Unexpected Baby Products
Surprise! 10 Things You Didn't Know You Needed Until You Had Kids
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Anyone who's been to a baby shower or two can rattle off the list of "mom must haves" that are most popular among the pregnant set. But once the soft muslin baby blankets and Sandra Boynton books have been opened, there's the "B-list" — the less glamorous but no less essential products that every new (or new-ish) mom will want to have on hand. Here's our cheat sheet to everything else that you'll really need. What was your biggest surprise purchase once you became a mom?
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1 Bulb Syringe (or Nasal Aspirator)
The thought of sticking a bulb syringe ($3) up your tiny tot's nose might sound slightly daunting, but when she's stuffed up with her first cold, you'll be so glad that you have one!
2 Gripe Water
Undeveloped digestive systems sometimes need a bit of help moving things along. If your babe gets fussy after feeding time, gripe water ($12) will likely become your new best friend.
3 Cookies to Increase Milk Production (Seriously)
I don't know about you, but for me, discovering that lactation cookies ($20-$50) could help increase my milk supply was a beyond welcome surprise. These healthy sweet treats make up for that saccharine glucose test and the prenatal horse pills that you have to endure during pregnancy!
4 Butt Paste
There are a zillion kinds of diaper cream on the market, but the one that most every BFF who's been there will recommend is Boudreaux's Butt Paste ($18 for 16 ounces). Funny name, functional stuff.
5 The Woombie
Those swaddle blankets sure look cute, but for some babes, their hold isn't quite enough to do the trick. If that's the case, you'll want to look into the Woombie ($26). Don't let the tight squeeze scare you off — infants love the womb-like embrace!
6 Mr. Clean Magic Erasers
Never thought you'd be the type to get excited about a cleaning product? Then you probably haven't tried Mr. Clean Magic Erasers ($12 for two) yet. While you may not need them during year one, once your baby enters the toddler years (and learns what to do — er, not to do — with a crayon), they'll become a cleaning-closet essential.
7 Ziploc Sandwich Bags
You'll want to keep a stash of Ziploc bags ($19 for three boxes) in your diaper bag (and, maybe, every bag) throughout the early years so that you'll always have a sealed-off place to dispose of dirty diapers and soiled baby clothes.
8 Mesh Panties (!!)
The secret that only your nearest and dearest friends will share with you — mesh undies ($6) will await postpartum moms in the delivery room. They may look scary, but they're about the only thing you'll want to put on after giving birth, so embrace your new underpinnings!
9 An Infant Insert (NOT a Snow Angel Stencil!)
What exactly is this thing?! It's a cozy infant insert ($22) that'll allow you to keep your little babe snug and secure during his first few months of cruising in the stroller or car seat.
10 The Mommy Hook
This oversize carabiner is an essential — especially for city moms or those who stroll to the store frequently. The Mommy Hook ($10) allows you to hook your shopping or diaper bag to your tot's stroller, regardless of how big its basket area is — so simple, and so smart.
