9 Things I Didn't Know I Needed as a New Mom
Becoming a new mom is exciting, beautiful—and let’s be real—a little overwhelming. You spend months prepping with onesies, bottles, and diapers, but it’s the little things no one tells you about that end up saving your sanity. After bringing my baby home, I quickly discovered a few unexpected essentials that I now recommend to every new mama. These products may not have been on my baby registry, but they became absolute lifesavers in those early weeks. Here are 9 things I didn’t know I needed as a new mom.
by easymomma9
7/20/2025
(This post contains affiliate links. There are also a bunch of other products I recommend on here based on reviews.)
1. Triple Paste Diaper Rash Cream (for now, the only cream I swear by)
Diaper rash is no joke, and when your little one has a sore bottom, you need something that works fast. I remember being so stressed because certain brands (I wish I could name them) were not working at all, so not only was I stressed out, but my daughter was screaming in pain every diaper change. I just so happen to come across a Reddit post where everyone recommended "The Triple Paste Diaper Rash Cream"; it's thick, fragrance-free!!!, and honestly feels like a miracle in a tube. It clears up rashes overnight and creates a solid moisture barrier. Perfect for sensitive skin or those marathon diaper days.
Mom tip: Keep a jar at your changing station and a mini version in your diaper bag.
Shop The Triple Paste Diaper Rash Cream on Amazon
Shop The Triple Paste Diaper Rash Cream on Amazon (8oz and 16oz tub) on Amazon
Need a gift set? Shop Triple Paste Mom & Baby Early Essentials Gift Set with 5 Items, Diaper Rash Ointment (8oz Jar)(2oz Tube), Spatula Applicator, Dermoplast Spray, and Multi-Use Cover on Amazon
2. Original Vaseline & Aquaphor
It’s not just for adult skincare—Vaseline and Aquaphor are versatile must-haves for babies, too. I used both of these for everything from preventing diaper rash to moisturizing dry cheeks and protecting skin folds in the winter. It’s gentle, effective, and won’t irritate baby’s sensitive skin. Basically, if you don’t know what to use, reach for Vaseline.
Need a gift set? Shop Aquaphor Baby Skin Care Essentials Gift Set with Baby Wash and Shampoo (16.9 Fl Oz) + Healing Ointment for Chapped Skin and Drool Rash (7Oz) + Diaper Rash Cream (3.5Oz) on Amazon
3. Baby Aquaphor Wash & Shampoo
I fell in love with this 2-in-1 formula. It’s free of dyes, fragrance, and parabens, which makes bath time stress-free. It gently cleans without drying out baby’s skin and works especially well if your little one has eczema or sensitivity. It's also tear-free. This wash and shampoo is my everything. When I had my first baby, she dealt with horrible baby acne and cradle cap, and this is the only shampoo that cleared everything up!
Tip: Put the soap on the baby's hair first before you wash the baby's body, and let it sit on the baby's head to loosen up cradle cap. After a few minutes, you should be able to comb the cradle cap right out of the baby's scalp without any tugging or issues.
Bonus: Fewer bottles = less clutter around the tub.
Shop Baby Aquaphor Wash & Shampoo (25.4fl. oz) on Amazon
Shop Baby Aquaphor Wash & Shampoo (16.9fl. oz) on Amazon
Need a gift set? Shop Aquaphor Baby Skin Care Essentials Gift Set with Baby Wash and Shampoo (16.9 Fl Oz) + Healing Ointment for Chapped Skin and Drool Rash (7Oz) + Diaper Rash Cream (3.5Oz) on Amazon
4. Lansinoh Nipple Cream
No one warned me how sore breastfeeding could be in the beginning. This stuff? A life-saver. Lansinoh’s nipple cream is made from ultra-pure lanolin and is safe for baby, so no need to wipe it off before feeding. It’s also great for chapped lips, dry cuticles, or anywhere that needs healing.
Shop Lansinoh Nipple Cream on Amazon
5. Baby Oral Cleaners
I know a lot of moms usually skip this step when it comes to caring for an infant, but even though they're toothless for a few months, they still need their mouth and tongue cleaned. Oral hygiene starts before the first tooth. These soft tongue cleaners and silicone finger brushes help clean baby’s mouth, remove milk residue, and prevent oral thrush. I started using them early on, and it made transitioning to a toothbrush so much easier later.
Bonus mom points for starting good habits early!
Shop Baby Oral Cleaners on Amazon
Shop Momcozy Baby Oral Cleaners on Amazon
Shop Haakaa 360° Silicone Baby Toothbrush on Amazon
6. Baby Cotton Swabs
Regular Q-tips? Nope. These baby-safe swabs have a safety tip to prevent you from going too far. I used them to gently clean baby’s outer ears, nostrils, and even to apply ointments. They’re simple but SO helpful for delicate little spaces.
Shop Sky Organics Baby Cotton Swabs on Amazon
7. Nasal Aspirators
When baby’s sick and congested, sleep and feeding become miserable. A nasal aspirator (manual or electric) helps clear their nose fast, which makes life better for both of you. I was grossed out at first, but it became one of my favorite tools, especially during cold season.
Tip: Saline drops + aspirator = breathing relief.
Electric Aspirators
Shop Momcozy Nasal Aspirator (electric) on Amazon
Shop GROWNSY Nasal Aspirator for Baby 2-in-1 (electric) on Amazon
Shop Frida Baby Electric NoseFrida Nasal Aspirator on Amazon
Electric Hospital Grade Aspirators (stronger suction)
Shop Frida Baby Electric NoseFrida Pro Nasal Aspirator for Baby, (Hospital-Grade) Suction on Amazon
Shop BabySmile Baby Nasal Aspirator BPA Free & 3X Stronger Suction on Amazon
Manual Aspirators (oral aspirators included)
Shop Safety 1st Nasal Aspirator (manual) on Amazon
Shop Dr. Talbot's Nasal Aspirator for Babies (manual) on Amazon
Shop Haakaa Silicone Baby Nasal Aspirator (manual) on Amazon
Shop NeilMed Baby NasaKleen Nasal-(Oral) Aspirator on Amazon
Shop Frida Baby NoseFrida SnotSucker (oral) on Amazon
Shop Safety 1st BoogEase Nasal Aspirator (oral) on Amazon
Need a gift set or interested in a kit? Shop Momcozy Elite Baby Essentials Kit, it comes with an Electric Nail File & Nasal Aspirator, Tummy Wrap, Thermometer, Bath Brush, Teether, and Storage Bag, all on Amazon
8. Baby Finger Nail Filers
Clipping a baby’s tiny nails is nerve-wracking! One slip and you feel terrible. An electric nail filer takes the stress away. It’s safe, gentle, and super easy to use—even while your baby’s asleep. No more scratches on their face or your chest.
Shop Momcozy Baby Nail File Electric on Amazon
Shop Haakaa Baby Nail File Electric Baby Nail Care Set with LED Light on Amazon
Shop Frida Baby Electric Nail Buffer on Amazon
Shop FANSIDI Baby Nail File Kit with Extra 12 Replacement Pads on Amazon
Shop Baby Nail Trimmer Electric, Baby Nail Clippers, 6 in 1 Baby Nail File on Amazon
Need a gift set or interested in a kit? Shop Momcozy Elite Baby Essentials Kit, it comes with an Electric Nail File & Nasal Aspirator, Tummy Wrap, Thermometer, Bath Brush, Teether, and Storage Bag, all on Amazon
9. Baby Mittens
They may seem unnecessary until your baby starts scratching their face. These soft cotton gloves are perfect for the first few weeks when nails grow fast and babies have no control. I kept several pairs on rotation, and they saved my baby’s cheeks.
Shop 12 Pairs Newborn Baby Mittens on Amazon
Shop Burt's Bees Baby Mittens on Amazon
Shop Gerber Baby 12-Pack No Scratch Mittens on Amazon
Shop Simple Joys by Carter's unisex-baby 6-pack Mittens on Amazon
Final Thoughts
These products may or may not be flashy, but they turned out to be everything in those early days. Whether you’re building your registry, preparing for postpartum life, or need a gift for a loved one, I hope this list helps you feel just a little more ready.
You’ve got this, mama. And remember—sometimes it’s the smallest tools that make the biggest difference!