As mamis ourselves, we know how overwhelming it can be to embark on that first round of registering or shopping for a new baby–there is just so. much. stuff. Our best advice is to have a detailed list of everything you need and want, complete with descriptions including brands, colors, etc. before you even step foot in a baby store. This will help keep you focused and organized, and ensure that you have everything you need in place before baby makes his debut. But how exactly do you choose which products to purchase? Well, you get advice from other moms, that's how. In the slideshow below you'll find six awesome, innovative and functional products that will make your life as a new mom SO much easier.
Read more ¿Qué más?: 4 Ways to save big money on baby gear
We're only focusing on things you'll use during the first six months, but be sure to browse around our parenting page for more product inspiration.
Image via Thinkstock
Graco SnugRide Click Connect 35
There are tons of car seats on the market to choose from and the Graco SnugRide may not look like the most modern, but it is one of the safest, easiest to use and most affordable–something you definitely want to consider since you'll likely stop using an infant seat around five or six months, despite the weight limit. The Click Connect version is the most lightweight infant seat on the market though, so you may be able to get a few more months out of it, before carrying your growing baby in it becomes too much of a burden. Graco SnugRide Click Connect 35, $140
Dozer Rocker
We've all heard of babies who won't sleep anywhere but the carseat, right? The Dozer Rocker is a genius solution to that conundrum. It's a battery operated wedge that keeps the car seat gently rocking and provides some light white noise, to help keep baby asleep after the transition from car to indoors, whether you're home, in a restaurant or wherever. Of course, it's also perfect for putting infants down for a nap anytime you're on the go. Dozer Rocker, $30
Graco Pack 'n' Play w/ Newborn Napper
There are so many times the Pack 'n' Play comes in handy I can't even write them all in one list. My son slept in his for his entire first six weeks and continues to sleep in one for naps and nighttime when we are away from home. I like the Graco version because it is no-nonsense, slim and easy to store when not in use, but is adjustable enough to grow with your baby. It's the play yard almost every family I know owns. The version with the newborn napper is awesome, especially in the early months, but honestly, that is the only extra you'll need in a play yard. Graco Pack 'n' Play, $100
Summer Infant Digital Video Monitor
Summer Infant makes some of the most popular baby monitors on the market and for good reason. The video displays are excellent, each monitor can be connected to more than one camera and is tiny enough to carry in your back pocket, there's a nifty sound indicator light (my favorite feature) and now with the newest version, two-way audio, which will come in handy once you have a toddler. Summer Infant Baby Touch Digital Video Monitor, $220
Baby Bjorn Baby Carrier One
Oh, how I wish this carrier existed when my son was born two years ago. We used the original version once he reached 8 pounds and then moved on to a different style carrier once he surpassed 20 pounds–for the same amount of money we spent combined on the two, we could have purchased this carrier which is good from birth through 33 pounds. There are other brands offering many of the same features, but most of those require an infant insert which you have to purchase separately. Carriers are so much more convenient than strollers in the early days, especially when baby doesn't want to be put down. Baby Bjorn Baby Carrier One, $150
Boon Naked Collapsible Bath Tub
Unless your bathroom is the size of my bedroom, you've probably wondered why the heck baby tubs are so bulky. Enter the Boon Naked Collapsible Tub–this sleek baby tub collapses down to just a couple of inches in width when not in use, and can easily be hung up to dry. It has sturdy, rotating legs which make it feel ultra-secure (something you'll definitely appreciate with a slippery infant) and a recline position to keep rolly newborn heads away from water. Plus, it looks really cool! Boon Naked Collapsible Bath Tub, $55
