As a parent-to-be, it can feel like your shopping list to prepare for your little one’s arrival is endless, and that can be overwhelming. 

To make your parenting journey a little easier, we’ve rounded up some of the must-haves from those first few stages — maternity, postpartum and newborn — that’ll make your life a whole lot easier. 

 

MATERNITY ESSENTIALS

These must-haves will help you feel good so you can boast that pregnancy glow you’ve heard so much about. 

Prenatal Supplements

 

The first thing you do when you’re pregnant if you haven’t already? Start taking a prenatal supplement with folate and iron. Folate, a B vitamin, helps prevent neural tube defects, and iron supports the development of the fetus. Thorne’s prenatal supplement contains 667 mcg folate and 50 mcg iron along with many essential vitamins like B12, making it a superior choice. Plus, unlike other supplements, it’s easy on the stomach, meaning it won’t cause any more nausea than you already have. 

Thorne Basic Prenatal Multivitamins, $40 

 

Anti-Nausea Remedies

 

The first trimester is known for one thing above all else: nausea, and lots of it. There are, however, many natural remedies that can help soothe your stomach so you can carry on with your day. These organic sour fruit candies were developed by healthcare professionals and formulated with essential oils that can alleviate morning sickness — and dry mouth too. Bonus: You might even find they give you an energy boost, too, which is a particularly welcome treat when you’re battling first trimester fatigue. 

Preggie Pop Drops, $9.99 

 

Belly Oil

As your belly starts to grow, your skin stretches and therefore stretch marks can develop. If you wish to diminish them, an oil can help. This one from Weleda is formulated with nurturing ingredients like almond oil, vitamin E rich wheat germ oil and arnica extract, and with regular use, can help boost skin’s flexibility and keep it looking smooth. 

Weleda Stretch Mark Massage Oil, $32.99 

 

 

 

Maternity Bra

 

The bad news: Your pre-pregnancy pjs might not feel quite as comfy as your body changes. The good news: A breathable, stretchy sleep bra can make all the difference. With temperature-regulating zones and a soft, seamless fit that adapts to your changing shape — this sleep bra will keep you cool, supported, and comfortable through pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. You may even forget you’re wearing it.

Medela Keep Cool Sleep Bra, $21.99 

  

 

POSTPARTUM ESSENTIALS

These products will offer welcome relief from any discomfort you’re experiencing to help you carry on with your new motherly duties. 

Labour & Postpartum Essentials Kit

With theoverwhelming amount of odds and ends you’re going to need during labour, delivery and immediately after – it’s nice to be able to rely on an all-in-one kit like this one from frida. It has a bit of everything you’ll need for the delivery process, from postpartum underwear, pads, cooling liners, delivery socks and more. 

frida mom Labour and Delivery & Postpartum Recovery Kit, $159.99 

 

 

Nipple Cream

 

With postpartum comes some bodily discomforts — particularly when it comes to your nipples as you and your little one get used to breastfeeding. Nipples can become dry and cracked, but this all-natural salve can help. Formulated with certified organic ingredients like extra virgin olive oil, beeswax, and shea butter this product relieves discomfort and aids in the healing process. 

Motherlove Nipple Cream, $16.64 

 

Lactation Cookies

 

Sometimes your milk could take a little longer than you’d like to come in — and that’s fine, in fact, it’s completely normal. But to boost your milk production so the baby has a healthy supply, lactation cookies can help. Munchkin New Mama Cookie Bites are made with thoughtfully chosen galactagogue ingredients to support milk production, all in a soft, satisfying bite that feels like a treat (because you deserve one). Perfect for busy feeding sessions or whenever hunger strikes.

Munchkin New Mama Cookie Bites Oatmeal Chocolate Chip, $29.99 

 

Perineal Balm

 

Here’s the unfortunate news: Postpartum hemorrhoids, vaginal bruising, and perineal tears may be in your future. But there’s something that can help: Earth Mama Organics’ perineal balm offers cooling, soothing relief with all-natural healing ingredients like St. Johns wort, Witch hazel, and Calendula so your tush can feel normal again fast. 

Earth Mama Organics Organic Perineal Balm, $20.99 

 

 

NEWBORN ESSENTIALS

These newborn blessings will make life with your new little one a bit easier. 

Breast Shields

 

When your nipples turn into dry, cracked versions of themselves, you may be ready to throw in the nursing towel…but instead, you could just reach for breast shields so you can continue breastfeeding. Medela’s comfortable ones won’t only prevent your nipples from feeling sore, but they’ll also help you make over 10% more milk per minute — an absolute dream for most moms. 

Medela PersonalFit Flex Breast Shields 21mm, $18.04 

 

Breast Pump

 

There are a couple reasons you’ll want a breast pump: They help you maintain your milk supply, and allow you or a loved one to bottle-feed your baby with your milk. Haakaa’s silicone pump is super easy to use, plus, it’s compact so you can take it wherever you go to pump when the need strikes. Once you’re done, store the milk in the brand’s milk bottle set. 

Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump with Lid, $31.99 

 

Breastfeeding Pillow

It can be frustrating when breast feeding doesn’t come easily or go as planned, and often a crucial element for success is often proper positioning. A feeding pillow like this one from My Best Friend is designed to give moms the confidence they need to feel secure and position them for breastfeeding and nursing success. It is specifically designed to make breastfeeding more comfortable, encourage better posture and prevent neck and shoulder strain. 

My Brest Friend Deluxe Nursing Pillow Soft Sand, $89.97 

 

Ready-to-use Formula

 

Whether you choose to feed your little one formula or reach for it to supplement your milk supply, you’ll want a formula you can trust — that’s also quick to whip up. Similac’s ready-to-serve one is nutritionally complete and hypoallergenic, meaning it’s perfect for colicky infants who are allergic to cow’s milk or soy protein, or those with severe food allergies. Serve it to your little in a glass-latex bottle set. 

Similac Alimentum Ready to Use Infant Formula, $7.99 

 

Pacifiers

When you need a little quiet time — or when looking to calm your baby from whimpering — pacifiers can be a bit of a lifesaver. The challenge is there are many nipple shapes to choose from, and babies can be quite particular about which they prefer. BIBS’ handy set of four comes with different types (round, symmetrically, and anatomically) and different materials (natural latex and silicone) so your little one is sure to find the one that’s just right.  

BIBS Try It Collection Ivory, $27.99 

 

Baby Lounger

 

Your babe will be by your side all day long, and chances are you’ll need a break from holding the sweet little thing once in a while. That’s when a baby lounger can come in handy — it can offer a comfy place for your baby to rest and look around at its surroundings while you, too, rest (or tend to other duties). This organic one will hug your babe’s body while keeping them safe and cozy. 

Snuggle Me Organic Lounger Curve Birch, $199.99