Because I fully believe in milking this whole week as Mother’s Day week, I wanted to dedicate this post to new Moms and I’ve created a guide of some of my favorite must-have items! Even though my little girl is already 8 months old, I still consider myself a new Mom, to her. 😉 We’ve got a pretty good eating, sleeping, playing schedule for her down now which ALWAYS makes things easier for everyone. Did you hear that new Mom? Once you can get into a routine, life will get easier, I promise. When you are in that whole newborn phase, you are probably thinking that it is one of the best and worst times of your life, trust me I’ve been there. But it gets better and the challenges are still there as a parent, but they change.
Anyhow, I just wanted to share some of my “Top 12 New Mom Must-Have Essentials” and what I love about each thing… and the best part is, ONE WINNER WILL WIN IT ALL IN A GIVEAWAY BELOW… YES, EVERYTHING IN THIS GUIDE WILL GO TO ONE LUCKY NEW MOM!! There’s a lot of guides out there that are geared towards “baby”, but I really wanted to gear this towards items that would help Moms.
1. Medela Freestyle Breast Pump
Me and my pump have a love hate relationship. If you know me personally, you will know that my life is basically tied to the pump right now. My schedule goes like this, wake up in the morning and nurse Vivian. Go to work for a couple hours, then pump. Work some more, then pump. Get off work and pick up the kids and head home to pump. Eat dinner and put the kids to bed. Blog. Then pump before bedtime. Obviously since I am a working Mom, I can’t nurse my little girl throughout the day, so a portable, yet strong pump that does the job well, is key. The Medela Freestyle Breast Pump is a great option that fits all these criteria. Even if you are planning to exclusively breastfeed, a pump is great to increase milk supply in between nursing sessions as well.
One great thing about Medela is that they have a program called Medela Recycles where they will donate two Symphony Preemie+ Breastpumps and breastfeeding supplies to Ronald McDonald House Charities across the country in exchange for the pumps they receive through the recycling program. The end goal is to provide mothers with the same high-quality equipment they use at the hospital during their stay at a Ronald McDonald House. The simple act of recycling an old breast pump through Medela Recycles provides mothers with peace of mind that their pump will be recycled with the added benefit of knowing they are providing much-needed support to another mother beginning her breastfeeding journey during a difficult time. To date, there have been almost 1,900 pumps recycled through the program as Medela strives to meet a goal of 12,000 recycled pumps this year. Amazing!
2. 4Moms Breeze Playard
This is where Vivian currently sleeps at home. We haven’t moved her up to her crib yet since it’s a bit far from our room, but she currently sleeps in the 4Moms Breeze Playard on the same floor as us. She loves it, you will love it, it’s where your baby can SLEEP! And yes, your baby will sleep… even if it’s just for 1-2 hour spurts of sleep at first!
3. $100 Oilo Studio credit
I recently discovered this shop and have a few friends that own items from this shop, but you can basically buy anything and everything you need for your baby’s nursery here. They’ve got bedding options, furniture, lighting, basically anything to make your baby feel comfortable in her room, which means you will feel good too. They’ve also got some of the prettiest looking designs that will make your nursery totally pin-worthy.
4. Undercover Mama Nursing Shirt
Yes yes yes yes yes. These nursing shirts clasp to your nursing bra and come in a variety of colors and styles. If you are like me, you probably like to wear a cami under every shirt, well with this, you don’t have to pull down the straps like a normal tank top to nurse or pump. One step saved for you, which means more time back in your day, woot!
5. Lily Jade Sarah Grace Diaper Bag
A stylish diaper bag, comes in gold or silver, this is your EVERY DAY BAG. You can use it to store diapers or baby stuff, or you can just use it for YOU, it’s THAT PRETTY!! I use mine a ton, it has a lot of compartments and matches any outfit, I swear!
6. Tiffany Rose Floral Maxi Dress
Tiffany Rose carries some of the most gorgeous maternity and nursing dresses ever. This floral maxi dress is just insanely gorgeous and would make any new Mom feel like a million bucks by just wearing it. Because you know most of the time you don’t even change out of your sweats or shower… but throw this dress on and some eyeliner and lipstick and you are ready to go out on the town!
7. Little Dream Bird Stroller Cover
Did you know that the top part or canopy of a stroller usually doesn’t do a great job of keeping out cold air, wind, etc. from your baby? A stroller cover is a great product to have to ensure that as your strolling along to get your baby to fall asleep, that suddenly harsh wind or rain or something doesn’t wake him/her up! Because there’s not much worse than a baby being startled awake right as they are about to fall asleep, and then you have to start all over again.
8. Lou Lou and Company Roo + Water Sling
Babies can be fussy, did you know that? But they LOVE being worn close to their Moms (or Dads), just like they were for 9 months in a Moms womb! I absolutely LOVE babywearing and the Roo Sling is my fave. It’s super easy to slip on and take off and Vivian adores being right in my chest. She loves looking around at things with her tiny little head and she can fall right asleep in it when tired. The Roo + Water is even great for taking with you when showering or to the pool! Yes, you can even wear your baby into the shower if you don’t want to take him/her off!
9. Dr. Brown’s Bottle Feeding Gift Set
You may go through a lot of bottles with a lot of different nipple types, but we landed on Dr. Brown’s bottles for both of our kids. This is really a preference thing, but once you find what your baby likes, then Dad can take over for a feeding here or there so you can get some rest!! I like Dr. Brown’s because it has a great vent system, comes in a variety of nipple flow sizes, and there’s a few different bottle sizes too. Vivian is currently using the 8 oz PP bottle with a Level 3 flow nipple.
10. Covered Goods Nursing Cover
Nursing covers are amazing. I like to have one everywhere I go, basically one in the house and one in each car. This is an amazing product for nursing on the go (or pumping)! Instead of showing it all out there, you can slip one of these bad boys over and basically the whole nursing (or pumping) situation is covered. The great thing about the Covered Goods one is that it can also be a multi-purpose cover and act as a car seat cover… OR you can wear it as a scarf!
11. Belabumbum Mom and Baby Sleepwear Gift Set
In terms of nursing sleepwear, all I wear is Belabumbum! They have a variety of designs, sleepwear styles, and everything is nursing friendly, i.e. wrap tops or easy to pull down clothing. Not to mention, everything is super soft so perfect for your and baby’s skin!
12. BeliBea Nursing Bra
And last but not lease, the BeliBea nursing bra will be your new friend. I mean, you are wearing it pretty close to your heart so it better be your friend. The unique thing about this bra vs. other nursing bras is that it actually has two pull down clasps on each side. One for the bra part and one for an extra layer that has holes in it for pumping! Yes, you can stick your pump right into the holes and pump without even having to take off the bra! Again, anything to save me steps in my busy life of mine, is a bonus in my book!
OK and now what you have all been waiting for… all of these shops that I have mentioned have come together to give away each of these items I have mentioned in my guide! This giveaway has a total value of $1200+! All you have to do is enter in the Gleam widget below for your chance to be the lucky new Mom essentials winner! 🙂
New Mom Essentials Giveaway on Sandy a la Mode!
This giveaway is for U.S. residents only and closes on 5/20/15 at 11:59PM MST. Good luck!!
Special thanks to Alexi Bullock for creating the graphics for this post! If you are looking for any web design work, she is your girl!
Moms are so great because they are our support system, our best friends, and our biggest fans! My mom showed me what being a mom truly means and I’m so thankful for her!!
Moms are awesome because they’re always putting the needs of others ahead of themselves, and always striving to do their best.
Moms are so great because they work so hard all the time for their kids and show so much love and only want what’s best for them.
Goodluck to everyone
I’m a first time mom due in September what an incredible give away so excited to enter!
Thank you for doing this! This is an amazing giveaway! AND I get cute new people to follow on insta!!! Thank you again!
Moms give us life and help make us who we are…what’s not to love?!:)
I’m currently in the 40th week of my pregnancy and I don’t know if I could have made it through this process without the support of other moms and moms-to-be!! Winning all of this would be so amazing for me and my son!! He’ll be here soon 🙂
This is an awesome give away!!! I need this with baby number three on the way!!
Seng
http://www.sengerson.com
This would be such a huge help in preparing for baby number two!! What an awesome give away!!
What a great giveaway. That maxi dress looks beautiful!
moms learn how to juggle everything that’s thrown their way. 🙂
Moms are great because we are forced into selflessness when becoming a mom:) It changes us for the better. I would love to win these…please please please:)!!!
What a great roundup! I need new mom suggestions right now!
District of Chic
Moms are amazing because they wear a million different hats all at once and never miss a beat! Thanks so much for a great giveaway! We’re expecting in December
These are great! I have friends who are new mamas and totally would pass this along!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Moms are fabulous because they are always willing to give up their “own” time to take care of others, give love and hugs when needed and put cute bandaids on the boo boos.
Moms are great because they give so much of themselves for their children. They only want the best for them and they provide a lot of love and comfort.
Moms are great because they give everything to their little ones!
I think Moms are great because they choose to go on this amazing journey not knowing exactly how it will turn out. Our first step down that road is due in September and I couldn’t be more excited and nervous to embark on this adventure!
-Kate
http://www.theflorkens.com
Moms are the best- they love us, nourish us and support us. I’m learning that firsthand- my little guy just turned 4 weeks today. Thanks for the great giveaway!
So exciting!!! What a huge giveway!! Thank you for the chance!! Fingers and toes crossed
Moms are great because they are raising future generations. Hopefully, they are teaching their children to be respectful, empathetic and positive contributors to society.
With my 3rd boy on the way, it’s time to update some of our used and loved baby supplies (and maternity clothes!) what a great package.
Thank you for creating this awesome giveaway! everything listed is so useful for moomies. I would be very grateful to win this and share the wealth will a couple of my friends who are soon to be first time mommies. 🙂
what an awesome giveaway! All new Mommies deserve these great goods! thanks for the chance to win.
This is AMAZING!!!!!!
Moms are great because there’s just no one who can love like a momma! I’ve long known my mom is the best and has a special love for me, but as I get ready to have my first kiddo, I’m overwhelmed with how much love I can have for this little mystery man! Can’t wait to have my mom around as I try to figure this out, too. Love the balance of this giveaway…so much great stuff!!
This is probably the best giveaway I have seen! I would love to win for my new little coming in the next few weeks. Thanks!!!
Moms are great because they keep everything under control and look great doing it!
Moms are great because they sacrifice for their children and love them unconditionally.
Amazing giveaway! My littlest was born two weeks ago! This would be wonderful!
Moms are great because they will always be your biggest fan.
they are great because they are always there for you and have your back.
Moms are great because we love hard even in the hardest of circumstances.
I have been borrowing a ribgsling from a local lending library and I love it! If I one of
Moms are great because they sacrifice so much of themselves for their kiddos. 🙂
awesome giveaway! i have a few of these products and i love them! xo jillian
I think moms are so great b/c of their nurturing nature!
This stuff looks amazing!
Because they do it all!!!
Moms are great because they’re in it for life. 🙂
Thanks for the giveaway!
Moms are great. They’re selfless, kind, loving and amazing.
Moms put in a lot more work than necessary because of the love they have for their children. All the long nighta of little sleep, dirty diapers, dirty dishes, clothes, etc. are a great trade off for the laughter, joy, & happiness kids bring into life.
Best decision I’ve ever made.
Great picks! I’m not a mom, but that stuff definitely looks essential.
Christie
The Closet by Christie
http://www.theclosetbychristie.com
Mom’s are beyond great for all the sacrifices they make for their kids! The sleepless nights, early mornings, the never a “me” moment but it’s something I would never trade!
Mom’s are great because they love and support their children unconditionally.
Mom’s are great because they are so self sacrificing and love unconditionally !
talk about an amazing giveaway! =D
xo,
nancy
I think Mom’s are great because they always put their children first. It takes an amazing & selfess person to do that!
We are great because we wear our hearts on our sleeves!! We spend our days constantly caring and appreciating every one else but ourself. We are loving and selfless and absolutely amazing!! Yay Moms!!
What a great giveaway! I am 32 weeks pregnant with my 2nd baby and would absolutely love to win these products!
I’m not sure that there is any one answer….Selfless, caring, loving, proud, patient (most of the time), courageous, fun,…super hero 😉
Moms are great because they love so endlessly and care so deep they are peace bringere and happy makers. Moms rock
Mom are great because they are Moms. They are usually the most selfless, caring, understanding, and trusting people ever. There is absolutely nothing that compares to the love a mother has for her children. I am so blessed to be a Momma!
I’m pregnant with number three and I AGREE — this is the best “new moms” assortment I’ve seen!
Moms are great because they are always there for you and love you so much. Don’t know what I would do without my mom and I love being a mom!
Moms are great because they are SELFLESS!
Mom’s are great because they hold the whole family together!
Moms are great because we can do it all!
New moms are great because their love for their child is so fierce and strong. They will do anything for their child and it’s the greatest gift to be a mother. I love it everyday!
Moms are great because of all the love, nurturing, and support they give us! Thanks for the giveaway! 🙂
I think we are great because being a mom is not just a job …an exhausting job at least but it’s also more than that. You are responsible for a human being and for how they’ll be to their community once they are grown, it’s a huge responsibility that we do every day with the most selfless & purest love there is 🙂
Moms are great because they are role models, nurturers, symbols of strength and healer of boo boos.
Moms are so great because no matter what you can always count on your mother for support and a person to always love you no matter what!
Moms are great because they do a lot of dirty work for the ones they love on the daily!
I’m a first-time mom due in October.
Mom’s are great because no matter what they love you unconditionally and are always there for you.
Mom’s are great because they will never stop caring for you. No matter what goes on they will still love you and welcome you home with open arms!
Moms are great because they give all they can. They are so selfless, as I am writing this I am thinking of my mother, and all the time and energy and effort she gave to us. She has ten kids, and I am pregnant with my fourth. To this day I have no idea how she did it. Moms are amazing, that is all I can say.
MOMs are the BEST! They love unconditionally and rarely get the credit they deserve for all they do.
Moms are so great because they are always there for you!!
Because they are always there for you, no matter what.
I would looovee to win this!!
Mom’s are great because I feel as though the love for a child is the only true unconditional love. No matter what, your mom will always be there. I would love to win this for our Baby due in October!
I never thought how great moms are until I had my own child. The day I gave birth is the day I realize being a mom is the toughest yet most rewarding job out there. I can’t even call it a job because being a mom is the only thing in my life that I give infinity percent of my love unconditionally! It’s taught me not to take my mother for granted and appreciate all that she’s done and love her unconditionally as she’s done for us.
Moms are great because they’re one of the only people who will love you unconditionally – even when you’re not being very lovable!
What a great giveaway!!
Thank for chance
Wow! Awesome products
Great giveaway! Olivia says she hopes we win 🙂
Love all of these!
Moms are great because throughout life’s many ups and downs, they will always be there for you giving you the best and most trusted advice you will ever receive and somehow it’s never wrong. Lol
We moms are the best.. We kiss boo boos, tell stories, bake goodies, give bubble baths, snuggle up with our babies.. And love them unconditionally.
Moms are great because we are constantly learning and teaching how to love a little deeper and love a little better.
What a fabulous giveaway! Thank you for hosting it. I adore my mother. We talk multiple times throughout the day…when I was younger I was a tad annoyed how many times she called me…now, my day isn’t complete without talking to her. Mothers love unconditionally, they love you at your best and love you at your worst, they are your biggest cheerleaders, supporters and uplifters. I never understood this kind of love until I had my baby…this is no love like it and it is instant. I could love anything more. And mothers are all around us…I truly feel it takes a village to raise a child…here are so many wonderful women who all support and help guide our children.
came home with my new baby girl on Mother’s Day this week. It’s definitely had its ups and downs already! Would love to win and use all these amazing items
This is such an amazing giveaway! Whoever wins this will be one lucky momma. I sure hope it’s me!
I think moms are great because they form a community to help support, nurture, and encourage each other’s children and each other each day.
I think moms are so wonderful because they literally make this world go around. Moms are the lifeline to their kids. Without their mom no-one would be alive. They bring love and joy to their children’s life.
Moms are great because regardless of their age, as soon as that baby is born, they are dedicating themselves to another human being. I mean you basically already were dedicated, not eating Weinerschnitzel or Tutti Frutti for those whole nine months, just because you were terrified that bacteria would get to your baby. But yeah, being a mom means putting this little human before yourself. Meaning: you don’t eat, shower, sleep, etc; before they have. I’m only 17, and five months going, and I already can’t wait to be a mom!!
Moms are great because they are selfless and there work is never finished. This is a great giveaway 🙂 I will be a new mom in 3 months!
Because we are! Whatever reason I could come up with would just be a very small part.
I think Mom’s are so great because they always now what you need or how you are feeling and they always love you no matter what!
Moms are so GREAT because our love is unconditional, we always have our children’s backs, we put ourselves last and our sweet littles first, we are always there to pick our children up and dust them off when they fall, we will never misguide our children, and we will always tell them what they need to hear not what they want to hear! I could go on and on about why mom’s are great! Mom’s should definitely be celebrated every day♥
I think moms are great because WE come with so many different capabilities. Our greater ability to hold the title of many… that’s pretty damn great!
Mom. There’s no sweeter name to be called. Every sleepless night is worth it. Moms are great because there’s no one else that can take our place.
Moms are so great because they love their children and want to do (almost) anything to make them happy.
Moms are awesome because they know how to pick you up when you’re down, they know how to mend a broken heart, and they are there to listen and offer advice.
They’re great because they sacrifice so much for you .
Awesome giveaway for new moms! My daughter Adaline is 11 days old, and these products look amazing.
Mom’s are great because without them, we wouldn’t be able to do anything that we are able to now! They work extra hard for their kids and never complain about it because they love their kids. All in all, mom’s are awesome!
Moms are great because they always know what to do.
Moms are so great because they sacrifice so much without any praise! <3
I love so many of these items, I hope I win!
Moms are so great because their patience is infinity. They reflect endless love and grace. The minute their child is born, their sole job is to love and nurture that little being…
i like this saying- “moms are the heart God gives to a family” I think that covers it!
With a little less than 8 weeks to go, I am sure most of this would come in major handy. Thanks for the giveaway.
🙂 Love all the items!
Moms are great because are an endless stock of unconditional love, support, and care. Now that I´m pregnant I finally understand that a moms love doesn´t have any comparissons since day one when she realizes that a mini peanut its growing inside her.
Moms are great because they are so nurturing!
Moms are great because they are constantly laying down their lives for their littles. Giving so much of themselves to invest in their babes. Such a beautiful thing motherhood is.
Wow where do I start? Moms are not just great, they are amazing. From the moment you find out you have a little critter growing in your belly, its like instant llove and caring. We not only care for our babies once their born but from the moment we find out were expecting. The joys and at times pains of watching our children go out into the world, Its a love hate relationship. I love seeing the men i raised but hate having to let go
Moms are so great because they love conditionally and are willing to sacrifice anything for their baby. Your whole world changes once you have a child but it is the best change you will ever be blessed with.
Moms are great because they’re naturally nurturing and can care unconditionally for their babies! These are awesome must haves and I would love them for my baby girl who’s due in August!
Moms are great because they do all the behind the scene work that makes everything work so well! Everything in life starts with mom so make it good! I love being mom!
This is such a great giveaway!
Wow Sandy!! What an awesome giveaway! You are such a great mom and friend!
Moms are so great because they not only ‘wear many hats’, but do it with patience, passion, and grace. We are each other’s greatest supporters and sympathizers, and are always there to help or encourage when you feel you can’t give any more. I personally have received a lot of help for the first few months, so instead of spoiling myself I would find great joy in reminding other moms why they are so great and sharing this prize package locally.
(but I would totally keep the dress for myself. I mean c’mon, its gorgeous!)
Moms are great because we are full of love!!!
Moms are amazing because they sacrifice especially when the going gets hard and their hearts go walking around outside their bodies! I read your post on doing it all and juggling everything and I am beyond impressed!! Thanks for being a great example, Sandy! xo
There is nothing like a mother’s love for a child 🙂
There is no more important work than that of a mother! Children are the future, and it is amazing mothers that will make that future bright. Thank goodness for all the amazing women who have raised those amazing men and women of today. I can’t wait for the future and see what we Mom’s can do for this next generation. ❤️