"Best. Thing. Ever." New mums share the practical baby buys they can't live without.

Something many new mums reflect on with a mixture of both humour and regret is the sheer amount of baby products they bought thinking they would need them, only to relegate them to the depths of the storage closet (or Gumtree.)

The baby preferred to play with mum’s hair rather than the expensive Swedish ragdoll, or the whizz-bang bassinet turned out to be extremely impractical.

Becoming a mum is overwhelming in too many ways to mention. The shopping list is often the first place expecting parents turn to before the arrival of a baby, faced with the certain uncertainty ahead. There’s comfort in saying, “Okay, I’ve ticked off the stuff, at least that bit’s sorted.”

But no.

As parents will attest, it’s only when you have the baby in the house or on your person that the real MVP’s emerge. The things you really freaking need, on the daily. That you would set up an altar to, if you weren’t using them to soothe your child.

So we’ve consulted with a bunch of new (and some more seasoned) mums on their favourite, go-to parenting products right now. Like today. The practical ones, not necessarily the fancy ‘spenny ones.

The ones that often, literally, get them through the night.

If you’re expecting, we don’t want to needlessly add to your list – but maybe this will help refine it.

Go-to products for baby:

Rockit Stroller Rocker, $69.95.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Rockit (@rockitrocker) on Sep 5, 2019 at 2:37pm PDT

“Saved me hours of having to rock a restless baby to sleep.” – Jane.

“It rocks your pram for you – life saver for a needy baby!” – Georgie.

Chicco Pocket Snack Booster Seat, $50.

"Great for travel and cafe feeding – as most restaurants' high chairs have no table. We used this on holidays and flights and it makes a huge difference. It fold into the bottom of a travel pram. – Michael.

Love to Dream SWADDLE UP™ Original, $39.95.

"So much easier to swaddle these, they helped (my son) Marlon because he wanted to have his arms up instead of wrapped." – Gabrielle.

"The arms up swaddles were a lifesaver, especially when it came to bub learning to self settle." – Cathy.

"These swaddles allow bub to sleep in their natural sleep position and prevent them from scratching their faces off." – Bri.

GroVia All In One Cloth Diaper, $34.50.

"Everyone told me I couldn't do cloth nappies, I am the most domestically challenged female in existence but they are SO easy and I feel like I am doing my bit for the environment. Best of all I can keep them for any future kiddies." – Jes.

Baby Bjorn Baby Carrier One, $229.95

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Hanging out with mama ???? Pic via @miyalovesbeauty #babybjorn #babycarrier

A post shared by BABYBJÖRN Official (@babybjorn) on Oct 20, 2019 at 6:14am PDT

"It's really user friendly and feels really sturdy. It’s also designed to carry newborn to age two or three!" – Annabelle.

"Any baby carrier is life. You’re cuddling the baby but also have your hands free to do all the million other things you have to do as a mum. (Laundry. All the laundry.)" – Kate.

"I have a Baby Bjorn but there are so many great brands out there. Love having bub close to me and still be hands free!" – Romy

Chekoh Baby Wrap Carrier, $89.95.

"A wrap carrier for baby wearing is essential. It allows you to be close to your bub while getting lots of things done, and honestly just feels so lovely to have them so close." – Emma.

Baby Bjorn Bouncer Bliss, $214.95

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Look at that cute bouncer ???????? Pic via @beauteactive #babybjorn #babybouncer

A post shared by BABYBJÖRN Official (@babybjorn) on Sep 12, 2019 at 7:22am PDT

"You know they’re safe when you need to run to the bathroom. Or put it in the bathroom with you while you shower so the bub can see you." – Kate.

Bella and Moo Pram Liner, $89.

"They're made to custom-fit your pram and you can throw them in the washing machine (which you need to do because the pram acts as a diner table, play pen and sometimes a nappy...)" – Bri.

Tommee Tippee Sangenic Nappy Bin, $119.

"Keeps the nappy smell trapped! The cartridge refills are also very easy to change." – Romy.

Bonds Wondersuit, $24.95.

"For bedtime. No one needs to be dealing with press studs in the middle of the night." – Kate.

Disney Princess Ariel Plush Baby Blanket, $32.95. 

"My daughter Ariella never had a dummy but has found enormous comfort in these. We started giving them to her at five months and even now (22 mo) when she is upset, she often finds more comfort in them than us!" – Cathy.

Target Cotton Face Washer, $6.

"I was gifted a big bunch of square face washers from Target and then went back for hundreds more. They were so handy for feeding, washing, cleaning, etc." – Annabelle.

L'Occitane Shea Baby Cuddles & Bubbles Foaming Cream, $35.

"This foaming wash is so gentle for bath time and can be used on bub's skin and hair so it saves time. It smells lovely too." – Leah.

Aromababy Barrier Balm, $37.95.

"It clears up ANY rash, and because it's all natural there are no nasties in it.  It’s also an Australian owned product so another win! I also love their massage oil, and wash." – Emma.

Ego QV Baby Barrier Cream, $5.95. 

"I use this every single day on my little one to stop nappy rash, I've always used QV for my skin so I trust it for his." – Erin.

Go-to products for mum:

Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump, $27.90.

"It just suctions onto the boob your babe isn’t attached to, and catches the letdown! No wasted milk into breast pads or wet shirts!" – Jessica.

"I don't express breast milk any other way because I already have a good supply so didn't want to end up with over supply. Having a Haakaa means I can build up a stash of breast milk in the freezer with very little effort or time needed (it suctions onto the breast and catches the letdown while bub feeds on the other side. Then you can switch sides when bub is ready!)." – Romy.

"Best thing ever. Catches all your let down milk from your other breast while you feed and you never have to express." – Georgie.

Juem Maternity Button bras, $69.00 each.

"One of the things I was most conscious of when I became a new mum was not losing touch with who I used to be and what I love wearing just so I could be practical and efficient. These bras are soft, feminine, hardworking and feel good. " - Kate

Brolly Sheets With Wings, $42.37.

"Honestly THE BEST THING since sliced bread. Great for toilet training, or kids who are sick etc (or if you’re pregnant and waiting for your waters to break). They simply sit over the top of the fitted sheet, and tuck in under the mattress!" – Becky.

Body Ice Maternity Care Set, $69.00.

"When you're in hospital, nurses can give you condoms filled with ice to help soothe sore breasts and the perineum. This pain saving heat and cooling pack gives instant relief to sensitive spots, serious life and dignity saver! - Kate.

The Motherhood by Jamila Rivzi, $27.35.

"Because it’s bloody hard work and bloody lonely, and this book makes you feel a whole lot more normal and a whole lot less alone!" – Jessica.

Frank Green Ceramic Coffee Cup, $41.95

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by frank green (@frankgreen_official) on Jul 31, 2019 at 11:47pm PDT

"Keeps the coffee warm for ages (babies know when your coffee is hot and that’s when they decide they need you the most!)" – Kate.

Kmart Gym Ball, $7.50.

"Any brand, but you can get them cheap at Kmart. It was helpful during pregnancy and labour, and so good for bouncing on when trying to get the baby to sleep!"

Rite Aid Hydrogel Breast Discs, $7.99.

"They help soothe nipples before and after breastfeeding." – Becky.

Are there any products you think we've missed? Let us know your MVP's in the comments below.

Beautiful expecting and mums with bubs, we need your feedback. Take our survey for your chance to score a $50 gift card.