Here are a few simple things that saved my behind as a FTM.
*The Garkoko Pacifier. As an exclusively breast feeding mom this was a game changer when I found it. My baby would not take any other pacifier I bought until this one. And I bought a ton 😅
*A baby tub. Skip the anglecare bath seat thay has been so popular. I tried it, didn't really like it. It propped her up at a weird angle and I had to use sooo much water in the entire tub. A baby bath is much more reasonable and you can set it on the counter too rather than kneeling down into the tub, save that for later.
*A bedside bassinet. I really really love these. You can wheel it around the house so baby can nap anywhere, even outside, without having to figure something else out. Its also really easy to check on baby when they are right next to you. This actually saved my baby's life, if she were not next to me in this bassinet I wouldn't of heard her choking in her sleep. Even if she was a few more feet away I dont think I would have woken up.
*Nursing Pads. When your milk comes in you will wish you had these! They can be hot or cold and they feel so nice those first few days.
*A portable night light. This way you dont have to turn on the lights at night for feedings or changing. This helps regulate their days and nights for a quicker transition to falling right back asleep in the night time.
... Read moreAs a first-time mom navigating all the new experiences and challenges, I found that having the right essentials made a huge difference in both my baby's comfort and my peace of mind. For example, the Garkoko pacifier was a lifesaver. I tried many pacifiers, but this one uniquely suited my breastfed baby’s latch and preferences, preventing frustration during soothing times.
When it comes to bath time, I initially went for the popular Angelcare bath seat, but it didn’t work well for me. It angled my baby awkwardly and required too much water, making bath time cumbersome. Switching to a simple baby tub was more practical—not only did it reduce water use, but placing it on the counter saved my knees from strain when bathing my little one.
One of the most impactful purchases was a bedside bassinet. Having the baby close while we both slept gave me constant reassurance. It enabled me to hear subtle sounds, like the faint choking noise my baby made once—something I likely wouldn’t have noticed if she were farther away. This proximity made nighttime feedings and checks easier and more frequent without fully waking either of us.
Nursing pads were an unexpected comfort. As my milk came in, being able to switch from hot to cold pads eased soreness and made those early days less stressful. I highly recommend trying them early on to avoid discomfort.
Lastly, a portable night light was a small but essential item. It provided just enough light for nighttime feedings and diaper changes without disrupting my baby’s sleep cycle, helping her adjust quickly to day and night rhythms.
These essentials collectively made my transition into motherhood smoother and helped me maintain sanity during those challenging newborn days. For any FTM, investing in these practical items can be a game changer, allowing more moments of bonding and less stress.