. You’ve done the newborn photo shoot, you’ve got the cute outfits we will help you know what other essentials you need.

That’s why we’re here to help. Throughout the first six months with your baby, you’ll benefit the most from these seven essentials every new mom needs.

1. Portable Breast Pump

For breastfeeding moms, one of the biggest challenges is mobility. You never know when your baby will be hungry, and it always pays to have a milk supply stashed away. So, an essential tool for any parent is a breast pump, especially one that is portable and unspillable . If you’re on the run doing errands or having a night out, having milk prepared for a spouse or babysitter will save everyone headaches later on.

2. Swaddles

An age-old test for any new parent is the swaddle. Some babies can only get to sleep after being properly wrapped burrito-style in a comfortable blanket, like the ones offered by Caden Lane. Maybe you’ve mastered the delicate art of baby wrapping, or perhaps your spouse is the pro. Regardless of your skill level, the material of your blanket is just as important. If you want your newborn to experience ultimate comfort, consider muslin baby swaddles for baby. This material is designed to be soft on the skin and soothe babies with the feeling of complete security.

3. Car Seat

Most essentials can wait until at least after your baby has been brought home, but a good car seat is something you need ASAP. Hospitals require a proper car seat before you can take your baby home, so it’s wise to find a well-made seat and carefully consult its manual on how to properly install it.

4. Versatile Strollers

Another travel necessity, strollers are a universal staple of any parent on the go. There’s a huge variety of strollers available, and while some baby essentials are worth finding a one-size-fits-all purchase, you could benefit from two strollers instead of one. For park walks or other excursions that require some extra storage onboardA heavy-duty stroller is a must-have for. But they lack important versatility that a lightweight, collapsible option will afford you for travel such as plane rides.

5. Easy to Clean High Chair

A messy mealtime is a perfect time for a photoshoot. However, once the camera is put away and it’s time for cleanup, there won’t be any more smiles if the chair is hard to clean. Plush fabrics can make a particular high chair enticing, but it’s imperative to double-check that they can be wiped down.

6. Teething Toys

When your baby begins to experience teething pains, it’ll be hard to know between the two of you who is suffering the most. Having a safe teething toy will be a lifesaver for both of you, but this essential might be one of the more particular items on this list. Not sure which teething toy will satiate your baby? Ask around with other parents to see which one does the trick for their children. Considering how much you’ll appreciate the silence it will produce, it may be best to opt-out of those that squeak when bitten.

7. Sturdy Children’s Books

Storytime is rarely ever about just the words on the page. You might have an inner arsenal of voices to employ for particular books that your baby loves, and while they may not understand exactly what you’re saying, they’ll want to get involved with the object in front of them. Some books are classics for their timeless artwork, and others will stand the test of time with their sturdy build. Find books that are baby-proof to let your little one explore its colorful pages with their hands.