Baby Essentials

Hi, everyone! I’m a Latina mom to an 11-month-old baby boy named Leo D. As a first-time mom, I’ve learned much about what you need for your baby and what you can skip. Here’s my list of essential items that have made the first few months easier. I hope this helps all the new moms out there!

  1. Diaper-Changing Station: Opt for one with drawers for easily assembled clothes.
  2. Bottles: Dr. Brown’s glass bottles are a great choice. Consider getting a bottle sterilizer/dryer; Dr. Browns offers one that holds six bottles. For formula, Kendamil GOAT or Organic is good and affordable.
  3. Stroller: This can be tough with so many options. Visit a store and try them out. I highly recommend the UPPAbaby MINU or a similar travel-sized stroller. They’re lightweight, easy to fold, and fit anywhere. No need for a big fancy one. I love my MINU and use it with the MESA V2 car seat. A stroller bassinet isn’t necessary, at least in my experience. The Bugaboo Butterfly is also great, especially if you plan to fly and bring it as a carry-on.
  4. Diaper Genie: A must-have. It’s like a trash can for diapers.
  5. Bassinet: Your baby will sleep in the bassinet for the first 5-6 months, so the crib can wait.
  6. Diaper Bag: A small one works fine. You just need to carry a few diapers, wipes, and maybe bottles.
  7. Diapers: Amazon’s Mama Bear brand is fragrance-free, lotion-free, and affordable. The wipes are great too. At Target, Honest Diapers are clean and good but more expensive. Millie Moon offers affordable, clean, and soft diapers as well.
  8. Baby Carrier: Choose one that feels comfortable and safe. I didn’t use one, but Carolina can provide recommendations.
  9. Onesies: Avoid ones with buttons. Get onesies with a zipper from neck to feet. Trust me, it makes changing the baby much easier.

These essentials should help you survive the first four months.