The Checklist Of Essentials All First-Time Moms Swear By
The birth of any child is a big deal but the birth of your first baby is an even bigger deal because...well because it's your first and you don't know what to expect. There's so much for first-time moms to do and ensuring that you get everything that your newborn needs can be overwhelming.
As a first-time mom, once you buy all of the cute clothes, the car seat, the crib, bottles, diapers, and pacifiers, it can be a daunting task to figure out the baby must-haves your baby may need. You're going to want your precious baby to have the absolute best so you'll probably feel the urge to buy all of the things. Yep. Every single last one of them.
But before you do, check out this list of 20 essentials first-time moms swear by.
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Baby Night Light: VAVA VA-CL006 Night Light
Walmart
Late Night feedings. Need I say more? A favorite amongst first time moms is the VAVA VA-CL006 Night Light.
Baby Thermometer: Safety 1st 3-in-1 Nursery Thermometer
Target
A lot of time you can feel that your baby is too warm but you'll still want a reliable thermometer at home for an accurate temperature reading. While a rectal thermometer is no fun for mom or baby, it is the most accurate way to get a temperature reading. The Safety 1st 3-in-1 Thermometer offers three modes for temperature reading: underarm, rectal, and oral.
Baby Clippers: Safety 1st Sleepy Baby Nail Clipper
Amazon
Babies grow fast and that includes their nails too. You'll definitely need a pair so that they won't scratch themselves or you. A common piece of advice is to clip your newborn's nails while they sleep. These clippers come with a LED light that helps you see better in the dark.
Nursery Storage: Giraffe Shaped Wicker Basket Natural
Pottery Barn Kids
It's inevitable, people are going to buy your baby toys and stuffed animals. They can and will start to add up. Investing in some aesthetically pleasing nursery storage will help keep things a little more organized for you. Babylist has compiled a list of the best nursery storage here.
Diaper Pail: Playtex Diaper Genie Expressions Customizable Diaper Pail
Walmart
The Playtex Diaper Genie Expressions Customizable Diaper Pail is a favorite because it can be customized to match the nursery.
Diaper Cream: Boudreaux's Butt Paste
Amazon
Baby skin is so smooth and soft. Ah...I love it. But because of that, it can be prone to irritation. Diaper cream helps prevent and treat diaper rash. The best all-around according to first-time moms is the Boudreaux's Butt Paste.
First Aid Kit: American Red Cross Baby Healthcare Kit
Target
This 7-piece kit comes with first aid tools like a nasal aspirator, a baby thermometer, and a medicine dropper among other essentials. If you're interested in making your very own first aid kit for your baby, click here to learn more.
Burp Cloths: Burt's Bees Baby Organic Cotton 5pk Solid/Print Burp Cloth Set
Burt's Bees
I don't have to tell you that babies spit up..a lot. First-time moms say they ended up going through a lot of these so a fan favorite was the Burt's Bees Organic Cotton Burp Cloths. A first-time mom said they are "sustainable, organic, and very soft."
Nasal Aspirator: Fridababy Baby Nasal Aspirator NoseFrida The Snotsucker
Target
The Snotsucker made by NoseFrida was a favorite for newborns. Be sure to check with the pediatrician before using it, though.
Baby Hairbrush: Fridababy DermaFrida The SkinSoother - 2pk
Target
Brushes can help combat cradle cap and per all of the videos on the Gram, it will feel pretty darn good to your baby too. A friend of mine who is a first-time mom swears by the Skinsoother Baby Hair Brush created by FridaBaby.
Swaddle Blankets: Aden + Anais Essentials Muslin Swaddles Starry Star - 4pk
Blankets have so many uses. They can be used to keep your baby warm or swaddle them. When on-the-go, they can even be used as a changing "table". The Aden + Anais Swaddle Blanket is great for making sure baby doesn't get too warm.
Bottle Brush: Philips Avent Bottle Brush In Grey
BuyBuy BABY
Have you ever tried to clean the bottom of a bottle with your adult hand? The Philips Avent Bottle Brush is specifically designed to clean baby bottles efficiently and effectively.
Portable Changing Pad: MAMAN Portable Changing Diaper Pad Station
Amazon
Not all public restrooms have changing tables––and the ones that do can be pretty gross. A portable changing pad will definitely make life easier and cleaner. The MAMAN Portable Changing Diaper Pad Station is great when you're on-the-go and it's waterproof too.
Nipple Cream (If You Are Breastfeeding): Cora Organic Nipple Balm
Amazon
Mom Loves Best compiled a list of best nipple creams for breastfeeding of 2020. Cora's Organic Nipple Balm makes an appearance on that list as one of the best cruelty-free nipple creams on the market. Need we say more?
Car Mirror: Munchkin Brica Baby In-Sight Car Mirror
Target
If you're traveling alone a car mirror can allow you to see your baby in a rear-facing car seat. Mom's love the Munchkin Brica Baby In-Sight Car Mirror. It's crash tested and shatter-resistant.
Teether: Vulli Sophie la Girafe
Amazon
While any teether will do, first-time moms swear by Sophie La Giraffe as a teether for their babies.
Baby Bathtub: The First Years Sure Comfort Deluxe Infant to Toddler Tub
Amazon
While it may not be a necessity, first-time moms swear that a baby bathtub makes bath time a little easier for a slippery and squirming baby. The First Years Sure Comfort Deluxe Infant to Toddler Tub is a favorite because it can be used for longer than most tubs as your baby grows.
Bottle Warmer: The First Years Quick Serve Bottle Warmer
BuyBuy BABY
Another item that moms said made life easier when it's time to warm those bottles is The First Years Quick Serve Bottle Warmer. This miracle product even sanitizes pacifiers.
Baby Detergent: Honest Hypoallergenic Baby Laundry Detergent
Baby skin is delicate and detergent specially formulated for their skin can be one less thing to worry about. Honest has a Hypoallergenic Baby Laundry Detergent that moms love.
Breastmilk Storage Bags: Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags, 50-count
Amazon
Breast milk is liquid gold and can be put in the freezer for use at a later time. Storage bags definitely come in handy. Lansinoh who has been in the breastfeeding game for years makes breastmilk storage bags as well.
Of course, this list is not all-inclusive. As a first-time mom, you may find that you use some, all, or none of these items. Always check with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about anything when it comes to your precious bundle of joy.
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Erica Green is a Clinical Research Associate, blogger, and a sneakerhead. She has a love for all things women and she's pretty sure that women are God's greatest creation. Connect with her on Instagram @ erica_britt_ or www.lovethegspot.com
This post is in partnership with BET+.
Kingdom Business is back for its second season, with even more sermons, songs, and serpents. The series picks up where it left off, with actress Serayah as Rbel caught between the stripper pole and the pulpit. With the first lady of the church working desperately against her, Rbel must find a way to live her dreams and honor her friend while figuring out her faith in the process.
Season one served a collection plate of rivalry, deceit, and revenge –– among many other tribulations. Between the 28-year-old’s acting, conviction, and harmonious voice, here are a few reasons why season two of Kingdom Business is a must-watch.
If the Spirit Doesn’t Move You, Serayah’s Singing Voice Will
Rbel, formally known as Rebecca Belle, is a stripper whose life forcibly takes a turn after suffering a tragedy. Through her quest to find the truth, Rbel finds herself at odds with the head of a local church, First Kingdom’s Denita Jordan, played by the legendary Yolanda Adams. Rbel unknowingly emerges as what a faithful Christian embodies: a perfectly imperfect human who works every day to try their best while leaning on God. Although struggling with her faith, each ballad sung by Rbel can be felt, as the lyrics relate to personal struggles we all endure in different ways. Gospel songs hit differently when your life is in shambles, and chile, Serayah is singing new life into folks.
Serayah is a Formidable Opponent to The Yolanda Adams
As one of the best-selling gospel artists of all time, it’s no easy task to take on the role of a person on the opposing side of greatness. Serayah’s Rbel does an excellent job meeting Jordan at her level while shining through her solos. Throughout season one, Rbel emerges as a top streaming artist, an accomplishment that begets something of a holy war.
Serayah’s Acting Range is Engaging
As a former stripper trying to make a name for herself in the gospel industry, you can imagine the struggles that could come with it. Rbel goes through a range of emotions, all understandable and relatable. Despite several crises of faith, Serayah ensures Rbel delivers a humbling performance that makes the audience root for her redemption.
The Kingdom Business Soundtrack is Everything
Streaming now on Spotify, Tidal, and Apple Music, the Kingdom Business: Season 1 soundtrack is one you’d want to add to your playlist for high and low times. Aside from four soul-soothing songs from Serayah, the soundtrack also features singles from co-star/Hamilton’s Chaundre-Hall Broomfield, gospel artist Chandler Moore, and legend Yolanda Adams.
Serayah’s Rbel Makes You Root For Her
With First Kingdom beginning to crumble under the pressure of lies, infidelity, and deception, Rbel’s window to take that top spot seems wide open; however, the end of season one showed us the Spirit had other plans. Whether you believe or not, Serayah’s Rbel makes you want to see her win. Who doesn’t love a good underdog with a laid 22” bust down? Whether she seeks Him or not, God is proving to be on Rbel’s side. But is it enough to turn everything around for her? Will Rbel lean on faith or fear?
With secrets coming to light, success within reach, and the devastating conclusion of season one, you don’t want to miss season two––especially with more guest collaborations. Kingdom Business returns to BET+ on Nov 2.
BET+ Original | Kingdom Business | S2 Official Traileryoutu.be
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Nia Long On Her Final Decision To Leave Ime Udoka: 'Loving Myself Was Bigger And More Important Than Saving Anybody'
Jeezy has been pulling out all the stops for the promo of his new album I Might Forgive…But I Don’t Forget. The iconic rapper tapped legendary actress Nia Long for an intimate conversation about love, trauma, and the Black family. The discussion provided insight into the “All There” rapper’s childhood, strained relationship with his mother, who has since passed, and his career mishaps. He also briefly spoke on his decision to file for divorce from Jeannie Mai, saying that he feels “saddened,” “disappointed,” and “uneasy” about it. However, he believes that God is leading him on a different path.
Throughout the conversation, Nia also opened up about her life experiences, including her relationship with her father, her sons, and her ex-fiancé Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka.
“You know I had a really public breakup recently. It was a wake-up call for me in the sense that, like ok, you’re gonna do this on your own, and you’re gonna be fine, and you’re not gonna worry about what anyone thinks and has to say ‘cause the relationship was rocky for a very long time,” she said. “I don’t believe that another person can break anyone up like, I just don’t buy that.
When Ime was the Boston Celtics head coach, he was caught having an affair with a staffer and was suspended for the 2022-2023 season. This suspension ultimately led to his firing. However, the cheating scandal led to the public rallying behind The Best Man actress, which the mother of two revealed she was “shocked” by.
“I had to realize for myself that anything that happened in the…last year and a half of my life, that shit didn’t have nothing to do with me,” she expressed. “It didn’t have nothing to do with me. I was not embarrassed. The way that Black people stood up for me and the way that Black women were like, ‘Oh no, you don’t do that to her,’ I was shocked because I didn’t realize that what I had done or what I’ve done in my career had so much impact.”
While she did admit that things between her and Ime had been “rocky” for a long time, she was trying her best to make things work. But she soon learned that choosing herself was the best option. “I think my older son saw me trying to keep the family together, but I had to come to a place where loving myself was bigger and more important than saving anybody.”
While time has passed and both parties have seemed to move on with their lives, we all have our down days. Jeezy checked in with Nia to see how she’s truly feeling since the breakup and the scandal that followed. “I think I’m exactly where I need to be, which is some days I’m like totally good, and other days I’m like, oh God, this feels like so much work. And other days, it feels like women shouldn’t have to be this strong,” she said, tearing up. “I don’t want to be this strong sometimes.”
The former couple were together for 13 years and share a 12-year-old son together. Nia also has a 22-year-old son from a previous relationship.
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