As a founder of The Nappy Society and mum of now two girls aged 5 and 2, I have had my fair share of motherhood's joys (and challenges) and learned a thing or two along the way.
One thing that often comes to mind is the products that would have made my life much easier during those early days with my first daughter.
So, in the spirit of sharing knowledge and helping out fellow parents, here are five items I wish I had when I had my first baby.
1. Organisation Cube Set
The first product I wish I had with my first, and even my second daughter, is our new Organisation Cube Sets (which only launched last year). These would have been perfect for the extra organisation in my baby bag insert, organising my hospital bag and using them for emergency change kits in the car and pram! I was caught out a few times without nappies and wipes for quick trips with my first baby, so having a Cube with nappies, wipes, cream and change mat in the boot and pram at all times would have been a lifesaver!
2. Portier Baby Carrier
I wish I had bought this from an aesthetic and practical point of view. As a busy working mum running my own business, it meant I didn't take any maternity leave, and my babies spent a lot of time in a baby carrier as newborns when I was working or running errands. They were more settled and had naps, making it easy for me to be hands-free. I had a hand-me-down carrier from Baby Bjorn, which did the job. Still, if I had my time again, a stylish baby carrier would be one of my top purchases, especially if you plan to have more babies. You can definitely justify the cost per wear.
3. Hands-Free Breast Pump
Breastfeeding can be tricky for many reasons, especially if you're a working mum. It was a challenge for several reasons, and I ended up mainly expressing. My one regret is not purchasing a hand-free portable breast pump! A hands-free portable breast pump would have made my life so much easier! Whether you're heading back to work or need a break, being able to pump on the go gives you the freedom to reclaim some semblance of your pre-baby life. Plus, it's a lifesaver for those unexpected moments when you're stuck in traffic or caught up in a meeting.
4. Bunnie Caddie
A product that needs no introduction but would have been so handy as a new mum is the Bunnie Caddie. It is a lifesaver for the nursery or home organisation. Keep it packed with baby essentials, and those nighttime feeds and changes are made that much easier—you barely need to leave your bed. Game-changer!
5. Missta Bottle
Another feeding product that would have saved me so many hours is the Missta Bottle, a game-changer for formula-feeding mums. I ended up switching to formula feeding earlier than I thought I would, and having to wake up countless times throughout the night and heat the bottles to the right temperature whilst my baby was crying was not ideal. The Missta Bottles are genius; they keep the water at the perfect temperature for 12 hours, making nighttime feeds (or any feeds) simple and quick.
And there you have five items I wish I had when I had my first baby. While every mum's journey is unique, having the products can make a world of difference in navigating the ups and downs of motherhood. So here's to smoother nights, happier babies, and more time for what truly matters. x
