I’ve listed these five must-haves for first-time mothers from a place of love and experience, for I’m a first-time mom too. Not having them will make your postpartum experience extra hard, especially for the first month after birth.
Becoming a mom for the first time is a beautiful, life-changing experience. But I have to be honest, it also comes with a steep learning curve. The moment you think you’ve got it figured out, you get kicked in the core with something new.
If you’re wondering what you really need as a first-time mom, I’ve got you covered. These five must-haves helped me survive (and sometimes thrive!) in the early days of motherhood.
Whether you’re preparing for your baby’s arrival or in the thick of the newborn stage, this list includes links to Amazon favorites that are practical, affordable, and worth every cedi or dollar you can afford. Let’s get into it!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
1. Electric Breast Pump
When I first had my baby, the breast milk production didn’t start right away. My nipples felt sealed. It took an entire week and two days to fully start enough production.
While I waited impatiently to breastfeed my baby, I pumped even though there was no breastmilk coming out. I tried both the manual and electric breast pumps. Trust me when I say the electric pumps are the best. They’re easy to use with less effort than the manual pumps.
Why it’s a must-have:
A quality electric breast pump is a lifesaver, especially if you’re planning to express milk regularly. Whether you’re returning to work or just need some flexibility, it makes the process quick and less painful.
Top Pick on Amazon:
Momcozy Wearable Electric Breast Pump – Hands-free, discreet, and rechargeable.
Tip: Go for a quiet model that’s easy to clean. You’ll thank yourself during those 3 AM pumping sessions.
2. Bottle Warmer
Nothing is more stressful than waking up every hour to boil water to heat up your baby’s milk. Imagine doing all of that with your hungry, crying baby who just wants to be fed. The wait to get the right temperature is tormenting in itself.
Why it’s a must-have:
When your baby’s hungry, there’s no time to wait. With a bottle warmer, you can heat breast milk or formula to the perfect temperature in minutes; no guessing, no overheating
Top Pick on Amazon:
Philips Avent Fast Baby Bottle Warmer – Compact and fast with even warming.
I kept mine by the bedside for night feeds, and it saved me so much time and stress.
3. Supportive Nursing Bra
My sister, you need a flexible bra that you can easily take your breast out of to breastfeed your baby at any time and anywhere. Especially, a bra that can support your back and prevent back pain.
Why it’s a must-have:
Comfort and access are key when breastfeeding. Getting a good nursing bra makes feeding smoother and prevents unnecessary discomfort. A breastfeeding bra should be soft, stretchy, and wire-free.
Top Pick on Amazon:
Kindred Bravely French Terry Nursing Sleep Bra – Comfortable enough to sleep in, supportive enough for daily wear.
Tip: You should buy at least 2–3 to rotate between washes!
4. Co-Sleeper Bassinet
Especially if you gave birth through C-section, waking up and walking to pick up your crying baby can be very painful when your wound is not healed. Getting a co-sleeper bassinet saves you the effort.
Why it’s a must-have:
Newborns wake often, and a co-sleeper lets you keep baby close without sacrificing safe sleep. It also makes nighttime feeds less disruptive.
Top Pick on Amazon:
Bedside Sleeper – Adjustable height, mesh sides, and attaches securely to your bed.
Why I Loved It: It gave me peace of mind knowing my baby was nearby and safe.
5. Lactation Tea or Breastfeeding Granola
As I mentioned earlier at the beginning of my post, I struggled with milk supply in the first week. I bought lactation tea and breastfeeding granola to help boost my milk supply while putting my baby to my breast. It really helped me. Plus, they were all natural and didn’t have any negative effect on me.
Why it’s a must-have:
Struggling with milk supply is common. Lactation teas and snacks are a gentle, natural way to support your breastfeeding journey.
Top Pick on Amazon:
Lactation Tea – Organic, caffeine-free, and mom-loved.
Granola Bars – Tasty and packed with milk-boosting ingredients.
Try This: Keep a stash in your diaper bag or snack drawer for those busy days.
Every mama’s journey is different
Every mama’s journey is different. First-time moms’ experience is not easy, especially when you have no one to help you. But having the right tools can make a world of difference. These Amazon must-haves for first-time moms helped me feel more capable and prepared.
If you’re building your registry or shopping for a new mom, start with these essentials and you won’t regret it.
Your voice matters
What’s the one item you couldn’t live without as a first-time mom? Share your experience in the comments or come back here to comment when you try any of these products!
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Your quick find to new-mom questions and answers
Start with items that support feeding, sleeping, and recovery—like a breast pump, co-sleeper, and lactation support.
All recommended products are top-rated on Amazon and used by real moms, but always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Many moms in Ghana order from Amazon via freight forwarding services or look for similar brands locally.
