Becoming a mother is a journey like no other, it's filled with joy, exhaustion, and countless discoveries. For Roopali Gupta, a new mum to twin boys born in November 2024, life has been a whirlwind of sleepless nights, endless feeds, and tender moments of bonding. Just over two months into caring for her little ones, We spoke to Roopali about her journey as a new mother and what according to her are ten absolute gems she relies on every day and recommends to others.
Here's what she shared about the products that make her day-to-day life with newborns a bit easier, all while keeping her little ones happy and comfortable.
Newborn Mom Essentials Checklist: Top 10 Baby Essentials For First 3 Months
Photo Credit: Pexels
Unsurprisingly, diapers top Roopali's list. “With twins, I'm changing over 20 diapers a day. You can imagine the chaos if I ever run out,” she laughs. A reliable stock of high-quality diapers is critical not just for keeping the babies dry but also for preventing rashes. Roopali advises investing in ones that are super-absorbent and gentle on delicate skin.
Newborn Mom Essentials Checklist: Top 10 Baby Essentials For First 3 Months
Photo Credit: Pexels
The age-old swaddling technique has been a game changer for Roopali's to fix a sleep schedule for the newborns. “My boys sleep so much better when they're swaddled,” she says. Swaddles reportedly help recreate the snug, secure feeling of the womb, keeping newborns calm and aiding in longer stretches of sleep. She suggests going for breathable, soft muslin swaddles for the first layers close to the baby's skin as they are easy to wrap and keep her twins cosy without overheating.
Newborn Mom Essentials Checklist: Top 10 Baby Essentials For First 3 Months
Photo Credit: Pexels
Burp cloths are non-negotiable in Roopali's household. “They're always within arm's reach, whether it's for burping, cleaning up milk spills, or even those little sneezes,” she shares. Lightweight, absorbent cloths made from cotton are her go-to, as they're gentle on the babies' skin and easy to wash. With twins, she estimates she goes through at least ten a day.
Newborn Mom Essentials Checklist: Top 10 Baby Essentials For First 3 Months
Photo Credit: Pexels
Breastfeeding two babies can be demanding, and Roopali credits her breast milk pump for helping her keep up. “It's a lifesaver,” she says. “It allows me to store milk during quick errands or when I need a little break.” A good-quality pump can offer flexibility and ensure your baby is well-fed even if you're not around.
Newborn Mom Essentials Checklist: Top 10 Baby Essentials For First 3 Months
Photo Credit: Pexels
Privacy and comfort can sometimes be challenging especially when everyone else around you is excited to meet the newborns. Nursing covers have been an essential part of her routine. “They're perfect for when I have visitors at home or a vaccination run at the hospital,” she explains. She recommends soft, breathable fabrics that don't irritate the baby's skin and provide adequate coverage for mums to nurse discreetly.
Newborn Mom Essentials Checklist: Top 10 Baby Essentials For First 3 Months
Photo Credit: Pexels
The postpartum belt is one item on Roopali's list that focuses on the mum rather than the babies. “After carrying twins, my body went through a lot of changes,” she shares. A postpartum belt provided support for her abdomen and back, and helped her regain strength and posture as she navigated the physically demanding early 2-3 weeks of motherhood.
Newborn Mom Essentials Checklist: Top 10 Baby Essentials For First 3 Months
Photo Credit: Pexels
A pack of baby wipes is another indispensable item. “They're a multi-purpose wonder,” Roopali says, using them for nappy changes, quick clean-ups, and even wiping her boys' faces after feeds. She recommends fragrance-free, hypoallergenic wipes to avoid any irritation on delicate baby skin.
Newborn Mom Essentials Checklist: Top 10 Baby Essentials For First 3 Months
Photo Credit: Pexels
Massaging her babies has become a cherished daily ritual for Roopali. “It's not just about strengthening their muscles and improving blood circulation; it's also our bonding time,” she says. She prefers natural oils, like coconut or almond, which nourish the babies' skin while keeping it soft and supple.
Since they are winter-born babies, oil massages can become a chilly experience for little ones, so a massage oil heater has been a great helping hand for me. “It ensures the oil is warm and soothing, especially during colder days,” she explains. She advises other mums to look for heaters with adjustable temperature controls for safety.
Newborn Mom Essentials Checklist: Top 10 Baby Essentials For First 3 Months
Photo Credit: Pexels
Caring for two babies means spending hours feeding them, often back-to-back. A feeding pillow has provided much-needed support to her. “It saves me from straining my back and shoulders,” she says. Designed to keep both mum and baby comfortable, feeding pillows are particularly helpful for nursing twins or bottle-feeding multiple times a day.
Between feeding, burping, and soothing her twins, Roopali's days are a blur of activity. Yet, despite the exhaustion, her face lights up when she talks about her boys. “It's hard, but it's so worth it,” she says.
She encourages other new mums to prioritise essentials that genuinely make life easier, especially in those early weeks. “Every baby is different, but these 10 products have been my lifeline,” Roopali adds.
1.Niine Pack of 2 Baby Diaper Pants Small
2. Moms Home Infants Set Of 7 Organic Cotton Soft Baby Muslin Swaddle
3. The White Cradle Infants Pack Of 3 Printed Burp Cloth
4. Dr. Odin Electric Breast Pump Portable And Rechargeable Touch Screen
5. Secret Wish Printed Cotton Breathable Nursing Cover
6. Himalaya Gentle Baby Wipes For Normal Skin
7. Nat Habit Kids 100% Pure Virgin Coconut Baby Oil
8. Dabur Lal Tail Ayurvedic Baby Massage Oil
9. Oscar Home White Baby Feeding And Nursing Maternity Cotton Pillow And Positioner
10. Chicco Baby Moments Essential Gift Set
1. What are the most essential items for new mums with newborns?
Some of the most essential items for new mums include diapers, swaddles, burp cloths, a breast milk pump, nursing covers, a postpartum belt, baby wipes, massage oil, a massage oil heater, and a feeding pillow. These products help make daily routines more manageable and keep both mum and baby comfortable.
2. How many diapers does a newborn typically use in a day?
Newborns typically use 8-12 diapers a day. However, for mums with twins like Roopali Gupta, this number can double, so keeping a reliable stock of diapers is crucial.
3. Why are swaddles important for newborns?
Swaddles help recreate the snug, secure feeling of the womb, which can soothe babies and improve their sleep. They also prevent the startle reflex that often wakes newborns up. Breathable and soft muslin swaddles are highly recommended.
4. What is the purpose of a postpartum belt?
A postpartum belt provides support to a mum's abdomen and back, helping her regain posture and strength after childbirth. It's especially useful for mums recovering from the physical demands of pregnancy, particularly with twins or multiple births.
5. How does a feeding pillow help new mums?
A feeding pillow provides ergonomic support to mums during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, reducing strain on their back, shoulders, and arms. This is especially helpful for mums feeding twins or spending extended periods nursing.
Motherhood is a journey of trial and error, and every mum finds her rhythm. With a few key tools and a lot of patience, Roopali has embraced her new role with grace, proving that even the most demanding days can be filled with love and laughter.
Disclaimer: The images used in this article are for illustration purpose only. They may not be an exact representation of the products, categories and brands listed in this article.