So, you just had a baby. Welcome to motherhood! And welcome officially to The Dark Ages of Your Nipples. (More on this later.)

Okay, so maybe that only goes for breastfeeding moms (guys, it’s hard, but worth it!); but whether you’re nursing or not, this is a time when you need to cut through all the noise and get the things that are going to make your life easier, and your baby just a little bit more comfortable. These are some of the best newborn products out there.

So here’s a start. These are my top three must-have products that cover both mom and baby! Let’s do this!

The Muslin Swaddle

I’ve raved about these Aden + Anaïs swaddle cloths before, but that’s because they’re just that good.

Made of soft, lightweight cotton, these swaddle cloths have the perfect amount of stretch for wrapping up your little bambino tight enough so he (and you) can get some quality shuteye.

It’s been shown that swaddled babies tend to sleep better, so have those awesome nurses in labor and delivery teach you how to wrap up that baby real good, and maybe (okay, just maybe) you’ll see some reward in the form of a better-sleeping baby!

And mamas? Do yourself and your partner a favor and please please check out Dr. Harvey Karp’s 5 S’s to read more about why swaddling is so comforting to little babes.

Check out the video to see what else I use them for!

The Unsexy Necessity: Nipple Cream

Are you planning on nursing? Then say goodbye to that tender skin on your, ahem, girls, and get ready for some, let’s say, toughening up. Eek!

Okay okay, I kid. … Kinda.

Breastfeeding is notoriously painful for lots of new moms, and it usually requires some patience and practice, which means your nipples can feel quite sore. Not sore like, “Ouch! That hurts!” Sore like “don’t you even dare look in their direction and by GOD IF YOU EVEN GRAZE MY BOOB AREA AGAIN I WILL MURDER YOU.”

But then it gets easier! Truly! I promise!! (Read my advice here!)

In the meantime? This nipple cream will be your savior.

The Baby Mirror

Okay, this one is kind of a sleeper-important item. It’s one of those things that you don’t realize you need until you have it.

This mirror hooks above baby’s rear-facing car seat and allows you to see him through your mirror while you drive, without having to pull over to check. Because if you’re anything like me, you will have anxiety-ridden moments where you randomly fear your child has stopped breathing and you will check on them about four dozen times per hour.

Eliminate a little stress for yourself, girlfriend, and get this mirror. One less thing to worry about, right?

SHOP THE POST

P.S. My completely unprofessional but indispensable advice for new moms, and here are some things all new moms want you to stop doing.

What are your can’t-live-without newborn and new mom products! Let me know below! I’d love to hear!