My 10 Random "New Mom Must-Haves"

When I became a mother, I never really knew what to prepare for. So, what I did was rely on the web to know what things I have to get ready. But sometimes, you just couldn't base your own needs to what you see on the web because everyone has different needs. As I journey the road to mommyhood, I found out a lot of things along the way. Of course, like I said, this is non-standard to all moms as we have different needs altogether. But, newbie mommies (like me), feel free to check this out and see what you feel suits you and your baby.

Anyway, I am listing down my 10 random picks that I think a new mom must prepare for (based from my own personal experience). 

So, in no particular order, here goes:

1. Petroleum Jelly

This product is a staple in our home. I have been putting petroleum jelly on Trev's diaper area to prevent diaper rash. And, thank God, Trev never had diaper rash! Until now, we're still using this. I also put some on Trev's neck and on the folds of his arms to prevent rashes, too. I just love petroleum jelly. It really works wonders!

Source
You can prevent most diaper rashes by simply using petroleum jelly to coat baby's bottom after each changing. Petroleum jelly coats the area with a protective gel layer that prevents moisture from getting next to baby's skin. Since wetness next to baby's skin is one of the main causes of diaper rash the jelly works well to prevent the problem.

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As a general rule of thumb, doctors recommend applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly to your newborn's bottom after every diaper change. Not only does this trick help prevent diaper rash in a newborn, but it also makes wiping off stool at the next diaper change easier.

2. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

I used this on Trev on the first five months since he was born. We all know that newborn babies generally have sensitive skin and I didn't want to risk it just in case Trev's skin reacts badly on just any other skin cleansers. So, I settled on what I feel like the best to use at that early stage of his life.

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Originally developed by dermatologists especially for sensitive skin, Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is a soap substitute that preserves your skin’s natural protective oils. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser softens your skin as it gently cleanses. Independent clinical tests using Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser undiluted has shown it to be one of the gentlest non-soap cleansers. Its special formulation won’t sting your eyes and can remove light make-up without clogging pores. Developed to be used with or without water, Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is pH balanced and lanolin and fragrance free.

3. Human Heart Nature Baby Products

I love HNN Baby Products. After using Cetaphil on Trev's first five months, I tried other baby products on him but HNN was by far to me the best yet. I use all three products on Trev. Here was my first post about HNN. (Which reminds me, I really want to sign up on HNN's membership/dealership program but I haven't really gotten the time. Sad.)

According to their website, all HNN Baby Products are 100% All Natural and 100% phthalate-free!

 4. Vapor Soove
I bought this for Trev just because. We were at Trinoma and I asked Allan if we could go to Sesou because I would like to check if they're selling HNN baby products there. Turns out, HNN baby products are sold by dealers only or from the branch. They sell other HNN products though. Anyway, I was looking at their other products when I saw this. I have been reading a lot of raves about this product from other moms. So I thought, I might as well buy one for Trev's first aid kit. When Trev suffered from cough and colds last month, this came in handy. It really helped in easing Trev's stuffy nose.

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Vapor Soove is a proprietary blend of essentials oils that creates a soothing vapour and calming effect. It provides gentle and effective relief for stuffy noses and coughs and, is suitable for babies and children from 6 months onwards. Vapor Soove does NOT contain Camphor like many other popular chest rubs. There have been reports that camphor may cause seizures in small children.

5. Pigeon Lip Trainer
This product is really a "life-saver"! When Trev was teething, he loves munching and chewing on things and this is no exception. Whenever we give this to him, he would keep himself busy just biting on this. And what's good about this is that it can be sterilized, unlike the other teethers which you cannot. I mentioned about this product here, too.

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Babies like to put things in their mouths, which is a natural reflex and an important part of development. Chewing on different materials and shapes stimulates the periodontal membrane under the teeth, and by doing this, babies learn how to control the force of their bite. Pigeon teethers are designed to stimulate babies' senses and promote natural jaw development.

6. Nursing Tops
Nursing tops or blouses are so convenient especially if you're like me because I nurse Trev whenever, wherever and however he wants. Hihi! These blouses have nursing access that you can easily open so you can nurse your baby discreetly, with or without cover. Nice! (Similar stories about my journey on nursing in public here. )

In photo: Nursing blouses on top photos are from Tinytots, nursing blouses on bottom photos are from Mommy Matters.

7. Nursing Covers
These are so convenient to use too when you're nursing in public. If you want a more discreet way of nursing, then you can use any of these. There are a lot of types of nursing covers. I'm so glad I discovered this. If  you don't have any nursing tops, then this will come in handy. (Similar stories about my journey on nursing in public here. )

In photo: Nursingmom's Nursing Cover (Polkadots), Indigobaby's Boncho: Breastfeeding poncho (gray), Tinytot's Nurse and Burp (Stripes)

 8. Baby Carriers
But not just any baby carrier, the best for me are these two: Next9 Ring Sling and the SaYa Baby Carrier. We can't leave the house without any of these. Nevermind the stroller, as long as I have this with us, we're good to go. The best! (Similar stories about my babywearing journey here.)

In photo: SaYa Baby Carrier  (Plum - looks like brown in this pic though), Next9 Ring Sling (Floral Blue)

9. Breastfeeding Supplement
I'm sure glad I found out about breastfeeding supplements. It's really a big help especially for a breastfeeding mom like me. I tried a number of supplements already which I mentioned in my other post. By far, for me, the best yet is Life Oil.

I have written about the benefits of Life Oil here.

10. Medela Pump in Style Advanced (PISA)
Of course, this should not be missing on the list. This MUST be included as this is one of my most important picks, my Medela PISA. Come on, it's a fact, some Medela breastpumps are quite pricey but when I learned about how great this breastpump was, I had no second thoughts, I had to buy it. So, I did and I never regretted that day. It was one heck of a splurge, yes, but come to think of it, the price is worth it compared to the benefits it could give you and your baby. There are other more affordable Medela pump models right now. They just released their newest product, the Medela Twin Maxi. It's the revamped version of the Medela Swing and has the same quality as the PISA. And what's more is it's much affordable. Twin Maxi replaced PISA because the latter has recently been phased out. But nonetheless, I am still glad to have acquired my PISA. I love it! 

I have written about my breastfeeding journey, the Medela PISA included, here.

So, there you go! How about you mommies, what's your random new mom picks? :-)


Disclaimer: These are just my personal choices. What might have worked for me and my baby may not work for others.