As a mom of soon-to-be five kids under the age of 7, I have tried many, many baby/mom products. I remember registering for my first baby shower and being so excited and a little bit overwhelmed by the seemingly infinite number of products for infants and new moms. A couple of weeks ago I helped my best friend from college who is getting ready to have her first in March (she's due two weeks after me) register online. We took two hours to go through each and every tab on the Target and Babies R Us registry sites. It was so much fun, but made me realize even more how many products are out there! My friend appreciated being able to  bounce off questions about the different crib sheets, burping clothes, baby wraps, etc. She mentioned that  it was easy to over spend  on unnecessary items or pick an item that was not quite right to fit your needs when it's your first baby. I told her it's still possible on your 5th =) Anyhow, I thought I'd put a short list together of my new mommy must haves based on my experiences. Here it is:

Bedding:
1. Have at least 3 crib sheets in case you have to clean up more than one accident/leak/vomit or don't have a chance to get to the laundry after a long night.
2. Get the 1' x 2' crib pads with the waterproof feature and the fuzzy fabric to lay baby on. I have 6-10. You can use them on the changing table, in the crib and in the diaper bag for public lay downs and cut down on laundry.
3. I love to use my Boppy pillow as a help my babies snuggle at an incline while napping. I put their head where my belly would fit and prop them up while wrapped like a kangaroo in a receiving blanket. (I don't use the Boppy for nursing assistance much anymore because I found it gets a crease in the middle when I wash it and I was still hunching down---I like the My Brestfriend nursing pillow better for nursing).

Diaper Bags:
1. I love the backpack style---not so much for looks, but for comfort. I've tried lots of other styles and they would slip off my shoulders and bap my other kids. I currently use a great diaper bag.
2. I love the wipes that come in the soft plastic bag packaging with a hard plastic snap top (I get them at Sam's club). That packaging seems to be best to keep an appropriate amount of wipes and keep them wet.
3. Because there is always an accident (poop, pee, spit, etc.) I always carry 2 sets of pajamas with feet if it's cold outside in my diaper bag. It is so much easier to have a one piece outfit than a coordinated multi-piece outfit.

Nail cutters:
I hate cutting my babies nails. I have tried mini clippers, clippers with a magnifying glass, nail files, biting the nails....I'm sure I'm forgetting something. Anyhow, it is a necessary evil for me and I haven't found one solution that works for all my kids. I would suggest getting one of the all inclusive baby first aid kits that has all the options so you can find which works best for you.

Onsies/T-shirts:
1. I love having 6-10 side snap t-shirts for my new baby while their belly button is healing. The side snap is great because it doesn't put pressure on the cord clamp and I can change his/her clothes without pulling anything over his/her head (sometimes I have to change the baby as s/he sleeps and this definitely helps)
2. Once the belly is healed, I can't say enough great things about onsies! You can not have too many =)

Binkies/Pacificers/Bottles:
I have found that each baby can prefer a different nipple. As an early intervention speech therapist in my life before being a mom, I know that nipple confusion can happen. If you have questions about nipples and pacifiers, don't be afraid to contact a SLP or a lactation consultant.

Play gyms & swings:
1. I love the tummy time surfboards. They are great for back lying babies because they are small and easy to store and the babies love the stimulation once they are able to turn over.
2. I use the megasaucer as opposed to a walker; however, I was recently informed that that positioning may be problematic for leg and core strength development by a physical therapist friend. I still need to research this.
3. My kids haven't been big swingers as infants. I have tried two different types of swings. The swing that worked best for me was the one that looks like two triangles with an open top that the swing hangs from. I preferred it because there was nothing inhibiting me getting the baby out as I lifted him/her up.

Baby Shoes:
I love the soft leather booties. The form well to a babies foot and don't inhibit walking. They also seem to stay on better than regular shoes.

Nursing/Breastfeeding:
1. Of course, MODEST MIDDLES are my favorite for daily wear!
2. I like the Glamour Mom nursing tank tops for sleeping. They give me enough support for sleeping comfortably and keep my middle warm. Besides, my husband doesn't mind that they don't provide totally adequate coverage of my chest. =)
3. I love the My Brestfriend pillow. It gives great back support
4. Pumps....I have to admit I don't like pumping. what I have learned from using different pumps is that the best pump is based on your own anatomy. My advice is to rent pumps and figure out which is best for you before you buy.
5. Nursing bras....again so individual. My advice is to go to a real nursing store (not Target or Motherhood) and get a lactation consultant to help you get the right fit. Believe me, I've worn the cheaper guess my size, off the rack nursing bras and the truly fitted nursing bras are SOOOOOOOOOO much better.

Well, that's all I can think of right now and the kids are done coloring. I'll add anymore I can think of!